Maj Gen Nzabamwita was appointed to the post on December 20, 2024, replacing Lt Gen Mushyo Kamanzi, who had served as Rwanda’s Ambassador to Russia since 2019.
Prior to this appointment, Maj Gen Nzabamwita served as a President’s Senior Security Advisor. He is expected to play a key role in strengthening bilateral ties between Rwanda and Russia.
Rwanda and Russia established diplomatic relations on October 17, 1963, when Russia was still part of the Soviet Union, just over a year after Rwanda gained independence.
The partnership between Rwanda and Russia is rooted in cooperation in political, military, education, human resource development, training, and cultural ties.
Russia offers scholarships to Rwandan students in various fields and provides training for some officers in the Rwanda National Police.
Over the past 50 years, more than 800 Rwandan students have graduated from Russian universities in fields such as technology, law, international affairs, medicine, and political science.
Marie Ntakirutimana is one of witnesses. During the Genocide, she was raped multiple times by Interahamwe militiamen—so many times that she lost count—all in a desperate attempt to protect her children from being killed.
Although the rapes left her infected with HIV, her children survived. Her husband, however, and many members of his family were murdered.
Ntakirutimana was born Hutu, but she had married a Tutsi man—a decision she never regretted, affirming that love follows its own path.
Tragically, that love was cut short when her husband was killed by a group that included his own brothers.
When IGIHE visited the 62-year-old woman at her home in the “Village of Unity” in Cyimana Cell, Tumba Sector, Huye District, she recounted how she offered her body to save her five children from death.
On April 21, 1994, open killings began in Tumba and across other parts of what was then Butare prefecture. At the time, the family lived in Gateme, and tried to flee. Her husband first went to check on his sister nearby, but couldn’t return home.
Ntakirutimana sent her two older children to hide at her sister’s house in Muyira, Kibirizi Sector, Gisagara District. She stayed behind in Cyarwa, but remained out of contact with her husband.
Four days later, she returned to find their house in Gateme had been destroyed. As the Genocide escalated, the family managed to reach her home village, where she herself was not targeted. Her father began bribing Interahamwe to protect her husband and children, but her brothers refused to cooperate.
“My brothers, Ngamijimana Edouard and Nsabumukiza Alexis, were particularly cruel,” she recalled. “One of them once took the newborn from my arms, held him up in public and mocked me, saying, ‘Look at how a snake looks like.’”
As the situation worsened, she decided to hide in sorghum fields with her children. It was during this time that Rutagengwa Emmanuel—then a senior figure at LABOPHAR and someone who had tried to court her when they were younger—tracked her down. He told her that she could no longer escape him, and that if she let him rape her, he would spare her children.
He was not the only one. Ntakirutimana also recalled being raped by another man named Murwanashyaka, a former schoolmate. He knowingly infected her with HIV. Although she knew of his status, her love and desperation to save her children drove her to endure the abuse.
Fighting through emotion, she said, “I didn’t want this. Murwanashyaka came and raped me. Rutagengwa too. They both promised not to kill my children. That’s why I let it happen—I wanted to protect them.”
What pained her most was that some of the men raped her near the very place where her husband was hiding, humiliating him and breaking his heart in his final days.
Ntakirutimana never got tested until much later, but always suspected she had contracted HIV. Her fears were confirmed during testing, and she has been living with HIV for 31 years.
She later learned that Murwanashyaka died of AIDS, along with his wife. “He raped me many times. I can’t even count.”
Ntakirutimana continued to hide her children until the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA) arrived in Butare. Unfortunately, by the time they got there, her husband had already been killed just one day prior by a large militia group that included his own brothers.
Despite the trauma she endured, Ntakirutimana finds pride in having saved her five children. She says seeing them alive today gives her peace and purpose.
“I’m proud of my children. They all went to school and graduated. I told them they survived because I gave up my body. Even though I live with HIV, I’m grateful to still see them standing.”
Ntakirutimana later testified against all those who harmed her, including the rapists and the brothers who killed her husband.
She also thanked the Government of Rwanda for its health initiatives, especially supporting those living with HIV, which have helped her survive.
