Following Rwanda’s announcement to suspend diplomatic relations with Belgium, concerns arose about possible repercussions for citizens, including students, residents, and businesspersons in Belgium.
Many also questioned the impact of this move on Rwanda’s Kwibuka 31 commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, especially as the Rwandan Embassy in Belgium played a key role in organizing memorial events.
In an interview with IGIHE, Nduhungirehe dismissed fears, emphasizing that ordinary citizens will not be affected by the diplomatic fallout.
“Cutting ties with Belgium will have no impact on ordinary citizens. The Genocide commemoration activities will continue, organized by Rwandan communities and survivors’ associations,” he stated.
He also assured Rwandans abroad that the government will continue to provide necessary information and support whenever possible.
On March 17, 2025, the Rwandan government formally notified Belgium of its decision to cut diplomatic relations and ordered Belgian diplomats to leave the country within 48 hours.
The decision followed Belgium’s continued disregard for Rwanda’s sovereignty, both historically and in the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Rwanda accused Belgium of taking sides in the conflict, spreading misinformation, and advocating for decisions that undermine Rwanda’s security and interests.
This move comes a month after Rwanda terminated a €95 million ($102 million) development cooperation agreement with Belgium for projects planned between 2024 and 2029, leaving about €80 million ($86 million) in unused funds.
He made these remarks during the Africa Universities Summit, held in Rwanda, which aimed to explore ways universities can contribute to the continent’s development. The summit was organized by Times Higher Education.
Nsengimana stated that universities are the engine of national development and should ensure that graduates are equipped to make meaningful contributions.
“The universities you represent are more than just institutions of higher learning; they are engines of innovation, self-reliance, and economic growth. The future of Africa depends on strong partnerships within the continent and beyond,” he said.
He stressed that African universities should not only be centers of knowledge but should also engage in research that brings about transformative and sustainable development.
“The goal is not to create individuals who rely on others but to empower them to be self-sufficient, ensuring that Africa’s institutions become the driving force of their own development. Sustainable development is not a choice; it is a necessity. Universities must integrate sustainability principles into their curricula, research, and operations.”
The Minister highlighted that universities should conduct research aimed at addressing Africa’s unique challenges.
He also pointed out that technology in education presents an opportunity to expand access to quality learning.
“The technological changes we are witnessing are transforming all sectors, including education. While there are challenges, technology offers opportunities to provide quality education for all, without exclusion.”
He noted that addressing the digital divide is crucial and that solutions must be found to benefit both urban and rural areas.
Minister Nsengimana further highlighted a major gap between the knowledge imparted by universities and the skills required by the labor market, stressing the urgency of building a strong education system. He urged universities to collaborate with industries to develop curricula and courses that align with market needs.
“There is a gap between the knowledge taught in schools and what is required on the job market. This needs urgent attention. Universities should work closely with industries to develop academic programs that align with labor market demands, ensuring better employment opportunities and fostering innovation across various sectors.”
He reiterated that universities should conduct research aligned with Africa’s sustainable development goals and the well-being of its people, asserting that a strong higher education system can significantly contribute to Africa’s development.
Nsengimana also emphasized that the advancement of higher education in Africa depends on unity, strategic transformations, innovation, and collaboration for collective progress.
Nick Davis, the Regional Director for Africa and the Middle East at Times Higher Education, stated that since 60% of Africa’s population is youth, this should be seen as an opportunity for development.
He stressed that collaboration is key to Africa’s progress, with quality education, technology, and innovation forming the foundation for its growth.
Dr. Edward Kadozi, the Director General of the Higher Education Council (HEC), also highlighted the importance of strengthening technical, vocational, and hands-on education.
He noted that this approach would help create jobs, supply skilled workers for the growing industries across African countries, and reduce youth unemployment.
“It’s bound in my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” he said not long before departing the International Space Station to return to Earth.
