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Astatement from the President Office described the nexus of this meeting. 'This afternoon at Urugwiro Village, President Kagame received President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé of Togo who is serving as the appointed AU mediator in the conflict in Eastern DRC. They discussed the progress of the regional processes towards achieving durable peace in the region,' the statement read

According to the Office of the President of Togo, the visit began on April 21, 2025. 'The Head of State will engage in discussions with his Rwandan counterpart concerning the well-known causes of the war in Eastern DRC, its consequences, and the role various regional leaders are playing to resolve the crisis,' The statement reads.

The statement also emphasized that Togo prioritizes constructive dialogue and reconciliation as a path to achieving a sustainable solution to the conflict affecting the Great Lakes Region.

It further noted that President Gnassingbé reaffirmed his commitment to working with other partners in pursuit of lasting peace between Rwanda and the DRC. 'This will also help strengthen cooperation and improve bilateral relations between the two countries,' it stated.

On March 24, 2025, the Office of the President of Angola announced that President João Lourenço would no longer serve as the mediator in the Rwanda-DRC conflict. Instead, he would focus on broader continental priorities rather than regional affairs.

President Lourenço subsequently presented the candidacy of Faure Gnassingbé to the leadership of the African Union (AU) as his preferred successor for the role of mediator. The AU reviewed the proposal.
In early April 2025, the AU expressed its support for President Lourenço’s recommendation that President Gnassingbé take over as mediator in the dialogue between Rwanda and the DRC.

On April 12, 2025, the AU General Assembly officially confirmed President Gnassingbé as the new, permanent mediator tasked with helping Rwanda and the DRC resolve their ongoing tensions.

President Gnassingbé has made several visits to Rwanda in recent years to discuss a range of topics, including security and Pan-African cooperation.

Relations between Rwanda and the DRC have deteriorated in recent years, largely due to the conflict in Eastern DRC. Kinshasa accuses Kigali of supporting the M23/AFC coalition, an allegation Rwanda vehemently denies.

In turn, Rwanda accuses the DRC of supporting and collaborating with the FDLR, a terrorist group composed of remnants of perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and who continue to pose a threat to Rwandan security.

President Gnassingbé’s current visit follows another official trip he made to Kigali in January 2025, during which both nations agreed to further strengthen their bilateral cooperation.

President of Togo, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, is on a working visit to Rwanda which started on Monday April, 21, 2025.

This afternoon at Urugwiro Village, President Kagame received President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé of Togo.

IGIHE

From 1994 to 2017, a dark cloud hung over the relationship between the Church and Rwanda. Clergy were accused of inciting hatred that led to the genocide, and some even actively participated, killing people they were entrusted to guide with the Gospel.

Churches, once seen as sanctuaries for the weary, became killing grounds. Many who sought refuge within them in 1994 were slaughtered, often in the presence of priests and nuns who did nothing to stop the bloodshed.

During the 2016 National dialogue council (Umushyikirano), President Paul Kagame openly questioned why the Catholic Church had apologized for its failings in other countries, such as the U.S., Ireland, and Australia, but failed to do the same in Rwanda.

'If apologies have been issued in America, Ireland, and Australia by the Pope himself, leader of the Catholic Church, why is it that doing the same in Rwanda is perceived as admitting the Church used people to commit genocide? Why shouldn’t he do it as he did elsewhere, even for lesser crimes?'

This statement followed a controversial apology made by Rwanda’s Catholic bishops on behalf of individual Catholics who had taken part in the genocide. Many criticized it for not coming from the Church as an institution.

A turning point in 2017

On May 20, 2017, President Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame visited the Vatican, where they met Pope Francis. The encounter marked a diplomatic breakthrough.

During their meeting, Pope Francis requested for 'God’s forgiveness for the sins and failings of the Church and its members, including clergy, who were overcome by hatred and violence, and abandoned their evangelical mission' in what had happened in Rwanda.

He expressed 'deep personal sorrow, sorrow from the Holy See, and from the entire Church,' and emphasized his 'solidarity with those who were devastated and those still affected by the tragedy.'

'He humbly acknowledged the Church’s moral failings during that time, failings that stained its image,' it was noted. This long-awaited apology came at a critical time. Tensions were high, and some Church members said there were those in Rwanda who wanted to bring the Church to its knees.

On May 20, 2017, President Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame visited the Vatican.

Was the Church forced to its knees?

Bishop Emeritus Smaragde Mbonyintege of the Kabgayi Diocese told IGIHE that there were individuals in Rwanda who wanted to forcibly subdue the Church into apologizing.

