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The ceremony was held in RWABATT-1 Headquarters, at the UN Tomping Base Camp at Juba on Wednesday, February 12, 2025.

The UNMISS Force Commander, Lt Gen Mohan Subramanian who presided over the medal awarding ceremony, thanked the Government of Rwanda for providing key contribution to the UN peacekeeping operations and commended Rwandan peacekeepers for their discipline and dedication while performing their duties.

He highlighted that Rwandan peacekeepers are the largest peacekeeping contingent in South Sudan and therefore the backbone of the UNMISS.

Brig Gen William Ryarasa, the Sector Unity Commander and Rwanda Senior National Representative in South Sudan, said that RWABATT-1 successfully carried out various operations that contributed to security and stability in their area of responsibility.

They include patrols to liaise with local security forces, monitor human rights situations, and gather critical information for the protection of civilians.

RWABATT-1 ensured the security of the UN Tomping and Torit Company Operating Base Camp, safeguarding key installations and personnel.

They also conducted community activities aimed at promoting cleanliness, health and education such as provision of medical services to the local community, provision of scholastic and hygiene materials to students and planting of trees and cleaning among others.

Lt Col Emmanuel Ntwali, RWABATT-1 Contingent Commander, said that the event was a milestone for the peacekeepers who have now completed 11 months fulfilling their duties under UNMISS.

He added that Medal decorations play a crucial role in raising UN Peacekeepers’ motivation and morale.

Lt Col Ntwali further appreciated the support rendered by the UNMISS leadership, the Government of South Sudan and friendly contingents in accomplishing the mandated tasks.

The event was attended by fellow peacekeepers from different nations under the UNMISS, South Sudan senior military officials and other friends. It was marked by parade demonstration, medal pinning and cultural dance performance.

The UNMISS Force Commander, Lt Gen Mohan Subramanian who presided over the medal awarding ceremony commended Rwandan peacekeepers for their discipline and dedication while performing their duties.

The ceremony was held in RWABATT-1 Headquarters, at the UN Tomping Base Camp at Juba on Wednesday, February 12, 2025.

Rwandan peacekeepers in South Sudan have been decorated with UN Service Medals.

The ceremony was marked by parade demonstration, medal pinning and cultural dance performance.

IGIHE

Rusagara had been battling cancer for an extended period. In July 2016, his wife, Christine Rusagara, also succumbed to cancer after receiving treatment in the United Kingdom.

In 2016, Rusagara was convicted of spreading false information and inciting public insurrection against the government, as well as action that sought to discredit the state. He was also found guilty of illegal possession of firearms.

After appealing his original sentence, Rusagara was sentenced to 15 years in prison by the Court of Appeals in 2019, reducing the 20-year sentence handed down to him by the Military High Court in 2016.

Throughout his career, Rusagara held several key positions, including serving as Rwanda’s military attaché in the United Kingdom, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, President of the Military High Court, and Commander of the Nyakinama Military Academy.

Brig Gen (Rtd) Frank Rusagara died at the age of 70.

Brigadier General (Retired) Frank Rusagara died at the age of 70.

IGIHE

The UN has urged all parties to honor the 2018 peace agreement, which ended South Sudan’s devastating five-year civil war that claimed 400,000 lives.

According to AP, Machar’s arrest was confirmed by opposition spokesperson Pal Mai Deng, who stated that Machar is currently “in confinement by the government” and that his life is at risk.

The arrest follows increased hostilities between the opposition and government forces, particularly in the northern region, where an armed group loyal to Machar clashed with government troops.

Nicholas Haysom, head of the UN mission in South Sudan, called for restraint from all sides and emphasized the importance of adhering to the Revitalized Peace Agreement, which brought Machar and President Salva Kiir together in a unity government.

Tensions between the two leaders have been mounting, particularly after the White Army, an armed group loyal to Machar, overran a military base in Upper Nile state in March and attacked a UN helicopter.

