Author: admin

This remarkable achievement places Rwandan tea alongside some of the world’s finest, further solidifying its reputation on the global stage.

The Global Tea Championship is an esteemed competition that celebrates excellence in tea production.

This year’s edition also recognized Attabarie Tea from Assam, another estate under Luxmi Tea, with the Premium Award in the black CTC category.

Luxmi Tea, a Kolkata-based group, operates 25 estates across Assam, Darjeeling, and Rwanda, including the renowned Makaibari Tea Estate in Darjeeling.

Silverback Tea, produced by the distinguished Gisovu Tea Company, stood out among competitors, reaffirming its commitment to exceptional quality.

Silverback’s Gisovu Tea farm in Rwanda.

Rudra Chatterjee, Managing Director of Luxmi Tea and Chairman of Silverback Tea, Rwanda, likened the World Tea Expo Award to the 'Oscar of the tea industry.'

He emphasized the company’s dedication to cultivating exceptional teas from diverse terroirs, stating, 'We aim to produce good tea from the world’s best regions: flavourful Darjeeling from Makaibari, strong Assam teas from Attabarie, and bright Rwandan teas from Gisovu.'

Dipankar Chatterjee, Chairman of Luxmi Tea, attributed the company’s success to the dedication of its tea managers and workers. He highlighted the importance of refined plantation practices, including meticulous pruning, plucking, and manufacturing, which have been crucial in maintaining high-quality tea production.

The recognition places Rwandan tea alongside some of the world’s finest, further solidifying its reputation on the global stage.

Nzeki Samuel Munyao, CEO of Silverback Tea Company, expressed his pride in the international recognition, saying, 'This new recognition that Gisovu Tea Company has received on the world stage highlights our great commitment to quality, and the good support and collaboration amongst all the players in the value chain. Great appreciation to the team.'

The recognition of Gisovu Tea at the international stage is a proud moment for Rwanda’s tea industry, reinforcing the country’s reputation as a producer of bright, high-quality teas. With continued innovation and excellence in tea cultivation, Rwandan teas are gaining a strong foothold in the global market.

Silverback’s Gisovu Tea from Rwanda, a subsidiary of Luxmi Tea, earned international acclaim by winning the prestigious Origin Award in the white tea category at the World Tea Expo 2025, held in Las Vegas.

IGIHE

The date, officially recognized by the United Nations as the International Day of Reflection on the Genocide, holds deep meaning for the Rwandan community, and the concert has raised concerns that it could undermine the significance of the commemoration.

Mayor Anne Hidalgo had requested that the Paris police intervene, citing the potential for public disorder.

In a letter to the police, the mayor emphasized that the concert’s timing was inappropriate, given the sensitive nature of the date.

Responding to the mayor’s concerns on Thursday, the police stated that the city’s police chief, Laurent Nunez, would request the concert’s rescheduling due to these concerns or face a ban.

“The Prefect of Police, Laurent Nunez, will ask the organizers to reschedule the concert to a date other than April 7th, due to the risk of public order disturbances. If not, the Prefect of Police will initiate a procedure to ban the event,” the police department said in a statement on X.

The organizers of the event had claimed that the concert was meant to raise funds for children affected by the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where the Congolese government accuses Rwanda of backing M23 rebels, a claim that Rwanda has repeatedly denied.

The President of the Rwandan diaspora in France, Rwanda’s Ambassador to France, François Nkulikiyimfura, and representatives of survivor organizations had raised concerns with the mayor, warning that the event could undermine genocide remembrance efforts.

Critics of the concert say some of the scheduled Congolese performers, including Maître Gims and Youssoupha, have previously expressed controversial views about Rwanda, adding to the tension already present between the Rwandan and Congolese communities in Paris.

UNICEF France, the intended beneficiary, has already distanced itself from the event if it goes ahead on April 7, citing the significance of the date.

Paris police now want the organizers of Maître Gims’ concert, slated for April 7, to reschedule it as it clashes with the start of the annual commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The exhibition hall showcases the Party’s history, achievements, and milestones through artifacts, documents, multimedia displays, and interactive exhibits. Located in Beijing’s Chaoyang District, near the Olympic Park, it stands as a testament to the CPC’s century-long journey.

