Author: Sam K. Nkurunziza

Prosecutors push for 7 year Sentence for Republican congressman George Santos

Prosecutors for the Eastern District of New York asked in a court filing for a sentence of 87 months to reflect the “seriousness of his unparalleled crimes.”

Santos, 36, is set to be sentenced on April 25, bringing to an end a criminal case that began in 2023. Prosecutors charged him with 23 felony counts while he was still a representative in Congress.

A provocateur who insisted on his innocence even as his serial falsehoods came to light, Mr. Santos pleaded guilty last August to two of the counts and admitted to an array of other frauds. Guidelines call for a sentence of roughly six to seven years in prison, though a judge will make the final decision later this month.

In his drive to seek higher office, the prosecutors’ filing said, Mr. Santos fabricated his past and engaged in deceitful schemes, including inflating his fund-raising numbers and stealing from donors.

“He lied to his campaign staff, his supporters, his putative employer and congressional colleagues, and the American public. Santos’s conduct has made a mockery of our election system,” the prosecutors wrote.

Lawyers for Santos, Robert M. Fantone and Joseph W. Murray, did not immediately respond to requests for comment on morning. In a separate filing on Friday, they asked for a sentence of two years, the minimum allowed for the crimes involved, followed by probation.

Santos had acknowledged the gravity of his crimes, the filing said, and agreed to pay nearly $374,000 in restitution.

“His conduct, though involving dishonesty and abuse of trust, stemmed largely from a misguided desperation related to his political campaign, rather than inherent malice,” his lawyers wrote.

“The public disgrace that Santos endured and his removal from Congress meant he was unlikely to commit similar crimes in the future, they said.

Prosecutors in their filing disagreed, writing that a significant sentence was needed to deter Santos from defrauding the public. They said that the former congressman had made efforts to “leverage his lawbreaking as a springboard to celebrity and riches.”

Prosecutors cited his appearance on Cameo, a video-sharing platform for celebrities, his participation in a documentary and the debut of his recent podcast, “Pants on fire with George Santos.”

Santos erupted onto the national stage in 2022 after his election to Congress helped his party win control of the House. Young, gay and the son of Brazilian immigrants, Mr. Santos positioned himself as part of the new face of the Republican Party, and a proud supporter of Donald Trump.

But even before he was sworn in, questions emerged over his conduct and the veracity of his claims. Mr. Santos was accused of inventing personal connections to the Holocaust, the Sept. 11 attacks and the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, as well as falsifying finance records.

He was expelled from Congress in late 2023, after a report by the House Ethics Committee found evidence that Mr. Santos had broken federal law.

April 5, 2025
Flamboyant police officer arrested by Museveni over harassment, abuse of authority

The officers, PC Katungi Alex and Assistant Inspector of Police (AIP) Hadali Keneth, are jointly facing charges of assault and conspiracy to commit atrocities.

Katungi, an officer attached to the Environmental Protection Police Unit (EPPU) under the Ministry of Water and Environment, stands accused of assaulting multiple individuals under the pretext of cracking down on illegal developments in wetlands.

According to court documents, Katungi is also under investigation for broader offenses, including illegal arrests, land grabbing, extortion, and harassment, particularly targeting investors and landowners in the areas of Kajjansi and Entebbe.

Witnesses allege that Katungi, while claiming to be enforcing environmental laws, engaged in corrupt practices, including threatening legal action against landowners and then extorting money to allow them to proceed with their developments.

Several victims claim the officer used excessive force and targeted people without due process. In some cases, victims reported being detained without proper charges or documentation.

In a twist of irony, Katungi is also being probed for personally authorizing or participating in illegal developments within protected wetland areas the very crimes he claimed to be preventing.

AIP Hadali Keneth, his co-accused, has been charged with conspiracy, allegedly aiding and coordinating with Katungi in carrying out the unlawful activities.

The prosecution requested the continued detention of both officers to allow ongoing investigations into multiple complaints filed by residents and business owners. The Kajjansi Chief Magistrate ruled in favor of the prosecution, remanding both officers until April 9, 2025.