After being asked what his “life lesson or takeaway from these nine months in space” was, astronaut Barry Eugene “Butch” Wilmore replied, “Well, I can tell you honestly, my feeling on all of this goes back to my faith. It’s bound in my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
“He is working out his plan and his purposes for his glory throughout all of humanity, and how that plays into our lives is significant and important, and however that plays out, I am content because I understand that,” Wilmore continued.
“I understand that He’s at work in all things, some things are for the good, go to Hebrews chapter 11, and some things look to us to be not so good. But it’s all working out for His good, for all those that will believe,” the astronaut added. “And that’s the answer.”
Wilmore and fellow astronaut Sunita “Suni” Williams, who launched into space on the first piloted test flight of Boeing’s Starliner on June 5, 2024, ended up stranded on the International Space Station (ISS) orbital laboratory for 286 days, when they were only supposed to be on a ten-day trip.
After the Starliner had faced problems, Elon Musk’s SpaceX reportedly worked on a plan with NASA to fly Wilmore and Williams back to Earth.
As of Wednesday March 19, 2025, the two astronauts had finally completed their long-awaited journey back to Earth on a SpaceX capsule, thanks to the combined drive and ambition of President Donald Trump and Musk to “go get them.”
The event welcomed representatives from various religious affiliations, including Catholics, Muslims, Anglicans, and other special guests, highlighting the spirit of inclusivity during the holy month of Ramadan.
Speaking at the iftar, H.E. AlQahtani expressed his appreciation to the attendees and emphasized the UAE’s commitment to fostering peace and understanding.
“It is a pleasure for me to welcome you to this interfaith iftar dinner during Ramadan, one of the holiest months of the Islamic calendar,” he said, adding how the gathering reflected the multicultural fabric of the UAE, where more than 200 nationalities of different faiths live together in peace and harmony.
“We in the UAE believe in the importance of bringing people together during the month of Ramadan, reflecting our principles of compassion, generosity and coexistence,” he added.
H.E. AlQahtani also underscored the UAE’s dedication to promoting the values of tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and dialogue, stressing that these values are crucial not just during Ramadan but throughout the year.
“Ramadan is an opportunity for a new beginning, a time to recalibrate, reflect, and renew,” he said, concluding by extending his warm wishes for a blessed Ramadan to all.
Rwanda’s Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Clementine Mukeka, also addressed guests, commending the UAE Embassy’s efforts to foster dialogue and unity.
“On behalf of everyone here, I would like to thank Your Excellency Ambassador AlQahtani and the entire team for organizing such a wonderful event,” she said.
Reflecting on Rwanda’s own journey toward reconciliation after the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, Mukeka also emphasized the power of unity and dialogue in fostering lasting peace.
“In Rwanda, we have seen firsthand the power of unity. Today, Rwanda is a living example of what’s possible when we work toward a shared goal of peace, healing, and progress,” she said, reiterating Rwanda’s readiness to build bridges and partnerships with countries around the world, based on the principles of peace and cooperation.
“As we reflect on the values of Ramadan, let us remember that these aren’t just for this month. They’re values we can carry with us every day, in how we treat one another and in the actions we take to make the world a better place,” she added.
Abdellatif Oulad Aouid, head of the Islamic Cultural Center in Kigali, also spoke at the event, reflecting on the long-standing partnership between the center and the UAE. He acknowledged the pivotal role played by the Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation in supporting educational and humanitarian programs in Rwanda.
“The Islamic Cultural Center is a model of tolerance and coexistence, hosting more than 700 students under the guidance of 45 teachers, without any religious, gender, social, or other discrimination,” he said.
He also commended the cooperation between the Islamic Cultural Center and the UAE Embassy in promoting values of solidarity and tolerance through initiatives such as iftar programs, supporting vulnerable communities, and encouraging academic excellence.
“On this occasion, I extend my sincere gratitude to Your Excellency for your continuous support and to the Rwandan authorities for their cooperation. We look forward to furthering our humanitarian efforts together,” he said.
The event was a celebration of the shared values that unite people across cultures and faiths, where guests shared conversations over a traditional iftar meal, fostering a spirit of community and mutual respect.
