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In a post shared on X, renowned Ugandan journalist Sudhir Byaruhanga, who is also said to be a distant relative of the late Ssali, wrote, 'He had requested to be cremated and his ashes sent back home and to other countries in Africa.'

He further stated that the family will honor his request, with details of his sendoff services in Washington, D.C., and Uganda to be announced soon.

'We shall respect his wish, and soon, a date for his sendoff service in Washington, D.C., and Uganda will be communicated. #RIPShakaSsali,' Byaruhanga wrote.

For over two decades, his show, Straight Talk Africa, provided a vital platform for critical discourse, engaging African leaders and intellectuals while bridging the gap between the continent and the global stage.

His signature introduction, 'I’m profoundly honored and exceedingly humbled,' along with his famous phrase, 'Let’s keep the African hope alive,' became defining elements of his enduring legacy.

The remains of veteran journalist Shaka Ssali will be cremated in the US and his ashes will be sent to Uganda and other African countries in accordance with his final wish.

IGIHE

These talks aim to resolve ongoing conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the broader Great Lakes region.

The decision to merge the Luanda and Nairobi talks was made during a meeting chaired by the Presidents of Kenya and Zimbabwe, bringing together the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

The Luanda talks initially aimed to mediate tensions between the DRC and Rwanda, while the Nairobi talks focused on addressing internal Congolese conflicts.

However, both processes stalled due to a lack of commitment from the Kinshasa government. By merging these efforts, regional leaders hope to achieve lasting peace and stability in eastern DRC and the surrounding region.

To facilitate the process, five prominent mediators have been appointed: Olusegun Obasanjo, Uhuru Kenyatta, Catherine Samba Panza, Sahle-Work Zewde, and Kgalema Motlanthe. Their expertise is expected to be instrumental in guiding the talks toward a peaceful resolution.

On March 24, 2025, the Heads of State instructed EAC Chairperson President Dr. William Samoei Ruto and SADC’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa to engage with these mediators within a week before the talks officially begin.

According to local media in Zimbabwe, Prof. Murwira confirmed on March 30 that preparations were well advanced, and the meeting between Dr. Ruto, Mnangagwa, and the mediators was expected within the set timeframe.

He expressed confidence that the high-level meeting could take place at any time, noting that the agenda had been finalized by March 28, and official letters had been sent to the mediators.

The only step remaining was for the regional leaders to deliver their opening remarks.

Ambassador Albert Chimbindi, Zimbabwean Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary, also assured that efforts were being made to ensure that the Luanda-Nairobi talks commence as soon as possible.

While the exact date of the meeting had not been finalized, he acknowledged the ongoing commitment to making the talks a success.

On March 24, 2025, the Heads of State instructed EAC Chairperson President Dr. William Samoei Ruto and SADC’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa to engage with these mediators within a week before the talks officially begin.

Zimbabwe’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Prof. Amon Murwira

IGIHE

This means that in 2024, roughly for every seven people in the labour force, there was one person unemployed. This represents a decrease of 2.3 percentage points compared to 2023.

The report indicates that Rwanda’s working-age population stands at approximately 8.3 million individuals. Of this, around 4.4 million are employed, while 780,000 remain unemployed.

Additionally, 3.1 million people are not part of the labour force. The labour force participation rate has also seen positive growth, rising to 62.9% in 2024, an increase of 3.6 percentage points from 2023, reflecting a larger share of the population engaging in the labour market.

However, the survey also highlights persistent disparities in the labour market. The gender gap in labour force participation remains significant, with males consistently outperforming females. In 2024, the gender gap stood at 15.5 percentage points, a figure consistent with 2023 levels.

The employment-to-population ratio has also improved, climbing to 53.5% in 2024, up from 49% the previous year. However, this ratio was notably higher among males (62.2%) compared to females (45.9%). It was also higher for adults (31 years and above) than for the youth (16-30 years).

Sectoral employment trends show that the services sector has become the primary driver of employment, accounting for 42.9% of total employment in 2024, up from 39.8% in 2023. On the other hand, employment in the agriculture sector has declined to 39.9%, down from 43.4% in 2023.

Despite the decrease in overall unemployment, it remains higher among females, who face an unemployment rate of 17.6%, compared to 12.6% for males. Additionally, the youth (16-30 years) continue to face higher unemployment rates at 18.5%, compared to 12.3% for adults.

Labour underutilization, which includes unemployment and other factors such as time-related underemployment, stood at 54.2% in 2024. This rate was higher among females (61.2%) and the youth (56.2%), compared to males (47%) and adults (52.8%).

