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Yamagami admitted to the crime during the trial, and while he expressed remorse, his defense raised complex issues regarding his troubled upbringing and resentment toward the Unification Church, which his mother was deeply involved in.

Yamagami’s defense team argued that he was a victim of religious abuse, claiming that his mother’s devotion to the church financially ruined the family.

They presented evidence that the family lost 100 million yen ($633,000) to the church, leaving Yamagami bitter toward Abe, whose connections to the church were revealed during the investigation.

Yamagami believed that Abe’s ties to the controversial group indirectly caused his family’s downfall, fueling his desire for revenge.

However, the prosecution countered that Yamagami’s act was cold-blooded and malicious, with Judge Shinichi Tanaka describing his actions as 'despicable and extremely malicious' because Yamagami shot Abe from behind during an unguarded moment.

Yamagami, who had assembled a homemade gun from metal pipes and duct tape, shot Abe twice, killing him instantly. His actions triggered a national investigation into the Unification Church, which had been criticized for its financial exploitation of followers and its ties to Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).

The case also led to the resignation of several ministers whose connections to the church were exposed. Despite his defense team’s plea for a lighter sentence, arguing that Yamagami’s violent act was an emotional response to his family’s suffering, many felt that the crime could not be justified.

In a tearful testimony, Akie Abe, the widow of the former Prime Minister, spoke of the profound sorrow her husband’s death caused.

'I just wanted him to stay alive,' she said. The Unification Church, a South Korean-founded organization, has faced scrutiny for its aggressive financial demands and its controversial mass weddings.

Last year, a Tokyo court revoked the church’s religious corporation status due to its coercive donation practices.

Tetsuya Yamagami, 45, was arrested after killing Abe in July 2022.

Rania Umutoni

Addressing the UPR on Wednesday, Rwanda’s Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Dr. Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, said that in 2022, 165,000 jobs were created, followed by 352,000 in 2023 and 430,000 in 2024, as part of the country’s ongoing efforts to expand employment opportunities, particularly for youth, and to promote inclusive economic growth. Specialised training programs and skills development initiatives also trained over 27,000 people during the same period.

The UPR, a peer review mechanism established by the United Nations, provides a platform for countries to report on progress in human rights and socio-economic development. Rwanda’s fourth cycle, held on January 21, 2026, highlighted achievements since the previous review in January 2021, including progress in employment, education, health, and social protection.

Dr. Ugirashebuja detailed other key indicators that reflect Rwanda’s rapid recovery and development since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Access to electricity increased from 4.3 percent in 2006 to 72 percent in 2024, while improved drinking water coverage rose from 70 percent in 2006 to 90 percent in 2024. Life expectancy improved from 49 years in 1994 to nearly 70 years in 2024. Access to financial services expanded from 21 percent in 2008 to 94 percent in 2024.

On social protection, Rwanda has reduced national poverty from 39.8 percent in 2017 to 27.4 percent in 2024, lifting about 1.5 million people out of poverty. Extreme poverty also fell from 11.3 percent to 5.4 percent over the same period. The Vision Umurenge Program currently supports over 1.2 million vulnerable beneficiaries with monthly cash transfers, while the Imibereho Dynamic Social Registry now tracks more than 3.5 million households nationwide.

Rwanda’s delegation also highlighted progress in education and health. Gross enrollment for children aged 3 to 17 rose from 79.6 percent in 2022—2023 to 92.1 percent in 2023—2024, and net enrollment increased from 53 percent to nearly 60 percent. In health, under-5 mortality declined from 45 per 1,000 live births in 2020 to 36 in 2025, while maternal care coverage remains high, with 95 percent of women receiving at least one antenatal visit and 98 percent of deliveries attended by skilled health personnel.

Rwanda’s fourth UPR also highlighted progress in gender equality, noting that women hold 63.3 percent of seats in the Chamber of Deputies and 53.8 percent in the Senate, with women holding senior positions across the judiciary, prosecution, central bank, and other key institutions. Financial inclusion for women has also increased to 96 percent, up from 92 percent in 2020.

