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The event was organized by HWPL (Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light), a South Korea-based peace organization, under the theme 'Building Bridges for Korean Reunification: Establishing Legal and Practical Frameworks for Peace.'

It brought together approximately 1,000 domestic and international leaders to present a unified plan for nationwide peace and reunification.

On March 23, a commemorative ceremony took place in Osaka, Japan, gathering around 80 peace advocates, citizens, and HWPL members who came together to express their shared aspiration for global peace.

Since its proclamation on March 14, 2016, the DPCW has served as the foundation for HWPL’s global peace-building efforts. The 10-article, 38-clause document was developed in collaboration with legal experts from 15 countries and provides a robust legal framework to prevent and resolve conflicts while promoting a culture of peace.

The Osaka ceremony opened with a reflection on the significance of the DPCW and its origin in South Korea. Attendees were offered an in-depth look into the legal foundations of the DPCW and its growing influence in the international peace community. The event also underscored the importance of active participation by individuals, communities, and governments in creating lasting peace.

Leaders from HWPL’s Kobe and Nagoya branches shared their plans for future activities, emphasizing the organization’s intent to expand its peace efforts throughout Japan. The announcement further encouraged participants and strengthened expectations for continued collaboration.

Additionally, the event featured a membership registration drive and a petition in support of the DPCW. Attendees engaged meaningfully by writing and sharing heartfelt peace messages.

One of the guest speakers, Mr. Morimoto Tadanori, Yamato Takada City Representative from the Nara Prefectural Japan-North Korea Friendship Association, remarked, 'It was truly inspiring to witness how people can come together in the shared mission of promoting peace. And it would be wonderful to see more young people from Japan actively participating in these events. Their involvement is crucial in shaping a peaceful future for all.'

HWPL plans to expand peace initiatives actively in Japan and strengthen collaboration with various organizations and individuals to advance international peace efforts.

On March 23, a commemorative ceremony took place in Osaka, Japan, gathering around 80 peace advocates, citizens, and HWPL members who came together to express their shared aspiration for global peace.

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Speaking on Sanny Ntayombya’s “Long Form” podcast, Sellars shared insights from his global career and recent research in Rwanda. He offered a roadmap for leaders to harness the potential of this new generation while addressing entrenched habits holding the country back.

Sellars, who has led teams across Australia, Asia, the U.S., and Switzerland, founded T.E.S. to distill decades of leadership lessons into practical tools.

In Rwanda, he has worked with 33 leaders across the banking, construction, and health sectors, surveying 200 peers and reports. His findings reveal that Rwandan leaders excel in people-oriented skills like achievement, self-actualization, humanism, and affiliation, surpassing global averages.

'These leaders are well above the world averages,' he said, attributing this to 'a level of awareness of others and a consciousness of what needs to be done.'

He, however, noted that some leaders’ reluctance to take risks could hinder the government’s broader agenda to transform Rwanda into a regional economic powerhouse.

Sellars observed that Gen Z—a generation he describes as opinionated, emotionally intelligent, and eager for happiness—has much to offer. According to him, Unlike their predecessors, who were shaped by fear and survival, these young Rwandans enter the workforce with security and ambition.

'They’re probably the first generation to have that since God knows when,' Sanny interjected, noting their contrast with leaders 'trained by trauma.'

Sellars sees opportunity here, but it demands adaptation. 'They get bored quickly,' he said. 'If you don’t challenge them, they’ll check out or leave.'

So, how can Rwandan leaders turn Gen Z into an asset? 'Delegate effectively,' Sellars advised.

'Set clear expectations upfront, not late-stage control. Move people across functions. A cameraman in marketing brings fresh visuals, while a marketer in sales crafts better messaging.'

He emphasized accepting failure without punishment. 'Magic happens between silos, but it requires risk,' he said.

For a generation that doesn’t defer to authority—'they don’t call you sir, they don’t title emails properly'— he emphasizes that leaders must let go of their egos.

'The most effective leaders are incredibly hard to offend,' he said.

This shift, Sellars argues, could also ease another Rwandan leadership trap, which he describes as overworking.

'The most senior people are working 12-hour days, most of the weekend,' he said. 'My hope is that the message I’m sharing is: You are doing a great job—slow down. Those extra 20 hours destroy more value than they create.'

His own sabbatical story drives this point home. After leaving his Australian team for three months, he returned to find them delivering their best performance yet.

