Author: Sam K. Nkurunziza

Investing in quality seeds and seedlings for resilient forest landscapes

The exchange event was facilitated using participatory methods to encourage mutual learning and empowerment. It brought together government agencies, national and international NGOs, researchers, private sector enterprises, tree seed cooperatives and farmers.

Organized as a joint output of the “Right Tree, Right Place, Right Purpose (RTRP-Seed)”, “Quality Tree Seed for Africa (QT-Seed)” and Transforming the Eastern Province through Adaptation (TREPA)” initiatives, the event brought together key stakeholders in tree seed systems and the landscape restoration sector.

Athanase Mukuralinda, the Country Director of CIFOR-ICRAF, emphasized that tree seeds are the foundation for successful forest restoration and sustainable landscapes. However, many people do not understand the importance of using high-quality tree seeds.

“While many recognize the importance of seed quality for crops like maize or potatoes, there’s a common misconception that any tree seed is suitable for planting. However, just as with crops, poor-quality tree seeds can lead to weak, poorly growing trees. Rather, “high-quality tree seeds are crucial for effective forest restoration and the production of valuable wood, fruit and other products” Mukuralinda explained.

The projects focus on awareness, highlighting the importance of protecting seed sources to ensure seed quality for future harvests, and building capacities for communities and sector stakeholders about which trees to collect seeds from, how and when to harvest tree seeds, as well as how to store them properly to maintain their quality.

“We bring together seed producers, collectors, and tree planters to exchange knowledge and collaborate,” Mukuralinda said.

Jens-Peter Barnekow Lillesø, a senior researcher at the University of Copenhagen and a CIFOR-ICRAF fellow, stressed the need to evaluate the genetic quality of tree seeds.

“Currently, tree seeds are only checked for germination, but this does not reveal how well a tree will grow in the future,” Lillesø noted. He highlighted that most tree seeds in Rwanda are collected from farmlands without assessing their genetic quality.

Factors like the number of mother trees, their health, and whether pollinators are present are crucial for producing seeds that grow into robust trees. Different seed sources are suited to specific environments, such as dry lowlands or humid highlands, and using seeds from the wrong region can lead to poor growth and decreased survival.

Lillesø called for documenting seed sources and recognizing the seed custodians who manage them.
“These custodians play a critical role in protecting seed sources and should receive incentives for their work,” he said.

Lillesø also pointed out that the national seed center cannot manage all seed sources alone and needs to delegate responsibilities to local communities, while maintaining quality oversight.

These ongoing initiatives aim to bridge the current gaps in the tree seed sector by fostering cooperation between different stakeholders.

By improving tree seed quality and recognizing the contributions of seed custodians, among other measures, Rwanda can strengthen its forest ecosystems and support sustainable agriculture and restoration efforts.

March 12, 2025
Former Philippines President taken to The Hague after ICC arrest

Duterte was placed on a flight late on Tuesday, his daughter and local outlet The Philippine Star reported. “They have taken him out on a plane,” Veronica Duterte wrote on Instagram.

In a separate statement to the Philippine Star, Sara Duterte, who is also the country’s vice president, said her father was being taken to The Hague. “As I write this, he is being forcibly taken to The Hague tonight,” she said, according to the outlet.

Duterte, 79, was taken into custody at the main airport in the capital Manila after returning to the Philippines from Hong Kong on Tuesday, charged with crimes against humanity.

The former leader oversaw a ferocious crackdown on drug pushers in the Southeast Asian country, targeting with relentless and bloody zeal a criminal trade that had sparked widespread anger among his supporters.

The crackdown killed more than 6,000 people based on police data, though independent monitors believe the number of extrajudicial killings could be much higher.

The ICC, which sits in the Dutch city of The Hague, had previously said it was investigating Duterte, but his arrest nonetheless caught the country off guard. It immediately mobilized his significant throng of supporters, some of whom angrily confronted police outside the airbase where he was held for several hours.

Duterte ruled the country of 115 million people for six years, and his unrelenting war on drugs left behind a bloody legacy, but he is celebrated by voters particularly in Davao city, where he served as mayor for about two decades before ascending to the presidency.

His drug crackdown killed thousands; many of the victims were young men from impoverished shanty towns, shot by police and rogue gunmen as part of a campaign to target dealers. It prompted internal inquiries and an ICC investigation that culminated in Tuesday’s arrest.

Duterte has repeatedly denied the extrajudicial killing of alleged drug suspects, although he also openly admitted to ordering police to shoot suspects who resist arrest.