The government’s response included airstrikes and warnings for civilians in the area to evacuate or face consequences. Since mid-March, over a dozen people have died, and the UN has raised alarms over the risk of a return to civil war.

In an update on Machar’s arrest, opposition official Reath Muoch Tang reported that 20 heavily armed vehicles arrived at Machar’s home, where he was detained along with his wife.

His bodyguards were reportedly disarmed, and an arrest warrant was presented, though the charges remain unclear.

The UN has warned that South Sudan’s leaders now face a critical choice: either to risk plunging the country back into widespread conflict or to work toward peace, recovery, and democracy in line with the 2018 agreement.

South Sudan’s main opposition party has reported the arrest of its leader, Riek Machar, as tensions in the country escalate and the United Nations warns of the potential for renewed civil war.

IGIHE

The attack occurred from Monday night to Tuesday when jihadist terrorists targeted a mixed military post close to the Cameroonian border in Wulgo, Nigeria, which is part of Sector III of the MNJTF.

The terrorists used advanced weaponry and light tactical vehicles, likely due to their connection with powerful criminal groups.

The injured soldiers were evacuated to N’Djamena, Chad’s capital, for treatment. This attack is part of the ongoing violence in the Lake Chad Basin, where groups like Boko Haram have been active for over a decade.

At least 12 Cameroonian soldiers were killed, and around 10 others were injured after a terrorist attack on the Multinational Joint Task Force

IGIHE

According to reports, this new assistance package includes a variety of military supplies, such as Milan anti-tank missiles, MICA missiles for Mirage fighter jets, Mistral air defense missiles, armored vehicles, munitions, and drones. Macron reaffirmed France’s commitment to supporting Ukraine’s long-term peace and security.

The announcement came ahead of the summit of the “coalition of the willing” scheduled for Thursday, which will focus on short-term military support and explore how European countries can offer long-term security guarantees for Ukraine’s defense.

Macron also addressed the issue of peacekeeping forces, clarifying that such troops would not be stationed on the front lines. Instead, they may be deployed in strategic locations behind the front lines, such as towns or bases, to support Ukraine’s military capacity.

Zelensky, speaking alongside Macron, expressed hopes that the United States would maintain its efforts to enforce a ceasefire.

However, Russia’s condition for lifting sanctions on its banks and exports was met with a firm rejection from Macron.

He stated that lifting sanctions would depend on Russia’s compliance with international law and insisted it was 'far too early' to consider easing them.

French President Emmanuel Macron (2nd L) welcomes visiting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, on March 26, 2025.

IGIHE

The transformation from its violent past to a beacon of economic growth, social cohesion, and political stability has captivated the attention of global observers.

Recently, a group of Harvard University students visited Rwanda to learn firsthand about the country’s evolution. Their reflections offer insights into Rwanda’s remarkable journey and the lessons it holds for other nations.

Jordan Thomas, a fourth-year student at Yale Law School and Harvard Business School, was part of the Harvard Africa Caucus, which held the trip. As a JD-MBA dual degree student, Thomas was eager to delve into Rwanda’s economic and governance structures.

“There’s a lot to learn from Rwanda. Studying the economic and institutional structures from a legal standpoint has been incredibly enriching. But more than that, it’s the experience of Kigali and Rwanda as a whole that has made this trip so rewarding,” he said.

Schola Chioma Eburuoh, a U.S. citizen with Nigerian roots, joined the trip almost by chance but she acknowledges that this has been one of the most exceptional movements of her life.

“I wanted to experience a new place, especially East Africa. I had only visited Nigeria, Ghana, and Morocco, so Rwanda was an exciting new addition to my travels. I’m very impressed by how welcoming the people are, and the openness of the government, it feels like everyone is invited to contribute,” she explained.

