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The 62-year-old was arrested at the Kayonza Bus Terminal in the Eastern Province and taken into custody by officers from the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) on March 19, 2025.

During the genocide, he served as the president of the CDR party in Kabuga, which is now located in Gasabo District, Rusororo Sector, Kabuga I Cell, Kabeza Village.

Reports indicate that a roadblock in front of Safari’s home was a site where numerous Tutsi were killed.

In 2018, authorities conducting searches for genocide victims’ remains discovered mass graves beneath Safari’s properties and in surrounding fields. The remains were found in Kabeza Village, Gako Cell, Masaka Sector (Kicukiro District), and Kabeza Village, Kabuga I Cell, Rusororo Sector (Gasabo District).

Safari had built structures over these remains, making it difficult to determine the exact number of victims, as many appeared to have been burned.

Upon learning that bodies were being uncovered on his properties, Safari fled to a neighboring country. He later returned and was arrested at the Kayonza Bus Terminal on March 19.

Safari is currently detained at RIB’s Rusororo Station, and his case file was submitted to the court on April 1, 2025.

The crime of concealing or tampering with genocide evidence is punishable under Article 8 of Law No. 59/2018 of August 22, 2018, concerning genocide ideology and related offenses.

If convicted, he faces a prison sentence of seven to nine years and a fine ranging from 500,000 to 1,000,000 Rwandan francs.

Safari had previously been convicted by Gacaca Courts in 2004 and sentenced to 30 years in prison for his role in the genocide. On appeal, his sentence was reduced to five years, and he was released in 2008.

Following Safari’s case, other individuals who were stationed at roadblocks where Tutsi were killed were also prosecuted.

These include Mucyo Jean Népomuscène, Buturutsemwabo Michel, Habyarimana Jean Népomuscène, Karekezi Augustin, and Twakizuru Jean Népomuscène.

They were found guilty of concealing information about mass graves at a site known as CND during the genocide.

On April 4, 2019, the Gasabo Intermediate Court sentenced them to five years in prison and fined each 100,000 Rwandan francs for concealing or destroying genocide evidence.

RIB has reiterated its commitment to holding accountable anyone who hides or tampers with genocide-related evidence.

The agency also urged the public to come forward with information about undisclosed burial sites so that victims can be given dignified burials.

“Thirty-one years after the Genocide against the Tutsi, it is imperative that people recognize the importance of revealing the locations of victims’ remains for proper burial, as this is a vital step toward true unity and reconciliation,” RIB stated.

The agency emphasized that concealing such evidence is a punishable offense and must not continue.

IGIHE

The program, designed to bolster youth capabilities, combined cutting-edge AI education with peace leadership training, equipping participants with tools to foster community development and promote peace.

IPYG, a global youth organization active in 128 countries, launched the YEPC in 2020. Since then, it has engaged over 3,000 participants from approximately 60 nations, offering annual peace education on topics relevant to youth.

This year’s sessions, held in March, included an AI Practical Training on March 15, where participants explored the significance of artificial intelligence and learned to use tools like ChatGPT in various fields.

A week later, on March 22, the Youth Leadership Training highlighted historical youth-led peace movements, emphasizing the pivotal role young people have played in social transformation and peacebuilding.

Rwandan youth were among those who benefited from these initiatives, joining peers from South Sudan, Timor-Leste, and beyond in gaining skills to become future 'peace leaders.'

The program aims to inspire sustainable progress in their regions, with participants encouraged to extend their learning through educational outreach and peace campaigns that ripple from local communities to a global stage.

The YEPC aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal of Quality Education and supports UNESCO’s lifelong learning objectives, offering valuable opportunities to youth worldwide.

Stories of young leaders who sparked change during times of war and conflict were shared during the training, underscoring their contributions to civil rights and democratization movements.

A key influence in the program was Chairman Lee of HWPL, IPYG’s partner organization, whose belief that 'the voice of one person who has experienced war can change the world' left a lasting impression. His wartime experiences reinforced the urgency of peace, a message that resonated with attendees.

Kuir Michael Riak, a participant from South Sudan and National Coordinator of South Sudan Students for Liberty, praised the training’s impact.

'Attending the YEPC has been an incredibly enriching experience,' he said.

'The peace leadership session directly addressed the challenges faced by my community. It reinforced the crucial role of youth networks in uniting citizens for grassroots peace initiatives and inspired me to drive meaningful change.'

