Participants competed in two categories: Best Poster Presentation and Best Oral Presentation, with a special category reserved for those working at King Faisal Hospital. The first-place winners in each category received a prize of 600,000 Rwandan Francs (RWF).
Dr. Nkundimana Gerard, a kidney disease specialist, was recognized for his exceptional poster presentation. His study, which addresses ongoing healthcare challenges, focused on the dialysis filters used to purify the blood of kidney patients, which can sometimes become contaminated with microbes leading to infections.
“Research helps doctors improve their practice by keeping up with the ever-evolving medical field,” Dr. Nkundimana explained. “By identifying problems early on, we can prevent complications for our patients.”
Dr. Sendegeya August, Chief Medical Officer at King Faisal Hospital, emphasized the importance of research in enhancing healthcare.
“Research enables us to contribute our knowledge and expertise to improve patient care. It is grounded in real issues faced by patients and the country,” he said.
“When we conduct research and clearly identify problems, we can work together to find solutions. This collaborative effort is more effective than working in isolation and allows us to share valuable insights.”
The research presented during the competition covered a range of medical topics, including kidney disease, childhood illnesses, heart conditions, and more, all aimed at finding solutions to pressing healthcare challenges.
After administering the oath, President Kagame commended RIB for the remarkable progress it has made in crime investigation over the past eight years, acknowledging that the institution has become a cornerstone of Rwanda’s security.
“In just eight years since its establishment, RIB has made significant strides in investigating crimes and has become a key pillar of our nation’s security,” he stated.
President Kagame highlighted the growing threats posed by transnational criminal groups who exploit technology to harm people, as well as the increasing cases of economic crimes, including investment fraud.
He explained that new forms of crime have emerged, aiming to deceive and exploit people, which negatively impacts the welfare of citizens. He emphasized the need for greater efforts to combat these challenges.
“We must use all the resources at our disposal to confront these changes and enhance our investigative capabilities, whether through thorough crime research and advanced forensic science, digital forensic, and adopting innovative approaches based on advanced knowledge, including the now prevalent artificial intelligence,” he said.
President Kagame urged RIB to collaborate closely with other institutions to ensure that justice is delivered swiftly and fairly, stressing that integrity and professionalism should guide the actions of those working in these institutions.
“I want to emphasize that RIB should continue to work with relevant institutions to ensure that justice is delivered promptly and effectively. Upholding integrity should remain the foundation of all our efforts. Rwandans deserve institutions that serve them efficiently and earn their trust,” he added.
The President also pointed out that leaders of different institutions should demonstrate commitment, diligence, and professionalism to effectively fulfill their responsibilities.
“There should be no room for weakness, inappropriate conduct, or lack of accountability. Professionals should not tolerate such behavior; instead, they should work to eliminate it. Our duty is to ensure that every citizen lives with the assurance that they are adequately protected and that all aspects of daily life proceed as they should, without tolerating any form of malpractice,” he emphasized.
Colonel Kabanda was appointed as the Secretary General of RIB during a Cabinet meeting chaired by President Kagame on March 26, 2025. Prior to this role, he served as a Prosecutor at the Military High Court.
In this new position, Col Kabanda succeeds Col (Rtd) Jeannot Ruhunga, who had been leading RIB since its inception in April 2017.
According to a report by Radio France Internationale (RFI) on March 28, 2025, explosives specialists have been deployed to remove hazardous devices, paving the way for the airport’s potential reopening to facilitate humanitarian aid for communities affected by the ongoing crisis in eastern DR Congo.
Goma International Airport was closed on January 26, 2025, following intense clashes between M23 and DRC government forces.
Although international organizations have repeatedly urged the reopening of the airport to establish a humanitarian corridor, the presence of unexploded ordnance left behind after the clashes has delayed progress.
AFC/M23 emphasized that the removal of these dangerous devices remains a key priority before the airport can resume normal operations.
On February 11, 2025, AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka highlighted that technical challenges, including unexploded ordnance and significant damage to the runway, had prevented the airport from reopening.
Additionally, the control tower sustained extensive damage during the retreat of DRC forces, further complicating efforts to restore functionality.
Military equipment, including trucks, small aircraft, and heavy weaponry, was also abandoned in the area, adding to the complexity of the clearance operations.
As demining efforts continue, optimism grows that Goma International Airport will soon be safe enough to resume operations.