Monserrat Magana, a student from Mexico, was drawn to Rwanda for its ambitious post-genocide transformation. “I had heard a lot about the improvements Rwanda has made after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. As someone who enjoys nature and adventure, visiting Rwanda also gave me the opportunity to see the gorillas and experience a safari, which I had always dreamed of,” she said

The beauty and community spirit of Rwanda stood out to many of the students. Magana shared, “There’s a sense of unity here. People help each other in the streets, and you can see a real sense of social interaction and togetherness.”

This theme of unity was echoed by Brandon Tran, a mid-career student in Public Administration from the U.S. He noted the strong social contract between the government and the people, which contributes to Rwanda’s development.

Tran was especially moved by his visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre. “The memorial walks you through Rwanda’s history in such a complex and personal way. It shows the pre-colonial and colonial periods, the events leading up to and during the genocide, and then the incredible regeneration post-1994. It’s not just about the tragedy of 1994, it’s about understanding what happened before and how Rwanda has rebuilt itself,” he said.

This careful and nuanced approach left a lasting impression on him. The students were equally struck by Rwanda’s bold vision for the future. The government’s focus on tourism and technology is shaping the country as a regional model for development.

Tran, for instance, was intrigued by Rwanda’s widely perceived ambition to become the 'Singapore of Africa.’ 'It’s clear that the government is proactive and focused on long-term goals. Kigali’s development is incredible, and the country’s efforts to attract foreign direct investment are impressive,” he observed.

Yuchen Ji, also known as Rain, a public policy student from Beijing, emphasized the importance of a unified vision in Rwanda’s success.

“One of my biggest takeaways was the country’s ability to invite different government agencies to align with a shared goal. For instance, in discussions with the Ministry of Justice, I learned how critical rule of law is for both societal development and attracting foreign investment,” she noted.

Yuchen Ji, also known as Rain, a public policy student from Beijing, emphasized the importance of a unified vision in Rwanda’s success.

The Ministry of Education’s focus on developing human capital also resonated deeply with the students. As Rain explained, Rwanda’s efforts to equip its citizens with both knowledge and practical skills play a crucial role in its economic development.

“This holistic approach, addressing everything from the rule of law to education, sets the country on a strong path forward,” she explained.

Tunde Wey, a Nigerian fellow at the Graduate School of Design, also reflected on Rwanda’s design aesthetics, which resonated with his own cultural background. “The design sensibility here is familiar to me. There’s an elegance and functionality that speaks to a deep-rooted cultural understanding of space and community,” he revealed.

Throughout their trip, the Harvard students came to recognize Rwanda as a country that not only acknowledges its tragic past but actively works towards a brighter future. The nation’s resilience, unity, and proactive approach to governance have left a deep impression on each of them.

As they prepared to leave, the students reflected on Rwanda’s incredible transformation and the lessons that other nations might take from its journey.

The Students visited the Ministry of Education.

“Rwanda is a shining example of how a country can rebuild, not just physically, but socially and politically. The resilience of the people here and the commitment to healing and progress are truly inspiring,” said Jordan.

Rwanda, once synonymous with tragedy, is now a symbol of hope and a testament to the power of unity and transformation. The students from Harvard left with a deeper understanding of the country’s journey and with a renewed belief in the potential for positive change anywhere in the world.

Jordan Thomas, a fourth-year student at Yale Law School and Harvard Business School, was part of the Harvard Africa Caucus.

Monserrat Magana, a student from Mexico, was drawn to Rwanda for its ambitious post-genocide transformation.

The students held discussions with the Ministry of Justice.

Schola Chioma Eburuoh, a U.S. citizen with Nigerian roots, joined the trip almost by chance but she acknowledges that this has been one of the most exceptional movements of her life.

Brandon Tran is a mid-career student in Public Administration from the U.S.

Tunde Wey, a Nigerian fellow at the Graduate School of Design, reflected on Rwanda’s design aesthetics, which resonated with his own cultural background.