For Rwandan youth and others, the program shifted perspectives, positioning them as active agents of peacebuilding rather than passive societal members.

With the mantra 'the future of peace starts with today’s youth' echoing throughout, IPYG’s efforts are planting seeds for a more peaceful world, one empowered young leader at a time.

The online program, designed to bolster youth capabilities, combined cutting-edge AI education with peace leadership training, equipping participants with tools to foster community development and promote peace.

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The news was announced on March 15, 2025, through a statement released by the Office of the President on X.

The statement read: “This afternoon at Urugwiro Village, President Kagame received the outgoing Ambassador of China to Rwanda, Wang Xuekun, and the outgoing Ambassador of Angola to Rwanda, Eduardo Filomeno Bárber Leiro Octávio, for farewell meetings as they completed their tour of duty.”

Prior to meeting with President Kagame, the two diplomats had also been received by Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olivier Nduhungirehe, who expressed gratitude for their significant contributions to strengthening relations between their respective countries and Rwanda during their tenure.

Ambassador Wang Xuekun had presented his credentials to President Kagame in September 2022, replacing Ambassador Rao Hongwei, who had served as China’s envoy to Rwanda since 2016. Similarly, Ambassador Eduardo Filomeno Leiro Octávio had presented his credentials in December 2018.

During his appointment, Ambassador Octávio highlighted the strengthening ties between Rwanda and Angola in politics, economic collaboration, and other sectors. One notable milestone in this partnership was Angola’s decision to waive tourist visa requirements for Rwandans.

The diplomatic relations between Rwanda and both China and Angola continue to flourish. This year marks 54 years of diplomatic ties between Rwanda and China, a partnership based on mutual respect and cooperation, which has led to various developmental benefits.

For instance, by the end of 2019, approximately 1,600 Rwandan students were studying in China, with China having granted scholarships to Rwandans since 1976.

In healthcare, China has made significant contributions, having sent 258 medical professionals to Rwanda since 1982, treating over 700,000 patients and conducting over 37,000 surgeries.

Chinese investment in Rwanda is also growing, with notable projects such as the Anjia Prefabricated Construction Rwanda Company Ltd, a cement manufacturing plant in Muhanga District, which employs over 7,000 people.

The company ranks as the ninth-largest in China and the 23rd among the world’s major industrial firms. Similarly, Rwanda and Angola continue to strengthen economic ties.

In 2022, the two governments began implementing an agreement to eliminate double taxation on income, further enhancing economic cooperation.

Additionally, Angola has played a crucial role as a mediator in diplomatic efforts between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo regarding conflicts in eastern DRC under the leadership of President Félix Tshisekedi.

President Paul Kagame bid farewell to the outgoing Chinese Ambassador, Wang Xuekun.

H. E. Eduardo Filomeno Bárber Leiro Octávio and his team held a farewell meeting with President Kagame as he completed his tour of duty.

H. E. Wang Xuekun and his team held a farewell meeting with President Kagame as he completed his tour of duty.

President Paul Kagame bid farewell to the outgoing Angolan Ambassador, Dr. Eduardo Octávio.

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The tour, which spans several key districts, is designed to strengthen partnerships with local leaders, gain a deeper understanding of regional business needs, and gather direct feedback from customers. Through this initiative, I&M Bank seeks to ensure its services remain responsive and relevant to the diverse economic landscape of Rwanda.

Mr. Mutimura kicked off the tour with visits to six districts: Rwamagana, Muhanga, Huye, Gicumbi, Musanze, and Rubavu. During these visits, he engaged directly with customers at their workplaces, enabling the Bank to better understand the unique challenges and opportunities faced in each region. This hands-on approach underscores the Bank’s commitment to offering tailored financial solutions that foster inclusive economic growth.

'The core purpose of these visits is to deepen our understanding of regional needs and ensure our services are aligned with local dynamics,' said Mr. Mutimura. 'By engaging with customers directly, we gain invaluable insights into their businesses and challenges. This approach supports our strategy of delivering customer delight, ensuring that we are not only meeting but exceeding expectations.'

A major highlight of the tour was the unveiling of the newly expanded I&M Bank branch in Huye, now operating as a fully-fledged business center. This transformation reflects the Bank’s continued investment in enhancing service delivery and creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

'The development of the Huye branch is a clear demonstration of how we are responding to the evolving needs of local businesses,' the CEO added. 'It’s not just about expanding our footprint; it’s about creating spaces where entrepreneurs and enterprises can grow with our support.'

