Category: Uncategorized

Amb. Igor delivered this message on April 12 in Berlin, as the Rwandan community in Germany commemorated the 31st anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

The commemoration event included a Walk to Remember and the lighting of the Flame of Hope. Participants also observed a moment of silence to honor the victims of the genocide.

Addressing the gathered participants, Amb. Igor emphasized the historical context of the genocide, stating, “The genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda from April to July 1994 was the culmination of decades long ethnic based hate and ideology of division instigated, taught and spread since the colonial period in Rwanda by the colonial administrations, the Catholic White Fathers, the missionaries that led Rwanda and built their policies on ethnic division and hatred against Tutsi.”

He further detailed Belgium’s direct involvement, explaining, “This led to recurring cycles of genocidal violence, waves of unpunished killings and massacres of Tutsi between 1959-1963 under the supervision of Belgian military officers mandated by the Belgian Administration.”

According to the ambassador, this “colonial administration installed a culture of impunity, enabling the deep-rooted hatred that led to the planning and execution of the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994.”

The Ambassador also criticized Belgium’s contemporary stance, asserting, “Genocide ideology and genocide denial prevails and it is still being spread in neighbouring countries and abroad, under the cover and support of some western countries among which Belgium, a country that has deep rooted responsibilities in Rwanda’s tragic past.”

Amb. Igor also expressed his disapproval of recent political decisions in Europe, pointedly referencing the cancellation of a genocide commemoration event in Belgium.

He argued that “suspending a commemoration because of a tense political climate sends a clear message: that remembrance and commemoration is optional…That it can wait,” directly challenging the idea that remembrance is secondary to political considerations.

He concluded by stressing the fundamental importance of memory and its role in confronting difficult truths, stating, “But memory, by definition, disturbs. It questions. It confronts. It forces us to face what others prefer to forget.”

Judence Kayitesi, President of Ibuka Deutschland, underscored the vital role of youth in preserving history, rejecting all forms of discrimination, and ensuring that genocide never occurs again.

'You must be the voice of truth, challenging harmful ideologies wherever they emerge. You must be agents of change, guardians of memory, and defenders against denial and distortion,' she noted.

Kayitesi, President of Ibuka-Germany, reminded participants that remembrance is not merely ceremonial but a shared responsibility.

'Kwibuka is everyone’s responsibility,' she stated, calling on the international community to stand firmly against genocide denial and distortion.

Rwandan Ambassador to Germany, Igor Cesar, has brought a sharp focus to Belgium’s historical responsibility in instigating ethnic division and genocide ideology in Rwanda.

A walk to remember preceded commemoration talks.

The youth also participated in the commemoration event.

The commemoration event took place in Berlin.

The commemoration event also included the lighting of the Flame of Hope.

Participants were taken through dark history that led to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Judence Kayitesi, President of Ibuka Deutschland, underscored the vital role of youth in preserving history.

[email protected]

Karirima Aimable Ngarambe

The Ugandan lawyer and sports administrator was named following an announced resignation of President Chris Jenkins to guide Commonwealth Sport until elections in November 2025.

Jenkins, who took the role in November 2023, will be remembered for his longstanding service and contribution to the Commonwealth Sport movement.

'I am particularly proud of the opportunities I have been given to advance Sport for Development and especially Para inclusion through our GAPS program and want to thank all my Commonwealth Games Association colleagues and friends for their support,' said Jenkins.

Commonwealth Sport CEO Katie Sadleir explained that with a mid-term resignation the Constitution allows for an interim President to be appointed by the Executive Board, and a new President will be elected by the membership at the next General Assembly in November 2025.

'The Board appointed Dr. Donald Rukare as interim President until the General Assembly. We look forward to working with Donald in this role as we continue driving the organization’s event operations and wider movement forward,' said Sadleir.

'We look forward to welcoming a new President in November to lead us through our upcoming period of growth and continued transformation,' he added.