'I thank God that this issue was resolved by Pope Francis and President Kagame. There was a lot of misunderstanding and bad faith. Some wanted to humiliate the Church instead of fostering reconciliation.

You can’t demand, 'Kneel and apologize so I can show you the truth.’ That’s not how healing works,' he said.
He explained that while apologies had been made multiple times, some remained unsatisfied, 'because they wanted submission, not reconciliation.'

According to him, Pope Francis’s decision to apologize stemmed from his shared understanding with President Kagame on certain key points.

'First, the Pope emphasized, and President Kagame acknowledged, that the Church is 100% against genocide. Pope John Paul II had already said it on May 11, 1994. 'What is happening in Rwanda is genocide, and some Christians are involved. They will be held accountable by history.’'

President Kagame welcomed the apology and praised Pope Francis’s courage. 'For the Pope to take responsibility shows bravery.' During their meeting, Pope Francis and President Kagame exchanged symbolic gifts. The President gave the Pope a staff adorned with pearls, and the Pope gave him a hand-drawn image.

'It was a meaningful gift. It depicted a journey from darkness and desert to flourishing fields, a metaphor for the path our country is on,' Kagame said.

At the time of his death, there was growing hope that he would visit Rwanda, potentially becoming the second pope ever to visit the 'land of a thousand hills.'

The legacy of Pope Francis

Those who met Pope Francis described him as humble, wise, and in touch with the times. His reforms included increasing women’s participation in Church leadership.

Bishop Philippe Rukamba once said, 'He was a simple man, uninterested in extravagance […] He even questioned the necessity of papal residences. He wanted a Church that walks with the people, hears their struggles, and draws near to them. He was approachable, you’d tell him you’re from Rwanda, and he’d ask, 'How are things back home?’ Living and working with him was easy.'

Pope Francis died having elevated Rwanda’s first-ever Cardinal, Antoine Kambanda, who now holds the right to vote in the papal conclave. It was a historic moment for the Rwandan Church.

The Catholic Church plays a vital role in Rwanda, not only spiritually but also socially and economically, with over 2,700 schools, numerous health centers, and investments in sectors like finance and hospitality.

At the time of his death, there was growing hope that he would visit Rwanda, potentially becoming the second pope ever to visit the 'land of a thousand hills.'

He passed away shortly after a new cause was launched to canonize Rwandan Christians who sacrificed their lives to save others during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Over his 12-year papacy, Pope Francis visited 68 countries in 47 trips. One long-awaited visit that never materialized was to his home country, Argentina.

He died peacefully at his residence, Casa Santa Marta, in Vatican City. The last leader he met was U.S. Vice President JD Vince.

During their meeting, Pope Francis requested for 'God’s forgiveness for the sins and failings of the Church and its members, including clergy, who were overcome by hatred and violence, and abandoned their evangelical mission' in what had happened in Rwanda.

IGIHE

Yoon entered a courtroom of the Seoul Central District Court around 9:57 a.m. local time (0057 GMT) after arriving at the court through its underground parking lot.

He was photographed and filmed in the defendant’s seat by photographers and cameramen, who left the courtroom before the hearing was formally launched.

On April 4, the constitutional court upheld a motion by the parliament to impeach Yoon over his short-lived martial law imposition. With the court’s decision, the conservative leader officially lost all presidential power.

Yoon declared an emergency martial law on the night of Dec. 3 last year, but it was revoked by the opposition-led National Assembly hours later.

The impeachment motion against Yoon was passed in the parliament on Dec. 14 last year.

Yoon was apprehended in the presidential office on Jan. 15 and was indicted under detention on Jan. 26 as a suspected ringleader of insurrection.

If convicted of being the insurrection ringleader, Yoon could face the death penalty or life imprisonment.

He was released on March 8 as the prosecution decided not to appeal against the court’s release approval.

South Korea’s ousted President Yoon Suk-yeol attends the second hearing of his criminal trial over insurrection charges in Seoul, South Korea, April 21, 2025. (Newsis via Xinhua)

Xinhua

“Our heavy hearts have been somewhat eased, however, to know that His Holiness was able to share an Easter greeting with the Church and the world he served with such devotion throughout his life and ministry.

“His Holiness will be remembered for his compassion, his concern for the unity of the Church and for his tireless commitment to the common causes of all people of faith, and to those of goodwill who work for the benefit of others.