The stakeholder engagement tour also serves to align the Bank’s operations with Rwanda’s broader economic agenda. By adopting a customer-centric strategy, I&M Bank continues to play a key role in promoting regional development and supporting the country’s long-term goals.

As the tour progresses, additional district visits are planned in the coming weeks. Mr. Mutimura emphasized the importance of maintaining strong connections with communities to ensure the Bank’s products and services continue to evolve in line with customer expectations.

I&M Bank Rwanda CEO, Benjamin Mutimura, has concluded the first phase of a nationwide stakeholder engagement tour.

A major highlight of the tour was the unveiling of the newly expanded I&M Bank branch in Huye, now operating as a fully-fledged business center.

The stakeholder engagement tour also serves to align the Bank’s operations with Rwanda’s broader economic agenda.

The nationwide stakeholder engagement tour, aimed at reinforcing the Bank’s commitment to supporting local communities and businesses across the country.

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He made these remarks on April 2, 2025, while addressing the Senate plenary session on the country’s preparedness to combat disasters that affect various regions during the rainy season.

He emphasized that continuous monitoring is conducted to ensure the safety of residents before disasters strike.

Minister Murasira also highlighted that the assessment identified more than 25,000 hectares of farmland, approximately 200 infrastructures, and 23 public buildings such as offices and churches as vulnerable to disasters.

In terms of districts, 88 households in Rusizi District are at high risk, while Rubavu has 452, Rutsiro 424, Nyabihu 364, and Nyamasheke 100 households at risk of being affected by disasters.

'We closely monitor these areas and ensure that if any warning signs emerge, we alert people in advance or be prepared to respond promptly,' he said.

He emphasized that the rainy season is when disasters are most severe, with lightning being a major cause of fatalities throughout the year.

The Ministry in charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA) highlighted that districts such as Rubavu, Rutsiro, and Nyabihu have the highest disaster risk levels. Therefore, continuous monitoring is conducted to provide early warnings and ensure rapid intervention in case of an emergency.

Minister Murasira stated, 'We have identified specific areas prone to disasters, and we prioritize thorough inspections in those locations.'

He further confirmed that Rwanda’s overall disaster resilience level is currently at 46%.

'Our resilience is still low. Research on disaster resilience across different sectors, such as infrastructure and agriculture, indicates that we stand at 46% nationally. Some areas have better resilience, while others are highly vulnerable. The lower the resilience, the higher the susceptibility to disasters, even minor ones, like light winds that can damage homes,' he explained.

MINEMA stressed that disaster-affected areas require immediate response and restoration efforts, as delays can worsen the damage and increase future risks.

Rwanda has identified 14 designated relocation sites where affected individuals can be resettled in case of a disaster.

Statistics show that natural disasters caused damages worth over 222.3 billion Rwandan Francs in 2023.

The Minister of Emergency Management, Maj Gen (Rtd) Albert Murasira appeared before the Senate plebary sitting on Wednesday, April 2, 2025.

One of houses destroyed by May 2023 disasters that claiomed over 130 lives.

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The panel will engage with all stakeholders to enhance mediation efforts and support the full implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), the AU said in a statement issued Monday.

The AU calls on all parties to uphold all the provisions of the R-ARCSS, the statement said, adding that the pan-African bloc remains actively engaged with regional and international partners, including the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the East African Community (EAC) and the United Nations, to support South Sudan’s transition to durable peace and democracy.

It said that after cordial direct talks with President Salva Kiir of South Sudan, AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf addressed the evolving political situation in South Sudan and the recent violence in Nasir County in the country’s Upper Nile State.

Dozens of people were killed, and several senior officials, including First Vice President Riek Machar, have been detained since clashes erupted in January between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces and opposition fighters.

South Sudan, which became independent in 2011, signed a peace deal in 2018 that ended a civil war between forces loyal to Kiir and Machar. Nearly 400,000 people died in the civil war.

Relations between Kiir and Machar, who have dominated South Sudan’s politics for decades, remain strained. The clashes and latest political tensions between the two leaders have unsettled many citizens and the international community.

The African Union (AU) Commission is dispatching a high-level delegation of the AU Panel of the Wise to Juba, the capital of South Sudan, to deal with ongoing instability in the country.

Xinhua

These insights were shared at the first National Symposium on Conservation Agriculture, held on March 28, 2025 at RICA campus in Bugesera.