The meeting was confirmed by President Museveni through a post on his X account, stating that their discussions focused on matters of mutual interest between the two countries, as well as regional security.
Gnassingbé’s regional diplomatic tour began on April 16, 2025, with a visit to Kinshasa—just five days after the AU General Assembly officially endorsed him as the mediator for the Rwanda-DRC tensions.
During his visit to Kinshasa, Gnassingbé met with President Félix Tshisekedi to discuss pathways to restoring peace and stability in eastern DRC and the Great Lakes region.
On the afternoon of April 21, he was received in Kigali by President Paul Kagame. The two leaders reviewed the progress of the regional processes towards achieving durable peace in the region.
According to the Office of the President of Togo, Gnassingbé’s visit to Kigali was intended to reaffirm his commitment to working closely with key stakeholders in finding a sustainable solution to the ongoing Rwanda-DRC conflict.
Gnassingbé succeeded Angola’s President João Lourenço in this mediation role. The African Union tasked him with building on the progress made through the Luanda talks, which began in 2022 amid rising tensions between Rwanda and the DRC.
Both the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have called for the harmonization of the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes in pursuit of lasting peace in eastern DRC and the region at large.
To ensure coordination between the Luanda and Nairobi processes, Gnassingbé is expected to work closely with other mediators appointed by these two regional blocs, who are specifically tasked with facilitating dialogue among Congolese stakeholders.
The event, under the theme “Chinese Language: A Gift Across Time and Space,” offered attendees an immersive experience of Chinese culture and language.
Speaking at the event, Lin Hang, charge d’affaires a.i. of the Chinese Embassy in Rwanda, said that as an official language of the United Nations, the Chinese language is an important bond of friendship between the Chinese people and the people around the world.
“Language is a crucial tool of communication for human beings. As you may be aware, Chinese is the only ‘living language’ among the world’s ancient civilizations that is still in use today. At present, more than 190 countries and regions around the world are teaching Chinese, and 85 countries have incorporated Chinese into their national education systems,” she said.
“China puts the spirit of real multilateralism into good practice, embraces an open and inclusive mindset, enhances mutual appreciation and learning, deepens understanding and friendship between the peoples across borders and among civilizations,” she added.
Zeng Guangyu, director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Rwanda, told Xinhua during the event that when the institute was established in 2009, only a handful of students enrolled, as many thought it was too difficult to learn. However, nearly 20,000 Rwandans can now speak Chinese after years of sustained efforts.
He noted that Chinese language skills have opened doors for Rwandan learners, enabling them to secure jobs, win scholarships, study in China, and even start businesses.
“I have seen Chinese learners achieve their dreams through the language — by creating enterprises or finding good jobs. They are truly changing their lives through learning Chinese. English is used worldwide, but Chinese is a rising language in East Africa and across the globe. It represents the future,” Zeng said.
He also highlighted that this year’s celebrations also featured the launch of a Kiswahili-Chinese-English textbook, aimed at bridging Chinese with two of East Africa’s most commonly spoken languages.
“We held a lecture on Chinese characters, organized workshops on Chinese writing and calligraphy, and conducted many activities across different teaching posts to mark the occasion,” Zeng added.
The commemoration, which included a remembrance walk, took place with the presence of local police for security, but notably lacked the participation of any city officials.
This absence mirrored a similar situation that had occurred earlier in the city of Liège, where Rwandans and their friends were also denied support from local authorities.
Unlike the outright denial faced by the community in Liège, the Bruges memorial was allowed to proceed, albeit with restrictions. Participants were not permitted access to the city’s administrative spaces for their commemorative discussions, and no representatives from the municipal government joined the activities.
The event was organized by the local branch of the survivors’ association, led by Yvette Umutangana. She emphasized the importance of preserving Rwanda’s history and recognized the ongoing efforts required to counter denial and trivialization of the Genocide.
Umutangana also expressed disappointment at the refusal of the city’s mayor to attend, despite having previously committed to participate in the walk.