'You created a team that was independent and brilliant,' his boss told him, giving him the highest rating of his career.

Sellars’ recent research highlights Rwanda’s strengths and weaknesses. While aggressive styles like competition and opposition, common in the U.S. and Australia, are less prevalent in Rwanda, he notes that passivity remains a persistent challenge.

'The most effective leaders in Rwanda are the ones investing heavily in helping their people succeed,' he said.

Sellars tested his ideas at leadership retreats in Nyamuhazi last year, and he believes they worked. Leaders opened up about their struggles, and one even reported that her team performs better now that she’s stopped micromanaging.

Looking ahead, Sellars connects Rwanda’s future to its leaders and how they tap into Gen Z’s potential.

'Build a space where they can grow, even if they’re not ready to do it themselves,' Sellars advised.

The leadership guru believes Gen Z’s tech skills and confidence can thrive if leaders guide them the right way.

Watch the full interview below:

Wycliffe Nyamasege

'These comments are surprising because Rwandan and Burundian defence and security institutions have actually been meeting to discuss how to secure our common borders in light of developments in Eastern DRC,' Makolo.

The President of Burundi made these remarks during an interview with the BBC, where he accused Rwanda of attempting to destabilize his country by backing RED Tabara—an armed group based in South Kivu, DRC, known for its opposition to the Burundian government.

He alleged that Rwanda plans to use this rebel group in the same way it has been accused of supporting M23 rebels in eastern DRC.

'We know that Rwanda is trying to attack us through RED Tabara operating from Congo. But if they want to come to Bujumbura that way, we can also get to Kigali through Kirundo,' Ndayishimiye warned.

This is not the first time Ndayishimiye has accused Rwanda of supporting RED Tabara. In December 2023, following an attack by the group in Gatumba zone, Bujumbura, he repeated similar accusations.

These allegations, refuted by Kigali as baseless, saw Burundi closing borders in January 2024.

Despite these tensions, recent months had seen signs of diplomatic progress. Military and intelligence officials from both countries held bilateral meetings aimed at restoring security cooperation and resolving border issues.

The latest such meeting took place on March 10 in Kirundo province, Burundi. Besides, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, stated on March 14 that Rwanda and Burundi were on a good path towards de-escalation and mutual understanding as talks continue between the leadership of both countries.

President Paul Kagame also hinted at improving regional relations during a citizen outreach programme on March 16 at BK Arena, where he revealed that former colonial powers had attempted to unite Burundi and DRC against Rwanda.

However, he noted that such efforts were being unraveled and Rwanda was working to rebuild strong ties.

Speaking at a church event on the same day, President Ndayishimiye accused Rwanda of sowing chaos across the region and described any intentions to attack Burundi as madness.

'The idea that someone dreams of attacking Burundi is madness. I hear people say, 'Rwanda has a strong army.’ Oh! They don’t know the kind of army I have,' he said defiantly.

'Burundi has both visible and invisible forces. We are well protected.' Ndayishimiye also expressed lingering frustration over Rwanda’s refusal to extradite individuals accused of involvement in the 2015 attempted coup against the late President Pierre Nkurunziza.

Rwanda has maintained that these individuals are refugees protected under international law and cannot be handed over.

The current turn of events casts doubt on the recent optimism surrounding Burundi—Rwanda relations.

While both countries had appeared to be on a diplomatic path towards peace and cooperation, President Ndayishimiye’s statements suggest deeper mistrust still lingers—potentially jeopardizing the fragile progress made in recent months.

Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye has claimed that if the armed rebel group RED Tabara were to attack Burundi’s capital, Bujumbura, from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), his country’s army would retaliate by advancing towards Kigali via the Kirundo region.

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For years, senior education and medical officers employed by the government have simultaneously managed private schools, clinics, pharmacies, and hospitals, often prioritizing their private enterprises over their official duties.

Many have been accused of neglecting government facilities while diverting resources, including medicines and equipment, to their private establishments.

Additionally, some medical officers have been found referring patients to their private facilities for services that should be freely available at government hospitals.

The National Development Plan (NDP) IV, which outlines the Government’s strategic direction for the next five years, highlights this issue of conflict of interest and public service neglect as a key area for reform.

According to the plan, the ban seeks to ensure that civil servants focus on their core responsibilities, thereby improving service delivery in public schools and hospitals.