He withdrew the Philippines from the ICC in 2019, but under the ICC’s withdrawal mechanism, the court keeps jurisdiction over crimes committed during the membership period of a state, in this case, between 2016, when his term started, and 2019, when the Philippines’ pullout became official.

At an event early this week in Hong Kong, Duterte lashed out at the ICC amid speculation that his arrest war nearing. “I have a warrant … from the ICC or something. What did I do wrong? I did everything that I could in my time, so there is a little bit of quiet and peace for the lives of the Filipinos,” he told supporters.

His political ambitions did not conclude with the end of his term in office; Duterte registered in October to run as mayor in Davao. He is supported by a political dynasty that still exerts authority up and down the country.

His daughter Sara is vice president to Duterte’s successor and political rival, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., and was herself impeached last month on a range of accusations that include plotting to assassinate the new president.

And his son Sebastian Duterte is the current mayor of Davao; he had planned to run as his father’s vice-mayor in next year’s mid-term elections.

March 12, 2025
Angola to host peace talks between DRC government and M23 rebels

The announcement, made on March 11, 2025, follows a brief visit by DRC President Félix Tshisekedi to Luanda.

Angola, acting as the official mediator in the conflict, confirmed that it will first hold preliminary consultations with M23 representatives to organize a delegation for the upcoming talks with the Kinshasa government.

This decision marks a significant shift by the DRC government, which had previously refused to engage with M23 despite the rebel group’s control over large areas in eastern DRC, particularly in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces.

President Tshisekedi has consistently rejected direct engagement with M23. He did not attend the East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit in Dar es Salaam on February 8, where regional leaders discussed pathways to peace in eastern Congo.

One key resolution from that summit was a formal request urging the DRC government to engage in talks with M23 to find a lasting solution to the conflict. While M23 welcomed the proposal, the Kinshasa administration remained opposed to negotiations, until now.

The pressure on Tshisekedi increased during the African Union (AU) summit held on February 15, which he also skipped to attend a security conference in Munich, Germany. The AU summit endorsed the earlier resolutions from EAC and SADC, reinforcing the call for direct dialogue with M23.

For its part, M23 has long criticized previous peace processes in Nairobi and Luanda, arguing that decisions were made without their involvement.

With Angola’s mediation, the upcoming talks mark the first formal dialogue between the two sides after months of escalating conflict.

March 11, 2025
Top officials of Kabila’s PPRD party barred from leaving DRC

This directive applies to the party’s Vice President, Aubin Minaku, the Secretary-General, Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, and the Deputy Secretary-General, Ferdinand Kambere.

The order was issued after the three leaders were questioned by the Military Prosecutor, Colonel Ntambwe Kapenga Benjamin, on March 10, 2025.

The military prosecutor’s office sent approximately ten letters of summons to various members of Kabila’s party though only the three attended the hearing in the capital, Kinshasa.

Jean Mbuyu, a lawyer for the officials and former security adviser to Kabila, said the exact reasons for the summons were unclear.

After the hearing, Minaku revealed that the questioning centered on remarks he made on February 26, where he referenced Kabila and urged party members to prepare for action.

“The chief said, ‘we must be ready for anything,’” Minaku said, referring to Kabila. He elaborated, “When the chief says we must be ready for everything, each of us, a pure-blooded (party member) understands… the time for silence, for clandestine actions is over, now is the time for open actions.”

Minaku emphasized that the officials would cooperate fully with the legal process. “We are taking a purely republican approach, not one of rebellion,” he told Reuters, stressing their loyalty to the country.

He also denied any links between the party and armed groups, stating, “We clearly denounced any illicit presence of foreign forces.”

Despite the questioning, no formal charges were brought against the officials, according to Marcel Bombamba, another lawyer representing the group.

Justice Minister Constant Mutamba recently stated that senior PPRD officials are suspected of collaborating with the AFC/M23 coalition, which is engaged in armed conflict with the Congolese military.

“These leaders, along with senior officers of the Congolese armed forces, will face formal legal proceedings starting on March 13, 2025,” Mutamba explained.

The investigation into PPRD officials began after DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and other members of the Congolese government accused former President Joseph Kabila of supporting AFC/M23 rebels.

March 11, 2025
Manchester United set to build new 100,000-seater stadium

The 13-time Premier League Champion’s current ground, Old Trafford, was once considered among the best stadiums in world soccer, but it is now in dire need of improvement after years of stagnation.

Ratcliffe has previously spoken about creating a “national stadium in the North” which would serve both the Red Devils as well as host other major games, such as the Champions League final and national team fixtures.

“Our current stadium has served us brilliantly for the past 115 years, but it has fallen behind the best arenas in world sport,” Ratcliffe said in a club statement about the new stadium.