Throughout the remembrance, she highlighted the resilience of Genocide survivors and the emotional burden they continue to carry. She stressed that remembering the victims is not just a matter of honoring the past but also a responsibility for the present, reinforcing that survivors must continue to speak out and advocate for truth.
Despite the restrictions and symbolic absence from the authorities, the Rwandan community in Bruges remained committed to their cause. The walk itself became a testament to their presence and unity.
While daily life continued for many local residents, the Rwandan participants were reminded of the indifference that was also present during the 1994 Genocide. The sense of exclusion they felt from being denied access to city buildings echoed historical patterns of marginalization.
Other speakers at the event, including Eugène Twagira Mutabazi the President of IBUKA Belgique, reiterated the need to draw strength from these experiences rather than be discouraged.
He pointed out that the lack of recognition or participation from Belgian authorities should serve as motivation to persist in the fight against Genocide denial.
The commemoration also included testimonies, including that of Claudine Mukakinani, and a dedicated session led by children who expressed a strong sense of responsibility to carry forward the legacy of their families, even when they had never personally known some of the victims.
Deo Mazina, the Director of the International Research and Genocide Network (RESIRG), reflected on the historical roots of the Genocide, tracing the violence back to 1959 and pointing out the brutal methods used to target Tutsi individuals.
He emphasized that remembering these events is crucial to preventing similar atrocities in the future.
Yoon entered a courtroom of the Seoul Central District Court around 9:57 a.m. local time (0057 GMT) after arriving at the court through its underground parking lot.
He was photographed and filmed in the defendant’s seat by photographers and cameramen, who left the courtroom before the hearing was formally launched.
On April 4, the constitutional court upheld a motion by the parliament to impeach Yoon over his short-lived martial law imposition. With the court’s decision, the conservative leader officially lost all presidential power.
Yoon declared an emergency martial law on the night of Dec. 3 last year, but it was revoked by the opposition-led National Assembly hours later.
The impeachment motion against Yoon was passed in the parliament on Dec. 14 last year.
Yoon was apprehended in the presidential office on Jan. 15 and was indicted under detention on Jan. 26 as a suspected ringleader of insurrection.
If convicted of being the insurrection ringleader, Yoon could face the death penalty or life imprisonment.
He was released on March 8 as the prosecution decided not to appeal against the court’s release approval.
Speaking at a commemoration event marking the 31st anniversary of the Genocide against the Tutsi, held in the former Ntongwe Commune and surrounding areas, Prof. Dusingizemungu emphasized the role of colonial powers, particularly Belgium, in dividing Rwanda and instigating the hatred that ultimately fueled the genocide.
He asserted that these historical injustices, for which substantial evidence exists, must be addressed through legal means.
Senator Dusingizemungu stated that Rwanda’s history is replete with instances of actions that undermined national unity and cultural heritage, and that those responsible should face legal consequences.
He referenced Rwanda’s pre-colonial map to illustrate how Belgium allegedly betrayed the nation by stripping portions of its territory, which were annexed to Uganda and the present-day Democratic Republic of Congo, and by perpetrating acts of cruelty against the country.
“I believe the time has come to file a legal case,” he said. “We have legal experts who support us. We must find the courage to proceed with this case because we have professionals who can help us do it.”
Dr. Philbert Gakwenzire, President of IBUKA (the umbrella organization for Genocide survivors), supported this call, asserting that sufficient evidence exists to prosecute Belgium for inflicting profound harm upon Rwanda and for promoting divisive and discriminatory practices.
Dr. Gakwenzire stated that he has often reflected on the disastrous legacy of colonialism in Rwanda, the effects of which are still felt today.
“It is possible for them to be held accountable in court for what they did because what happened exceeds the limits of human reason,” he said. “I won’t even go into how they took away our sense of self — to the point that even today we look up to them as superior and consider them the ultimate example.”
Dr. Gakwenzire cited specific examples, drawing from historical documents, of evidence that could be used in a legal case against the colonial regime for inciting ethnic hatred in Rwanda.
He presented two cases from 1960 and 1961, years marked by widespread violence. In one report, the then Mayor of Kigali described incidents in Kicukiro, noting, “There is no real problem, except that Hutus celebrating their victory in the communes, beat Tutsis and raping Tutsi women.”
