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The global health body now faces a $2.5 billion budget deficit, including a $1.9 billion gap in its planned $4.2 billion budget for 2026-27 and an additional $600 million deficit through the end of 2025, according to senior WHO officials who spoke at a recent global staff ‘Town Hall’ meeting.

Health Policy Watch, a nonprofit global health news outlet, reports that the U.S.—historically the WHO’s largest donor—has yet to pay its 2024 dues of $130 million, further deepening the organization’s financial crisis.

In total, the country owes WHO $260 million for the 2024-25 period, funds that are unlikely to be paid following newly elected President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw from the organization.

While the U.S. withdrawal will only take effect in January 2026 due to a required one-year notice period, the financial repercussions are already being felt.

Raul Thomas, WHO’s Assistant Director General of Business Operations, highlighted that the withdrawal of U.S. funding has played a key role in the crisis. The country contributed nearly $1 billion in both fixed and voluntary payments in 2022-23. The loss of these funds means WHO must now make significant budgetary adjustments to continue its core operations.

In response, WHO Director General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has announced strategic reductions across all levels of the organization, beginning with senior leadership.

Speaking to WHO staff via Zoom, he emphasized that the organization will undergo a prioritization exercise to focus on its core functions and maximize its impact despite reduced resources.

'Everything is on the table, including merging divisions, departments, and units, and relocating functions,' Tedros stated, adding that the prioritization process will be completed by the second half of the month.

He assured that the cuts will be guided by strategic need rather than contract type or grade level.

A newly formed 'prioritization working group' led by Deputy Director General Dr. Mike Ryan, alongside Regional Directors Hans Kluge (Europe) and Hanan Balkhy (Eastern Mediterranean), will oversee the restructuring efforts. Thomas and WHO Chief Scientist Jeremy Farrar are also part of this team.

President Trump’s decision to pull the U.S. from WHO marks the second time he has pursued such action. During his first term, he initiated the withdrawal in response to what he claimed was WHO’s mismanagement of the COVID-19 pandemic. His successor, President Joe Biden, reversed that decision upon taking office. However, upon his return to the White House in January 2025, Trump swiftly signed an executive order to withdraw again.

While the full impact of the U.S. withdrawal will only take shape in 2026, WHO officials are already bracing for the financial and operational consequences of losing its largest donor. The organization now faces tough choices to ensure that it continues its global health initiatives with significantly reduced funding.

WHO Director General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus at the February Executive Board meeting, which cut the global healthy agency’s 2026-27 budget to $4.2 billion — but funds still fall dramatically short.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The program, designed to bolster youth capabilities, combined cutting-edge AI education with peace leadership training, equipping participants with tools to foster community development and promote peace.

IPYG, a global youth organization active in 128 countries, launched the YEPC in 2020. Since then, it has engaged over 3,000 participants from approximately 60 nations, offering annual peace education on topics relevant to youth.

This year’s sessions, held in March, included an AI Practical Training on March 15, where participants explored the significance of artificial intelligence and learned to use tools like ChatGPT in various fields.

A week later, on March 22, the Youth Leadership Training highlighted historical youth-led peace movements, emphasizing the pivotal role young people have played in social transformation and peacebuilding.

Rwandan youth were among those who benefited from these initiatives, joining peers from South Sudan, Timor-Leste, and beyond in gaining skills to become future 'peace leaders.'

The program aims to inspire sustainable progress in their regions, with participants encouraged to extend their learning through educational outreach and peace campaigns that ripple from local communities to a global stage.

The YEPC aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal of Quality Education and supports UNESCO’s lifelong learning objectives, offering valuable opportunities to youth worldwide.

Stories of young leaders who sparked change during times of war and conflict were shared during the training, underscoring their contributions to civil rights and democratization movements.

A key influence in the program was Chairman Lee of HWPL, IPYG’s partner organization, whose belief that 'the voice of one person who has experienced war can change the world' left a lasting impression. His wartime experiences reinforced the urgency of peace, a message that resonated with attendees.