Sebahizi made these remarks while addressing the National Forum of Political Parties, where he outlined the country’s policies and strategies for enhancing international trade and economic cooperation.
In light of ongoing security issues in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), several countries have imposed sanctions on Rwanda, including trade restrictions, while overlooking the underlying causes of the regional problems.
For instance, the European Union has placed sanctions on Rwanda’s Gasabo Gold Refinery, prohibiting it from trading gold within EU member states.
However, Sebahizi pointed out that these sanctions stem from Rwanda’s decision to fill the economic gaps left by these countries. Through Rwanda’s measures, the country now processes and exports its minerals directly, whereas these nations previously handled the processing.
Rwanda continues to strengthen its mining sector with several processing plants designed to add value to its minerals before export. These include the Gasabo Gold Refinery, which processes 96 tons of gold annually, LuNa Smelter, which melts 360 tons of cassiterite monthly, and Power Resources International Ltd., which processes 120 tons of coltan each month.
Sebahizi emphasized that raw minerals exported without processing are often seen as waste by the importing countries, even though these nations profit significantly from them.
“When we process these minerals ourselves, the countries that previously imported them lose out, which is why they are unhappy with the decision,” Sebahizi said.
The Minister also highlighted that many investors who had mining licenses in Rwanda once planned to export unprocessed minerals. However, they are now required to process the minerals domestically.
“Our gold is not sold to Europe. If you look at the numbers, you’ll see that our refined gold is sent to Arab countries.
“The strategy is to find alternative markets so that if Europeans block our access to their market, we can take our products elsewhere. However, it’s also possible for us to use these resources ourselves and start selling the finished products derived from our minerals,” Sebahizi explained.
The Minister reaffirmed that Rwanda’s strategy is centered on processing all mined resources locally to create added value within the country.
“For example, we have many minerals used to make metals and glass. Today, we produce metals and glass ourselves. So, their sanctions don’t mean much to us. In fact, we need them to help our industries grow. What they did is open our eyes and teach us a new kind of wisdom,” Sebahizi added.
Rwanda is rich in valuable minerals such as Wolfram, cassiterite, and coltan, which are used in tungsten, tin, and tantalum production. The country extracts between 8,000 and 10,000 tons of these minerals annually, with prices fluctuating based on market conditions.
In addition to these minerals, Rwanda also produces gold in regions like Gicumbi, Musanze, Burera, Nyamasheke, Rusizi, and Nyarugenge. The country also has sapphires in the western provinces and is conducting ongoing research into lithium and other minerals.
According to the Rwanda Mining Board (RMB), mineral exports in 2023 generated over $1.1 billion, marking a 43% increase from the previous year.
Rwanda’s target is to reach $2.2 billion in mining revenue by 2029, with plans to increase the share of processed minerals from 40% to 80%.
Cancer cells typically hide from the immune system by displaying minimal recognizable proteins. However, in this new study, researchers disrupted protein production within the cancer cells, forcing them to produce abnormal proteins.
These new proteins made the cancer cells more visible to the immune system, prompting a stronger immune response capable of targeting and destroying them.
In tests using mouse models, the method successfully activated immune cells to target and inhibit tumor growth.
When combined with existing immunotherapy treatments, the approach led to the complete eradication of tumors in approximately 40 percent of the mice, according to Yardena Samuels, who led the research.
This innovative technique holds significant promise for improving cancer treatment, particularly for cancers with fewer mutations.
The research team is now investigating how the method can be applied to various other cancers, including breast, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers, hoping it will lead to more effective, widespread therapies in the future.
UNICEF’s Executive Director, Catherine Russell, expressed grave concern on Wednesday, warning that years of progress in reducing child starvation could be undone.
“Since 2000, the number of stunted children under the age of five has fallen by 55 million, and the lives of millions of severely malnourished children have been saved,” she stated.
“But steep funding cuts will dramatically reverse these gains and put the lives of millions more children at risk.”
UNICEF’s estimates show that over 2.4 million children suffering from severe acute malnutrition could lose access to life-saving therapeutic foods for the rest of the year.
Additionally, up to 2,300 centers providing critical care for children with severe wasting are either closing or drastically reducing their services, while nearly 28,000 outpatient therapeutic centers supported by UNICEF are at risk.
