Author: Nicole Kamanzi Muteteri

The delegation was received by the RDF Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General MK Mubarakh.

In his welcome address, General Mubarakh highlighted the longstanding and strong relationship between the RDF and the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), especially in terms of force development.

“The RDF and UPDF have enjoyed strong, cordial relations for many years, dating back to our liberation struggles. We are pleased that our Armed Forces continue to strengthen the existing special bond through various programmes, including the exchange of student officers and Directing Staff between the UPDF Command and Staff College and the RDF Command and Staff College.

“This initiative plays a critical role in the professional development of our forces. It contributes to the growth of our military leaders who are trained to effectively address prevailing security challenges, including cross-border crimes, in diverse operational environments,” the CDS emphasised.

The delegation received a comprehensive briefing on RDF’s transformation and its contributions to continental security from Brig Gen Ronald Rwivanga, the Defence Spokesperson.

Col Martin Sunday Byegarazo, head of the delegation, explained that the purpose of the visit was to expand the students’ understanding and gain valuable insights into national and international affairs, global politics, security studies, and international relations.

As part of their seven-day official visit to Rwanda, the delegation also paid tribute to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi at the Kigali Genocide Memorial and later visited the Campaign Against Genocide Museum.

Their itinerary includes visits to the Rwanda Defence Force Command and Staff College (RDFCSC) in Nyakinama, Zigama CSS and several other key government institutions.

According to AP, a local pilot identified as Terry Godes, saw a social media post Sunday night asking for help locating the missing plane.

Early Monday, he joined a search team and spotted what appeared to be wreckage near the lake. As he got closer, Godes was relieved to see the survivors waving from the wing.

“They were alive and responsive,” Godes told The Associated Press.

The plane was reported missing after it failed to return from its flight. John Morris, the pilot’s father, made a public plea for help on social media, which led to the search effort.

Once Godes located the crash site, other pilots helped relay information to authorities, leading to a rescue by the Alaska Army National Guard.

Despite the extensive discussions, including a 12-hour meeting between the U.S. and Russia, both sides offered conflicting assessments of the talks.

The U.S. delegation, led by Andrew Peek and Michael Anton, met separately with Russian and Ukrainian representatives. The talks addressed issues like maritime safety in the Black Sea and a temporary moratorium on attacks against energy infrastructure.

However, both Russia and Ukraine voiced concerns about the implementation of any agreements. Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called for clear guarantees from the U.S. regarding Ukrainian compliance, while Ukrainian President Zelensky criticized the discussions, particularly Washington’s willingness to help restore Russia’s access to global agricultural markets, calling it a weakening of sanctions.

Despite the diplomatic exchanges, fighting on the ground continued, with both sides accusing each other of escalating tensions. Ukrainian forces reported casualties from a Russian missile strike in Sumy, while Russia accused Ukraine of targeting its energy infrastructure.

Meanwhile, experts remain skeptical about the prospects of a lasting resolution, citing deep mistrust and the failure of previous negotiations.

As the situation remains volatile, Europe has also intensified its support for Ukraine, with France and Britain pushing for military assistance and long-term security guarantees.

Meanwhile, the U.S. faces criticism for its dual role as a mediator while having economic interests in Ukraine’s mineral and energy resources.

With trust between the parties eroding, the future of peace talks remains uncertain, and the path to a lasting ceasefire seems increasingly complex.

The date, officially recognized by the United Nations as the International Day of Reflection on the Genocide, holds deep meaning for the Rwandan community.

The President of the Rwandan diaspora in France, Rwanda’s Ambassador to France, François Nkulikiyimfura and representatives of survivor organizations, had raised concerns with the mayor, warning that the event could undermine genocide remembrance efforts.

Critics of the concert say some of the scheduled performers, including Maître Gims and Youssoupha, have previously expressed controversial views about Rwanda, adding to the tension already present between the Rwandan and Congolese communities in Paris.

While the concert was allegedly intended to raise funds for children affected by conflict in eastern Congo, UNICEF France, the intended beneficiary, has declined to be associated with the event if it goes ahead on April 7, citing the significance of the date.

The Mayor’s office, in a statement released on March 25, said the concert’s timing was inappropriate and risked disturbing public order, especially in light of recent hateful rhetoric targeting Rwandans and Tutsis circulating online.

Authorities also noted that protests had already been planned should the event proceed as scheduled.

Hidalgo formally requested the Prefect of Police to prohibit the concert, emphasizing the potential for disruption and the need to respect the day of mourning and remembrance.

A total of 123 police officers have been injured during protests, Yerlikaya said on the social media platform X.

Yerlikaya emphasized that, according to Article 34 of the Constitution, “everyone has the right to organize unarmed and unaggressive meetings and demonstrations without prior permission,” but noted that this right is “restricted by law for the purposes of national security, public order, crime prevention, protection of public health and morality, or the rights and freedoms of others.”

The recent protests have gone beyond peaceful demonstrations, with certain groups abusing the right and attempting to exploit the situation to disrupt public order and attack law enforcement forces, said the minister.

“We invite our citizens to be careful against such provocations and to act with common sense,” he added.

Tens of thousands of Turks have taken to the streets since March 19 after Imamoglu was detained on charges of graft and aiding a terrorist group.

Imamoglu, from the main opposition Republican People’s Party, is considered President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s main rival in the next presidential elections.

Han, who served as co-chief executive and oversaw the company’s consumer electronics and mobile devices divisions, died in the hospital after suffering from cardiac arrest.

Joining Samsung in 1988, Han dedicated much of his career to TV-related divisions, helping the company become the global leader in television manufacturing. In 2022, he was appointed co-vice chairman and CEO.

Han was expected to attend a significant Samsung event unveiling new home appliances on Wednesday.

As one of the world’s largest technology companies, Samsung thrives in both components and finished consumer products, with separate CEOs leading major divisions like semiconductors.

All divisions operate under the overarching leadership of third-generation corporate heir and chairman, Lee Jae-yong.