Inside, visitors encounter an extensive collection of historical items and photographs, including rare Party documents, original manuscripts, and personal belongings of key leaders like Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping. Advanced multimedia technology enhances the experience, bringing history to life.

Beyond being a historical archive, the hall serves as an educational and patriotic site, reinforcing the Party’s legacy and development. It has become a key destination for Party members, students, and researchers.

A visit to the Museum of the Communist Party of China is a rare and unforgettable experience. Walking through its vast halls offers a deeper appreciation of the Party’s enduring influence.

Here are five fascinating facts about the museum:

1. The Largest Party History Museum in China

Spanning an impressive 150,000 square meters, the CPC History Exhibition Hall is the largest museum dedicated to a political party in China.

Unlike other historical museums that focus on isolated events, this hall presents a sweeping narrative of the CPC’s evolution. It chronicles defining moments such as the Long March, the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, and the country’s economic reforms in the late 20th century.

2. Over 2,500 Exhibits

Key exhibits include original documents from the First National Congress in 1921, marking the Party’s founding; relics from the Long March, such as weapons, clothing, and personal items used by Red Army soldiers; and Mao Zedong’s handwritten notes and speeches, including the declaration of the People’s Republic of China in 1949.

Others are records from China’s economic transformation under Deng Xiaoping, highlighting key policies of reform and opening up; and technological achievements, including China’s space program, high-speed rail development, and the Belt and Road Initiative.

3. A High-Tech Approach to History

While deeply rooted in historical narratives, the museum embraces cutting-edge technology to immerse visitors in the CPC’s past.

One of the museum’s most striking features is its use of cutting-edge technology to bring history to life. A 360-degree immersive theatre transports visitors into key moments of the past, from the intense battles of the Red Army to China’s groundbreaking first spacewalk.

Artificial intelligence narrators provide insightful commentary, offering deeper context and guiding guests through the Party’s historical milestones. Augmented reality reconstructions further enhance the experience, allowing visitors to engage with digital recreations of historical events.

This seamless fusion of history and technology makes the museum’s storytelling not only immersive but also particularly appealing to younger generations accustomed to digital interactions.

4. Symbolic Architecture

The CPC History Exhibition Hall stands as a symbolic structure, with every detail of its design reflecting the Party’s revolutionary spirit.

The architecture is laden with meaning, with each feature serving as a reminder of the Party’s enduring legacy. The striking red façade captures the essence of the Party’s revolutionary roots, while a massive golden hammer-and-sickle emblem underscores the CPC’s leadership role in shaping the nation.

A grand star-shaped dome, inspired by the Great Hall of the People, symbolizes national unity and strength. Inside, sculptures and murals of key CPC figures like Mao Zedong, Zhou Enlai, and Deng Xiaoping highlight their pivotal contributions to China’s development.

Central to the building, the main structure takes the form of the Chinese character “人” (ren), meaning 'people,' symbolizing the Party’s steadfast commitment to serving the people.

5. Xi Jinping’s Personal Involvement

The establishment of the CPC History Exhibition Hall was personally overseen by President Xi Jinping, who stressed its importance in reinforcing Party unity and educating future generations. Beyond preserving history, the museum serves a political function, shaping narratives about the CPC’s legacy.

Before its official opening, Xi Jinping led a delegation of senior Party officials on a private tour, underscoring its significance. Today, the hall is a mandatory stop for Party cadres and students, reinforcing ideological training.

As Xi Jinping has frequently stated, 'History is the best textbook.' The CPC History Exhibition Hall stands as a powerful instrument in preserving and promoting the Party’s vision for China’s future.

The CPC History Exhibition Hall is a museum in Beijing, China, dedicated to chronicling the history of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

The museum was officially opened in June 2021 to mark the 100th anniversary of the Party’s founding.

Inside, visitors encounter an extensive collection of historical items and photographs, including rare Party documents, original manuscripts, and personal belongings of key leaders like Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping.

A visit to the Museum of the Communist Party of China is a rare and unforgettable experience.

Sculptures on the theme of the Long March are seen inside the museum

A boat holding great significance in China’s history is seen inside the museum. The First National Congress of the CPC commenced on July 23, 1921, in Shanghai. Despite an initial setback due to a spy’s intrusion, which forced the attendees to relocate, the meeting found its unique conclusion on a small boat in Nanhu Lake, Jiaxing.