According to Dr. Gakwenzire, when this report reached the highest colonial administrator at the time, Colonel Guy Logiest, he reportedly praised the Hutus for their actions against the Tutsis and even justified the looting and consumption of Tutsi-owned cattle.
Dr. Gakwenzire concluded by stating that while those who committed these acts may live with shame, they must still be brought to justice.
This development follows a decision by SADC heads of state on March 13, 2025, to end the regional peacekeeping mission and initiate a phased withdrawal of South African, Tanzanian, and Malawian troops.
In an interview with SABC News, SANDF Chief General Rudzani Maphwanya announced that the technical team was formed during a meeting of defense chiefs from South Africa, Tanzania, and Malawi on April 11, 2025, in Dar es Salaam.
“On Friday, a meeting of the Chiefs of Defence Forces was held in Dar es Salaam. The meeting resolved to establish a technical team tasked with finalizing the withdrawal of our members from the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
“This team is currently busy in Tanzania. While I cannot provide a specific completion date, we have instructed the team to work with speed to ensure our members return home as soon as possible,” he stated.
The withdrawal process faces logistical and diplomatic challenges. Two weeks ago, SADC noted that the reopening of Goma International Airport, controlled by the M23/AFC coalition, was critical for troop departure.
The AFC/M23 rebel group recently on April 12, accused SADC forces of violating a key ceasefire agreement following a failed attempt to retake the eastern Congolese city of Goma and demanded the forces to quit.
“We demand the immediate withdrawal of SAMIDRC forces and the surrender of FARDC troops stationed within MONUSCO facilities,” M23 said in a statement.
The breach came just weeks after the rebels and SAMIDRC troops signed an agreement on March 28 to facilitate the peaceful withdrawal of regional forces following their defeat and the rebels’ takeover of Goma.”
Negotiated in Goma, the deal outlined the immediate and orderly withdrawal of SAMIDRC troops, allowing them to leave with their weapons and equipment, while stipulating that any FARDC arms in their possession be left behind.
The accord also included plans for SADC to support the rehabilitation of Goma International Airport and conduct a joint technical assessment to ensure its operational readiness for troop withdrawal.
IGIHE has learnt from credible sources that Rwanda has received a request to allow SADC troops to pass through its territory for repatriation.
This bilingual thematic report is the first of its kind jointly developed by an academic think tank and a media think tank, integrating the latest insights from both academia and industry on China’s green and low-carbon development.
The report was officially released at the Seminar on China’s Green and Low-Carbon Development: Vision and Action, which was jointly hosted by Tsinghua ICCSD and Global Times Online.
More than 30 representatives from international organizations, such as the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the European Commission, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), and Harvard University, attended the event.
They witnessed the release of the report and engaged in in-depth discussions on China’s green and low-carbon practices, opportunities for international cooperation, and global climate governance.
The report not only summarizes the logic and achievements of China’s green transition but also systematically reviews the country’s policy framework, domestic actions, and international cooperation under the dual carbon goals.
Furthermore, through case studies and strategic recommendations, the report provides replicable practices for developing countries and contributes Chinese insights to global climate governance.
The report features five exemplary case studies, illustrating China’s multifaceted pathways to green and low-carbon development.
One case is China-Africa agricultural cooperation. The report highlights efforts such as those made by the team led by globally renowned Chinese agronomist Yuan Longping to promote hybrid rice in Madagascar. In recognition of China’s efforts to help Africa enhance food security and climate resilience, the achievements of the team’s hybrid rice demonstration project were even featured on the local currency.
Another case focuses on the transformation of the power sector. China is developing a new energy-dominated power system, guiding the transition of coal-fired power plants towards flexible peak-load regulation through policy support and technological innovation.
Green finance innovation is also a key area highlighted in the report. Huzhou, a city in east China’s Zhejiang Province and one of the country’s first green finance pilot zones, has established a digital platform and standardized system to support sustainable finance.