The case has drawn public attention, with local leaders and civil society organizations calling for a comprehensive review of operations within the EPPU.

“This case highlights the urgent need for transparency and oversight within environmental enforcement units,” said Miriam Kabonesa, a legal officer with the Center for Justice and Accountability. “Officers entrusted to protect the environment must not become its exploiters.”

As the investigations proceed, communities in Kajjansi and Entebbe are watching closely, hopeful that this marks the beginning of accountability for alleged abuses that have long gone unchecked.

April 5, 2025
New Malaria drug delivery by drone kicks off in Rwanda

The program, launched on April 3, 2025, in Gisagara District at Gakoma Hospital, is part of a collaboration between the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) and Zipline, a company specializing in drone-based medical deliveries.

Dr. Jean Damascène Niyonzima, who heads the malaria control unit at RBC, said the new approach is designed to solve delays in the traditional drug delivery system, which can put patients at serious risk, especially in urgent malaria cases.

“The distribution routes for medication are often long, and road transport tends to face challenges that cause delays. That’s why we introduced this drone delivery system to ensure that if a patient with severe malaria needs an urgent injectable treatment that’s out of stock locally, the medicine can reach them in time,” he explained.

He emphasized the importance of technology in modern healthcare response, “Embracing technology is something we’ve found to be very effective in helping us respond quickly to patients in need.”

Gisagara district mayor, Jérôme Rutaburingoga, highlighted the area’s vulnerability to malaria due to surrounding wetlands, which provide ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes. He said new strategies are being implemented to fight the disease.

“We’ve taken special measures. Right now, our community health workers are treating more patients than all other health professionals combined. This ensures anyone who gets sick is treated immediately and no time is lost,” he said.

He also mentioned efforts to make mosquito nets more affordable: “We’ve agreed with RBC to reduce the price of insecticide-treated nets to 5,000 Rwandan Francs from the current 10,000, to make them more accessible to the population.”

Gisagara District recorded approximately 106,000 malaria cases in the 2024/25 fiscal year, up from over 59,000 in the previous year. The most affected sectors are those near wetlands.

Severe malaria cases have been reported in Gisagara, Nyamasheke, and Nyagatare, with some patients losing their lives due to delayed treatment. Nationwide, malaria has claimed 61 lives so far this year, according to RBC data.

The drone-based delivery system will initially operate in Gisagara, Nyamasheke, and Nyagatare Districts, serving hospitals and health centers. The program is expected to expand to other parts of the country in the near future.

April 5, 2025
Travel tales: In the land of Pandas, I found more than just bears (PHOTOS)

Sichuan, famously known as the home of the giant panda, was a place I always wished to visit. And now that my dream was finally coming true, I couldn’t wait to meet the real-life bears that have captured the world’s imagination for centuries.

On the third day in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, my dream came true. I found myself heading to the Dujiangyan base for China giant Panda conservation and research, tucked away in Qing Cheng town, Dujiangyan City.

Located 18 kilometers from the downtown, this base sits between the sacred Qing Cheng mountain and the ancient town of Jie Zi. From the outside, it looked calm and green, but inside it held stories of science and survival of a species fighting for its place in the wild.

This is a professional panda rescue and disease prevention center, spread across 760 acres. It’s designed to support up to 40 giant pandas with seven key zones, including disease prevention, quarantine, rehabilitation, education, and research.

I saw nearly all of them; big, small, quiet, curious, and impossibly charming. Their environment was beautiful, with modern buildings blending into the natural landscape, all built to create a good home for the pandas. The total investment behind the base is around 230 million RMB (approx. Frw41 billion)

What surprised me at the onset was how much I learned that day. Despite being members of the bear family, pandas eat almost nothing but bamboo. In fact, they can consume up to 38 kilograms daily and spend over half the day chewing through it, all to extract a tiny portion of nutrition.

Their digestive systems are still built like those of meat-eaters, but evolution had another plan. I also discovered that a newborn panda is barely the size of a stick of butter, weighing around 100 grams, only about one-nine-hundredth of its mother’s weight.