The UAE Embassy’s Interfaith Iftar Dinner served as a powerful reminder that dialogue, understanding, and compassion can foster a more peaceful and inclusive world.
The meeting comes just a week after Washington expressed interest in exploring critical minerals partnerships with DRC. In February, a Congolese lawmaker reportedly contacted U.S. officials to propose a minerals-for-security deal.
However, the government has not publicly disclosed any such proposal, only stating its intention to seek diversified partnerships.
The presidential statement referred to Jackson as a “special envoy” for U.S. President Donald Trump but did not directly mention minerals. Instead, Jackson emphasized the need for a stable environment to attract American businesses.
“We want to work so that American companies can come and invest and work in the DRC. And to do that, we have to make sure that there is a peaceful environment,” Jackson was quoted as saying. Tshisekedi is struggling to contain the insurgency led by the M23 rebels, who now control eastern DRC’s two biggest cities.
The government had planned to send a delegation to peace talks in Angola on Tuesday, but hopes for negotiations have been dashed after M23 withdrew from the process at the last minute.
{{M23 withdraws from peace talks}}
In a sudden development, the AFC/M23 coalition announced its withdrawal from the peace negotiations scheduled for March 18, 2025, in Luanda, Angola. The talks were organized under the mediation of Angolan President João Lourenço, who also serves as the Chairperson of the African Union (AU).
Just a day before the scheduled discussions, M23 issued a statement signed by its political spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, blaming international sanctions and ongoing military actions by Kinshasa as key reasons for pulling out.
“The Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC/M23) deeply regrets that certain international institutions are deliberately undermining peace efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo and obstructing the much-anticipated talks,” the statement read.
The group particularly criticized recent sanctions imposed on its members, arguing that they had compromised the credibility of the negotiations.
“Successive sanctions imposed on our members, including those enacted on the eve of the Luanda discussions, severely undermine direct dialogue and make any progress impossible,” M23 stated.
The group further accused Tshisekedi’s administration of continuing military aggression, stating that government forces were conducting indiscriminate attacks on both civilian areas and M23 positions.
“This incomprehensible and ambiguous stance only encourages Mr. Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo to continue with his warmongering program,” the statement claimed.
M23 alleged that Kinshasa’s forces, supported by its allies, had launched multiple ground attacks and aerial bombardments, using fighter jets and CH-4 combat drones.
“AFC/M23 draws the attention of the International and National Community to the warmongering campaign of the coalition forces of the Kinshasa regime through multiple ground attacks and indiscriminate bombardments of densely populated areas as well as our positions,” the group added.
Given these circumstances, M23 declared that it was no longer feasible to participate in the peace talks.
“Under these circumstances, the talks have become impracticable. Consequently, our organization can no longer continue to participate in the discussions,” the statement concluded.
{{Uncertain future for peace in eastern DRC}}
The announcement came just hours after M23 had initially confirmed sending a five-member delegation to the negotiations.
The Congolese government had also confirmed its participation, with a delegation led by Transport Minister Jean-Pierre Bemba, a former Minister of Defense and leader of the armed group Movement for the Liberation of Congo (MLC).
With the collapse of the peace talks, the future of stability in eastern DRC remains uncertain. Tshisekedi’s government continues to seek international backing while facing mounting challenges in containing the insurgency.
Meanwhile, questions linger over whether his engagement with U.S. lawmakers is a desperate attempt to secure a minerals-for-security deal amid the growing instability.
On March 16, 2025, while addressing a congregation at Vision de Jésus-Christ Church, Ndayishimiye reignited tensions by blaming Rwanda for ethnic divisions in Burundi since 1959 and in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) since 1996.
“Burundi faced problems in 1959 due to events in Rwanda. The Congolese also experienced turmoil after 1996 because of what happened in Rwanda. Should our countries keep suffering from problems originating in Rwanda?” he questioned.
“Let them resolve their own issues and stay out of ours. Here in Burundi, we have no Hutu or Tutsi, we are simply Burundians. If they choose to govern based on ethnicity, that is their concern,” he added.