Kuir Michael Riak, a participant from South Sudan and National Coordinator of South Sudan Students for Liberty, praised the training’s impact.

'Attending the YEPC has been an incredibly enriching experience,' he said.

'The peace leadership session directly addressed the challenges faced by my community. It reinforced the crucial role of youth networks in uniting citizens for grassroots peace initiatives and inspired me to drive meaningful change.'

For Rwandan youth and others, the program shifted perspectives, positioning them as active agents of peacebuilding rather than passive societal members.

With the mantra 'the future of peace starts with today’s youth' echoing throughout, IPYG’s efforts are planting seeds for a more peaceful world, one empowered young leader at a time.

The online program, designed to bolster youth capabilities, combined cutting-edge AI education with peace leadership training, equipping participants with tools to foster community development and promote peace.

IGIHE

The 62-year-old was arrested at the Kayonza Bus Terminal in the Eastern Province and taken into custody by officers from the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) on March 19, 2025.

During the genocide, he served as the president of the CDR party in Kabuga, which is now located in Gasabo District, Rusororo Sector, Kabuga I Cell, Kabeza Village.

Reports indicate that a roadblock in front of Safari’s home was a site where numerous Tutsi were killed.

In 2018, authorities conducting searches for genocide victims’ remains discovered mass graves beneath Safari’s properties and in surrounding fields. The remains were found in Kabeza Village, Gako Cell, Masaka Sector (Kicukiro District), and Kabeza Village, Kabuga I Cell, Rusororo Sector (Gasabo District).

Safari had built structures over these remains, making it difficult to determine the exact number of victims, as many appeared to have been burned.

Upon learning that bodies were being uncovered on his properties, Safari fled to a neighboring country. He later returned and was arrested at the Kayonza Bus Terminal on March 19.

Safari is currently detained at RIB’s Rusororo Station, and his case file was submitted to the court on April 1, 2025.

The crime of concealing or tampering with genocide evidence is punishable under Article 8 of Law No. 59/2018 of August 22, 2018, concerning genocide ideology and related offenses.

If convicted, he faces a prison sentence of seven to nine years and a fine ranging from 500,000 to 1,000,000 Rwandan francs.

Safari had previously been convicted by Gacaca Courts in 2004 and sentenced to 30 years in prison for his role in the genocide. On appeal, his sentence was reduced to five years, and he was released in 2008.

Following Safari’s case, other individuals who were stationed at roadblocks where Tutsi were killed were also prosecuted.

These include Mucyo Jean Népomuscène, Buturutsemwabo Michel, Habyarimana Jean Népomuscène, Karekezi Augustin, and Twakizuru Jean Népomuscène.

They were found guilty of concealing information about mass graves at a site known as CND during the genocide.

On April 4, 2019, the Gasabo Intermediate Court sentenced them to five years in prison and fined each 100,000 Rwandan francs for concealing or destroying genocide evidence.

RIB has reiterated its commitment to holding accountable anyone who hides or tampers with genocide-related evidence.

The agency also urged the public to come forward with information about undisclosed burial sites so that victims can be given dignified burials.

“Thirty-one years after the Genocide against the Tutsi, it is imperative that people recognize the importance of revealing the locations of victims’ remains for proper burial, as this is a vital step toward true unity and reconciliation,” RIB stated.

The agency emphasized that concealing such evidence is a punishable offense and must not continue.

IGIHE

All imports would be subject to 10 percent additional tariffs, except as otherwise provided, the executive order said. This will take effect on April 5.

Trump will impose an “individualized reciprocal higher tariff” on the countries and regions with which the United States “has the largest trade deficits,” according to a White House document. This will take effect on April 9.

Some goods will not be subject to the reciprocal tariff, including steel and aluminum, as well autos and auto parts already subject to Section 232 tariffs, copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and lumber, the White House noted.

For Canada and Mexico, United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) compliant goods will continue to see a 0 percent tariff, non-USMCA compliant goods will see a 25 percent tariff, and non-USMCA compliant energy and potash will see a 10 percent tariff, according to the White House.