Each panda has a thumb-like bone that helps it grip bamboo stalks like a hand. They’re solitary by nature, rarely meeting unless it’s time to mate, and they don’t hibernate like other bears.

Instead, they keep searching for bamboo year-round. Their communication is equally fascinating; pandas can bleat like goats or even bark like dogs, depending on their mood.

Sichuan Province, with a population of over 80 million people, is home to more than 70 percent of the world’s wild pandas. From the misty forests of the Minshan Mountains to the research bases in Chengdu, Dujiangyan, and beyond, the province has become the heartbeat of global panda conservation.

The people here see the giant panda not only as a symbol of local pride but as a reflection of their deep-rooted respect for nature. It’s in the subway art, the merchandise, the festivals and in the hearts of everyone I met.

Pandas are also central to China’s global diplomacy efforts. Known as panda diplomacy, China has loaned these animals to countries around the world to strengthen relations.

But even when a panda is born abroad, it still legally belongs to China and often returns home later in life. This shows how tightly the species is tied to China’s national identity.

And, about the iconic panda fur, the white fur helps them blend into snowy mountain slopes, while the black fur hides them in shaded forests.

The dark patches around their eyes and ears may even help them communicate or appear more intimidating to threats. It turns out that behind the cuddly appearance, is an animal perfectly suited for survival in a world of contrast, just like its fur.

{ {{Photos by Christian Mugisha}} }

April 5, 2025
UEFA announces punishment for Mbappe, Rudiger ahead Arsenal clash

Both have escaped UEFA bans over “indecent” postgame celebrations in the Champions League last-16 win at Atletico Madrid.

Mbappe and Rudiger are both subject to a one-year probationary period. Madrid are away to Arsenal in the first leg of the quarter-finals on Tuesday, April 8, 2025

The charges followed Madrid players celebrating a penalty shootout win over Atletico on March 12. Video clips emerged of Mbappe grabbing his crotch on the field.

Rudiger has been handed a 40,000 euros fine and Mbappe 30,000 euros. Dani Ceballos was fined 20,000 euros with no suspended ban.

UEFA have also confirmed no charges were made against Vinicius Junior, who also had been under investigation.

April 5, 2025
Romania investigates mercenaries who fought in eastern DRC

This comes after the Ministry of Defense discovered that seven of them were still active-duty soldiers who had been on a family leave of up to two years. It was found that they violated military regulations by leaving the country without authorization and engaging in activities unrelated to their military duties. Three of them remain on leave.

The Ministry also revealed that among these mercenaries were 466 former members of Romania’s reserve forces, who had previously been discharged from active military service due to age, resignation, or medical reasons.

A case file for one of the seven soldiers on leave has already been submitted to the military prosecutor’s office, and it is expected that files for the remaining six will also be submitted, according to Euractiv.

Romanian Defense Minister Angel Tîlvăr stated that he had ordered a full investigation into how this situation arose and that measures would be taken to prevent such incidents in the future.

European mercenaries began collaborating with the DRC government in 2022 to fight against the M23 rebel group, which was rapidly taking control of vast territories. A large number of these mercenaries were from Romania.

Before M23 captured the city of Goma in late January 2025, the mercenaries, led by Horatiu Potra, a figure well known across Africa, ceased fighting operations.

M23 captured 280 of the mercenaries and repatriated them through Rwanda on January 29, 2025. Reports indicated that some had fled before the rebel group entered Goma.

April 5, 2025
We still have strong partnerships despite sanctions – Minister Murangwa

He made the remarks on April 4, 2025, during the presentation of findings from a two-week review conducted by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

In recent weeks, countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany have imposed economic sanctions on Rwanda, accusing it of supporting the M23 rebel group, allegations Rwanda has consistently denied as baseless.

The situation escalated when Rwanda severed diplomatic ties with Belgium and terminated cooperation agreements on development projects valued at €95 million for the 2024–2029 period. At the time of cancellation, about €80 million remained unused.