Sam K Nkurunziza

The appointment was made during a cabinet meeting chaired by President Paul Kagame on Wednesday, March 26, 2025.

As head of RIB, Col. Kabanda will oversee the overall direction and operations of the bureau, including leading investigations, ensuring accountability, and upholding the rule of law.

In addition to Col. Kabanda’s appointment, the cabinet also confirmed several other key positions across different institutions, including the reappointment of Oda Gasinzigwa as chairperson of the National Electoral Commission (NEC). She will be deputized by Kizito Habimana.

Other members of the commission include Fortunée Nyiramadirida, Nicole Mutimukeye, Carine Umwali, Jean Bosco Mutijima, Faustin Semanywa, Françoise Kabanda Uwera, and Judith Mbabazi.

During Wednesday’s meeting, the Cabinet also appointed Jeanne Umuhire as the new Deputy Director General at the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC).

Nassi Agaba Bisengo was appointed Deputy Director General at the Rwanda Technical and Vocational Education Training Board (RTB).

In the Ministry of Education, John Bosco Nkuranga was named Strategic Projects Implementation Unit Coordinator.

Dorian Cyubahiro joins the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning as Chief Technical Advisor.

At the Rwanda Atomic Energy Board, Dr. Joram Ndayishimye will head the Nuclear Technologies and Research Development Department, while Capt. Agnes Mutoni will lead the Nuclear Safety and Security Department. Eng. Alexis Ruhinda steps into the role of Manager of the Research Reactor Division, and Eng. Yves Butera becomes Manager of the Nuclear Power Production Development Division.

In the Office of the Prime Minister, Chantal Tuyishimire takes on the role of Senior Policy Analyst, with Françoise Niyigena, Oscar Uwayo, and Ornella Rwaniza all appointed as Policy Analysts.

As head of RIB, Col. Kabanda will oversee the overall direction and operations of the bureau, including leading investigations, ensuring accountability, and upholding the rule of law.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

On March 16, 2025, Tshisekedi’s office announced that it had welcomed Congressman Dr. Ronny Jackson and discussed security in eastern DRC as well as development issues.

'On this Sunday, President Félix Tshisekedi met with Mr. Ronny Jackson, the Special Envoy of the President of the United States, Donald Trump, and a member of the U.S. Congress,” the office of the president said in a statement.

Dr. Jackson, who also chairs the U.S. Congress Intelligence and Special Operations Committee, visited Rwanda, Burundi, and Uganda to understand the root causes of insecurity in the region.

After concluding his visit on March 23, Dr. Jackson explained to his fellow U.S. lawmakers that the insecurity stemmed from colonial-era border changes in the 19th century, which resulted in some land being allocated to the DRC.

Dr. Jackson stated that due to these altered borders, some Congolese in eastern DRC, including many members of the M23 armed group, are not recognized as full citizens, which has led them to take up arms to fight for their rights.

'For lasting peace, the Congolese government must integrate M23 fighters into the military and recognize the people of eastern DRC as full citizens with legitimate rights,” he added.

His remarks angered some Congolese social media users, who criticized the U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa, questioning how a special envoy from Trump could make such statements.

The outrage stemmed from the fact that Dr. Jackson did not distort the region’s history as some Congolese politicians and their foreign allies have often done.

On March 26, the U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa clarified that Dr. Jackson was not a special envoy of Trump but had visited the region as a member of the U.S. Congress.

'The Embassy wishes to clarify that Mr. Ronny Jackson is an elected member of the U.S. Congress and not an official envoy appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate,” the statement read.

Dr. Jackson’s remarks could potentially shift the perspectives of some U.S. politicians who previously believed that the conflict between the Congolese army and M23 was solely driven by the struggle for mineral resources, rather than by the fight for the rights of marginalized Congolese communities.

The U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa, led by Lucy Tamlyn, announced that Dr. Jackson is not a special envoy of Trump.

The office of President Tshisekedi had announced that Dr. Jackson is a special envoy of Trump.