The Rwandan delegation, which included Ambassador Urujeni Bakuramutsa and officials from the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), and the Ministry of Local Government, emphasized that the country approaches the UPR process with a spirit of openness and constructive dialogue, using it as a platform to strengthen citizen-centered policies and institutional reforms.

“We are here to listen, to respond, and to consider recommendations in good faith, guided by our constitution, our international obligations, and our national priorities,” Dr. Ugirashebuja stated.

Rwanda noted that it remains committed to building on its progress, addressing challenges such as climate-related impacts, teenage pregnancy, and lingering socio-economic vulnerabilities, through sustained reforms and strengthened partnerships to enhance the rights and well-being of all Rwandans.

President Paul Kagame presides over the official inauguration of Anjia Cement Factory in Muhanga District on August 3, 2023. Initiatives like this have contributed to the creation of more than 949,000 new jobs in Rwanda between 2022 and 2024.

The job creation numbers were among figures presented by the Rwandan delegation during Rwanda’s fourth Universal Periodic Review (UPR) at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.

The Rwandan delegation included Ambassador Urujeni Bakuramutsa and officials from the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), and the Ministry of Local Government.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Addressing the UPR on Wednesday, January 21, Rwanda’s Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Dr. Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, emphasised that the government continues to prioritise the rights and livelihoods of its citizens through legal, institutional, and social reforms.

'Rwanda approaches the UPR with a spirit of openness and constructive dialogue,' Dr. Ugirashebuja said. 'This platform allows us to present measurable outcomes and to continue improving the lives of all Rwandans.'

The delegation reported notable achievements in access to justice, including the resolution of over 38,000 cases through alternative dispute resolution mechanisms such as mediation and plea bargaining between 2022 and 2026. Rwanda also inaugurated an alternative dispute resolution center in Kigali in 2024, which has mediated almost 200 cases and facilitated the resolution of 564 others, with plans to expand similar centers to other provinces.

Reforms aimed at rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders were highlighted, with 9,387 inmates released on parole and 434 receiving presidential pardons between 2021 and 2024. These initiatives have contributed to Rwanda being ranked first in Africa on the World Justice Project Rule of Law Index in both 2024 and 2025, and 39th globally.

On social protection, the delegation presented strong gains in poverty reduction and financial inclusion. The national poverty rate fell from 39.8 percent in 2017 to 27.4 percent in 2024, lifting approximately 1.5 million people out of poverty, while extreme poverty declined from 11.3 percent to 5.4 percent.

Through the Vision Umurenge Program, over 1.2 million vulnerable citizens, including older people, persons with disabilities, and pregnant or lactating women, receive monthly cash transfers, helping to protect households from extreme poverty and income insecurity.

Rwanda has also strengthened its social registry, Imibereho, which now registers over 3.5 million households, enabling more precise targeting of social protection programs. At the community level, 14,719 parasocial workers coach households, connect beneficiaries to services, and promote sustainable livelihoods.

Dr. Ugirashebuja further highlighted Rwanda’s commitment to gender equality and the rights of children, reporting continued progress in women’s representation across government and the private sector, as well as a decline in child labour from 4 percent in 2016—2017 to around 3 percent today.

'Rwanda continues to face challenges, including climate-related impacts and residual socio-economic vulnerabilities,' Dr. Ugirashebuja said. 'However, the government reaffirms its commitment to sustained reforms, prevention strategies, and partnerships to further improve the rights and livelihoods of all Rwandans.'

Rwanda’s delegation also highlighted progress in education and health. Gross enrollment for children aged 3 to 17 rose from 79.6 percent in 2022—2023 to 92.1 percent in 2023—2024, and net enrollment increased from 53 percent to nearly 60 percent.