Monuments outside the museum echoing Chinese unity and resilience.

Christian Mugisha

Addressing a press conference attended by shareholders and key stakeholders on Thursday, March 27, 2025, BPR Bank Rwanda Managing Director Patience Mutesi said the impressive profit growth was driven by a 23% increase in net interest income, which rose to Frw80.3 billion.

The bank also recorded a 13% rise in customer deposits, reaching Frw757.1 billion, while net loans and advances increased by 8% to Frw620.6 billion. Total assets grew to Frw971.8 billion, demonstrating strong financial stability.

'Our financial results reaffirm our strong market position,' said the MD. 'Profit after tax of Frw29.7 billion represents robust growth across our business segments. This performance was driven by a 23% increase in net interest income, growth in our SME lending portfolio, and investments in key earning assets.'

Mutesi further noted that the bank has been at the forefront of digital banking advancements, successfully rolling out a Unified Omni-channel banking platform that integrates mobile, internet, and USSD banking to enhance customer experience.

Additionally, the bank has strengthened its sustainability agenda through green finance initiatives, supported by partnerships such as a $40 million (Frw53.8 billion) financing package from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to enhance SME lending and support Rwanda’s economic diversification.

As part of its commitment to youth empowerment and entrepreneurship, the bank launched the BPR Igire Alumni Club, which has supported over 1,000 young entrepreneurs, with 40 businesses receiving seed capital.

Owing to its strong performance, the bank has proposed a 13.7% dividend payout to shareholders, subject to approval at the upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Speaking on the proposed dividend payout, George Rubagumya, Chairman of the Board of Directors, stated, 'From a shareholder perspective, our solid financial performance has enabled the Board to propose a dividend payout of 13.7% of profit after tax for approval at the AGM. We have always believed in delivering consistent returns to our shareholders while retaining sufficient capital for future investments.'

One of the key milestones the bank celebrated in 2024 was its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of banking excellence in Rwanda. The milestone was commemorated with multiple stakeholder engagements, culminating in a grand gala scheduled for August 4, 2024.

Looking ahead, the bank affirmed that it remains committed to sustained growth, financial innovation, and economic impact through its strong financial foundation, digital transformation, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives.

BPR Bank Rwanda Managing Director Patience Mutesi said the impressive profit growth was driven by a 23% increase in net interest income, which rose to Frw80.3 billion.

George Rubagumya, Chairman of the Board of Directors, proposed a 13.7% dividend payout to shareholders, subject to approval at the upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM).

BPR Bank Rwanda Chairperson George Rubagumya and Managing Director Patience Mutesi exchange pleasantries during the unveiling of the audited financial results for 2024.

The event was attended by members of the press, shareholders and key stakeholders.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The tariffs, scheduled to take effect on April 2 for vehicles and later for parts, are part of Trump’s broader strategy to boost American manufacturing and protect domestic industries. However, the decision has drawn sharp criticism from global trade partners, industry leaders, and economic analysts.

Trump has framed the tariffs as a measure to stimulate domestic car production and create jobs in the United States.

“If you build your car in the United States, there is no tariff,” Trump stated during a press conference, emphasizing his goal to encourage companies to shift operations to American soil.

He further claimed that the policy would lead to “tremendous growth” in the domestic car industry.

However, experts predict a different outcome. Analysts warn that the tariffs could disrupt the industry, increase vehicle prices, and temporarily shut down car production lines due to the reliance on foreign-made parts.

A study by the Anderson Economic Group estimates that the cost of vehicles in the U.S. could rise between $4,000 and $10,000 per car. The tariffs are expected to impact both foreign automakers and American manufacturers who depend on imported components.

The U.S. imported approximately eight million cars in the last year, accounting for $240 billion in trade.

The top suppliers of vehicles to the U.S. include Mexico, South Korea, Japan, Canada, and Germany. Additionally, many U.S. automakers have significant manufacturing operations in Mexico and Canada, benefiting from long-standing trade agreements.

While tariffs on Canadian and Mexican car parts will be temporarily exempted as the U.S. Customs and Border Protection establishes a duty assessment system, the move still threatens trade relations between the nations.