While Ndayishimiye claimed Burundi does not differentiate between Hutu and Tutsi, he has been accused of collaborating with the Congolese army, Wazalendo and terrorist group FDLR (remnants of those responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda) to target Congolese Tutsis.
The Burundian leader asserted that his country is in a strong position, stating that “the world has woken up” and no longer believes mere rumors, but instead observes the realities on the ground in the DRC.
He told the congregation that the ongoing crisis might be resolved by the end of the 40-day fasting period.
Reiterating his claims of a Rwandan invasion plot, he dismissed the possibility, boasting that Burundi has both visible and invisible military forces. Using biblical references, he emphasized divine protection over his country.
“The idea that Rwanda could invade Burundi is sheer madness. I hear people say, ‘Rwanda has a strong army.’ Uuuh! If only they knew the forces, I have. How would they even know, unless they sought guidance from God to reveal them? Burundi has an army, both seen and unseen. It is well protected,” he said.
Ndayishimiye also claimed that in June and July 2024, God defended Burundi from a major threat, and according to “the enemy’s plans,” his government was not expected to survive beyond October of that year.
In January and February 2025, he launched strong accusations against Rwanda, alleging that it was planning to invade Burundi. However, his rhetoric softened after engaging in discussions with “Rwanda’s friendly nations.”
By February 27, during a meeting with diplomats in Burundi, Ndayishimiye expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with Rwanda, similar to efforts made in 2020 to resolve the ongoing disputes.
“To prevent war between our two countries, we are committed to resolving conflicts through peaceful means. This is what we have been doing since 2020 when Burundi initiated discussions with Rwanda. To this day, Burundi remains open to dialogue with Rwanda to settle our differences,” he said.
Last week, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe confirmed that leaders from both countries are engaged in negotiations to ease tensions.
“Rwanda and Burundi are making significant progress towards ending hostilities and reaching an agreement, as discussions between their leaders continue,” said Minister Nduhungirehe.
His statement suggested that if an agreement is reached, Burundi could reopen its borders with Rwanda, which it had closed in January 2024, accusing Rwanda of supporting the armed group RED Tabara, claims Rwanda has consistently denied.
The nine group winners are assured of a place at the finals in Canada, Mexico and the USA. The four best second-placed sides will have a chance to earn one final spot via play-offs.
A raft of managerial changes has occurred since the last round in June, with Nigeria, Senegal and Tunisia among the sides with new coaches.
{{What should fans look out for?}}
Among the heavyweights of the continental game it is Nigeria who have the greatest need for immediate results. Winless in Group C, and languishing four points behind leaders Rwanda, Eric Chelle assumes an already high-profile role which is amplified by difficult circumstances.
The former Mali coach becomes the first non-Nigerian African to take charge of the Super Eagles. The West Africans travel to Kigali before hosting Zimbabwe, and Chelle accepts they are must-win encounters for the three-time African champions.
“There is pressure in football. I say time is the enemy of the coach. But I’m confident and I believe in my players,” he told the media.
Star striker Victor Osimhen says he and his team-mates are “desperate” to make the finals after missing out on the 2022 edition in Qatar.
Another new boss needing positive returns is Tom Saintfiet, who looks to revive Mali’s campaign in Group I after succeeding Chelle. The four-point gap to group leaders Comoros can be cut straight away as the Eagles travel to face the islanders.
“We are not in an easy position but I have a very talented group. It’s a big luxury to have so many quality players,” Saintfiet said.
Mali have never reached the World Cup finals and, after going unbeaten through preliminaries for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), Saintfiet is upbeat about their hopes.
“After six matches with four wins, two draws, I’m quite positive. We going to try everything to write history,” the Belgian added.
Elsewhere in Group I, Ghana will look to put their disastrous Afcon 2025 qualifying campaign behind them against Chad and Madagascar. Corentin Martins is now in the dugout for the latter, while Rigobert Song faces his first games as Central African Republic boss.