The report also sheds light on the prevalence of informal employment, with 82.3% of the employed population working in the informal sector in 2024. This highlights the continued challenges of securing formal employment opportunities.

The enhanced sampling methodology used in the 2024 RLFS, which incorporated data from the 2022 National Population and Housing Census, offers a comprehensive overview of the nation’s labour market.

The insights provided in the report are crucial for policymakers and stakeholders as they seek to address challenges such as unemployment, labour underutilization, and gender disparities, while working towards ensuring decent work for all.

Workers at Mark Cables factory in Nyanza District. Rwanda’s labour market has seen a notable improvement, with the latest Labour Force Survey (RLFS) for 2024, conducted by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), revealing a drop in the unemployment rate to 14.9%.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Having spent three decades immersed in the region, Peeters shares his personal experiences, emotions, and observations that inspired him to write this deeply moving and thought-provoking book.

Through vivid portraits and heartfelt testimony, he seeks to preserve the memory of the victims and shed light on the untold truths surrounding the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, Peeters discusses the motivations behind his writing, the emotional toll of bearing witness, and his unwavering commitment to honoring the truth.

Excerpts:

IGIHE: Jean-Pierre Peeters, you recently published a booklet titled “30 Years Later: Still the Same Questions.” What inspired you to write this book?

Jean-Pierre Peeters: The 30 years later correspond somewhat to the time I spent there, and I wanted, through writing, to be a witness to what I saw, what I felt, and everything I understood. I wanted to provide, in a few portraits, the testimony of someone sincere. I am not a politician. I am not someone who deals with history. I just wanted to be a witness to what I saw.

IGIHE: In your book, you refer to the “scoundrels of history.” Could you explain what you mean by that?

Jean-Pierre Peeters: Thank you for the question, because, in fact, the scoundrels of history is indeed a whole chapter of the book; it is the heart of the book. The other chapters are there only to explain events that culminated to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

The core of the story, my true outcry, is precisely to denounce these scoundrels of history who want to impose their narrative in place of those who lived it and who still live it today on the ground, that is to say, in Rwanda.

So, denouncing the crimes is one thing, but we must also point out those who allowed this crime to occur, those who enabled the deaths of over a million people simply because we no longer wanted them on this earth.

IGIHE: Could you elaborate on how writing helped you confront and process those haunting memories?

Jean-Pierre Peeters: At first, I wanted to take refuge in writing, a bit like an outlet for an internal pain that was indescribable for years. What I saw, what I experienced was not only in Rwanda, because, in fact, my story begins in Burundi. I lived through the events in Ntega and Marangara in 1988 and everything that followed.

I experienced that as a true wound. But what really pushed me to write was what happened in Rwanda, because the crime of crimes was pushed to its peak, and what happened in Rwanda is something that is difficult to explain. It is hard for people to understand that the genocidaires went to work. They themselves said it like this: they left in the morning for work; they went to kill, and for three months, during those days, they killed between 10,000 and 12,000 people a day.

Why write? Everything I saw deeply marked me, and it took me no less than fifteen years before I could find sleep at night. I was incapable of having a peaceful day; it was a haunting. And I say this: I did not lose anyone from my family; I only witnessed friends and acquaintances die.

I did not lose anyone from my home, but the inner anger was something I could not overcome. I truly thought that writing the book, which took me nearly three and a half years, would serve as an outlet where I could try to absorb this pain and confine it somewhere in my little head so that I could live normally. When you witness this, you can no longer live normally.

What I wanted to convey is that it is essential to maintain memory. And I say this at the beginning of the book; I dedicate this book not only as an individual but also to the memory of all those who will not be able to read it but who are my profound inspiration.

Peeters sharing lighthearted moments with the IGIHE journalist after the interview.

Peeters shared his personal experiences, emotions, and observations that inspired him to write this deeply moving and thought-provoking book.

Jean-Pierre Peeters has reflected on his journey as a witness to one of humanity’s darkest chapters.

Karirima Aimable Ngarambe

In a phone interview with NBC News, Trump said he was “very angry” and “pissed off” when Russian President Vladimir Putin criticized the credibility of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s leadership, adding that the comments were “not going in the right location.”

“If Russia and I are unable to make a deal on stopping the bloodshed in Ukraine, and if I think it was Russia’s fault — which it might not be — but if I think it was Russia’s fault, I am going to put secondary tariffs on oil, on all oil coming out of Russia,” Trump said.