The funding cuts are particularly tied to the U.S., the largest donor to UN agencies. Under the leadership of President Donald Trump, U.S. foreign aid has been slashed, including nearly all multi-year aid contracts, following a sweeping pause on existing foreign assistance.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned that these cuts will have devastating effects on vulnerable populations worldwide.
In response to the funding crisis, Russell urged governments and donors to prioritize child health and nutrition programs, particularly through the Child Nutrition Fund, which was launched in 2023.
She stressed that good nutrition is essential for child survival and development, offering significant returns on investment.
Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene, dispatching 21 ambulances to transport 23 injured passengers to five local hospitals. The injured sustained fractures and bruises, with four in critical condition requiring intensive care. Those in stable condition were discharged and returned to their hotels. Authorities confirmed that no passengers were missing.
Officials stated that the submarine, named Sinbad, had a valid license and the crew leader held the necessary qualifications. The vessel sank at its marina near a well-known hotel. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the accident.
Earlier reports indicated that all passengers aboard were Russian tourists, including minors, who were traveling with the company Biblio Globus.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), motorcycle users are involved in 28% of serious road accidents, and this number can rise to 75% in some countries. To address this, the campaign promotes access to affordable and reliable helmets, with support from the United Nations.
Last week, a handover event occurred at the TotalEnergies station in Gisozi, Gasabo District. During the event, 200 helmets were given to 100 motorcyclists, with each rider receiving two helmets. The activity was led by TotalEnergies Marketing Rwanda (TEMR).
This is part of the first phase of a global initiative called #Tuwurinde (Helmet 4 Life), supported by the TotalEnergies Foundation. Through this programme, 100,000 helmets will be distributed in 42 countries across Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
The helmet distribution campaign supports the United Nations’ road safety goals by making protective headgear more accessible and affordable for riders worldwide.
Before receiving the helmets, the motorcyclists were reminded about key road safety practices, including obeying traffic rules, using protective gear, maintaining their motorcycles regularly, and avoiding traffic violations.
This activity is expected to continue across motorcycle cooperatives in the three districts of Kigali. The City of Kigali, MININFRA, Rwanda National Police, and RURA are jointly encouraging all motorcyclists to use certified helmets for their safety and that of their passengers.
The meeting focused on finalizing the force composition and deployment plans, marking a crucial step in transitioning from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) to AUSSOM, which is scheduled to become fully operational by July 1.
One of the major outcomes of the meeting was the completion of the Statement of Unit Requirements (SUR), which outlines the specific troop and police capabilities necessary for AUSSOM to carry out its mission effectively.
This includes a range of components such as Quick Reaction Forces, Tactical Battle Groups, and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance capabilities. Additionally, aviation enablers and police units were also incorporated into the plan.
The finalized SUR aims to enhance AUSSOM’s ability to counter al-Shabab and stabilize Somalia. Senior Defense Advisor to the Somali President, Jihan Abdullahi Hassan, emphasized that AUSSOM’s planning must align with Somalia’s national security vision to ensure sustainability and incorporate lessons from past missions.
The meeting also addressed sector boundaries, military and police deployments, and strategic adjustments to improve force mobility and operational readiness as the new mission takes shape.
The United States has reached agreement with Russia and Ukraine to ensure safe navigation, eliminate the use of force, and prevent the use of commercial vessels for military purposes in the Black Sea, the White House said on Tuesday.
The agreement followed separate technical-level talks between U.S. and Ukrainian delegations, as well as between U.S. and Russian delegations, held from March 23 to 25 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
“Reaching an agreement on freedom of navigation in the Black Sea to ensure the protection of civilian vessels and port infrastructure will be a crucial contribution to global food security and supply chains, reflecting the importance of trade routes from both Ukraine and the Russian Federation to global markets,” Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the UN secretary-general, said in a statement.
The United Nations has been working consistently, especially following the letters the UN chief sent to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Feb. 7, 2024, putting forward a proposal for safe and free navigation in the Black Sea, Dujarric said.
The world body also remains closely engaged in the continued implementation of the memorandum of understanding with Russia on facilitating access of Russian food and fertilizers to global markets to address global food security, the spokesman said.
Voicing his support for all efforts towards peace, Guterres reiterated in the statement his hope that such efforts will pave the way for a durable ceasefire and contribute to achieving a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in Ukraine, in line with the UN Charter, international law and relevant UN resolutions and in full respect of Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