{{Teranga Lions tackle surprise package Sudan}}
Senegal boss Pape Thiaw is another man inheriting a World Cup bid after succeeding Aliou Cisse, to whom he was an assistant, last October. The West Africans ended Afcon 2025 qualifying unbeaten and former striker El Hadji Diouf has been impressed by the smooth transition in the Teranga Lions hotseat.
“Pape was there when Aliou was here so we [have] good continuity. Senegal is a family and we have a wonderful group. We have to work together and be happy all together,” Diouf said.
The former continental champions are two points behind surprise Group B leaders Sudan and Thiaw will be without injured Premier League forwards Nicolas Jackson and Iliman Ndiaye for their away game against the Sudanese, which will be played in the neutral Libyan city of Benghazi, and the subsequent home tie against Togo.
Can Sudan boss Kwasi Appiah, who has relied on the power of psychology, continue his team’s remarkable run amid ongoing conflict in the country?
{{Pharaohs in command}}
Pharaohs captain Mohamed Salah was rested during the latter stages of the Afcon 2025 qualifying campaign, but the forward will hope to carry his rich vein of form with Liverpool into games against Ethiopia and Sierra Leone.
Salah will come up against new Leone Stars head coach Mohammed Kallon, and the former Inter Milan and Monaco striker has selected Manchester City’s new teenage defender Juma Bah and 40-year-old Kei Kamara in his first squad.
Meanwhile, Sami Trabelsi is back for a second stint in charge of Tunisia with the Carthage Eagles top of Group H by two points.
Reigning continental champions Ivory Coast have a one-point advantage in Group F, while new Kenya coach Benni McCarthy is targeting a first-ever World Cup qualification as he looks to reduce the five-point gap to the Elephants.
In Group D, Cameroon are just one point ahead of Cape Verde and Libya, who last week appointed Aliou Cisse as their new boss. The Indomitable Lions are looking to add to their eight World Cup appearances.
As things stand, the closest group to call is Group G, where the top five sides are separated by just three points.
Vladimir Petkovic comfortably guided Algeria to qualification for Afcon 2025 but Les Verts face Mozambique and Botswana, two more teams who will be in Morocco in December. Guinea and Afcon 2027 co-hosts Uganda are also poised to capitalise on any slip ups.
{{Congo suspension throws up questions}}
Africa’s top-ranked side Morocco have the only 100% record remaining, but the picture in Group E is complicated. Eritrea withdrew before qualifiers kicked off and last month Congo-Brazzaville were suspended from international football by world governing body FIFA.
The Red Devils’ ties in March against Tanzania and Zambia have been cancelled, and there is little room to rearrange games in a packed international calendar, even if they somehow succeed in overturning their ban.
All eyes are now on FIFA and the Confederation of African Football for a decision on how teams finishing second in their group will be ranked heading into potential play-offs.
If Congo-Brazzaville drop out as well, then things become even more complicated and every game takes on extra meaning.
Mwenda argued that Rwanda’s decision demonstrated its commitment to African sovereignty, criticizing Western powers for assuming Africa cannot thrive without them.
Rwanda has officially cut diplomatic ties with Belgium, citing interference in regional affairs and its colonial legacy in destabilizing the country.
Rwanda’s Foreign Ministry accused Belgium of siding against Rwanda in the DR Congo conflict and using misinformation to damage its international reputation.
Belgium expressed regret over the decision, calling it disproportionate and suggesting that Rwanda was unwilling to engage in dialogue. A claim, Kigali has denied.
In response, Rwanda assured compliance with international conventions, pledging to protect Belgian embassy property and archives despite the severed ties.
Nasir County Commissioner Gatluak Lew told the media that the midnight air strike had also claimed the life of the local paramount chief Paul Bol.
“Last night, 17 people died on the spot after the bombing and five were injured. However, now only one injured person is alive as the rest have succumbed to their injuries. I can confirm that 21 people died in the air strike,” he said.
The aerial bombing comes less than two weeks after government forces withdrew from the area following intense fighting with an ethnic militia, the White Army.