Senior officials in the education sector, including head teachers and commissioners, have been running private nursery, primary, and secondary schools while simultaneously overseeing government institutions.

Similarly, medical professionals have been accused of setting up private health facilities, often under pseudo names or proxies, to bypass regulations.

These conflicts of interest have led to the deterioration of public services, as officials devote more time and resources to their personal businesses.

The new directive follows President Yoweri Museveni’s call for the Public Service Ministry to review civil service regulations and address the growing issue of moonlighting among public servants.

The Government aims to ensure equitable resource allocation and improve the quality of education and healthcare services.

'Conflict of interest is especially rampant in the health sector. Many senior health workers are rarely available at public hospitals and instead operate their own facilities.

Patients are often referred to these private establishments to purchase medicines, even when the same drugs are available in government stores. This is unfair and undermines public healthcare,' a government source explained.

Meanwhile, there is uncertainty over how the Government will handle civil servants who already own private schools and hospitals.

A senior official suggested that affected individuals might be required to either resign from public service and run their businesses or sell their private facilities to remain in government employment. Cabinet is expected to provide final guidance on this matter.

Challenges in education and health sectors

The Government acknowledges that despite efforts to improve public services, significant challenges remain. According to NDP IV, the cost of education and healthcare continues to rise due to inefficiencies, population growth, and weak policy implementation.

Currently, households contribute nearly 47% of education funding in Uganda. The healthcare sector also struggles with affordability, with out-of-pocket expenses still accounting for 29% of total health expenditure.

The country faces severe shortages in both sectors, with only 8,900 doctors serving a population of over 45 million, far below the World Health Organization’s recommended doctor-to-patient ratio. Similarly, the education sector is short by 78,000 teachers at the primary level and 20,000 at the secondary level.

By ensuring that civil servants dedicate themselves fully to their roles, the government hopes to improve the quality of public education and healthcare services and reduce reliance on costly private alternatives.

The policy does not extend to political leaders, but it marks a significant step towards accountability and efficiency in Uganda’s public sector. The implementation of this directive will be closely monitored, with Cabinet expected to issue further guidelines to ensure a smooth transition.

Nakasero hospital is one of the best privately owned hospitals in Kampala.

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There is currently hope for peace talks after the Congolese government finally agreed to dialogue with M23 and neighbouring Rwanda through Angola’s mediation.

But peace talks only make sense if the actual causes of the 30-year war are finally uncovered and eliminated. Otherwise the fighting will flare up again immediately.

Misjudgements prevent solutions

It is a misjudgement on the part of many media outlets, politicians and Christian aid organisations that M23 is concerned with securing mineral resources in Eastern Congo or Rwanda is concerned with conquering territory.

This falls far too short and prevents a solution just as much as the German government’s blatantly wrong decision to stop development aid for neighbouring Rwanda.

More than 400 journalists, lawyers, researchers and university professors from all over the world have recently written an open letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. They complain that the misinterpretation of the conflict is exacerbating tensions and fueling hate speech.

They call on the United Nations not to make the same tragic misjudgement as during the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda in 1994, when the UN withdrew its UNAMIR troops despite clear signs of a looming genocide.

As a result, an average of 10,000 defenceless Tutsis were slaughtered every day for 100 days. Now, according to the letter, the one-sided focus on the M23 and Rwanda ignores the atrocities committed in broad daylight against Banyamulenge (Congolese Tutsi).

The Rwandan community in Germany has also written a letter to Development Minister Svenja Schulze (SPD) stating that such punitive measures undermine African-led initiatives and encourage the Congolese government in its pursuit of a military rather than a diplomatic solution.

Where the causes lie

Many causes of conflict go back to the Berlin Conference in 1894/95, when Africa was divided up between the superpowers regardless of ethnic groups, and the Western territory of Rwanda, which was much larger at the time, was carved up between Belgium and Germany.

The Banyamulenge, among others, are still suffering today. They live mainly in the east of today’s Congo, but like the Tutsi in Rwanda (in former times), they are labelled as 'intruders’ and murdered.

'As early as 2021, Genocide Watch raised the alarm that a 'slow genocide’ has been taking place against the Banyamulenge since 2017, unnoticed by the international press.

In 2022, researchers Felix Ndahinda and Aggee Shyaka Mugabe documented in detail in the renowned 'Journal of Genocide Research’ how hate speech against the Banyamulenge, among others, is shared thousands of times on social media.

