Author: Nicole Kamanzi Muteteri

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.

Held in the Human Rights and Alliance of Civilizations Room of the Palais des Nations, UN Headquarters at Geneva, the ceremony brought together Rwandans, friends of Rwanda, diplomats, UN officials, and university students in a moment of remembrance, reflection, and renewed commitment to the promise of “Never Again.”

On the same day earlier, a Students Conference on the 31st Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi was held.

A group of students from the University of Vienna in Austria explored the role of literature in preserving memory and confronting genocide denial, reaffirming the importance of educating future generations.

Sissi Domitrie Mukanyiligira, survivor of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and author of Do not accept to die, retraced her journey of survival, a life shaped by unbearable loss, near-death encounters, and an unyielding will to live.

Her voice carried more than memory; it stood as a solemn tribute to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Mr. Edmond Tubanambazi, First Counsellor and Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Permanent Mission of Rwanda, reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to fighting genocide ideology, countering genocidal denial, and demanding justice for genocide survivors.

He challenged the international community to face an uncomfortable truth, pointing out that the international community has not learned from its failure to stop the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, nor has it done enough to render justice to genocide survivors and to prevent genocide from happening again anywhere in the world.

He cited as evidence the fact that Genocide fugitives are still at large in some countries because of lack of political will to act.

Referring to the genocide ideology that is persistent in the region, he cautioned that no vested interests should prevail over the warning signs of another genocide in the region.

He paid tribute to the courage and resilience of survivors like Ms. Mukanyiligira and emphasized the importance of educating youth to resist historical distortion, reminding attendees that the Genocide against the Tutsi was the culmination of decades long ethnic-based hate and ideology of division instigated, taught and spread since the colonial period by colonial administrations.

In her address, Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of UN Geneva, delivered the Secretary-General’s message and expressed solidarity with the people of Rwanda.

Nada Al-Nashif, Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, delivered a reflection on the need to uphold international commitments to prevent genocide, calling on the international community to address atrocity crimes wherever they occur.

César Murangira, President of IBUKA Mémoire et Justice Suisse, delivered a powerful message grounded in historical clarity and moral urgency.

He recalled how the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi was the result of a long process of racial ideology, deeply rooted in colonial manipulation and reinforced by propaganda and institutional complicity.

He warned that the same genocidal rhetoric continues to resurface, particularly in the ongoing targeting of Kinyarwanda-speaking Tutsi communities in Eastern DRC.

Echoing this warning, Itonde Kakoma of Interpeace urged global actors to confront the cyclical nature of violence, and to invest in healing that spans generations.

Fifteen-year-old Rwandan student Belko Kenza Naike moved the audience with a stirring poem titled “Rwanda, essuie tes larmes!”.

Her message reflected the voice of a new generation raised in remembrance and committed to protecting the truth.

Seventeen-year-old pianist Peter Grove offered a moving tribute through music, his performance echoing the solemnity of the occasion and offering a moment of quiet reflection that resonated deeply with those in attendance.

This ceremony formed part of a broader series of commemorative events marking Kwibuka31 across Switzerland.

These included a wreath-laying ceremony at Place des Nations in Geneva on 7 April, and a memorial vigil in Lausanne on 12 April.

Each event contributed to preserving memory and reaffirming solidarity with genocide survivors and the Rwandan people.

As the lights dimmed at the UN Office at Geneva, the message of the day remained clear: truth must be protected, justice must be pursued, and the memory of the victims must guide humanity’s path forward to ensure that no genocide happens again — anywhere in the world.