The event was organized by the Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), and the World Food Programme (WFP).

Dr. Ndambe Nzaramba Magnifique, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Extension and Applied Research at RICA, shared the foundational principles of conservation agriculture, which include minimal tillage or no-till practices.

He emphasized that practices such as plowing, cutting stubble, or clearing the land are discouraged as they can reduce yields and degrade soil health.

“We do not encourage plowing, cutting stubble, or clearing the land as these practices harm the soil,” he said.

Conservation agriculture practices aim to enhance soil biodiversity, preserve soil integrity, store water for longer periods, and reduce erosion.

All this refers to the first principle: Minimizing Soil Disturbance. This includes using no-till or minimum-till methods to plant and control weeds without plowing the soil. Keeping the soil undisturbed helps increase soil organic matter, preserves soil structure, improves water retention, and reduces soil erosion.

The second principle is Permanent Soil Cover. This includes planting cover crops to cover the soil between seasons, leaving leftover residues like leaves and stalks in the field after harvesting, and putting down mulch where available. Covering the soil increases soil organic matter, limits erosion and nutrient run-off, and helps the soil retain moisture, which enables farmers to be more resilient in times of drought.

The third principle is Crop Diversification. This may include using crop rotation, or planting different crops in alternating seasons, or intercropping, which involves planting multiple crops in an orderly manner in the same field during the same season. Crop diversification benefits soil fertility and soil structure and is linked to higher yields. It can also help stop the spread of pests and diseases.

Dr. Ndambe highlighted that crop rotation also helps combat pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.

“When you continue to plant the same crops in one field, pests and diseases accumulate, but rotating crops or intercropping minimizes this risk,” he said, emphasizing that farmers using these methods benefit from higher yields without the worry of pest infestations.

The symposium was attended by government officials, academic experts, private sector representatives, development partners, and farmers’ organizations involved in agriculture.

Dr. Karangwa Patrick, Director General of Agriculture Modernization at the Ministry of Agriculture, stated that conservation agriculture is a critical pillar for building sustainable farming in Rwanda.

He revealed that currently, 1,000 hectares of land are being cultivated using conservation agriculture techniques but expressed a desire to see this number grow. The goal, as outlined in the country’s five-year agriculture development program (PSTA 5), is to expand the practice to at least 100,000 hectares.

“Our goal is to reach at least 100,000 hectares in the PSTA5 plan. We want to increase the land area using conservation methods because we view it as a crucial aspect of agricultural development,” Dr. Karangwa said.

Thomas Habanabakize, the Food and Security Coordinator at Mennonite Central Committee Rwanda (MCC), explained that MCC has dedicated resources to support and promote conservation agriculture.

One of their key programs, the “Farm Field School,” has been implemented across the country. Each farm school brings together 30 farmers for training, where they apply their learning to their own farms and train five others in their community.

“We train farmer representatives, who in turn train others. In the last 10 years, this method has yielded great results,” Habanabakize noted.

The initiative is currently active in nine districts, including Nyaruguru, Nyamagabe, Karongi, and Rutsiro, with plans to expand to Kayonza, Ruhango, Burera, and other regions. Many farmers who have participated in this program have reported increased yields due to the adoption of conservation agriculture practices.

Like other stakeholders in conservation agriculture, the World Food Programme (WFP) has recognized the importance of these farming methods in helping communities withstand natural disasters and improve crop yields.

WFP has supported projects to encourage conservation agriculture and assist farmers in managing their harvests better.

Richard Makuza, the Climate-Smart Agriculture Expert and Programme Policy Officer at WFP Rwanda, shared that in addition to providing disaster relief during droughts and floods, WFP has helped smallholder farmers in more than 400 cooperatives across the country access markets and store their produce after harvesting.

“In addition to responding to disasters like droughts and floods, we help over 127,000 smallholder farmers in 425 cooperatives across the country get access to markets and properly manage their harvests,” Makuza said.

WFP, in collaboration with the government, has also developed initiatives to help farmers improve their resilience to climate change. These initiatives are aimed at helping farmers maintain their productivity during difficult times.

As a result, WFP has realized that promoting and encouraging conservation agriculture is a proven strategy and solution for sustainable farming.

“This is why we have gathered support for projects that promote conservation agriculture,” Makuza added. “We started with pilot projects in five districts, and we are now entering a new phase where we support programs that align with the PSTA5 objectives.”

