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The stadium hosted its first official game on Sunday, with the Junior Starlets defeating Uganda’s Teen Cranes 3-0 in a U-17 World Cup qualifier. Despite this milestone, a few finishing touches are still required before the venue undergoes its final inspection ahead of CHAN in August.

The Ministry of Sports has provided an update on the remaining improvements needed before the stadium receives full approval to host the 2024 CHAN matches. While renovations are also ongoing at Kasarani Stadium, officials have confirmed that Nyayo is currently the most prepared venue.

In addition to hosting CHAN, Nyayo Stadium is expected to become the home ground for the Kenyan national football team, Harambee Stars, under newly appointed head coach Benni McCarthy.

The team is set to play crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, beginning with an away match against Gambia on March 20 in Ivory Coast.

Meanwhile, the Football Kenya Federation (KFF) and the Ministry of Sports are in discussions to host the Gabon fixture at Nyayo Stadium on March 23, potentially marking the return of senior international matches to Kenya.

Sports Principal Secretary Peter Tum expressed optimism that the stadium could be ready in time for the Gabon match, following the successful hosting of the Junior Starlets vs. Teen Cranes game.

'That is what we are hoping for. But for now, we are still in talks with FKF to see how we can arrange for them to play here,' Tum said when asked about the possibility of playing the fixture in Nairobi.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has already given Nyayo Stadium a preliminary green light, as evidenced by its approval for the Kenya vs. Uganda U-17 match. However, a final inspection is still pending before the venue can be fully cleared for CHAN and other international fixtures.

'CAF are saying the stadium is good to go, and that is why we were allowed to host this game on this ground. They will come later for another inspection,' Tum explained.

One of the final aspects of the renovation is installing a scoreboard, which falls under the second phase of the stadium’s upgrade plan.

However, Tum reassured that all critical facilities, including floodlights, would be fully functional before the Gabon match.

'The only thing remaining is the scoreboard, which is in the phase two plan because, for CHAN, the scoreboard will be there. If you look at the floodlights, they are functioning, so by the 23rd, everything will be ready,' he confirmed.

Nyayo National Stadium nears full approval ahead of CHAN 2024.

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'It’s bound in my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,' he said not long before departing the International Space Station to return to Earth.

After being asked what his 'life lesson or takeaway from these nine months in space' was, astronaut Barry Eugene 'Butch' Wilmore replied, 'Well, I can tell you honestly, my feeling on all of this goes back to my faith. It’s bound in my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.'

'He is working out his plan and his purposes for his glory throughout all of humanity, and how that plays into our lives is significant and important, and however that plays out, I am content because I understand that,' Wilmore continued.

'I understand that He’s at work in all things, some things are for the good, go to Hebrews chapter 11, and some things look to us to be not so good. But it’s all working out for His good, for all those that will believe,' the astronaut added. 'And that’s the answer.'

Wilmore and fellow astronaut Sunita 'Suni' Williams, who launched into space on the first piloted test flight of Boeing’s Starliner on June 5, 2024, ended up stranded on the International Space Station (ISS) orbital laboratory for 286 days, when they were only supposed to be on a ten-day trip.

After the Starliner had faced problems, Elon Musk’s SpaceX reportedly worked on a plan with NASA to fly Wilmore and Williams back to Earth.

As of Wednesday March 19, 2025, the two astronauts had finally completed their long-awaited journey back to Earth on a SpaceX capsule, thanks to the combined drive and ambition of President Donald Trump and Musk to 'go get them.'

Wilmore and fellow astronaut Sunita 'Suni' Williams launched into space on the first piloted test flight of Boeing’s Starliner on June 5, 2024.

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He made these remarks during the Africa Universities Summit, held in Rwanda, which aimed to explore ways universities can contribute to the continent’s development. The summit was organized by Times Higher Education.

Nsengimana stated that universities are the engine of national development and should ensure that graduates are equipped to make meaningful contributions.

'The universities you represent are more than just institutions of higher learning; they are engines of innovation, self-reliance, and economic growth. The future of Africa depends on strong partnerships within the continent and beyond,' he said.

He stressed that African universities should not only be centers of knowledge but should also engage in research that brings about transformative and sustainable development.

'The goal is not to create individuals who rely on others but to empower them to be self-sufficient, ensuring that Africa’s institutions become the driving force of their own development. Sustainable development is not a choice; it is a necessity. Universities must integrate sustainability principles into their curricula, research, and operations.'

The Minister highlighted that universities should conduct research aimed at addressing Africa’s unique challenges.