This extends to the highest government circles. For example, Justin Bitakwira, a Member of Parliament and personal friend of President Felix Tshisekedi, who held various ministerial positions, declared that every Tutsi is a 'born criminal’.

He asked whether the God who created the Tutsis was the same God who created the Congolese. The fighters of the FDLR, who are taking action against the Banyamulenge and Rwanda, also justified their terror with texts from the Old Testament and prophecies that God is fighting for them and that they will liberate Rwanda.

The statutes of the terrorist organization state, 'All members of the FDLR must believe in, respect and fear God.’ Since they were founded in 2000, they have celebrated church services before their massacres and mass rapes.

The UN Special Envoy for Genocide Prevention, Alice Wairimu Nderitu, declared in 2022 that she was 'deeply concerned’ that the current violence was a 'warning signal’ that 'hatred and violence are spilling over into genocide on a grand scale’.

Many investigations have revealed systematic persecution, destruction of homes, cattle theft, torture, rape and murder of Banyamulenge.

The goals of M23 and Rwanda

The M23 sees itself, also in view of the failure of the UN mission MONUSCO, as a protection force for the threatened minority, including Banyamulenge and other Kinyarwanda-speaking groups.

Experts such as Hans Romkema, who has been researching the Great Lakes since 1996, call the argument that it is about mineral resources “not valid”. A few million dollars would not compensate Rwanda for the impending damage to its image.

Instead, the country and the militia wanted to protect themselves from the FDLR militias that had emerged from genocides. The statement by aid organisations that Rwanda is “boycotting peace negotiations” is false.

While the African heads of government, including the Rwandan president, were discussing the security situation in eastern DRC at the African Union summit in Addis Ababa, Congolese President Tshisekedi was calling for sanctions against Rwanda at the Munich Security Conference. Instead of seeking a regional solution, he was spreading hate speech.

Romkema names three basic problems that need to be solved: Firstly, Congo lacks stable governance and an army that serves the country and not one person or party. Secondly, there are no equal rights for Congo’s Tutsi, who are discriminated against as foreign invaders. And lastly, ending the FDLR rebellion.

Most of our media outlets are failing once again and will have to apologise publicly once again, as some did after 1994. Because they have failed to focus attention on the decades of hate propaganda and the signs of a genocide against the Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese.

Added to this is the failure of our government, which is sanctioning Rwanda instead of the real perpetrators of this crisis who are President Tshisekedi and his co-rulers and the FDLR rebels.

M23, A rebel group that wants to protect the Kinyarwanda-speaking minorities in the Congo and demands more say in the east of the Congo. These minorities include the Banyamulenge.

The DRC government is scapegoating these minorities for current developments. The M23 named themselves after 23 March 2009, when the government broke the agreement with the M23’s predecessor organisation, the CNDP.

The Author has been for years, researching about the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda and is a committed supporter of the survivors.

DR. Wolfgang Reinhardt.

Wolfgang Reinhardt

He was speaking at the 2nd joint virtual summit of East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State held on March 24, 2025.

The summit, co-chaired by EAC Chairperson President William Ruto of Kenya and SADC Chairperson President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe, was focused on addressing the worsening security situation in the region.

The government of the DRC has frequently accused Rwanda of violating its sovereignty, claiming that Rwanda has sent troops onto its territory and is supporting the M23 armed group, which controls large areas.

Rwanda has denied these accusations, explaining that in response to security threats originating from the DRC, such as the FDLR, it has strengthened its border security measures.

These security measures have helped prevent some of the shelling in the Rubavu District since the morning of January 27, 2025, when M23 fighters clashed with the DRC armed forces and its coalition in Goma City.

Kagame emphasized that Rwanda’s security concerns must be considered within a broader context.

'Rwanda remains concerned about our security, and this must be addressed within the framework of dealing with problems of other countries, including DRC as well,' he stated.

The summit, which was characterized by a collaborative and positive atmosphere, resulted in the appointment of five eminent persons to a newly established Panel of Facilitators tasked with finding a lasting political solution to the crisis.

Kagame reiterated the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations, stating, 'When we talk about sovereignty and territorial integrity, it should mean every country. Every country deserves respect for its territorial integrity or its sovereignty.'

Kagame’s message also underscored the significance of addressing the underlying political issues that contribute to the instability in the region.

'If you want the war to end, you end the injustice, you end political problems for not only your people, but for others, including neighbors, that are affected,' he asserted.