'I am ready to step into this role and thank the Board for their confidence in me. We have come through a particularly challenging period in our Games history, and we are now building momentum towards an outstanding Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2026,' said Rukare upon his appointment.

Chris Jenkins competed for Wales at the 1984 Commonwealth Games as a rowing cox.

Uganda Olympic Committee President Dr. Donald Rukare has been appointed as interim head of the Commonwealth Sport. Commonwealth Sport

IGIHE

Rwanda’s High Commissioner to the UK, Johnston Busingye, confirmed the graduation of Yuhi Cesar and Mugisha Blaine on April 15, 2025.

'A colourful Sovereign’s Graduation Parade at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, Friday, 11th April 2025. Warm congratulations to our own Officer Cadets Mugisha Blaine and Yuhi Cesar,' he posted on his X account.

Family members, including Ambassador Cesar and High Commissioner Busingye, were present at the graduation ceremony to celebrate the graduates’ achievement.

Graduates from military academies, whether Rwanda’s Gako Academy or foreign institutions like Sandhurst, are usually integrated into the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) with the rank of Second Lieutenant.

A colourful Sovereign’s Graduation Parade at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, Friday, 11th April 2025.

Warm congratulations to our own Officer Cadets Mugisha Blaine and Yuhi Cesar. Muri ishema ry’Igihugu. Tubifulije ishya n’ihirwe. #Turikumwe pic.twitter.com/BdFIbT036g

— Busingye Johnston (@BusingyeJohns) April 15, 2025

Mugisha Blaine (left) and Yuhi Cesar, the son of Ambassador Igor Cesar, have completed their military training in the United Kingdom.

Sandhurst is one of the world’s most prestigious military academies, training the future officers for the British Army and future leaders from around the globe

Family members, including Ambassador Cesar and High Commissioner Busingye, attended the graduation ceremony to celebrate the graduates’ achievement.

IGIHE

Field Marshal Jula was received by General MK Mubarakh, Chief of Defence Staff of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), at RDF Headquarters in Kimihurura during a series of engagements on Monday. He also paid a courtesy call on Rwanda’s Minister of Defence, Juvenal Marizamunda.

In a statement, the Ministry of Defence described the visit as a key opportunity to deepen the longstanding bilateral cooperation between Rwanda and Ethiopia.

Discussions between the military leaders are focused on expanding collaboration in defence and related sectors, reaffirming both nations’ commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships and advancing regional peace and security.

Field Marshal Jula’s visit follows a recent trip by General Mubarakh to Ethiopia on March 13 2025, during which the two defence chiefs signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation.

As part of his itinerary, the Ethiopian military chief is also scheduled to visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial and the Campaign Against Genocide Museum to pay tribute to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, as Rwanda marks the 31st commemoration of the tragedy.

Rwanda and Ethiopia ties

Rwanda and Ethiopia have enjoyed over 20 years of military cooperation, initially focused on joint military training. The partnership has since expanded to include collaboration between the police forces of both countries.

Beyond defense and police cooperation, Rwanda and Ethiopia share strong bilateral ties in sectors such as agriculture, trade, education, and more.

Over the past seven years, the two nations have also signed agreements in air travel services, allowing for seamless cooperation between their airlines, RwandAir and Ethiopian Airlines.

Ethiopia’s Chief of the General Staff of the National Defence Force, Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, when he arrived in Rwanda for a four-day working visit aimed at strengthening military ties and advancing regional security cooperation.

Field Marshal Jula was received by General MK Mubarakh, Chief of Defence Staff of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), at RDF Headquarters in Kimihurura. He also paid a courtesy call on Rwanda’s Minister of Defence, Juvenal Marizamunda.

Discussions between the military leaders are focused on expanding collaboration in defence and related sectors, reaffirming both nations’ commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships and advancing regional peace and security.

IGIHE

According to the latest data, 11 health zones in Kinshasa have been impacted, with more than 5,000 people displaced. At least 72 people have died, and 170 others have been injured due to torrential rains and resulting floods.