Market response

Following the announcement, shares in major automakers fell sharply. General Motors’ stock slid by roughly 3%, while Stellantis, the parent company of Jeep and Chrysler, dropped by 3.6%. The Japanese auto industry also took a hit, with shares in Toyota, Nissan, and Honda all declining amid uncertainty over potential retaliatory actions.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk acknowledged that the tariffs would also impact his company, stating on social media that “the tariff impact on Tesla is still significant.”

Industry leaders, including the American Automotive Policy Council, have urged the administration to reconsider, warning that higher production costs could lead to job losses and decreased consumer demand.

International leaders have condemned the tariffs. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau labeled them a “direct attack” on Canada’s auto sector, while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the European Union would review the measures before deciding on a response. Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida suggested that his government would explore “all options” in reaction to the tariffs.

For American consumers, the tariffs are expected to result in higher car prices. Industry experts predict that dealerships may increase prices on existing stock, even before new tariff-affected vehicles arrive.

Additionally, a decrease in vehicle availability due to reduced production could drive prices up further, mirroring trends seen during past supply chain disruptions, such as the 2021 semiconductor shortage.

President Donald Trump has framed the tariffs as a measure to stimulate domestic car production and create jobs in the United States. However, the decision has drawn sharp criticism from global trade partners, industry leaders, and economic analysts.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The newly installed Belgian government, having taken office just a few weeks prior, has engaged in an unprecedented offensive against Kigali while the Rwandan diplomacy positions itself on equal footing.

However, far from being justified by clear motives, this conflict seems to have been manufactured, pretending to defend the territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) without any foundation.

When discussing “International Law,” it becomes crucial to examine the past. Belgium, with its tumultuous history related to the genocide against the Tutsi in 1994, has little legitimacy to make accusations against Rwanda, especially since past events reveal a biased dynamic.

At a time when thousands of lives were at stake, Brussels chose to turn its back on its humanitarian obligations, abandoning populations to their fate. This silence from the past only reinforces the perception that International Law operates on two speeds, favoring some while neglecting others.

Current Belgian policy, marked by sanctions against Rwanda, raises ethical questions. Who are the real destabilizers in this region? The accusations of destabilization presented by Brussels mask a deeper complexity.

By its decisions, Belgium seems to play into political interests, ignoring the true dynamics at play: internal conflicts, genocidaires at large, and millions of Congolese fleeing incessant violence. By sponsoring media that perpetuate hate, it supports the same forces that previously contributed to the collapse of peace in the region.

Actions by Kinshasa, which has armed groups with a tragic past, also challenge the morality of the Belgian position. The complicity of the DRC in supporting extremist elements underscores the hypocrisy of certain Belgian politicians who see themselves as arbiters of peace.

Who is truly responsible for the destabilization? Is it Rwanda, which is simply trying to protect its territory, or Belgium, trying to control a narrative and maintain influence over regions it has long dominated?

This aggressive stance of the Belgian government against Rwanda cannot be separated from the fears it raises among certain politicians regarding the emergence of a strong and autonomous Rwanda. After all, Belgium’s colonial history still weighs heavily on its international relations, and a prosperous Rwanda would question the legacy of a system that has consistently sought to maintain the underdevelopment of African nations.

The behavior of Belgian diplomats seems symptomatic of an attitude steeped in arrogance and distrust. By sidelining Rwanda from discussions and failing to acknowledge the repercussions of their sanctions, Belgian authorities can be seen as mere divisive actors in the Great Lakes region of Africa.

The time has come to reconsider these unilateral approaches. Instead of sanctions, Belgium could demonstrate courage by advocating for sincere dialogue that respects the aspirations of African populations. Rather than continuing down a spiral of tensions, nations must find common ground to build a peaceful and prosperous future for all parties involved.

Ultimately, it is essential to choose dialogue over conflict, understanding over suspicion, and listening over accusation. This path is the only one capable of initiating lasting peace and ensuring that the mistakes of the past do not recur.

Jean-Pierre Peeters is the author of the article.

Jean-Pierre Peeters

This tax declaration specifically pertains to business activities conducted between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024. Following the end of this tax period, taxpayers are granted an additional three months to complete their accounting and submit their income tax returns to the RRA.

With the deadline fast approaching, the RRA reminds taxpayers that timely compliance is essential to avoid unnecessary penalties and ensure smooth processing of their returns.

Jean Paulin Uwitonze, Assistant Commissioner in charge of Taxpayer Services and Communication, explains that those concerned with this tax are individuals or businesses that generate income and have a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN).