In his speech at the White House Rose Garden, Trump presented a chart on “reciprocal tariffs.” The chart shows that different countries and regions face different tariff rates.

For example, China will face a 34-percent tariff, the European Union 20 percent, Vietnam 46 percent, Japan 24 percent, India 26 percent, South Korea 25 percent, Thailand 36 percent, Switzerland 31 percent, Indonesia 32 percent, Malaysia 24 percent, and Cambodia 49 percent.

Trump claimed that other trading partners impose “non-monetary barriers” on the United States. The chart illustrates the tariff rates “charged” by different countries or regions to the United States, including “currency manipulation” and “trade barriers.”

“There is no basis for the claimed tariff-equivalent rates imposed by other countries. This is pure invention,” Gary Clyde Hufbauer, a nonresident senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, told Xinhua.

Despite Trump’s claim that higher tariffs will help bring in revenue for the government and revitalize U.S. manufacturing, economists have warned that such measures will push up prices for U.S. consumers and businesses, disrupt global trade, and hurt global economy.

“The move was a significant escalation of Mr. Trump’s trade fight and is likely to ripple through the global economy, driving up prices for American consumers and manufacturers while inciting retaliation from other nations,” The New York Times reported.

“The tariffs announced are at the extreme end of forecasts,” said Hufbauer. “Plus rabid characterization of foreign countries … Hard to see the U.S. avoiding a recession. World growth will be down 1 percent or more,” he said.

U.S. President Donald Trump shows an executive order on “reciprocal tariffs” at the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on April 2, 2025. Amid widespread opposition, U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed an executive order on the so-called “reciprocal tariffs,” imposing a 10-percent “minimum baseline tariff” and higher rates on certain trading partners.

Xinhua

The news was announced on March 15, 2025, through a statement released by the Office of the President on X.

The statement read: “This afternoon at Urugwiro Village, President Kagame received the outgoing Ambassador of China to Rwanda, Wang Xuekun, and the outgoing Ambassador of Angola to Rwanda, Eduardo Filomeno Bárber Leiro Octávio, for farewell meetings as they completed their tour of duty.”

Prior to meeting with President Kagame, the two diplomats had also been received by Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olivier Nduhungirehe, who expressed gratitude for their significant contributions to strengthening relations between their respective countries and Rwanda during their tenure.

Ambassador Wang Xuekun had presented his credentials to President Kagame in September 2022, replacing Ambassador Rao Hongwei, who had served as China’s envoy to Rwanda since 2016. Similarly, Ambassador Eduardo Filomeno Leiro Octávio had presented his credentials in December 2018.

During his appointment, Ambassador Octávio highlighted the strengthening ties between Rwanda and Angola in politics, economic collaboration, and other sectors. One notable milestone in this partnership was Angola’s decision to waive tourist visa requirements for Rwandans.

The diplomatic relations between Rwanda and both China and Angola continue to flourish. This year marks 54 years of diplomatic ties between Rwanda and China, a partnership based on mutual respect and cooperation, which has led to various developmental benefits.

For instance, by the end of 2019, approximately 1,600 Rwandan students were studying in China, with China having granted scholarships to Rwandans since 1976.

In healthcare, China has made significant contributions, having sent 258 medical professionals to Rwanda since 1982, treating over 700,000 patients and conducting over 37,000 surgeries.

Chinese investment in Rwanda is also growing, with notable projects such as the Anjia Prefabricated Construction Rwanda Company Ltd, a cement manufacturing plant in Muhanga District, which employs over 7,000 people.

The company ranks as the ninth-largest in China and the 23rd among the world’s major industrial firms. Similarly, Rwanda and Angola continue to strengthen economic ties.

In 2022, the two governments began implementing an agreement to eliminate double taxation on income, further enhancing economic cooperation.

Additionally, Angola has played a crucial role as a mediator in diplomatic efforts between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo regarding conflicts in eastern DRC under the leadership of President Félix Tshisekedi.

President Paul Kagame bid farewell to the outgoing Chinese Ambassador, Wang Xuekun.