Tanganyika and South Kivu provinces, in the eastern part of the country, have also reported significant damage, with local authorities working to assess the full extent of the humanitarian needs.

Emergency shelters and care centers have been established in Kinshasa’s stadiums. However, with the Stade des Martyrs, the country’s biggest sports stadium, already hosting over 4,500 people, authorities have initiated a decongestion plan to transfer displaced residents to other venues.

The health ministry reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening multi-sectoral coordination and ensuring swift, targeted, and coordinated responses to both health and humanitarian emergencies.

Continued heavy rainfall has been forecast for the coming days, raising fears of further destruction in the city of 17 million, already vulnerable due to rapid and unregulated urban expansion.

The DRC’s rainy season typically runs from November through May.

Continued heavy rainfall has been forecast for the coming days, raising fears of further destruction in the city of 17 million, already vulnerable due to rapid and unregulated urban expansion.

Xinhua

A new report published by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) indicates that the growth was driven by resilient performance across various segments, including conservation, Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE), and domestic tourism.

According to the report, gorilla tourism led the surge, with revenues rising by 27% to exceed $200 million, fortifying Rwanda’s position as a leader in sustainable tourism.

The country welcomed over 1.36 million visitors, with new tourism segments like education and visiting friends and relatives (VFR) also showing growth at 16% and 5% respectively. RwandAir’s non-resident ticket sales jumped by 11%, further signaling international demand.

In total, Rwanda welcomed more than 1.36 million visitors in 2024. The East African Community (EAC) remained the largest source market, contributing over 1.09 million travellers, while steady flows from Europe (83,076 visitors), North America (52,805), and Asia (36,256) highlighted Rwanda’s reputation as a premier global destination.

Rwanda also continued to strengthen its MICE sector, hosting 115 high-profile events and welcoming 52,315 delegates. Notably, the country became the first in Africa to host the FIA Annual General Assemblies & Prize Giving Ceremony, showcasing its world-class hospitality and event infrastructure.

The impact of tourism extended beyond conferences. Rwanda’s national parks experienced a 10.7% increase in visitors and 8.5% growth in revenue, reaching 138,000 visitors and $38.8 million in park-generated income. Nyungwe National Park led the growth with a 20% increase in visitors, followed by Volcanoes and Akagera National Parks.

Local engagement also played a key role, with 54,800 domestic visits and steady domestic park revenues of $793,000, reflecting strong local interest in the country’s natural heritage.

Highlighting Rwanda’s forward-looking agenda, RDB Chairman Itzhak Fisher remarked: “The coming years present an exciting chapter of transformation, where strategic collaboration and bold ambition will drive Rwanda toward even greater economic success.”

In 2025, RDB aims to surpass $700 million in tourism revenue, bolstered by continued investment in conservation, tourism infrastructure, and global events.

“We aim to generate tourism revenues exceeding USD 700 million by showcasing Rwanda as a leading global destination for leisure, wildlife conservation, and international events,” said Jean-Guy Afrika, CEO of RDB.

A new report published by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) shows that gorilla tourism led the surge, with revenues rising by 27% to exceed $200 million, fortifying Rwanda’s position as a leader in sustainable tourism.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The rise was driven by strong performances in both goods and services exports, with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) emerging as the country’s top export destinations.

Rwanda’s top exports include minerals such as gold, coltan, and wolfram, as well as agricultural products like coffee and tea.

The UAE led Rwanda’s export market with a 63.9% increase, reaching over $1.5 billion in value. The DRC followed with a 32.3% rise to approximately $229.5 million.

Exports to Luxembourg surged by an astonishing 243.8%, reaching $55.4 million. Other top markets include China ($83.6 million) and the United Kingdom ($36.1 million).

According to the report, Rwanda’s export growth has been underpinned by targeted interventions from RDB. In 2024, 243 companies across key sectors—including manufacturing, agro-processing, horticulture, services, and handicrafts—were facilitated to access both regional and international markets, generating $164.1 million in export revenues.