“That would be that if you buy oil from Russia, you can’t do business in the United States,” he said. “There will be a 25 percent tariff on all oil, a 25- to 50-point tariff on all oil.”

Trump noted that the tariffs on Russia would come within the next month if Moscow does not sign up to a ceasefire with Ukraine.

Trump said Putin knows he is angry, but he has “a very good relationship” with Putin and would speak to the Russian leader again this week.

During a phone conversation on March 18, Trump and Putin agreed that the peace in Ukraine “will begin with an energy and infrastructure ceasefire.”

In a phone interview with NBC News, Trump said he was “very angry” and “pissed off” when Russian President Vladimir Putin criticized the credibility of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s leadership, adding that the comments were “not going in the right location.”

Xinhua

Together, we have drawn a magnificent historical picture of China-Rwanda friendship. At the land of a thousand hills, I have truly felt the deep friendship between the Chinese and Rwandan people, and witnessed the boundless possibilities and vitality of Rwanda. As I am about to leave, I am filled with nostalgia to this land and confidence about a brighter future of China-Rwanda relationship.

Amb. Wang presenting his credential to H.E. President Paul Kagame

As we are marching towards the 54th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Rwanda, our bilateral ties, stronger and closer than ever before, have featured deepened political mutual trust, flourishing practical cooperation and closer people-to-people exchanges. The high level bilateral relationship has brought tangible benefits to the two countries and our peoples.

President Xi met with President Kagame during the FOCAC Beijing Summit in 2024

Ushering in a remarkable new chapter of China-Rwanda relationship through head-of-state diplomacy

In recent years, H.E.President Xi Jinping and H.E. President Paul Kagame have maintained close exchanges, strategically guiding the bilateral relations. In September 2024, I had the honor to welcome President Kagame to attend the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and witness the successful meeting between the two Presidents.

The two Heads of States elevated bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, marking a new milestone in China-Rwanda friendship. The two countries issued a joint statement on the implementation of the three Global Initiatives, injecting new momentum to bilateral cooperation.

Both sides reiterated commitment to mutual support on issues of core interests and major concern, on opposing external interference in each other’s internal affairs and on each other’s independent development paths suited to national realities.

Rwanda reaffirmed its consistent adherence to the one-China principle, which recognizes Taiwan as an inalienable part of China’s territory. China reaffirmed its firm support to Rwanda in safeguarding national solidarity, and combating genocidal ideology and hate speech in all forms. The two sides will continue to support each other in bilateral and multilateral affairs.

Amb. Wang together with H.E. President Paul Kagame inaugurated AnJia Cement Factory

Consolidating the sound foundation of China-Rwanda relationship through inter-party exchanges

The two ruling parties, the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), both enjoy strong leadership and governance prowess, and share similar missions. We both uphold the people-centered approach to governance.

We both implement consultation-based, consensus-seeking democracy with its own characteristics. The two parties have built profound friendship over the years. We have conducted close exchanges and cooperation at all levels and on various fronts.

At the invitation of the Rwandan side, three CPC delegations have visited Rwanda in the past two years to attend major political events, such as the inauguration ceremony of President Kagame for his fourth term and the commemoration the 30th anniversary of the Genocide against the Tutsi, which reflects the brotherhood of the two parties.

Amb. Wang joined Umuganda activity

Boost a mutually beneficial partnership through economic and trade cooperation

Under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, the two countries can share the huge potential and opportunities the markets offer, leading to rapid growth in bilateral trade volume. China is Rwanda’s top trading and investment partner.

In recent years, benchmark projects, supported by the Chinese government, have achieved steady progress, such as the renovation and expansion of the Masaka Hospital, the Nyabarongo Hydropower Plant II, and the Smart Education project. Construction is set to start for the 10-kilometer road from Prince House to Masaka.

The Juncao mushroom technology has helped alleviate poverty in Rwanda and boosted nutrition for local families, which has been recognized by all stakeholders including the United Nations. Many Chinese enterprises have taken root in Rwanda’s investment landscape.

In August 2023, President Kagame attended the production kick-off ceremony of Anjia Prefabricated Construction Rwanda Company Ltd., a Chinese invested cement factory, which has boosted the production capacity of cement in Rwanda.

In recent years, Chinese companies have established and invested in a number of local factories in Rwanda, including jacket and shoes manufacturers as well as detergent makers, which have helped generate employment opportunities and income for local communities, accelerating Rwanda’s socioeconomic development and industrialization.