H. E. Eduardo Filomeno Bárber Leiro Octávio and his team held a farewell meeting with President Kagame as he completed his tour of duty.

H. E. Wang Xuekun and his team held a farewell meeting with President Kagame as he completed his tour of duty.

President Paul Kagame bid farewell to the outgoing Angolan Ambassador, Dr. Eduardo Octávio.

IGIHE

He made these remarks on April 2, 2025, while addressing the Senate plenary session on the country’s preparedness to combat disasters that affect various regions during the rainy season.

He emphasized that continuous monitoring is conducted to ensure the safety of residents before disasters strike.

Minister Murasira also highlighted that the assessment identified more than 25,000 hectares of farmland, approximately 200 infrastructures, and 23 public buildings such as offices and churches as vulnerable to disasters.

In terms of districts, 88 households in Rusizi District are at high risk, while Rubavu has 452, Rutsiro 424, Nyabihu 364, and Nyamasheke 100 households at risk of being affected by disasters.

'We closely monitor these areas and ensure that if any warning signs emerge, we alert people in advance or be prepared to respond promptly,' he said.

He emphasized that the rainy season is when disasters are most severe, with lightning being a major cause of fatalities throughout the year.

The Ministry in charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA) highlighted that districts such as Rubavu, Rutsiro, and Nyabihu have the highest disaster risk levels. Therefore, continuous monitoring is conducted to provide early warnings and ensure rapid intervention in case of an emergency.

Minister Murasira stated, 'We have identified specific areas prone to disasters, and we prioritize thorough inspections in those locations.'

He further confirmed that Rwanda’s overall disaster resilience level is currently at 46%.

'Our resilience is still low. Research on disaster resilience across different sectors, such as infrastructure and agriculture, indicates that we stand at 46% nationally. Some areas have better resilience, while others are highly vulnerable. The lower the resilience, the higher the susceptibility to disasters, even minor ones, like light winds that can damage homes,' he explained.

MINEMA stressed that disaster-affected areas require immediate response and restoration efforts, as delays can worsen the damage and increase future risks.

Rwanda has identified 14 designated relocation sites where affected individuals can be resettled in case of a disaster.

Statistics show that natural disasters caused damages worth over 222.3 billion Rwandan Francs in 2023.

The Minister of Emergency Management, Maj Gen (Rtd) Albert Murasira appeared before the Senate plebary sitting on Wednesday, April 2, 2025.

One of houses destroyed by May 2023 disasters that claiomed over 130 lives.

IGIHE

The tour, which spans several key districts, is designed to strengthen partnerships with local leaders, gain a deeper understanding of regional business needs, and gather direct feedback from customers. Through this initiative, I&M Bank seeks to ensure its services remain responsive and relevant to the diverse economic landscape of Rwanda.

Mr. Mutimura kicked off the tour with visits to six districts: Rwamagana, Muhanga, Huye, Gicumbi, Musanze, and Rubavu. During these visits, he engaged directly with customers at their workplaces, enabling the Bank to better understand the unique challenges and opportunities faced in each region. This hands-on approach underscores the Bank’s commitment to offering tailored financial solutions that foster inclusive economic growth.

'The core purpose of these visits is to deepen our understanding of regional needs and ensure our services are aligned with local dynamics,' said Mr. Mutimura. 'By engaging with customers directly, we gain invaluable insights into their businesses and challenges. This approach supports our strategy of delivering customer delight, ensuring that we are not only meeting but exceeding expectations.'

A major highlight of the tour was the unveiling of the newly expanded I&M Bank branch in Huye, now operating as a fully-fledged business center. This transformation reflects the Bank’s continued investment in enhancing service delivery and creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

'The development of the Huye branch is a clear demonstration of how we are responding to the evolving needs of local businesses,' the CEO added. 'It’s not just about expanding our footprint; it’s about creating spaces where entrepreneurs and enterprises can grow with our support.'