Thus, they must declare whether they engaged in business activities or not or if they made profit or not.

“We have individuals who obtained their TINs in 2024. When you acquire a TIN, you are required to declare, for the first time, between January and March of the following year,” he clarified. “You may have operated for a month, two months, or the entire year. The important thing is that if you have engaged in profit-generating activities, you are required to pay income tax, and that will be determined after declaration.”

'We are saying that any taxpayer with a TIN, whether they have operated or not, should declare their status and whether they made a profit or not, fulfilling their obligation to declare is required by law.'

Apart from taxpayers registered under the real regime, who manage their accountancy and pay the corporate income tax at 28 percent rate, small enterprises composed of those whose turnover is between Frw 12 million and Frw 20 million, must pay a lump sum tax of 3% on annual turnover. Micro-enterprises pay a flat tax based on their annual turnover.

Taxpayers under the lump sum or flat tax regimes can file their returns by dialing *800#, allowing them to declare easily using their mobile phones. Corporate income taxpayers, however, file their declarations through the e-tax system.

Assistance for Taxpayers facing difficulties

To support those encountering difficulties during the declaration process, a help desk was set up and will remain open to assist taxpayers, who may encounter challenges while filing their 2024 income tax, with just few days left until the March 31, deadline.

Kimihurura support desk assists those in the City of Kigali while those in provinces can access the same services from their respective district tax centres.

“Currently, very few have declared, which is an issue. We expect a rush and high traffic at the last minute, yet the system has been open for three months,” Uwitonze explained.

'That’s why we encourage people to declare early—it doesn’t mean you have to pay right away. Declare early, know your tax amount, and you can pay later on the 28th, 29th, or 30th of the month; but make sure you have declared to avoid becoming one of those in last minute long queues in need of urgent help.'

With the changes made this year, taxpayers can now generate a declaration document (Doc ID) in the system. To do this, go to E-Tax, select “Online Requests,” and find the option to request the declaration document. Choose the type of tax and the period, and then continue.

Taxpayers are urged to act promptly to declare their taxes and avoid the last-minute rush, which may lead to penalties.

Penalties for non filing
The tax procedure law states that a taxpayer who fails to declare and pay tax within the legal time limit must pay the tax due and is subject to an administrative fine. It provides for both general fixed administrative fines and non-fixed administrative fines for non-filers.

For fixed administrative fines, a taxpayer provides different rates:

• Frw 50,000: If the annual turnover is below Frw 20 million:

• Frw 300,000: For a public institution, a non-profit organization or a taxpayer whose annual turnover exceeds Frw 20 million

• Frw 500,000: If they fall under the category of large taxpayers.

In addition, there are non-fixed administrative fines, and the law provides different rates:

• A penalty of 20% of the due tax applies if the delay does not exceed 30 days.

• A penalty of 40% applies if the taxpayer pays within 31 to 60 days after the deadline.

• A penalty of 60% applies if the delay exceeds 60 days.

Late payment interests

If a taxpayer declares the tax due within the legal time limit but fails to pay it on time, the following fines apply:

• 5% of the due tax if the delay does not exceed 30 days.

• 10% of the due tax if the payment is made between 31 and 60 days after the deadline.

• 30% of the due tax if the delay exceeds 60 days.

A taxpayer who fails to pay tax within the period set by law is also subject to late payment interest on the principal tax amount:

• 0.5% if the delay does not exceed 6 months.

• 1% if the delay is between 6 and 12 months.

• 1.5% if the delay exceeds 12 months.

Late payment interest is non-compounding and is calculated on a monthly basis from the first day after the due date until the payment date. Each month that begins is counted as a full month. The total late payment interest cannot exceed 100% of the due tax.

The Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) has urged taxpayers to declare and pay their 2024 income tax as the deadline of Monday, March 31, 2025, approaches.

IGIHE

The meeting focused on finalizing the force composition and deployment plans, marking a crucial step in transitioning from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) to AUSSOM, which is scheduled to become fully operational by July 1.

One of the major outcomes of the meeting was the completion of the Statement of Unit Requirements (SUR), which outlines the specific troop and police capabilities necessary for AUSSOM to carry out its mission effectively.