In health, under-5 mortality declined from 45 per 1,000 live births in 2020 to 36 in 2025, while maternal care coverage remains high, with 95 percent of women receiving at least one antenatal visit and 98 percent of deliveries attended by skilled health personnel.

The Rwandan delegation also noted improvements in civil liberties, media freedom, and access to information, as well as ongoing reforms to enhance transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement.

The UPR, a peer review mechanism established by the United Nations, provides a platform for countries to report on progress in human rights and socio-economic development. Rwanda’s fourth UPR report underscores the country’s people-centered approach to human rights, demonstrating measurable progress in justice, social protection, and inclusive development since the previous review in 2021.

Besides the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Dr. Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, the Rwandan delegation included Rwanda’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Ambassador Urujeni Bakuramutsa, as well as officials from the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), and the Ministry of Local Government.

Rwanda’s delegation to the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva highlighted significant progress in access to justice, social protections, and citizen-centred reforms.

The Rwandan delegation included Ambassador Urujeni Bakuramutsa and officials from the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), and the Ministry of Local Government.

The delegation reported notable achievements in access to justice, including the resolution of over 38,000 cases through alternative dispute resolution mechanisms such as mediation and plea bargaining between 2022 and 2026.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Rwanda has firmly positioned itself as one of Africa’s top travel destinations, with impressive growth in tourism over the years. In 2024, the country welcomed over 1.36 million visitors, generating a record $647 million in revenue.

This growth is expected to continue in 2025, with RDB targeting over $700 million in tourism revenue, driven by sustained investment in conservation, infrastructure, and global events. By 2029, Rwanda aims to boost its tourism revenue to $1.1 billion annually, up from $620 million in 2023, as part of its National Strategy for Transformation (NST2).

A big part of this success comes from protecting nature. There are now over 1,060 mountain gorillas in the world, and many live safely in Volcanoes National Park. Money from visits pays for guards, land care, and help for nearby communities. It’s a simple idea that works: people come to see the animals, and that helps keep them safe.

But Rwanda offers much more than gorillas. You can watch playful golden monkeys jumping in the bamboo one day, then drive to Akagera National Park the next to see lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo on open plains.

In Nyungwe Forest, you can zip-line high above the trees or walk quiet trails to find chimpanzees. Lake Kivu has calm beaches perfect for swimming, boating, or just relaxing. And in Kigali, the city feels alive with good food, street art, and busy markets selling local handmade items.

Travel here is easy and safe. Rwanda ranks among the safest countries in the world on the 2026 safety lists, with clean streets and low crime. Roads are good, hotels range from cozy lodges to modern chains, and everything connects well.

Many visitors work with travel and tour operators who take care of permits, drives, and plans so you don’t have to worry. These local experts know the best spots and help make trips smooth from start to finish.

What really stands out is how kind Rwandans are. People smile easily, chat openly, and make you feel at home. Adding culture makes it even better: strong drum shows that get your heart beating, beautiful Intore dances (now on UNESCO’s world heritage list), or visits to places like the King’s Palace Museum that share old stories.

All this is really just a small taste of what Rwanda has. There are hidden paths, quiet retreats, and more surprises waiting. If you’re thinking about your next trip, now is the perfect time to choose Rwanda. Travel and tour operators are there to guide you every step, 2026 could turn into your best travel year yet in the Land of a Thousand Hills.

Travel enthusiasts visiting Akagera National Park stand a chance to capture breathtaking photographs.

Théophile Niyitegeka

NISR figures show that domestic passengers on RwandAir increased from 22,519 in 2023 to 30,066 in 2024. The flights operate on the airline’s only domestic route, linking Kigali to Kamembe in Rusizi District.

The route is served by RwandAir’s Bombardier Q-400 NextGen aircraft. Covering a distance of 147.42 kilometres, the flight takes about 40 minutes from Kanombe International Airport.

RwandAir says the current economy-class fare on the Kigali—Kamembe route stands at USD 88 (approximately Rwf 128,000).