“By building next to the existing site, we will be able to preserve the essence of Old Trafford, while creating a truly state-of-the-art stadium that transforms the fan experience only footsteps from our historic home.”

World-renowned architect Norman Foster, who is leading the new design, described it as one of the most exciting projects in the world today. “It all starts with the fans’ experience, bringing them closer than ever to the pitch and acoustically cultivating a huge roar,” he said.

It comes as part of the UK government’s wider regeneration project of the city, which promises social and economic renewal of the surrounding area. The announcement will come as good news to fans, who have had very little to cheer about in recent months.

United is currently languishing 14th in the Premier League and is on track to finish in its lowest league position in decades. Off the pitch, the new hierarchy is attempting to turn around a dire financial situation, with the club heavily in debt.

In a recent interview with former United star Gary Neville, who is part of the task-force for the new stadium project, Ratcliffe said the club would “run out of money” by November if things didn’t change.

As a result, the club has announced several cost-cutting measures which have proved very unpopular with fans, including hundreds of job losses.

In addition to the job cuts, the club has also taken the decision to end free lunches for staff, reduce executive bonuses and stop donations to certain charitable causes, according to Reuters.

“We can’t put our head in the sand, we have to deal with the problem and it’s a big problem, not a small problem,” Ratlciffe said on The Overlap, in his interview with Neville.

In another wide-ranging interview with BBC Sport, which was also published the day before the new stadium announcement, Ratcliffe backed new manager Ruben Amorim to turn around the team’s form.

He also admitted the previous regime had made a number of mistakes that have led to poor recruitment decisions which are still costing the club today. Without naming exactly which players he was referring to, Ratcliffe also said some players “are not good enough and some probably are overpaid.”

March 11, 2025
Addis Ababa declaration champions reparations for Africa

The workshop, organized under the theme, “The role of faith communities and ethical organizations in advancing justice for Africans and people of African descent through reparations,” brought together approximately 70 dignitaries.

Notable attendees included H.E. Amma Adomaa Twum-Amoah, Ambassador of Ghana, H.E. Dr. Monique Nsanzabaganwa, Deputy Chairperson of the AUC, and Dr. Sousan Massoud, UNESCO Regional Director for Eastern Africa.

The event sought to align faith-based initiatives with the African Union’s 2025 agenda dedicated to promoting justice through reparations.

During her opening remarks, Monique Nsanzabaganwa underscored the essential role of faith communities and ethical organizations in addressing the historical injustices faced by Africans and people of African descent.

“Faith-based organizations carry a profound moral responsibility to advance reparative justice and foster collective healing,” she stated.

The African Union has declared 2025 as the “Year of Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations,” an initiative launched during the 38th AU Summit in February 2025.

This landmark declaration reflects the AU’s commitment to addressing the enduring socio-economic impacts of colonialism, the transatlantic slave trade, and systemic discrimination.

The initiative emphasizes a multi-faceted approach to reparations, combining legal, political, economic, and social measures with the ethical and spiritual dimensions crucial for reconciliation.

The workshop culminated in the signing of the Addis Ababa declaration by religious, ethical, and scientific organizations on reparations proclaimed in the African Union.

This declaration calls for the establishment of an AU Committee of experts on reparations to develop a unified African policy and implement an African program of action on reparations. It also advocates for the recognition of ecological debt, highlighting the environmental damage caused by colonial exploitation and resource extraction.

The Addis Ababa declaration refrains from directly identifying specific parties responsible for reparations. Instead, it frames reparations as a collective global effort to address historical wrongs rather than seeking compensation solely from former colonial powers.

The declaration further proposes the creation of an Ethical Reference Group to guide the AU’s reparations initiatives and urges the African Union to declare a decade of reparations to amplify global awareness and promote restorative justice.

Amma Adomaa Twum-Amoah praised the workshop’s ability to unite diverse stakeholders, expressing optimism about future collaboration. “This event marks a significant step toward addressing historical injustices through collective action and sustained cooperation,” she said.

Dr. Sousan Massoud emphasized the value of cross-cultural dialogue in fostering understanding and healing. “Cultural exchange is a powerful tool to bridge divides and promote lasting peace,” she remarked.

The workshop’s outcomes include a proposal to establish the African Religious Peace Academy (ARPA), an institution that will focus on fostering interfaith dialogue and educational programs promoting religious harmony and peacebuilding across the continent.

Participants also agreed to explore the formation of a continental religious unity body under the AU framework. This body will bring together African religious leaders to support the AU’s global peace agenda and strengthen religious solidarity.

There are also plans to develop a peace mediation body to facilitate conflict resolution across African nations. This mediation body will work closely with the AU to address regional disputes through dialogue and peaceful negotiation.