The stakeholder engagement tour also serves to align the Bank’s operations with Rwanda’s broader economic agenda. By adopting a customer-centric strategy, I&M Bank continues to play a key role in promoting regional development and supporting the country’s long-term goals.

As the tour progresses, additional district visits are planned in the coming weeks. Mr. Mutimura emphasized the importance of maintaining strong connections with communities to ensure the Bank’s products and services continue to evolve in line with customer expectations.

I&M Bank Rwanda CEO, Benjamin Mutimura, has concluded the first phase of a nationwide stakeholder engagement tour.

A major highlight of the tour was the unveiling of the newly expanded I&M Bank branch in Huye, now operating as a fully-fledged business center.

The stakeholder engagement tour also serves to align the Bank’s operations with Rwanda’s broader economic agenda.

The nationwide stakeholder engagement tour, aimed at reinforcing the Bank’s commitment to supporting local communities and businesses across the country.

IGIHE

This appeal was made following a meeting held in Rwanda at Saint Joseph in Ngoma District. They conference addressed social welfare, strategies for restoring peace in the Great Lakes Region, and efforts to strengthen the Catholic faith.

The gathering was attended by bishops and other senior leaders of the Catholic Church from both nations. They underscored that prolonged border closures have had adverse effects on citizens and trade between the two countries.

Burundi closed its borders, citing demands for the extradition of individuals allegedly involved in the 2015 coup attempt. Rwanda, however, maintains that international law prohibits the repatriation of refugees who have sought asylum.

The bishops expressed their support for ongoing diplomatic discussions between Rwanda and Burundi, emphasizing that 'border closures have significant economic and social repercussions.’ They urged leaders to act prudently to restore normalcy and strengthen unity between the two nations.

The discussions also addressed security concerns in eastern DR Congo, with the bishops advocating for sustained dialogue among conflicting parties to resolve tensions. They also condemned the use of hate speech by the DRC government, which they believe has exacerbated violence and unrest.

Regarding education, the bishops highlighted the need to improve educational standards in both countries. They also raised concerns about the increasing violence against young people and stressed the urgency of addressing this issue.

The Association of Episcopal Conferences of Rwanda and Burundi (ACOREB) has called on the governments of both countries to engage in dialogue on key issues, particularly the reopening of borders that were closed in January 2024. The gathering was attended by bishops and other senior leaders of the Catholic Church from both nations.

IGIHE

Recent days, people all over the world are busy clearing the debris from the earthquake of 'Executive Orders' and embracing for more afterquakes.

These Orders, simply and joyfully signed by a certain country, are shocking the entire globe. From freeze of assistance, to raising of tariffs, to relocating of overseas Diasporas, by tens of thousands and possibly more, from this country and the continent. People are worried and resented. But the best can be done is to oblige and pray.

The administration that signed those orders, is successful in keeping this continent at arm’s length when coming to aid and assistance.In the mean time, according to a member of this country’s Congress, its foreign aid money may have been used to fund terrorist groups around the world, including Boko Haram.

The administration is successful, in flip-flopping, time and again, international pledges its country solemnly made.This time by withdrawing from WHO and the Paris Climate Agreement, and counting. This is nothing short of rolling back the wheel of history. And the argument used? The world owes this Administration and the country it represents.

The administration is successful, in coining new words like MAGA.What do people see in it? Half lamentation, half echo of the past, half menace of the future.

Far too long, the administration and the country it represents, is viewed by many as a beacon, a lighthouse. It compels nations, on pain of extinction, to adopt to its modality; it compels them to introduce what it calls democratic civilization into their midst. In short, it wants to create a world after its own image.

People are reckoning, and awakening.The illusion of beacon have been drowned into the icy water of the country’s egotistical calculation. High falutin phrases like human rights and democracy are but its masquerade of hypocrisy and double standard.

People disdain to conceal their views. Name of the country? The Ultra Selfish Armstrong.The writing is on the wall.

(The author, Gang Ping is a commentator on international affairs, writing regularly for Xinhua News, Global Times, China Daily, CGTN etc. He can be reached at [email protected].)

Gang Ping