“His belief that care for creation is an existential expression of faith in God resounded with so many across the world. Through his work and care for both people and planet, he profoundly touched the lives of so many,'

“The Queen and I remember with particular affection our meetings with His Holiness over the years and we were greatly moved to have been able to visit him earlier in the month.

“We send our most heartfelt condolences and profound sympathy to the Church he served with such resolve and to the countless people around the world who, inspired by his life, will be mourning the devastating loss of this faithful follower of Jesus Christ.”

The King and Queen had a 'very significant and special' meeting with the ailing Pope Francis just 12 days ago. The couple’s historic state visit to the Vatican in early April was cancelled because of the Pope’s poor health, but the pair managed to visit the head of the Roman Catholic Church privately during their trip to Italy.

Charles and Camilla’s meeting with the Pope in what would be his final weeks was arranged at the last minute and took place on their 20th wedding anniversary on April 9, with the pontiff wanting to personally wish them a happy anniversary.

Meanwhile the Roman Catholic hurch is deeply mourning the depature of the pontiff. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, from the chapel of the Domus Santa Marta, where Francis lived shared a tribute.

'At 7.35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalized,' he said.

'With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite, merciful love of God, One and Tribune.”

King Charles and Queen Camilla have paid tribute to Pope Francis after his death.

IGIHE

His death comes after years of fragile health. The pontiff had long battled respiratory complications stemming from a serious illness in his youth, which led to the removal of part of his lung at the age of 21.

In recent months, his condition had deteriorated significantly, with multiple hospitalisations due to bronchitis and other complications.

Despite his failing health, Pope Francis remained deeply engaged in his pastoral mission, often addressing issues of injustice and human suffering around the world, including the legacy of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

As the first Jesuit pope and the first non-European pope in over 1,200 years, Pope Francis — born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina — brought with him a distinctly global perspective.

In 2017, Pope Francis made a historic and unprecedented gesture when he publicly acknowledged and apologised for the role of the Catholic Church in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Speaking during a meeting with President Paul Kagame at the Vatican on March 20, 2017, the Pope expressed deep sorrow:

'I feel the pain, the sorrow, and the shame of the fact that some of the Church’s sons, ministers, priests, have been involved in the genocide, in that unspeakable crime. I ask forgiveness for the scandal that this has caused to the Church and to all humanity.'

It was a moment that shifted the tone of relations between the Vatican and Rwanda. For years, survivors and the Rwandan government had called for an acknowledgement of the Church’s complicity.

Some members of the clergy were directly involved in atrocities, while others failed to protect victims or speak out. Pope Francis’s direct and heartfelt apology broke with the Church’s prior reluctance to confront its failings.

President Kagame welcomed the gesture, calling it 'an important step in the journey of reconciliation.' Many Rwandans viewed the apology as a powerful act of humility and truth-telling—qualities Pope Francis consistently championed.

A Cardinal for Rwanda

Another major milestone in Rwanda’s relationship with the Catholic Church under Pope Francis came in 2021, when he appointed Archbishop Antoine Kambanda as the country’s first cardinal. A genocide survivor himself, Cardinal Kambanda’s elevation was both a personal recognition and a national symbol of Rwanda’s journey from tragedy to hope.

'This is not just a personal honour,' Cardinal Kambanda said after his appointment. 'It is an acknowledgement of the progress Rwanda has made in healing and in building a future based on justice, peace, and unity.'

Another major milestone in Rwanda’s relationship with the Catholic Church under Pope Francis came in 2021, when he appointed Archbishop Antoine Kambanda as the country’s first cardinal.

By naming Kambanda a cardinal, Pope Francis affirmed Rwanda’s place in the global Catholic community and highlighted the Church’s role in the country’s healing process. The decision was also widely seen as reinforcing the Vatican’s commitment to local leadership and its desire to support African voices in shaping the future of the Church.

A Papacy of reconciliation and courage

Throughout his twelve-year papacy, Pope Francis emphasised a Church that is humble, compassionate, and willing to confront uncomfortable truths. His philosophy of leadership was deeply influenced by his own experiences in Argentina during the Dirty War, where he quietly helped victims of state violence. That background helped shape his emphasis on social justice and his refusal to let the Church remain silent in the face of moral crises.

His approach to Rwanda reflected this ethos. He did not shy away from the uncomfortable legacy left by the Church during the Genocide against the Tutsi. Instead, he took ownership, offering not just words but gestures that signalled a readiness to accompany Rwandans on their path to healing.