In return, Rwandan companies have made their presence to China’s super-large market, taking their products to high-level platforms including the China International Import Expo and the Guangdong Canton Fair. Made-in-Rwanda products, such as coffee, tea, dried chili, honey, have been successfully marketed to Chinese consumers, increasing their visibility in China.

30 Rwandan students went to study in China under the Joint Training Program Between IPRC Musanze and Jinhua Vocational Technolog

Building an everlasting friendship through closer people-to-people exchanges

Amity between the peoples holds key to sound China-Rwanda relations. Cultural and people-to-people exchanges have had plenty highlights to offer in the past years. For example, Jinhua and Musanze became the first ever pair of sister cities between the two countries, opening a new chapter in local exchanges and cooperation.

Young students at IPRC Musanze are empowered to find their dream jobs thanks to the 'Chinese plus vocational skills' training offered by the Luban workshop based in the college.

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University has delivered service learning project in Rwanda for more than a decade. They helped install solar power generation systems for farmers in remote villages in the Eastern Province of Rwanda, and empower local women by conducting fashion design training, etc.

In the past three years, around 200 Rwandan students have received Chinese government scholarships. A total of nearly 2,000 Rwandan students are studying in China. The Confucius Institute at the University of Rwanda has trained more than 5,000 students to learn Chinese and Chinese culture.

In 2024, Rwandan students achieved historically best performance in the 'Chinese Bridge' Chinese Proficiency Competitions, in which Rwandan contestants entered the top 30 in the world and the top 7 in Africa for the first time. During my stay in Rwanda, I have enjoyed to engage with the local communities.

I led Chinese diplomats to join Umuganda, Car-Free Day Walking and Peace Marathon. I supported the Chinese medical teams to deliver free clinic services, conducted field research, and sat with my Rwandan friends to hear their stories with China. It is fair to say, the foundation of China-Rwanda friendship was laid by the peoples, and it is and will be further enhanced by the peoples.

Rwandan student won the first prize in the PLC Application Technology category of the 9th Africa Tech Challenge Season in 2024

A bosom friend afar brings a distant land near. As the Chinese ambassador to Rwanda, I have been asked many times about why China-Rwanda relationship is so successful despite the great geographical distance. The most important reason, I think, is that China and Rwanda share similar histories and experiences which enable us to understand and support each other. We both believe in self-reliance.

We are both steadfast on the development path that suits our own national realities. We are both striving to achieve national modernization. And we both cherish familial bond, history, cultural heritage and the unique national identity they bestowed to us. No matter how the international landscape evolves, the two countries will always respect and support each other on issues of core interests, and develop bilateral relations on the basis of equality, mutual respect and trust, as well as win-win partnership.

My story in Rwanda in the past three years, is just an epitome of the earnest friendship between China and Rwanda, which is higher than mountains. As I’m drawing a period to my tour of duty here, I would like to thank so many friends here that have supported me during this journey.

First and foremost, my deepest gratitude goes to President Xi Jinping and President Kagame for their insightful guidance and support to China-Rwanda relations. My appreciation also goes to my brothers and sisters from the party, government, military, business, media and other fields for their valuable assistance to the Chinese Embassy and myself.

I would also like to thank Chinese communities here for their contribution to the China-Rwanda friendship. Last but not least, my thanks go to my colleagues from the Embassy who have worked day and night with me. I hope that you will continue your good work to promote further growth of bilateral relations.

The China Medical Team to Rwanda set up a free clinic for hernia at Masaka Hospital

The decades-old Umuganda culture in Rwanda encourages joint efforts and mutual help for common goals. A Chinese saying conveys a similar message. It goes like, 'People with one mind and heart have the power to move a mountain.'

In a world of increasing inter-connection and inter-dependence, countries are faced with many unprecedented common challenges.

It is important for China and Rwanda to join hands for mutual benefits and common development and to build a community with a shared future. I believe, under the leadership of President Xi Jinping and President Kagame, with the joint efforts of our two governments and peoples, China-Rwanda relations will embrace an even brighter future.

Wish all the best to Rwanda. May prosperity, happiness and health always be with Rwandan people. May the friendship between China and Rwanda last forever and keep flourishing.

The heartfelt message above was penned by Ambassador Wang Xuekun as he concludes his tour of duty in Rwanda, where he has served with dedication since May 2022.

Wang Xuekun

In a message shared on the social media platform X, Kagame expressed his hope that the occasion would bring peace, happiness, and prosperity to all those celebrating.