Gakuba Jonas, a farmer from Kirehe District, who has practiced conservation agriculture for over five years, shared that the results have been impressive.

” Before we practiced conservation agriculture, our maize yields were below one ton per hectare and beans were only 800 kilograms per hectare. But now, after adopting conservation agriculture, our yields have doubled. We now receive water on time, and conservation practices have restored the fertility of our soil,” Gakuba said, emphasizing the positive impact these methods have had on his farm’s productivity.

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The Vice Chancellor of RICA, Dr. Ron Rosati, stated that the main goals of this university are to promote sustainable agriculture.

Dr. Ndambe Nzaramba Magnifique, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Extension and Applied Research at RICA, shared the foundational principles of conservation agriculture, which include minimal tillage or no-till practices.

Dr. Uwamahoro Florence, the Deputy Director General in charge of Agriculture Development at Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) alsoa ttended the conference.

Dr. Karangwa Patrick, Director General of Agriculture Modernization at the Ministry of Agriculture, stated that conservation agriculture is a critical pillar for building sustainable farming in Rwanda.

Various public and private institutions were represented at the symposium.

The symposium brought together diservse stakeholders.

The first National Symposium on Conservation Agriculture, was held on March 28, 2025 at RICA campus in Bugesera.

IGIHE

Recent days, people all over the world are busy clearing the debris from the earthquake of 'Executive Orders' and embracing for more afterquakes.

These Orders, simply and joyfully signed by a certain country, are shocking the entire globe. From freeze of assistance, to raising of tariffs, to relocating of overseas Diasporas, by tens of thousands and possibly more, from this country and the continent. People are worried and resented. But the best can be done is to oblige and pray.

The administration that signed those orders, is successful in keeping this continent at arm’s length when coming to aid and assistance.In the mean time, according to a member of this country’s Congress, its foreign aid money may have been used to fund terrorist groups around the world, including Boko Haram.

The administration is successful, in flip-flopping, time and again, international pledges its country solemnly made.This time by withdrawing from WHO and the Paris Climate Agreement, and counting. This is nothing short of rolling back the wheel of history. And the argument used? The world owes this Administration and the country it represents.

The administration is successful, in coining new words like MAGA.What do people see in it? Half lamentation, half echo of the past, half menace of the future.

Far too long, the administration and the country it represents, is viewed by many as a beacon, a lighthouse. It compels nations, on pain of extinction, to adopt to its modality; it compels them to introduce what it calls democratic civilization into their midst. In short, it wants to create a world after its own image.

People are reckoning, and awakening.The illusion of beacon have been drowned into the icy water of the country’s egotistical calculation. High falutin phrases like human rights and democracy are but its masquerade of hypocrisy and double standard.

People disdain to conceal their views. Name of the country? The Ultra Selfish Armstrong.The writing is on the wall.

(The author, Gang Ping is a commentator on international affairs, writing regularly for Xinhua News, Global Times, China Daily, CGTN etc. He can be reached at [email protected].)

Gang Ping

This appeal was made following a meeting held in Rwanda at Saint Joseph in Ngoma District. They conference addressed social welfare, strategies for restoring peace in the Great Lakes Region, and efforts to strengthen the Catholic faith.

The gathering was attended by bishops and other senior leaders of the Catholic Church from both nations. They underscored that prolonged border closures have had adverse effects on citizens and trade between the two countries.

Burundi closed its borders, citing demands for the extradition of individuals allegedly involved in the 2015 coup attempt. Rwanda, however, maintains that international law prohibits the repatriation of refugees who have sought asylum.

The bishops expressed their support for ongoing diplomatic discussions between Rwanda and Burundi, emphasizing that 'border closures have significant economic and social repercussions.’ They urged leaders to act prudently to restore normalcy and strengthen unity between the two nations.

The discussions also addressed security concerns in eastern DR Congo, with the bishops advocating for sustained dialogue among conflicting parties to resolve tensions. They also condemned the use of hate speech by the DRC government, which they believe has exacerbated violence and unrest.

Regarding education, the bishops highlighted the need to improve educational standards in both countries. They also raised concerns about the increasing violence against young people and stressed the urgency of addressing this issue.

The Association of Episcopal Conferences of Rwanda and Burundi (ACOREB) has called on the governments of both countries to engage in dialogue on key issues, particularly the reopening of borders that were closed in January 2024. The gathering was attended by bishops and other senior leaders of the Catholic Church from both nations.

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