He also pointed out that technology in education presents an opportunity to expand access to quality learning.
'The technological changes we are witnessing are transforming all sectors, including education. While there are challenges, technology offers opportunities to provide quality education for all, without exclusion.'

He noted that addressing the digital divide is crucial and that solutions must be found to benefit both urban and rural areas.

Minister Nsengimana further highlighted a major gap between the knowledge imparted by universities and the skills required by the labor market, stressing the urgency of building a strong education system. He urged universities to collaborate with industries to develop curricula and courses that align with market needs.

'There is a gap between the knowledge taught in schools and what is required on the job market. This needs urgent attention. Universities should work closely with industries to develop academic programs that align with labor market demands, ensuring better employment opportunities and fostering innovation across various sectors.'

He reiterated that universities should conduct research aligned with Africa’s sustainable development goals and the well-being of its people, asserting that a strong higher education system can significantly contribute to Africa’s development.

Nsengimana also emphasized that the advancement of higher education in Africa depends on unity, strategic transformations, innovation, and collaboration for collective progress.

Nick Davis, the Regional Director for Africa and the Middle East at Times Higher Education, stated that since 60% of Africa’s population is youth, this should be seen as an opportunity for development.

He stressed that collaboration is key to Africa’s progress, with quality education, technology, and innovation forming the foundation for its growth.

Dr. Edward Kadozi, the Director General of the Higher Education Council (HEC), also highlighted the importance of strengthening technical, vocational, and hands-on education.

He noted that this approach would help create jobs, supply skilled workers for the growing industries across African countries, and reduce youth unemployment.

Africa Universities Summit was held in Rwanda.

The Minister of Education, Joseph Nsengimana, has called for the need for universities to focus on research that drives sustainable development.

Nick Davis is the Regional Director for Africa and the Middle East at Times Higher Education.

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The event welcomed representatives from various religious affiliations, including Catholics, Muslims, Anglicans, and other special guests, highlighting the spirit of inclusivity during the holy month of Ramadan.

Speaking at the iftar, H.E. AlQahtani expressed his appreciation to the attendees and emphasized the UAE’s commitment to fostering peace and understanding.

“It is a pleasure for me to welcome you to this interfaith iftar dinner during Ramadan, one of the holiest months of the Islamic calendar,” he said, adding how the gathering reflected the multicultural fabric of the UAE, where more than 200 nationalities of different faiths live together in peace and harmony.

“We in the UAE believe in the importance of bringing people together during the month of Ramadan, reflecting our principles of compassion, generosity and coexistence,” he added.

H.E. AlQahtani also underscored the UAE’s dedication to promoting the values of tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and dialogue, stressing that these values are crucial not just during Ramadan but throughout the year.

“Ramadan is an opportunity for a new beginning, a time to recalibrate, reflect, and renew,” he said, concluding by extending his warm wishes for a blessed Ramadan to all.

Rwanda’s Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Clementine Mukeka, also addressed guests, commending the UAE Embassy’s efforts to foster dialogue and unity.

“On behalf of everyone here, I would like to thank Your Excellency Ambassador AlQahtani and the entire team for organizing such a wonderful event,” she said.

Reflecting on Rwanda’s own journey toward reconciliation after the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, Mukeka also emphasized the power of unity and dialogue in fostering lasting peace.

“In Rwanda, we have seen firsthand the power of unity. Today, Rwanda is a living example of what’s possible when we work toward a shared goal of peace, healing, and progress,” she said, reiterating Rwanda’s readiness to build bridges and partnerships with countries around the world, based on the principles of peace and cooperation.

“As we reflect on the values of Ramadan, let us remember that these aren’t just for this month. They’re values we can carry with us every day, in how we treat one another and in the actions we take to make the world a better place,” she added.

Abdellatif Oulad Aouid, head of the Islamic Cultural Center in Kigali, also spoke at the event, reflecting on the long-standing partnership between the center and the UAE. He acknowledged the pivotal role played by the Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation in supporting educational and humanitarian programs in Rwanda.

“The Islamic Cultural Center is a model of tolerance and coexistence, hosting more than 700 students under the guidance of 45 teachers, without any religious, gender, social, or other discrimination,” he said.

He also commended the cooperation between the Islamic Cultural Center and the UAE Embassy in promoting values of solidarity and tolerance through initiatives such as iftar programs, supporting vulnerable communities, and encouraging academic excellence.

“On this occasion, I extend my sincere gratitude to Your Excellency for your continuous support and to the Rwandan authorities for their cooperation. We look forward to furthering our humanitarian efforts together,” he said.