The event was co-hosted by several prominent organizations, including Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), Citizens and Diaspora Organizations (CIDO), African Union Chaplaincy (AU Chaplaincy), Pan African Conference of Traditional and Customary Authorities (COPAB), Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), Interreligious Association for Peace and Development Africa (IAPD Africa), and the United Religions Initiative (URI).

The Addis Ababa declaration represents a critical milestone in the ongoing struggle for reparative justice. By fostering collaboration between the African Union and faith-based organizations, the declaration aims to transform the moral and legal imperatives of reparations into concrete actions.

With the year of justice for Africans and people of African descent through reparations underway, this initiative sets a powerful precedent for addressing historical injustices and promoting a future rooted in justice and reconciliation.

March 11, 2025
At least 70 migrant bodies recovered following boats sinking off Yemen’s coast

This discovery follows reports from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) on Friday, which stated that 186 individuals were missing after four migrant boats capsized off the coasts of Yemen and Djibouti.

The official, who requested anonymity, noted that the death toll could rise as search operations continue along the coastline. Local fishermen have been assisting authorities in retrieving the bodies.

The IOM reported that the perilous route between the eastern Horn of Africa and Yemen claimed 558 lives in 2024, emphasizing that “urgent action is needed to save lives.”

In 2024, UN reports indicated that 60,897 African migrants entered Yemen after undertaking hazardous sea journeys.

The maritime route from the Horn of Africa to Yemen is known for its extreme risks, with migrants often traveling in overcrowded and unseaworthy vessels operated by smugglers. Many aim to reach Gulf countries for employment opportunities.

March 11, 2025
Empowering women for climate action is not just a slogan, it is a necessity

Rwanda’s national theme, “Empowered women, stronger nation,” emphasizes that a country can only thrive when women are given equal opportunities to lead and contribute to society.

Dr. Valentine Uwamariya, Rwanda’s Minister of Environment, and Caroline Raes, the Country Representative of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) in Rwanda, are two women who understand the power of women in climate action.

Uwamariya, having served as Rwanda’s Minister of Gender and Family Promotion before her current role, has witnessed how empowering women can lead to stronger environmental outcomes.

She believes that “Women’s knowledge and action are vital for climate resilience. Supporting their leadership is key to safeguarding Rwanda’s environmental future and strengthening the foundation of families and communities.”

Caroline Raes, who hails from Ethiopia and has worked across multiple continents, shares a similar perspective. Since moving to Rwanda two years ago to lead the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), she has been inspired by the country’s commitment to gender equality and environmental sustainability.

“When women gain skills, power, and control over their own lives, they become strong agents of change within their communities, shaping the values, aspirations, and opportunities available to the next generation,” Raes states.

She is dedicated to ensuring that GGGI continues to empower women through various projects that foster climate resilience and sustainable development.

Rwanda has made remarkable progress in promoting gender equality, particularly in leadership roles. Women hold 63.8% of seats in the Chamber of Deputies and 45.4% of cabinet positions.

This representation is not just symbolic; it has a direct impact on policy-making. Rwanda’s Green Growth and Climate Resilience Strategy actively integrates gender considerations into national climate initiatives.

Through gender-responsive budgeting, the government ensures that resources are allocated to programs supporting women in climate adaptation.

One of the critical areas where this commitment is evident is in land ownership. The Land Tenure Regularization program has increased women’s land ownership rights to 26% as of 2023.

This is vital because access to land empowers women farmers, who make up 77.7% of Rwanda’s agricultural workforce, to implement sustainable agricultural practices and withstand climate shocks.

However, women-headed households remain disproportionately affected by climate-related disasters such as droughts and floods. Limited access to credit and formal employment exacerbates their vulnerability.

The waste management sector provides another example of the challenges and opportunities for women in climate action. An assessment conducted by GGGI in December 2022 revealed significant gender inequalities in Rwanda’s waste sector.

Women involved in waste sorting and management face poor working conditions, lack of protective equipment, and limited decision-making power.

Cultural norms further restrict their access to training and resources, making it harder for them to adopt safer practices. To address these gaps, GGGI has implemented initiatives to improve working conditions and enhance women’s participation in the circular economy.

In 2023, GGGI partnered with the Ministry of Environment and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg to create 75 green jobs, including for women in waste management.

The organization also trained 114 women in circular economy strategies and developed a gender action plan to promote equitable opportunities in the waste sector. These efforts are part of a broader vision to nurture a new generation of female climate leaders who will drive sustainable development in Rwanda.