This includes a range of components such as Quick Reaction Forces, Tactical Battle Groups, and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance capabilities. Additionally, aviation enablers and police units were also incorporated into the plan.

The finalized SUR aims to enhance AUSSOM’s ability to counter al-Shabab and stabilize Somalia. Senior Defense Advisor to the Somali President, Jihan Abdullahi Hassan, emphasized that AUSSOM’s planning must align with Somalia’s national security vision to ensure sustainability and incorporate lessons from past missions.

The meeting also addressed sector boundaries, military and police deployments, and strategic adjustments to improve force mobility and operational readiness as the new mission takes shape.

Representatives from the African Union Commission (AUC), Somalia, and troop-contributing countries wrapped up a four-day meeting in Mogadishu on Wednesday, finalizing key aspects of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia.

IGIHE

The United States has reached agreement with Russia and Ukraine to ensure safe navigation, eliminate the use of force, and prevent the use of commercial vessels for military purposes in the Black Sea, the White House said on Tuesday.

The agreement followed separate technical-level talks between U.S. and Ukrainian delegations, as well as between U.S. and Russian delegations, held from March 23 to 25 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

“Reaching an agreement on freedom of navigation in the Black Sea to ensure the protection of civilian vessels and port infrastructure will be a crucial contribution to global food security and supply chains, reflecting the importance of trade routes from both Ukraine and the Russian Federation to global markets,” Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the UN secretary-general, said in a statement.

The United Nations has been working consistently, especially following the letters the UN chief sent to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Feb. 7, 2024, putting forward a proposal for safe and free navigation in the Black Sea, Dujarric said.

The world body also remains closely engaged in the continued implementation of the memorandum of understanding with Russia on facilitating access of Russian food and fertilizers to global markets to address global food security, the spokesman said.

Voicing his support for all efforts towards peace, Guterres reiterated in the statement his hope that such efforts will pave the way for a durable ceasefire and contribute to achieving a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in Ukraine, in line with the UN Charter, international law and relevant UN resolutions and in full respect of Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Xinhua

Meanwhile, Rwanda maintains that diplomatic efforts have been underway to restore relations between the two nations.

In a recent interview with BBC, President Ndayishimiye alleged that Rwanda was supporting the rebel group RED Tabara, which operates in the South Kivu region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

'We know that Rwanda is trying to attack us through the DRC using RED Tabara. But let me tell them, if they want to reach Bujumbura through Congo, we can also reach Kigali through Kirundo,' he stated.

This is not the first time the Burundian leader has made such accusations. While addressing a congregation at Vision de Jésus-Christ Church, he criticized Rwanda’s influence in the region.

'The idea that they can invade Burundi is madness. I hear people say, 'Rwanda’s army is strong.’ But do they know the kind of army I have? We have both visible and invisible forces that protect Burundi,' he said.

Despite these remarks, reports indicate that Burundian forces are actively working alongside the DRC government and the FDLR, a militia group with a history of targeting Congolese Tutsis.

Rwanda has consistently denounced the FDLR as a terrorist organization, given its stated aim of toppling the Rwandan government and its continued genocidal ideology.

Though Burundi has aligned itself with the FDLR, recent diplomatic discussions have been reported between Kigali and Bujumbura, aimed at finding a peaceful resolution.

President Paul Kagame recently expressed optimism about restoring relations, suggesting that dialogue remains the best path forward.

Burundians and Rwandans are one people

According to legal expert and researcher Gatete Ruhumuliza, Rwanda and Burundi share deep historical and cultural ties. He argues that Burundi originated from Rwanda. 'Those of us who know history have a responsibility to educate our brothers. Burundians are our relatives. Burundi’s monarchy was founded by Ntare Rushatsi, the son of a Rwandan king.'

He further emphasized that past conflicts between the two nations have always ended in disaster. 'They are our brothers. We cannot fight them. In past wars, no side emerged victorious, only tragedy followed.'

He cited a historical battle in Kirundo, where both Rwandans and Burundians suffered heavy casualties, remarking, 'It was a war where no one won. It was like brothers fighting each other.'

Ultimately, Gatete advocates for peace, stating, 'We are one people. It is our responsibility to remind others of our shared history. In the end, we must coexist peacefully.'

In a recent interview with BBC, President Ndayishimiye alleged that Rwanda was supporting the rebel group RED Tabara.

IGIHE