The event was a celebration of the shared values that unite people across cultures and faiths, where guests shared conversations over a traditional iftar meal, fostering a spirit of community and mutual respect.

The UAE Embassy’s Interfaith Iftar Dinner served as a powerful reminder that dialogue, understanding, and compassion can foster a more peaceful and inclusive world.

Different religious leaders and dignitaries from diverse backgrounds to celebrate the values of unity, tolerance and coexistence.

His Excellency Ambassador Hazza AlQahtani speaking at the occasion.

The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Clementine Mukekareceiving a gift from His Excellency Ambassador Hazza AlQahtani.

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According to a joint stament released by Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the meeting which took place in Qatar on March 18, 2025, welcomed the progress made in the Luanda and Nairobi processes, and the joint the East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit in Dar es Salaam on February 8, 2025.

A photo released by Qatar showed Sheikh Tamim seated between the two presidents, with President Kagame on the left and President Tshisekedi on the right.

The statement emphasized the commitment of the countries involved to cease hostilities without further delay, as previously agreed at the said summit.

“The Heads of State then agreed on the need to continue the discussions initiated in Doha in order to establish solid foundations for lasting peace as envisioned in the Luanda/Nairobi process, now merged and/or aligned,” reads part of the statement.

According to the statement, President Kagame and Tshisekedi Tshilombo, thanked the State of Qatar and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, for their hospitality and for organizing this fruitful meeting, ‘which helped build confidence in a shared commitment to a secure and stable future for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the region’.

Qatar has gained recognition as a mediator in several global conflicts, most recently collaborating with Egypt and the United States to address the ongoing war between Hamas and Gaza.

The meeting between the two leaders was previously undisclosed and surprised many.

Although talks between both parties had been planned for Qatar in January 2023, they were initially canceled when the DRC side refused to participate, citing other commitments. At that time, President Tshisekedi had also declined a meeting with President Kagame, despite a request from French President Macron.

President Kagame had recently stated that if he were to meet with President Tshisekedi again, he would tell him that he was not fit to lead the DRC.

Kagame also expressed his frustration with Tshisekedi’s approach to discussions, saying that agreements made during talks are often reversed or forgotten soon after.

A photo released by Qatar showed Sheikh Tamim seated between the two presidents, with President Kagame on the left and President Tshisekedi on the right.

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The group’s military spokesperson said in a televised statement that the attack was made to support the Palestinians and in response to the new wave of deadly Israeli airstrikes across Gaza earlier in the day.

Yemen’s Houthis have claimed responsibility for ballistic rocket attack on Israel

Xinhua

Since Belgium began colonizing Rwanda in 1917, it implemented several oppressive policies that divided Rwandans. Among them was the introduction of forced labor punishments known as “ikiboko,” which involved caning individuals who failed to complete their assigned labor.

In 1930, Belgium introduced identity cards that classified Rwandans into artificial ethnic groups. These identity cards later played a key role in the Genocide against the Tutsi, as they were used to identify those targeted for killing.

The 1978 Constitution and other laws enacted between 1962 and 1994 institutionalized discrimination. For example, these laws stipulated that Tutsi should not exceed 10% of government positions, while Hutu were allocated 89% and Batwa only 1%, based on demographic proportions.

Minister Dr. Bizimana told RBA that “a constitution that reinforces discrimination and divisions is extremely harmful. It was influenced by the Belgians, who strongly supported Habyarimana’s government and political parties in their country.”

He pointed out that in 1946, when Belgium was given the mandate to govern Rwanda, it was supposed to develop the country in all aspects and prepare it for independence. However, it failed to do so.

“Belgium should humble itself and acknowledge the truth—that it is the root cause of Rwanda’s problems. From the moment it signed agreements with the United Nations in 1946 to lead Rwanda to independence, improve living standards, uphold human rights, and provide quality education, it failed in all these aspects and instead introduced ethnic divisions,” he stated.

After Juvénal Habyarimana overthrew Kayibanda in 1973, Belgium continued to support him and helped him draft laws that entrenched discrimination.

He added, “The Belgians helped Habyarimana draft the 1978 Constitution, providing him with two advisors: Filip Reyntjens and René de Wolf, who wrote the Constitution. This Constitution explicitly supported the ethnic-based ideology of Parmehutu.”

This Constitution described the “revolution” of 1959 and Habyarimana’s rise to power as a “cultural revolution” and mandated that they be regarded as fundamental principles in Rwanda’s history and laws.