Looking ahead, GGGI is supporting the development of a gender equality and social inclusion index to track the integration of gender-responsive actions in Rwanda’s climate initiatives. This tool will help policymakers monitor progress and ensure that women and other marginalized groups are not left behind.

Additionally, as Rwanda prepares to revise its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, GGGI is working closely with the government to mainstream gender equality and social inclusion in climate policies.

Recognizing the unique challenges faced by rural women, GGGI is conducting an assessment to identify their climate resilience needs. This initiative, part of a Green Climate Fund (GCF) Readiness project, will inform targeted interventions to empower rural women as environmental stewards.

By addressing their specific needs and providing them with the necessary resources, Rwanda aims to strengthen the resilience of entire communities against climate change.

Empowering women for climate action is not just about fairness, it is a strategic imperative. When women are equipped with the right tools, they drive sustainable development, foster social cohesion, and inspire future generations to take climate action seriously.

“To build a more resilient and sustainable world, it is crucial that we move away from perceiving women and girls as just vulnerable and passive individuals but rather consider them as critical agents of change,” Raes emphasizes.

During this International Women’s month, Rwanda stands as a beacon of what is possible when women are given the opportunity to lead.

By continuing to invest in women’s empowerment, particularly in climate action, the nation is laying the foundation for a more equitable and sustainable future.

And as the world faces increasing climate challenges, the leadership and resilience of women will be indispensable in shaping solutions that benefit everyone.

March 11, 2025
Uganda deploys troops to ‘secure Juba’, says Gen Muhoozi

Muhoozi, who was among the commanders of the UPDF special military operation to protect Juba in 2013, today warned that any move against President Salva Kiir would be considered a declaration of war against Uganda.

“We, the UPDF, only recognize one President of South Sudan, H.E. Salva Kiir. He is our ‘Afande’ even in UPDF because he is the younger brother of Mzee. Any move against him is a declaration of war against Uganda,” said Muhoozi.

“All those who commit that crime will learn what it means.” added the former Special Forces commander. He further revealed that Uganda’s Special Forces had already entered Juba as of two days ago to “secure” the city.

The deployment of UPDF troops comes at a critical time when South Sudan is teetering on the edge of renewed conflict, following the latest clashes between SSPDF and the White Army, a Nuer youth militia that has overrun government positions in Upper Nile State.

The situation has escalated further with political arrests in Juba and accusations that First Vice President Riek Machar’s SPLA-IO faction is backing the White Army’s advance.

President Kiir last week ordered the arrests of SPLA-IO’s Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam and the Minister of Petroleum, Puot Kang.

The ongoing military confrontations and the mobilization of militia groups have increased fears of renewed large-scale conflict.

Uganda’s intervention echoes its previous military deployments in South Sudan, when President Museveni sent troops to protect Juba in 2013-2014, during the civil war that saw Machar’s forces attempt to overrun the capital.

At that time, UPDF was deployed to secure key government installations, including the State House, the army headquarters, and Juba International Airport.

The latest intervention signals Uganda’s direct military commitment to preserving Kiir’s hold on power at a time when the Revitalized Peace Agreement is under extreme strain.

The deployment of Ugandan special forces to Juba drastically shifts the power balance in South Sudan’s internal conflict.

It strengthens Kiir’s position militarily and politically while sending a clear message to opposition forces that any attempt to challenge his rule will face regional military retaliation.

For Machar and his SPLA-IO faction, Uganda’s move presents a significant obstacle. The White Army’s offensive in Nasir had already heightened tensions, and now with foreign troops securing Juba, the prospects of any military challenge to Kiir appear increasingly difficult.

Uganda’s previous involvement provoked retaliatory actions from opposition factions and escalated tensions with regional players who viewed Kampala’s move as an overreach into South Sudan’s sovereignty.

Kenyan President William Ruto has already been engaging Kiir and Machar in peace talks, urging dialogue to de-escalate tensions.

March 11, 2025
Kagame meets WB representative to strengthen development cooperation

During the meeting, President Kagame was accompanied by Francis Gatare, his Special Advisor, and Murangwa Yusuf, the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning.

The World Bank, established in 1944, is an international institution responsible for providing loans and grants to support development projects in emerging economies.

Over time, the Government of Rwanda and the World Bank have signed several development agreements, including a Frw355billion deal signed in December 2024 to support environmentally sustainable private-sector investments.

Between March 14 and September 9, 2025, government and the World Bank will collaborate on six projects focusing on environmental protection, urban transportation services, refugee assistance, and disaster response.

For these initiatives, the World Bank plans to provide Rwanda with USD 531.81 million (over Frw763billion) to support project implementation, pending approval by the Bank’s Board of Directors.

March 10, 2025