The rise in domestic passenger numbers marks a continuation of the post-pandemic recovery. Before the Covid-19 outbreak, RwandAir carried 20,281 domestic passengers in 2019. Traffic declined sharply during the pandemic, before beginning to rebound in 2022, when 15,821 passengers were recorded on the route.

Growth in domestic travel has also contributed to an increase in RwandAir’s overall passenger volumes, including international traffic. Total passengers carried by the national airline rose from 927,836 in 2023 to 1,034,887 in 2024.

Cargo volumes also expanded during the same period. International cargo carried by RwandAir increased from 16,462.2 tonnes in 2023 to 20,689.54 tonnes in 2024. Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, the airline transported 12,349.66 tonnes of cargo in 2019.

Looking ahead, Rwanda expects air transport capacity to expand significantly once the new Kigali International Airport under construction in Bugesera becomes operational. The airport is projected to handle up to eight million passengers annually, compared with just over one million passengers handled at Kanombe International Airport in 2024.

The first phase of the Bugesera airport is scheduled for completion in 2027/28, while the second phase is expected to be completed by 2034, ultimately raising annual passenger handling capacity to 14 million.

NISR figures show that domestic passengers on RwandAir increased from 22,519 in 2023 to 30,066 in 2024. The flights operate on the airline’s only domestic route, linking Kigali to Kamembe in Rusizi District.

IGIHE

“The secretary-general condemns in the strongest terms the Israeli authorities’ actions to demolish” the Sheikh Jarrah compound of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), the statement said.

It said that, as Guterres “has repeatedly and unequivocally stated, including in his letter to the Prime Minister of Israel on 8 January 2026, the Sheikh Jarrah compound remains United Nations premises, and is inviolable and immune from any form of interference.”

The secretary-general urges the Israeli government to immediately cease the demolition of the compound, and to return and restore the compound and other UNRWA premises to the United Nations without delay, the statement said.

It added that Guterres views as wholly unacceptable the continued escalatory actions against UNRWA, which are inconsistent with Israel’s clear obligations under international law, including the UN Charter and the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday condemned Israel’s demolition of a UN compound in East Jerusalem, Farhan Haq, deputy spokesperson for the UN chief, said in a statement.

Xinhua

Speaking to the BBC from an undisclosed location, Wine said he had decided against filing a petition despite concerns over his safety following the election. He added that he would continue to engage in political activism and advocacy through constitutional avenues.

'The judiciary in Uganda is captured, and we encourage Ugandans to use any legal means to fight back and protect their democracy,' said the 43-year-old pop star turned politician whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi.

President Yoweri Museveni, 81, was declared the winner of the presidential poll by the Electoral Commission on Saturday, securing a seventh term in office. Official results showed Museveni obtained about 72 percent of the vote, while Wine, his closest challenger, garnered around 25 percent.

Wine, who previously challenged Museveni’s victory in the 2021 election before later withdrawing his petition, said his current decision reflected lessons learned from past experience. He has called on supporters to remain calm and to pursue what he described as peaceful and constitutional action.

During the BBC interview, Wine said he was in hiding after leaving his home in a Kampala suburb, citing heightened security presence in the area. He also expressed concern about the wellbeing of his family, saying access to his residence had been restricted. Police have denied raiding his home, stating that security deployments were intended to ensure his safety as a presidential candidate.

Ugandan authorities have not directly responded to Wine’s latest remarks. However, the Uganda Human Rights Commission said that while there were technical and procedural challenges on polling day, they did not undermine the overall credibility of the election.

The African Union Election Observation Mission said it found no evidence of widespread irregularities but criticised the temporary nationwide internet shutdown that was imposed during and after polling.

In his victory address, President Museveni, who has led Uganda since 1986, called for unity and peace, saying the election demonstrated the continued dominance of his National Resistance Movement (NRM). He outlined priorities for his new term, including wealth creation, poverty reduction, improved public services and a renewed fight against corruption.