“Eid Mubarak to all Muslims in Rwanda and around the world celebrating Eid al-Fitr. May this joyous occasion bring you and your loved ones peace, happiness, and prosperity. Let us continue to uphold the values of compassion, unity, and generosity that define this celebration,” Kagame wrote on Sunday night.

#EidMubarak to all Muslims in Rwanda and around the world celebrating Eid al-Fitr. May this joyous occasion bring you and your loved ones peace, happiness, and prosperity. Let us continue to uphold the values of compassion, unity, and generosity that define this celebration.

— Paul Kagame (@PaulKagame) March 30, 2025

On March 30, Muslims in Rwanda joined millions worldwide in marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan after 29 days of fasting. The national Eid prayer gathering took place at Kigali Pele Stadium in Nyamirambo, where a large number of Muslims came together to observe the religious occasion.

As part of the celebrations, the Rwanda Muslim Community carried out a charitable initiative to support those in need.

During Ramadan, the community raised over 33 million Rwandan Francs, which was used to purchase food for underprivileged Muslims. Through this effort, 21,000 tons of food, including beans and rice, were distributed to vulnerable families, ensuring they could also partake in the festivities.

The celebrations will continue on Monday, March 31, which the government has declared a holiday to allow the Muslim community in Rwanda to mark the occasion.

Eid al-Fitr, one of the most significant celebrations in the Islamic calendar, marks the end of a month of fasting, reflection, and devotion.

President Paul Kagame has extended his heartfelt wishes to Muslims in Rwanda and around the world as they celebrate Eid al-Fitr, emphasizing the importance of unity, compassion, and generosity.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Elly Mate, the spokesperson for the Uganda Police Force in the Kigezi region, reported that the accident occurred at the Kyanamira trading center along the Mbarara-Kabale highway.

Muhire was driving a Sinotruk truck from Mbarara to Kabale when he lost control of the vehicle at Kyanamira, causing it to veer off the road on Saturday.

According to Mate, the accident was caused by brake failure, which led to the truck overturning. Muhire died instantly at the scene.

His body was taken to Kabale Regional Referral Hospital for a post-mortem examination before being repatriated to Rwanda.

The body was taken to hospital for postmortem.

IGIHE

For us Africans, this tragedy resonates deeply, as it reflects the painful history of colonial violence, ethnic persecution, and the struggle for justice that many African nations have also endured.

In March and April 1918, Armenian Dashnak (political party that still exists in Armenia and its diaspora) militants, supported by Bolshevik forces, carried out brutal massacres against Azerbaijanis in Baku, Shamakhi, Guba, Nakhchivan, Zangezur, Ganja and other regions of Azerbaijan.

Dozens of thousands of innocent men, women, and children were slaughtered, villages were burned, and cultural heritage was destroyed. The violence was not just a military operation; it was an attempt to erase Azerbaijani identity from these lands.

In Guba alone, mass graves have been uncovered, revealing the horrifying scale of the atrocities. These crimes were part of a broader campaign to displace Azerbaijani communities and seize their lands, a pattern that, sadly, continued in later decades, including the modern period during the former Karabakh conflict.

For us, this history may feel familiar. The scars of colonialism, ethnic violence, and forced displacement are shared wounds across many nations.

Just as Africa remembers the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, the atrocities of King Leopold in Congo, or the Sharpeville Massacre in South Africa, Azerbaijan remembers its own martyrs.

31 March, the day of the Genocide of Azerbaijanis, declared by the decree of the President of Azerbaijan dated 26 March 1998, is not just about the past, it is a call for global recognition of historical injustices.

Azerbaijan, just like many African countries, seeks truth and reconciliation, ensuring that such crimes are never repeated.

Today, Azerbaijan honors the victims through memorials, educational programs, and international advocacy. The country has rebuilt and restored its territories after the 2020 Karabakh war, but the wounds of history remain.

By remembering March 31, Azerbaijan sends a powerful message that genocide denial is unacceptable, and justice must prevail.

As Africans who have faced oppression, we understand the importance of remembrance. The day of the Genocide of Azerbaijanis reminds us that no people’s suffering should be forgotten. Whether in Africa, the Caucasus, or beyond, the fight against ethnic hatred and historical erasure is a global struggle.

On this day, we stand with Azerbaijan in honoring the victims and demanding that the world acknowledge this tragedy, just as we demand recognition for our own histories.

The author is a political Analyst based in Addis Ababa.

People commemorating the day of the Genocide of Azerbaijanis on 31st March 2025.

Guba Genocide Memorial, Azerbaijan.

Veritas Temeliketi