As he once said in his meeting with Kagame, 'Reconciliation is a gift that God gives, but it requires an active commitment from everyone. Only through dialogue, mutual respect, and a willingness to heal the wounds of the past can we build a future of peace.'

Pope Francis’s legacy extends far beyond Rwanda. He is remembered globally for his progressive views, humility, and concern for the marginalised. From advocating for climate justice to addressing income inequality, from engaging in interfaith dialogue to supporting migrants and refugees, he continually reoriented the Catholic Church toward service.

But in Rwanda, his legacy is particularly profound. It is the legacy of a man who looked into the face of a nation’s pain and responded not with defensiveness, but with repentance and solidarity. In doing so, he helped to begin mending a broken relationship and set an example for moral leadership.

As Rwanda continues its journey of remembrance and reconstruction, Pope Francis will be remembered as the pope who listened, who apologised, and who walked alongside a grieving nation with grace and courage.

In 2017, during a meeting with President Paul Kagame at the Vatican, Pope Francis made a historic and unprecedented gesture when he publicly acknowledged and apologized for the role of the Catholic Church in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

This marks the first time in history that a Rwandan will be among the cardinal-electors in a papal conclave—and Cardinal Kambanda himself is also eligible to be elected pope.

On November 28, 2020, Pope Francis elevated Antoine Kambanda to the rank of cardinal, making him the first Rwandan in history to attain that position.

Following Pope Francis’ death, a conclave of selected cardinals will convene to elect a new pope. The gathering is expected to take place between May 6 and 11, 2025, in the Sistine Chapel in Rome, as prescribed by Church law.

Among the more than 120 cardinals eligible to vote is Cardinal Antoine Kambanda. Notably, only cardinals under the age of 80 may take part in the election, Cardinal Kambanda, at age 67, meets this requirement.

Although rare, there is no law preventing any cardinal from being elected pope. This means that Cardinal Antoine Kambanda is not only a voter—but also a viable candidate for the papacy.

Once a new pope has been elected and accepts the role, the ballots are ceremonially burned with chemicals that produce white smoke. The senior cardinal then steps out and announces to the public: “Habemus Papam”, which means “We have a Pope.”

Cardinal Antoine Kambanda is set to participate in the election of a new pope to succeed Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025.

IGIHE

'At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father,' Farrell said in a statement.

“His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church,” he added.

Pope Francis’ passing on Easter Monday is a blow to the global Catholic community, casting a shadow over one of the most sacred days in the Christian calendar. It leaves millions mourning during a time traditionally reserved for hope and renewal.

The Pope had been hospitalised several times in recent months due to health concerns, the most critical of which occurred in late February. On February 28, Pope Francis suffered a severe breathing crisis and was rushed to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.

Dr. Sergio Alfieri, the Pope’s lead physician, revealed that at one point, the medical team seriously considered halting treatment due to the pontiff’s deteriorating condition.

Pope Francis experienced a violent bronchospasm and aspirated vomit, which endangered multiple organ systems. The medical team faced a critical decision: whether to stop treatment and allow him to pass peacefully, or continue with aggressive interventions despite the risk of further damage to his organs.

After a tense discussion, they chose to proceed with treatment, and Pope Francis remained alert during the crisis, although at one point, doctors feared he might not survive the night.

Thanks to quick intervention and the efforts of his medical team, which included a non-invasive aspiration procedure and intensive medication, Pope Francis’ condition was stabilised. However, just days later, he suffered a second acute respiratory episode, which required the insertion of a specialised tube to clear his lungs.

The Vatican’s transparency during the Pope’s hospitalisation was notable, with daily updates on his condition. According to Dr. Alfieri, Pope Francis insisted on honesty about his health status, stating, 'He wanted the truth about his condition to be shared. Nothing was hidden or omitted.'

After 38 days in the hospital, the Pope was discharged on March 23, appearing frail but determined. He thanked well-wishers from a hospital balcony, expressing gratitude for their prayers. Following his discharge, the Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis would undergo a strict two-month recovery period at his Vatican residence, Casa Santa Marta, with continuous medical supervision and oxygen support.

Despite his recovery, Pope Francis continued to face health challenges.

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, became the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church in 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI on February 28, 2013.

Known for his humility, compassion, and commitment to social justice, he broke new ground in the papacy, emphasizing the importance of caring for the poor, the environment, and promoting interfaith dialogue.

Pope Francis passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, Kabasinga shared her experiences, ranging from the daily struggles of her job to the broader issues of tracking genocide suspects and the urgent need to combat the rising tide of genocide ideology.