IGIHE

Liège authorities have traditionally joined Rwandans in commemorating the genocide and had scheduled the event for April 12, 2025. However, they have now decided to withdraw from the event.

According to state broadcaster RTBF, the city’s decision was based on a warning from the Liège police.

The police cited tensions between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, suggesting that individuals from the two countries residing in the city could clash during the event.

“An analysis of the potential issue was conducted. The Liège police provided an unfavourable recommendation. The international political climate is unstable,” Jadranka Lozina, the spokesperson for the Liège police, was quoted as saying.

While Rwandans will still be allowed to gather privately for the commemoration, Liège Mayor Willy Demeyer will not attend. Authorities have also warned that if public order is threatened, the gathering will not be permitted.

The decision comes amid strained diplomatic relations between Rwanda and Belgium. Rwanda recently cut ties with Belgium due to the latter’s alignment with the DRC in calling for sanctions against Rwanda, accusing it of supporting the M23 rebel group—an allegation Rwanda has strongly denied.

Minister Nduhungirehe condemned the move, arguing that it demonstrates how the genocide denial narrative, propagated by DRC authorities and their Belgian supporters, is rapidly spreading within Belgium.

“It is evident that the denial virus, spread by the Congolese government and its supporters in Belgium, is rapidly taking hold in the Kingdom of Léopold!” the minister wrote on X.

Nduhungirehe further pointed out that Liège is governed by the Socialist Party (PS), which includes Lydia Mutyebele, a DRC-born MP known for her hostility towards Rwanda and genocide denial, as well as André Flahaut, who has recently shown support for Kinshasa’s leadership in the ongoing regional tensions.

He also reminded that April 7 is an internationally recognised day, designated by the United Nations General Assembly, for the world to join Rwandans in commemorating the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Minister Nduhungirehe condemned the city of Liège for pulling out of the commemoration, arguing that it demonstrates how the genocide denial narrative, propagated by DRC authorities and their Belgian supporters, is rapidly spreading within Belgium.

IGIHE

With five out of seven people lacking access to safe surgery and 4.2 million dying within 30 days of operations each year, experts at the inaugural Advancing Medical Education in Africa Conference (MedEdAfrica 2025) this week highlighted how these interventions, paired with innovative training, are reducing risks and reshaping healthcare education.

'When the lights go off mid-operation, our headlamp comes on, and we continue,' said Professor Nobhojit Roy, a Lifebox governing board member and surgery professor at the University of Global Health Equity (UGHE).

Lifebox’s headlamps, distributed across 116 countries, tackle a universal hurdle: power interruptions.

In Rwanda, like many other countries in the region, they have illuminated operating theaters, with Prof. Roy describing them as a 'practical fix' in cases of power hitches, ensuring surgeries can continue uninterrupted even with the slightest interruption.

Senait Bitew Alemu, Lifebox’s Chief Programme Officer, highlighted the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist as a cornerstone of their Clean Cut project, which includes components such as proper hand hygiene, skin antisepsis, sterile equipment and environment, and timely antibiotic prophylaxis.

In Rwanda, the non-profit organization focused on improving the safety of surgery in low-income countries has been implementing the Clean Cut program in four facilities, including CHUK, Kabgayi, Kigeme, and Kirehe. According to the organization, globally, Clean Cut has demonstrated a 35% reduction in infections among all patients.

'A patient shouldn’t return with an infection,' Alemu said, emphasizing the importance of safer recoveries for mothers post-cesarean.

Pulse oximeters, which monitor oxygen levels, have also played an important role in safer surgeries.

'It’s a device you saw during COVID,' Prof. Roy noted.

A pulse oximeter is the only piece of equipment included on the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist and is a minimum standard for safe anesthesia. Yet, operating rooms across the world still lack this essential device, putting millions of lives at risk, according to Lifebox experts.