Uganda’s opposition leader Bobi Wine has confirmed he will not challenge the outcome of last week’s presidential election in court.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

This announcement came as part of his broader strategy to bring stability to the region following the prolonged conflict.

The Board of Peace’s primary objectives include ensuring the continuation of the current ceasefire, facilitating demilitarization, aiding in the reconstruction of Gaza’s infrastructure, and helping the region transition from conflict to peace. The plan also aims to attract international investment for rebuilding efforts and improving governance capacity in Gaza.

The Board of Peace would be an unprecedented initiative in the realm of international diplomacy, as it would be led under U.S. oversight, with President Trump personally serving as its chair.

While the United Nations typically handles peacekeeping efforts, this new Board seeks to offer an alternative, with a more strategic oversight role in managing peace and security. This approach has drawn both support and criticism from various quarters, as countries analyze the potential shift in how international peace efforts are managed.

So far, over 10 countries have accepted invitations to join the initiative, with several nations making public announcements. Countries like the United Arab Emirates, Belarus, Morocco, Hungary, and Canada are among the first to confirm their participation.

Notably, countries contributing $1 billion to the Board will be granted permanent membership, while others will have the opportunity to serve on a three-year term basis without the financial contribution. This unique membership model has stirred some debate, with some countries, like Canada, opting to participate but not contribute financially for permanent seats.

The initiative is still in its early stages, with more countries expected to join, but there is some hesitation from other parts of the world. Several international leaders have expressed caution, fearing that the Board could undermine the role of established organizations like the United Nations in peacekeeping operations.

Nonetheless, Trump has remained adamant about the potential for the Board to become a significant diplomatic body. The U.S. hopes to hold a signing ceremony for the Board during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where world leaders are expected to gather this week.

The formation of the Board has also raised questions about its long-term impact on international diplomacy and peace efforts. Critics argue that the Board’s structure could shift diplomatic influence away from traditional peacekeeping organizations, potentially leading to a more U.S.-centric approach to global peace. However, supporters of the plan see this as a practical step forward, providing a unique platform for nations willing to contribute resources and actively participate in rebuilding efforts in Gaza.

As the situation unfolds, the U.S. and its allies are working on finalizing the list of founding members of the Board and determining the next steps for the peace process in Gaza. With discussions continuing at the World Economic Forum, the world will soon see how this initiative will shape international peace efforts moving forward.

President Donald J. Trump has announced a new initiative, the 'Board of Peace,' an international body aimed at supporting the next phase of peace and reconstruction efforts in Gaza, with more than 10 countries reported to have joined.

Rania Umutoni

Macron made the remarks at the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos, arguing that Europe must become “more realistic” in defending its interests as global competition intensifies and rules-based governance weakens.

Addressing rising trade tensions, Macron criticized the United States for an “endless accumulation of new tariffs,” describing the approach as “fundamentally unacceptable.”

“Even more so when they are used as leverage against territorial sovereignty,” he said.

Macron urged renewed commitment to effective multilateralism, saying international law is being trampled and collective governance weakened, creating a world in which “the law of the strongest” increasingly prevails.

France holds the G7 presidency this year, Macron said, pledging to use it to promote frank dialogue and practical solutions, while calling on partners to avoid trade wars and protectionist escalation that “will only produce losers.”

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday that the United States will impose 10-percent tariffs on all goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, Britain, the Netherlands and Finland over Greenland starting on Feb. 1.

Those tariffs would increase to 25 percent on June 1, and would continue until a deal is reached for the United States to purchase Greenland, he said on social media.

Greenland, the world’s largest island, is a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, with Copenhagen retaining control over defense and foreign policy. Since returning to office in 2025, Trump has repeatedly expressed a desire to “obtain” Greenland.

French President Emmanuel Macron speaks at the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, Jan. 20, 2026.

Xinhua