Murangwa emphasized that while those aid contributions had been beneficial, their loss would not severely destabilize Rwanda’s economy, particularly because the country still has support from its core partners.

“The countries that have imposed sanctions on us are not many. Our main partners such as the World Bank, IMF, AfDB, and other nations have not imposed any sanctions, meaning the overall impact is minimal,” he said.

In 2024, Rwanda’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reached RWF 18.785 trillion, up from RWF 16.626 trillion in 2023. Services contributed 48% to this growth, while agriculture accounted for 25%.

Murangwa further explained that Rwanda’s current economic standing is strong, and the reliance on foreign aid has significantly decreased compared to past years, thereby reducing the impact of these sanctions.

“We are investing heavily in self-reliance. Based on our current progress and preparedness, there is no major threat. We will continue assessing any potential impacts,” he added.

During the two-week review conducted with the IMF, it was found that Rwanda’s economy had grown at a solid rate of 8.9%. The Minister also mentioned that projections for the coming years show Rwanda’s economy is expected to grow at a rate of 7%.

The Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR), Soraya Hakuziyaremye, noted that the IMF forecasted inflation rates between 2% and 8% for 2025 and 2026, which aligns with the central bank’s own figures.

In March 2025, BNR had projected inflation to reach 6.5% in 2025, dropping to 4.3% in 2026. Hakuziyaremye confirmed that the IMF used the same projections.

She added that although global economic uncertainty persists, such as rising import taxes in the United States, there is currently no cause for concern for Rwanda. However, they will continue monitoring the situation closely.

“There’s no need for alarm because our exports to the US were already limited and subject to taxes. However, global price hikes, especially for food and petroleum products, could be indirectly affected by those tax changes,” she said.

The IMF’s review also looked at the performance of the Rwandan Franc against the US Dollar. The fund confirmed Rwanda’s figures.

“The Rwandan Franc depreciated by 9.8% compared to the US Dollar, a notable improvement from the 18% depreciation seen in 2023. The slower rate of depreciation, and our goal of returning to the 5% level in the coming years, is reassuring,” Governor Hakuziyaremye said.

The IMF assessment also found that Rwanda’s foreign reserves increased, reaching the equivalent of 5.4 months of imports by the end of 2024.

The Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning also announced that in 2025, Rwanda will unveil the second phase of the Bugesera International Airport project, alongside the expansion of Kigali International Airport, in partnership with the Qatar Investment Authority.

April 5, 2025
Rwandans urged to remain vigilant against genocide ideology ahead of commemoration

The spokesperson for the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), Dr. Murangira B. Thierry, noted that from past experience, about 40% of all crimes recorded in a year occur in April, with a significant number linked to genocide ideology and related offenses.

He called on Rwandans to act responsibly and avoid engaging in such acts. Murangira was speaking on Thursday, April 3, 2025, during an interview with the national broadcaster, RBA.

He emphasized that this period calls for unity and reflection rather than division. “April is the month where genocide ideology and related crimes tend to be more prevalent. Over the years, we have observed that a significant number of offenses committed annually take place during this period,” he said.

Murangira pointed out that crimes recorded during this time often include genocide ideology, discrimination, divisionism, and denial of the genocide, with many cases involving the harassment of genocide survivors.

“It is deeply concerning that, even after all these years, some individuals still hold such harmful beliefs. We want to make it clear that the law will not tolerate such actions, and those involved will be held accountable,” he stated.

He warned against those who take advantage of the commemoration period to revisit past personal disputes, using them as an excuse to spread hate speech or engage in acts that promote genocide ideology.

“As we mark the 31st commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi, it is regrettable that some individuals still engage in such behavior. We urge them to stop because the law will not turn a blind eye,” he said.

The spokesperson also cautioned against dismissing dangerous rhetoric as mere jokes. “There are statements that are simply not jokes. Some people we arrest claim they were only joking, but no one jokes by giving justification for genocide. That is not humor,” he stressed.

Additionally, he expressed concern over cases where children are taught genocide ideology or discriminatory beliefs, calling such actions unacceptable and punishable under the law.