In ecological governance, China’s project to stabilize the edge of the Taklamakan Desert has built a 3,000-kilometer green shelterbelt over 40 years, pioneering a “who invests, who benefits” model for desertification control, while driving the growth of local industries.
Lastly, the report introduces state-owned enterprise transformation. China Energy Investment Corporation (China Energy) has facilitated the transition of high-carbon assets into low-carbon benchmarks through coal-fired power modernization, renewable energy expansion, and innovative technology applications.
The report presents four key conclusions and universally shared international concepts: China’s green transition experience is open to the world; the cooperation in building a green Belt and Road aims for shared prosperity; new energy capacity serves as “advanced capacity” to address global supply shortages; and Chinese innovations reduce the global costs of low-carbon transition, promoting inclusive development.
The research report aims to highlight China’s practical achievements in harmonizing green growth with economic development, stressing the country’s commitment to deepening international cooperation in an open and inclusive manner and providing guidance for stakeholders concerned with green and low-carbon transition and global climate governance.
At the seminar, experts from both China and abroad discussed the progress of global climate governance and China’s growing role in driving green transitions.
They emphasized China’s dual-track approach to international cooperation—North-South and South-South—, which contributes China’s solutions to building a fair and equitable global climate governance framework.
Representatives from various industries also shared practical experiences. A delegation from Wuxi city in east China’s Jiangsu Province introduced the city’s Eight Major Action Measures for Taihu Lake Governance, which ensure regional drinking water safety and prevent lake eutrophication.
A representative from CRCC Development Group Corporation Limited, a subsidiary of China Railway Construction Corporation Limited, shared desertification control efforts in Hetian, Xinjiang, demonstrating how developing the sand industry can support both ecological restoration and economic growth.
It’s widely believed that the successful seminar and the release of the report have provided a valuable platform for international exchange among experts and scholars and offered insights and solutions for advancing green and low-carbon development.
According to a statement released by EAC Secretariat on Thursday, the launch took place during a three-day workshop held from 13th to 15th April, 2025 at Afrik Hotel in Mogadishu.
The event was jointly organised by the EAC Secretariat and the Government of Somalia.
In her remarks, Ms. Annette Ssemuwemba, the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Customs, Trade and Monetary Affairs, commended Somalia for this significant step forward on the integration journey.
“The launch of the National Monitoring Committee is more than a procedural step; it is a symbol of institutional readiness and a shared commitment to unlocking regional trade opportunities. Somalia’s entry into the EAC brings dynamic potential and opens a new trade frontier,” said Ssemuwemba.
Ssemuwemba underscored the strategic role of NMCs in driving the EAC’s goal of increasing intra-regional trade to 40% by 2030.
“We count on Somalia’s NMC to actively eliminate NTBs, engage the private sector, and collaborate with regional counterparts to build a barrier-free trading space,” added the DSG.
Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Mohammed Isaac Ibrahim, the Director General for EAC Affairs at Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, emphasised the country’s readiness to support EAC integration objectives.
“This launch reflects not only our institutional preparedness but also our political commitment to advancing regional trade and integration,” said Ibrahim.
Ibrahim disclosed that Somalia had established various technical committees to fast track the implementation of the EAC Customs Union and Common Market protocols, as well as other ongoing bilateral trade engagements, particularly with the Republic of Kenya.
The establishment of the NMC reflects Somalia’s strong political will to foster a predictable, transparent, and efficient trade environment. It also underlines the country’s commitment to regional trade integration.
The Somalia NMC structure includes representatives from 16 public sector institutions and eight key private sector associations. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry will serve as Chair, while the Somalia Chamber of Commerce and Industry will act as Co-Chair.
The NMC will lead the identification, reporting, and resolution of NTBs through regional mechanisms such as the EAC NTB Mobile Application, the Tripartite Online Reporting Platform, and quarterly national coordination meetings.
In addition to formally inaugurating the NMC, the workshop finalized and adopted Somalia’s NTB Elimination Workplan as well as strengthened the capacity of nominated NMC members.
The workshop brought together officials from line ministries, departments and agencies in Somalia, representatives of private sector associations and technical officers from the EAC Secretariat.