A South Sudanese general was among around 27 soldiers killed on March 7 when a UN helicopter trying to evacuate them from Nasir came under attack.
Witnesses called on the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) to halt the attacks, alleging they target residential areas and destroy homes. The details came after the Ugandan troops warned the local militia in Nasir to surrender or be targeted.
“Our mission in South Sudan has just begun. I want to offer the White Army an opportunity to surrender to the UPDF force before it’s too late. We seek brotherhood and unity. But if [they] dare to fight us, you will all die,” warned Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
Last week Uganda said it had deployed special forces in Juba to “secure it”. The South Sudanese government at the time denied the presence of Ugandan troops in the country.
However, on Monday, government spokesman Michael Makuei confirmed the presence of UPDF forces in the country “to back up and support the (national army) according to their needs”.he told journalists at a news conference on Monday morning.
The clashes in Nasir, near the Ethiopian border, between national forces and the White Army, a loosely organized group mostly comprising armed ethnic Nuer youths, has threatened to reignite the 2013-2018 civil war in which hundreds of thousands of people died.
The government accuses the party of First Vice President Riek Machar, a Nuer, of collaborating with the White Army, which fought alongside Machar’s forces during the civil war against the predominantly ethnic Dinka troops loyal to President Salva Kiir. Machar’s party has denied involvement.
The move has sparked widespread controversy, with critics warning that it undermines America’s global media influence. The White House announced that the order would ensure taxpayers no longer fund what it described as biased content.
The decision follows criticism from politicians and right-wing media outlets, which have long accused VOA of favoring left-leaning narratives. Established during World War II to counter Nazi propaganda, VOA reaches hundreds of millions of people globally each week.
The executive order also targets its parent organization, the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which oversees other entities such as Radio Free Europe and Radio Free Asia.
These organizations were initially created to counter communist propaganda during the Cold War. Under the order, managers have been instructed to minimize operations to the bare minimum required by law.
VOA employees were reportedly notified of the changes via email from Crystal Thomas, USAGM’s Human Resources Director.
President Trump has frequently accused mainstream media outlets of bias, labelling networks such as CNN and MSNBC as “corrupt.” His latest move against VOA is seen as part of a broader effort to reshape U.S. media institutions.
VOA, which launched in 1942 with its first broadcast transmitted on a BBC-loaned device, has long been a cornerstone of U.S. international broadcasting. Its public charter, signed by former President Gerald Ford in 1976, was designed to safeguard its editorial independence.
However, the executive order has already had significant repercussions. Freelance workers and international contractors were reportedly informed of a funding halt, while federal grants for Radio Free Asia and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty have been terminated.
Mike Abramowitz, VOA’s Director, revealed that nearly all 1,300 staff members, including himself, have been placed on paid leave following the order.
He warned that the move jeopardizes VOA’s critical mission, particularly at a time when misinformation from U.S. adversaries like Iran, China, and Russia is on the rise.
“This decision hinders VOA’s ability to counter disinformation and promote democratic values globally,” Abramowitz said. “It is a blow to our mission and to the millions who rely on us for accurate and unbiased news.”
The executive order has also raised concerns about the politicization of U.S. international broadcasting. Trump recently appointed Kari Lake, a loyalist and former news anchor, as a special adviser for USAGM, a move seen as an attempt to exert greater control over the agency.
Critics argue that dismantling VOA and its sister organizations could weaken America’s ability to project soft power and counter authoritarian narratives abroad.
Supporters of the order, however, contend that it is a necessary step to eliminate bias and ensure taxpayer funds are used responsibly. As the implications of the executive order unfold, the future of U.S. international broadcasting remains uncertain.
The move has ignited a fierce debate about the role of government-funded media in a democratic society and the balance between editorial independence and accountability.
The White House has yet to provide further details on how the dismantling process will be implemented or what will replace the existing structure.
For now, VOA and its affiliates face an unprecedented challenge as they navigate the fallout from President Trump’s latest intervention.