As Rwanda embarks on the 31st commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi, authorities urge the public to uphold the values of unity, respect, and accountability while ensuring that hate speech and division have no place in society.

April 4, 2025
Rwanda, Nordic nations forge strategic academic partnerships

The high-level forum, hailed as a pivotal step in strengthening international collaboration, unfolded in Kigali and served as a platform for signing significant academic partnerships and exploring mutual opportunities in higher education and innovation.

It brought together prominent institutions from Nordic countries, including Finland, Sweden, and their Rwandan counterparts, including the University of Rwanda (UR), Rwanda Polytechnic, the Catholic University of Rwanda, and the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS Rwanda).

Speaking at the forum’s conclusion, Rwanda’s Minister of Education, Hon. Joseph Nsengimana, warmly acknowledged the significance of their presence.

“It is an absolute honor to stand before you today at this remarkable gathering of academic leaders from Nordic and Rwandan universities, coming together to foster partnerships and collaborations to advance a shared vision of quality education for social economic transformation of our people,” he said.

Nsengimana praised the Nordic nations for their globally admired education systems, emphasizing their progressive values and innovative practices.

“The Nordic model offers valuable insights into fostering inclusive education, leveraging technology for learning, and ensuring that no child is left behind. Likewise, Rwanda’s resilience, innovation, and commitment to homegrown solutions provide a strong foundation for collaboration,” he emphasized.

Rwanda has placed education at the center of its development strategy with the government investing heavily in STEM education, technical and vocational training (TVET), and digital learning to ensure that its youth are equipped for the rapidly evolving global landscape.

In this spirit, the forum celebrated new collaborations set to shape the future of education across both regions. Eight MoUs were signed between various Nordic and Rwandan institutions.

Among these, LAB University of Applied Sciences signed agreements with both UR and the Catholic University of Rwanda, while Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences also entered into partnerships with the Catholic University of Rwanda, UR, and Rwanda Polytechnic.

The forum also saw Mälardalens University and AIMS Rwanda formalizing a collaboration with AIMS as the Campus Company Co, represented by CEO Laura Nevanlinna, signed partnerships with both UR and the Catholic University of Rwanda.

Prof. Didas Kayihura Muganga, the Vice Chancellor at the University of Rwanda, underscored the long-standing history and benefits of Rwanda-Nordic partnerships.

“At the UR, we believe in partnerships as one of the drivers for higher education growth in research, innovation, and capacity building,” he remarked. “This forum therefore represents an invaluable opportunity to initiate new partnerships but also deepen existing ones.”

He cited the 20 year UR–Sweden program as a testament to the enduring nature of Nordic-Rwanda cooperation, which has produced 98 PhD graduates to date. Muganga also emphasized the critical role higher education institutions play in addressing global challenges.

“Higher education institutions, in close collaboration with industries, are at the forefront of this journey. The relationships we build here today could lead to huge impacts in terms of both their reach and period,” he said.

The forum closed with renewed optimism and a shared commitment to building education systems that are inclusive, innovative, and responsive to the needs of an ever-changing world.

Both the Rwandan and Nordic delegates left with a vision to shape not just national, but global academic landscapes, united by purpose, strengthened by partnerships, and driven by a mutual pursuit of educational excellence.

April 4, 2025
Nicole Ansoni’s journey of entrepreneurship and empowerment (VIDEO)

With over a decade of experience in creating socio-economic impact across Rwanda and West Africa, her story inspires countless others to follow their dreams, even when the path seems uncertain.

Nicole is a young Rwandan entrepreneur who began her journey with a completely different career trajectory in mind. Originally trained in political science and international relations, she had a clear path toward a career in diplomacy.

However, a series of events, bolstered by guidance from mentors, led her to a bold decision, to become an entrepreneur. “I was set to have a career in diplomacy, but I pivoted completely. Luckily, I was young enough to make that choice, to go from studying political science to becoming self-employed,” Nicole recalls.

She admits that the transition was not an easy one. “It took a lot of mentorship. I was fortunate that my cousins and brothers, who were entrepreneurs themselves, rallied around me. They helped me understand the value I could contribute to Rwanda’s business sector.”