Kabasinga noted that a major challenge in prosecuting genocide suspects lies in identifying them, as many deliberately conceal their identities. Some change their names and nationalities, claiming to be Congolese, Zimbabwean, Malawian, or Cameroonian, which complicates the process of bringing them to justice.

“They change names, claim to be Congolese, Zimbabwean, Malawian, or Cameroonian. So, imagine trying to convince someone in Cameroon that their neighbour took part in the Genocide in Rwanda—it’s not easy,” she explained.

Another major hurdle is the difficulty of international cooperation in extraditing suspects. Countries require detailed documentation before arresting and handing over individuals. This demands that prosecutors in those countries fully understand the gravity of the crimes, which is not always the case.

Kabasinga highlighted legal barriers in some nations, where their laws prevent the extradition of individuals who have acquired citizenship, preferring instead to try them domestically, if at all.

“Some countries question why they should spend millions of dollars prosecuting these individuals, sending them to prison for life. They see it as a financial burden and say, 'This isn’t our problem.’ That’s one of the core challenges,” she added.

She also pointed to a disturbing trend where some genocide perpetrators seek refuge under the guise of being political opponents of the Rwandan government. This narrative is often accepted by host countries, giving them undeserved protection.

During her time at the ICTR, Kabasinga found it particularly difficult to work with foreign colleagues who lacked an in-depth understanding of Rwanda’s history.

“As a Rwandan, sitting in court and listening to a witness say, 'I was hiding in a sorghum field,’ the translation into French or English sometimes didn’t capture the full meaning. A judge from Norway, for example, might not even know what sorghum is or how one could hide there. It was hard for us Rwandans because I couldn’t just turn around and explain everything to the court,” Kabasinga recounted.

She recalled the case of François Karera, the former prefect of Kigali, whose trial began in 2006. Prosecutors requested that the entire court visit Rwanda to better understand the history of the Genocide, which proved instrumental in delivering a sound judgment. Karera was convicted of genocide and crimes against humanity and sentenced to life imprisonment.

Genocide perpetrators should not still be free

Kabasinga stressed that, in 2025, it is unacceptable that some individuals who took part in the Genocide against the Tutsi have still not been brought to justice. She warned that this fuels a culture of impunity.

“When countries refuse to prosecute these individuals, the message sent is clear: 'If it happens again, there will be no consequences.’ That should never be acceptable.”

She further noted with concern that genocide ideology is on the rise, even among the younger generation—a worrying trend that could lead to history repeating itself elsewhere.

She pointed out that some individuals living abroad are engaged in denial and minimisation of the Genocide against the Tutsi and are actively influencing Rwandan youth with their propaganda. Stronger measures are needed to stop this.

Kabasinga called for intensive education of young people about Rwanda’s history so they can recognise and reject false narratives.

She also confirmed that, internationally, efforts to punish those spreading genocide ideology remain weak and inconsistent. She urged nations to take this issue seriously and adopt firm stances.

Kabasinga also emphasized that trivializing genocide ideology must never be tolerated at the international level.

Kabasinga Florida revealed that during her time at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, she faced challenges working with people who did not fully understand Rwanda’s history.

Kabasinga emphasised that the genocide ideology should not be given any platform or legitimacy.

Kabasinga pointed out that some individuals living abroad are engaged in denial and minimisation of the Genocide against the Tutsi and are actively influencing Rwandan youth with their propaganda. Stronger measures are needed to stop this.

The former ICTR prosecutor also confirmed that, internationally, efforts to punish those spreading genocide ideology remain weak and inconsistent.

IGIHE

The ministry said Russian troops “remained at previously occupied lines and positions” while Ukrainian troops “attempted to attack the positions of Russian troops” in the Donetsk region overnight.

It added that Ukrainian forces had fired at Russian positions 444 times and counted more than 900 Ukrainian drone attacks.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sunday that 26 Russian assault actions have taken place from 00:00 (2100 GMT on Saturday) to noon (0900 GMT), accusing Russia of violating its self-declared ceasefire.

Putin said the truce starts from 6 p.m. local time (1500 GMT) on Saturday and lasts until midnight on Sunday into Monday (2100 GMT on Sunday). Zelensky said on Saturday that Ukraine will respond in kind to the ceasefire.

The Russian Defence Ministry said Sunday that it repelled Ukrainian attacks overnight amid a unilateral Easter truce declared by Russian President Vladimir Putin, while Ukraine accused Russia of violating the ceasefire.

Xinhua