It also stated that Rwandan refugees living abroad would be governed by laws set by Rwanda, even though the 1966 laws explicitly denied refugees and those exiled to Bugesera and Rukumberi the right to return home or reclaim their properties.

Kayibanda, who operated under Belgium’s influence, even issued directives prohibiting judges from accepting legal claims from refugees or their families regarding property restitution.

Minister Bizimana remarked, “This injustice was embedded in the Constitution drafted by a Belgian legal expert, who was paid with Belgian cooperation funds.”

Article 7 of the Belgian-drafted Constitution established the MRND as the sole political party, forcing every Rwandan to be a member without choice.

In February 2025, Rwanda terminated its development cooperation agreements with Belgium after the latter took sides in the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and engaged in propaganda aimed at isolating Rwanda from international aid.

On March 17, 2025, Rwanda decided to sever diplomatic ties with Belgium due to its historical role in Rwanda’s suffering and its ongoing actions against the country.

The Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, Jean-Damascène Bizimana, has urged Belgium to humble itself and acknowledge the truth over its role in events that led to Rwanda’s dark history.

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In a statement, RCSP chairperson Theoneste Murangira expressed deep concern over the worsening security and humanitarian situation in South and North Kivu, warning that tensions between the DRC, Rwanda, and Burundi risk further destabilizing the Great Lakes region.

The apex civil society body emphasized that punitive measures against Rwanda could exacerbate the crisis and hinder ongoing mediation efforts led by African regional blocs.

In recent weeks, the international community has imposed a series of sanctions targeting Rwanda. The United States sanctioned the Minister of State of Foreign Affairs in charge of Regional Cooperation General (Rtd) James Kabarebe.

The European Union (EU) suspended defense consultations and announced a review of its Memorandum of Understanding on Sustainable Raw Materials Value Chains with Rwanda. The United Kingdom halted direct financial aid, except for humanitarian assistance, while Germany and Canada imposed similar punitive measures.

RCSP argued that such actions undermine the principle of collective action, which is crucial for effective conflict resolution, and called on global leaders to adopt a humanitarian, peace, and development lens when addressing the crisis.

'Sanctions could complicate mediation by fostering exclusion, emboldening non-sanctioned parties, and undermining the impartiality of mediators,' the RCSP stated, citing research that suggests sanctions rarely incentivize cooperation or break negotiation deadlocks.

'Instead, they can exacerbate conflicts by strengthening hardliners and prolonging crises.'

The conflict in eastern DRC has intensified since late January 2025, when the M23 rebel group advanced into Goma and other strategic towns after overwhelming the Congolese army and its coalition forces.

The worsening situation prompted urgent interventions from regional bodies, including the African Union (AU), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and the East African Community (EAC), which have been calling for dialogue to resolve the conflict between M23 and Kinshasa through diplomatic means.

The RCSP highlighted that the humanitarian toll continues to mount, with essential infrastructure destroyed and communities facing acute humanitarian needs. It called for unfettered access to humanitarian aid and the restoration of critical services to alleviate the suffering of affected populations.

RCSP urged regional leaders to focus on a structured and inclusive peace process that addresses the root causes of the conflict. It warned that a ceasefire alone is insufficient without tackling the underlying grievances of all parties involved.

“Ignoring these issues risks future conflict outbreaks with even more devastating consequences,” RCSP cautioned, while encouraging the active involvement of civil society, grassroots communities, women, and youth in peace negotiations.

RCSP also urged all stakeholders to prioritize humanitarian assistance and civilian protection while calling on the UN Security Council to pressure the DRC and other actors to commit to long-term, inclusive peace solutions.

“The DRC crisis is not merely a national emergency but a regional crisis with spill-over effects that require bold, coordinated, and inclusive action,” the platform stressed.

The conflict in eastern DRC has intensified since late January 2025, when the M23 rebel group advanced into Goma and other strategic towns after overwhelming the Congolese army and its coalition forces.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Mali had been suspended from the OIF in August 2020 after a military coup ousted President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita.

The OIF had called for Keita’s release and the establishment of a civilian-led transition government amidst the country’s ongoing crisis.

In a similar stance, Burkina Faso and Niger, both also governed by military juntas, announced their departure from the OIF.

These countries, which have distanced themselves from France and strengthened ties with Russia, have also left the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to create their own Sahel confederation.

The OIF, based in Paris, works to promote the French language and foster cooperation in various sectors among its 93 member states.

Mali, under junta rule and severing ties with France, has announced its withdrawal from the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), a move made one day after Niger and Burkina Faso followed suit.

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