Her shift into entrepreneurship came with many challenges, particularly in the hospitality sector, which was still emerging in Rwanda at the time. But she had a strong belief in the power of mentorship and passion-driven work.

“What I believe in most is mentorship. I’m the product of mentorship, and I want to offer the same opportunity to others, especially young women who want to enter hospitality but don’t know where to begin,” she explains.

Despite her educational background being far apart from the business world, Nicole made a conscious decision to focus on her passion for food and hospitality. She knew that in order to succeed, she had to build a strong foundation around the industry.

Her focus became clear; to create businesses that not only thrive but also contribute positively to the community. However, the lack of infrastructure in Rwanda’s hospitality sector in the early days presented a significant challenge.

“In the beginning, we worked with an unreasonable amount of suppliers because there was no centralized supply chain and barely any suppliers specifically geared towards the hospitality/wholesale industry. You’d have to run all over town to find what you needed for your business, and purchase retail instead of wholesale which affected our cashflow” Nicole recounts.

This logistical nightmare was compounded by the lack of trained human resources in Rwanda’s hospitality and tourism sectors, with students who had the theory but not the hands-on experience.

Despite these challenges, Nicole was determined to make her business work. One of her major breakthroughs came with the creation of Inka Steakhouse, a restaurant that would go on to become a symbol of Rwanda’s growing hospitality scene.

“When I decided to open a restaurant, I wanted something authentic. I didn’t want an Italian or French restaurant, because I am neither of the two. I wanted to create a place where people could enjoy locally sourced meat and produce in a setting that celebrated Rwanda,” she reveals.

Inka Steakhouse became a passion project for Nicole, a way to elevate Rwandan beef and support local farmers. The name “Inka,” which means “cow” in Kinyarwanda, was chosen as a tribute to Rwanda’s agricultural heritage. For her, Inka is a love letter to Rwanda. It represents dignity and nobility.

Inka Steakhouse is not just about food, it’s about community. The restaurant has become a platform to showcase the country’s agricultural potential and raise awareness about the importance of supporting local farmers.

As a result, Nicole’s restaurant became part of a larger movement that changed the face of cattle farming in Rwanda, helping farmers improve their practices and increase the quality of their products.

Her commitment to empowering others is not limited to her business ventures. Her philanthropic work, through the Ansoni Foundation, has been a major part of her journey.

“When we started the foundation seven years ago, I wanted to support schools by providing them with books. But when I visited schools, I realized that the real issue wasn’t the books, it was that the children weren’t coming to school because they didn’t have enough to eat, their families couldn’t afford the school lunch and meals” Nicole explains.

One of the foundation’s accomplishments this year already was donating over 200,000 meals to a school in Huye, district, Southern Province. With a conviction of education as a key pillar for development, Nicole was very passionate about helping kids access it.

“I’ve been given so much in my life, and I believe that those who are fortunate have a responsibility to give back,” she states. This belief is reflected in both her business practices and her philanthropic efforts.

Looking ahead, Nicole is focused on continuing her entrepreneurial journey, expanding her businesses, and supporting the next generation of leaders. She is especially committed to helping Rwanda’s youth harness the opportunities available to them.

“We need an educated and focused youth. We need more discipline and rigor. Entrepreneurship is not glamorous, it requires hard work, self-discipline, and perseverance,” she advises.

An award winning entrepreneur, Nicole has numerous accolades to her name including restaurant of the year (five times), young entrepreneur of the Year (three times, best steakhouse in East Africa and was recently nominated for the Forty under 40 global awards slated for April 12, 2025 in Dubai.

Her message to young Rwandans is simple but powerful: “There are endless opportunities here. Keep dreaming, keep learning, and take the time to prepare yourself for success.”

Nicole Ansoni’s journey is a testament to the power of mentorship, passion, and the willingness to embrace change. She continues to inspire a generation of Rwandans to believe in their dreams, pursue their passions, and use their success to uplift others.

April 4, 2025