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Following Rwanda’s announcement to suspend diplomatic relations with Belgium, concerns arose about possible repercussions for citizens, including students, residents, and businesspersons in Belgium.

Many also questioned the impact of this move on Rwanda’s Kwibuka 31 commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, especially as the Rwandan Embassy in Belgium played a key role in organizing memorial events.

In an interview with IGIHE, Nduhungirehe dismissed fears, emphasizing that ordinary citizens will not be affected by the diplomatic fallout.

“Cutting ties with Belgium will have no impact on ordinary citizens. The Genocide commemoration activities will continue, organized by Rwandan communities and survivors’ associations,” he stated.

He also assured Rwandans abroad that the government will continue to provide necessary information and support whenever possible.

On March 17, 2025, the Rwandan government formally notified Belgium of its decision to cut diplomatic relations and ordered Belgian diplomats to leave the country within 48 hours.

The decision followed Belgium’s continued disregard for Rwanda’s sovereignty, both historically and in the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Rwanda accused Belgium of taking sides in the conflict, spreading misinformation, and advocating for decisions that undermine Rwanda’s security and interests.

This move comes a month after Rwanda terminated a €95 million ($102 million) development cooperation agreement with Belgium for projects planned between 2024 and 2029, leaving about €80 million ($86 million) in unused funds.

Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe, has reassured Rwandans living in Belgium that the recent decision to cut diplomatic ties with the European nation will not affect them.

IGIHE

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.

IGIHE

'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.

IGIHE

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.

IGIHE

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

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.

IGIHE

“These negotiations will begin immediately in the Middle East”, said the statement, noting the two leaders agreed that the three-year Ukraine conflict needs to end with a lasting peace.

Trump and Putin also stressed the need for improved U.S.-Russia bilateral relations, said the statement.

Trump and Putin have agreed that Ukraine peace begins with “energy and infrastructure ceasefire”

Xinhua

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.

IGIHE

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