To enhance the competitiveness of local businesses and boost Rwanda’s participation in international trade, the Rwanda Development Board rolled out a range of targeted support programs in 2024.

A total of 152 companies received hands-on coaching focused on international trade standards, pricing strategies, product packaging, and compliance with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) requirements.

At the same time, 155 businesses enrolled in the E-Commerce Readiness Program, with 15 completing advanced training to expand their digital sales channels. In addition, 124 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) benefited from business development services that included access to affordable financing, grant opportunities, and tailored advisory support.

To help firms meet global quality requirements, 52 SMEs were supported in obtaining internationally recognized certifications.

Furthermore, 112 SMEs took part in trade fairs and expos held in Senegal, South Sudan, and Rwanda, providing them with platforms to showcase their products, generate immediate sales, and forge new business contracts.

A RwandAir cargo flight. Rwanda’s top exports include minerals such as gold, coltan, and wolfram, along with agricultural products like coffee and tea.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

A one-page SAMIDRC communique advised of a delay in the re-opening of Goma airport, stating it 'could cause further delays' in the SAMIDRC withdrawal.

It also noted withdrawal will be by road from Goma through Rwanda to the designated general assembly area of Chato in Tanzania, adding the SADC Secretariat will 'engage' Rwanda to facilitate safe passage for SAMIDRC troops.

The three troop contributing countries were tasked with 'beefing up' the withdrawal planning element with operations, intelligence and logistics experts. They will be tasked to 'conduct reconnaissance and develop instructions for withdrawal.'

This is a point from discussion of a revised withdrawal plan at a meeting last Friday April 11,2025, attended by chiefs of the three defense forces that contributed troops and equipment to the mission.

They are generals Rudzani Maphwanya (SA National Defence Force), Jacob Mkunda (Tanzania People’s Defence Force- TPDF) and Paul Phiri (Malawi Defence Force). Also present at the Dar es Salaam headquarters of the TPDF for the meeting was Professor Kula Theletsane, Director of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Affairs.

Initial deployment for the mission, under the acronym SAMIDRC, was in December 2023 to the eastern DRC under the command of South African Major General Monwabisi Dyakopu.

Its termination, to be followed by a phased withdrawal, was made public by the regional bloc on 13 March. The announcement came two months after all three SAMIDRC troop contributing countries reported deaths in action against M23 with South Africa (14) bearing the brunt.

On February 6, two weeks after the fatalities during combat around Sake and Goma in North Kivu province, Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera ordered his soldiers to start preparing for withdrawal from Goma and surrounds in the eastern DRC.

The SADC planning elements will lead and direct the SAMIDRC Force Commander on formulating a withdrawal plan adhering to guidelines permitted by the troop contributing countries.

The M23/Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC) claims SAMIDRC forces are carrying out joint operations with DRC government forces (FARDC), Wazalendo militia and other elements around Goma.

These, according to a 12 April statement by the M23, 'violate the existing SADC agreements and delay therefore the rehabilitation of Goma airport, compelling the AFC/M23 to demand the immediate withdrawal of SAMIDRC forces.

'Despite our restraint in response to these persistent criminal acts, the AFC/M23 finds itself compelled to reconsider its position to prioritize the security of the Congolese population and that of the SAMIDRC elements present in the liberated areas,' the statement said.

Fighting has been taking place north of Goma since last week. It is believed that DRC government forces and Wazalendo militia forces that retreated into the Virunga national park are clashing with M23 rebels in the area.

A withdrawal by land complicates things for the SAMIDRC troops, as a long logistic trail through Rwanda was not something they were anticipating. It is slow, rough roads and reliant on Rwanda to agree to the plan.

Major General Ibrahim Michael Mhona, chief of operations of the Tanzanian People’s Defence Force (left) and Sultani Makenga, M23’s military commander, shake hands after signing a withdraw deal on 28 March 2025.

IGIHE