Since 2011, Lifebox has distributed more than 35,000 pulse oximeters in 116 countries. Coupled with the training of more than 14,000 healthcare providers on safe surgeries, these efforts are making surgery safer for more than 200 million patients.

Additionally, as part of efforts for safer surgeries, Lifebox, in partnership with Smile Train, is equipping 650 operating rooms with Smile Train-Lifebox Capnographs. These essential monitors ensure patients receive adequate oxygen during anesthesia. While they have been used universally in high-income countries for decades, they remain absent in many low-resource operating rooms.

The MedEdAfrica conference, launched Monday at the Kigali Convention Centre, drew over 600 medical educators, students, healthcare leaders, and policymakers from Africa and beyond.

Hosted by UGHE, the Ministry of Health, and partners, it birthed the Consortium of Medical Schools in Africa (COMSA) to foster collaboration.

Speaking during the opening of the conference, Health Minister Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana stressed the importance of evolving education to meet a shifting health landscape.

'Diseases have moved from malaria to cancer as life expectancy rises,' he said. 'We need specialists, and fast.'

Lifebox supports the ministry through a nine-month nursing fellowship at Butaro Teaching Hospital, which began two months ago and is ongoing.

'Nurses are the backbone,' Alemu affirmed. 'We’re training them in safety, leadership, and sterilization,” she added.

The Lifebox training program, targeting general nurses in perioperative roles, aims to cascade training across Rwanda, with five initial trainees set to mentor others.

Reforms on medical training

Professor Abebe Bekele, UGHE’s Dean and COMSA co-chair, emphasized the need for education reform across Africa to address existing gaps.

'Africa can’t afford 15-20-year training timelines,' he said, advocating for shorter, intensive programs and multi-level training to meet rural healthcare demands.

He termed the reforms as crucial to supporting initiatives such as the 4×4 program launched in July 2023, which aims to quadruple the number of healthcare workers in the country within four years, with a target to achieve this by 2027.

Thomas Weiser, a Stanford surgeon and Lifebox collaborator, echoed this call for change: 'We’ve trained doctors the same way for 120 years—it’s too slow.' He proposed simulation and task-sharing with non-medical doctors, noting, 'Nurse anesthetists handle 80% of rural US anesthetics.'

Minister Nsanzimana pushed for a tech-driven overhaul, stating, 'The demand is growing, and we must respond by aligning medical education with healthcare needs. There is no debate—medical education is crucial. The burden of disease is increasing and evolving. We have moved from primarily dealing with malaria, HIV, and tuberculosis to addressing chronic illnesses like cancer and organ failure. These shifts are recent—perhaps in the past decade—but they are significant.'

He added, 'AI is already transforming fields like radiology and pathology. Should we continue training the same number of specialists in these fields, or should we adapt to the changing landscape? Technology is not replacing healthcare professionals, but it is shifting how we work. We must integrate these advancements into medical education.'

Prof. Roy reinforced this urgency: 'With population growth, we need faster training—15 years won’t cut it.'

In operating rooms worldwide, where power failures and infections threaten millions, simple tools like headlamps, pulse oximeters, and checklists are proving to be life-saving game-changers.

Pulse oximeters, which monitor oxygen levels, have also played an important role in safer surgeries.

The Lifebox team at their stand during the two-day Advancing Medical Education in Africa Conference (MedEdAfrica 2025), held on March 24-25, 2025.

Senait Bitew Alemu, Lifebox’s Chief Programme Officer, highlighted the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist as a cornerstone of their Clean Cut project.

Professor Nobhojit Roy is a board member at Lifebox and surgery professor at the University of Global Health Equity (UGHE).

Professor Abebe Bekele, UGHE’s Dean and COMSA co-chair, emphasized the need for education reform across Africa.

Minister Nsanzimana led calls to transform medical education on the continent at the inaugural Advancing Medical Education in Africa Conference.

Wycliffe Nyamasege