The meeting of the Heads of State of EAC and SADC, which followed a previous one on February 8, 2025, made decisions including calls for an end to fighting and hostilities between the conflicting parties in Eastern DRC.

This was followed by a meeting of the military chiefs of the member states leading to a report outlining how the fighting and hostilities would cease, allowing humanitarian efforts to continue without obstruction. The report was discussed and approved by the council of ministers.

Kagame also expressed cautious optimism, acknowledging the progress made in the discussions and highlighting the collective responsibility to resolve the crisis.

'I think we are making progress. We are counting on everyone to help make positive contributions towards ending all of this,' he stated.

President Kagame emphasized that Rwanda’s security concerns must be considered within a broader context.

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A total of 123 police officers have been injured during protests, Yerlikaya said on the social media platform X.

Yerlikaya emphasized that, according to Article 34 of the Constitution, “everyone has the right to organize unarmed and unaggressive meetings and demonstrations without prior permission,” but noted that this right is “restricted by law for the purposes of national security, public order, crime prevention, protection of public health and morality, or the rights and freedoms of others.”

The recent protests have gone beyond peaceful demonstrations, with certain groups abusing the right and attempting to exploit the situation to disrupt public order and attack law enforcement forces, said the minister.

“We invite our citizens to be careful against such provocations and to act with common sense,” he added.

Tens of thousands of Turks have taken to the streets since March 19 after Imamoglu was detained on charges of graft and aiding a terrorist group.

Imamoglu, from the main opposition Republican People’s Party, is considered President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s main rival in the next presidential elections.

Protesters take part in a demonstration in Ankara, Türkiye, on March 23, 2025. Turkish security forces arrested 1,133 suspects over the past five days since the start of protests against the detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, the country’s Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said Monday. (Mustafa Kaya/Handout via Xinhua)

Xinhua

Han, who served as co-chief executive and oversaw the company’s consumer electronics and mobile devices divisions, died in the hospital after suffering from cardiac arrest.

Joining Samsung in 1988, Han dedicated much of his career to TV-related divisions, helping the company become the global leader in television manufacturing. In 2022, he was appointed co-vice chairman and CEO.

Han was expected to attend a significant Samsung event unveiling new home appliances on Wednesday.

As one of the world’s largest technology companies, Samsung thrives in both components and finished consumer products, with separate CEOs leading major divisions like semiconductors.

All divisions operate under the overarching leadership of third-generation corporate heir and chairman, Lee Jae-yong.

Samsung co-CEO Han Jong-Hee reportedly died of cardiac arrest.

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John Tanui, Kenya’s principal secretary in the Ministry of Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy, highlighted the anticipated surge in e-waste due to the increasing sale of electronic products like refrigerators, TVs, and mobile phones.

He emphasized the region’s rising awareness of the health risks linked to improper e-waste disposal.

Ally Simba, EACO’s executive secretary, noted that e-waste is the fastest-growing waste stream in Africa.

Despite this, the region lacks sufficient recycling infrastructure and repair services. However, progress has been made as Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania have implemented e-waste regulations, and Uganda and Burundi have adopted national policies.

Attendees stressed the need for East African countries to align their policies with international standards to tackle the transboundary nature of e-waste.

They also called for the establishment of collection centers, recycling plants, and safe disposal mechanisms.

The conference highlighted the anticipated surge in e-waste due to the increasing sale of electronic products like refrigerators, TVs, and mobile phones.

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Goldberg first received a connection request on Signal from a user named “Michael Waltz,” which seemed to be the U.S. National Security Advisor, though he wasn’t sure at the time.

Two days later, he was added to a group chat called “Houthi PC Small Group,” where messages from “Waltz” revealed details about the operation, including targets, weapons, and attack sequencing.

Initially doubtful about the chat’s authenticity, Goldberg became convinced as the conversation contained accurate and detailed information.

After the airstrikes occurred as planned, he reached out to U.S. officials for confirmation. National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes confirmed the incident and stated they were investigating how Goldberg was added.

The incident raised serious concerns about security and operational discretion. Senate Armed Services Committee member Jack Reed and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the breach, calling it dangerous and a sign of incompetence.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed the claims, calling Goldberg “deceitful” and denying the leak of war plans. The White House, however, expressed confidence in the national security team.

The error made U.S. journalist accidentally aware of Yemen attack two hours before.

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