A statement released by the Office of the President indicates that the two met on the sidelines of the ongoing Global AI Summit on Africa in Kigali.
The meeting comes months after President Kagame hosted the EAC Secretary-General at Urugwiro Village in September last year.
Their discussions then centered on regional integration and other matters relating to the East African Community.
This was the first time President Kagame received Secretary-General Nduva, who was sworn into office on June 7, replacing Dr. Peter Mutuku Mathuki.
Meanwhile, on Thursday, the Head of State also met with Tanzania’s Minister of Health, Jenista Mhagama, whose office stated she “delivered a message from President Samia Suluhu Hassan.”
The President also held discussions with Doreen Bogdan-Martin, the Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), focusing on leveraging technology to drive sustainable development, and Amandeep Singh Gill, the United Nations Secretary-General’s envoy on technology, who was in Rwanda for the AI conference.
While officiating the opening session of the conference on Thursday, Kagame emphasized the transformative power of artificial intelligence in decision-making and innovation.
“AI is driving innovation, accelerating technological advancements, and proving its benefits across various sectors. It enhances productivity, supports evidence-based decision-making, and reduces human errors,” he stated.
Rwanda has already integrated AI into key sectors such as healthcare and education, significantly improving service delivery and efficiency. Kagame stressed that technology should be harnessed for positive change.
“Technology should be used for good, and we have a responsibility to ensure that happens. I believe we can work together to achieve that. Regarding politics and diplomacy, AI can be a tool for productivity, but relying too much on it in governance could lead to serious consequences,” he cautioned.
The hub was launched on the sidelines of the Global AI Summit on Africa on April 3, 2025, by the Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, and Minister of State Dr. Yvan Butera. They were joined by fellow African Health Ministers and esteemed partners.
According to the officials, the facility leverages real-time data from communities and health facilities to track trends, enhancing evidence-based disease surveillance. It will enable timely decision-making, efficient resource allocation, and policy adjustments to drive impactful change in healthcare.
Located in Kiyovu within the Rwanda Utilities Regulation Authority (RURA) building, the center employs a diverse team, including medical doctors, data scientists, software developers, and programmers.
The initiative focuses on tracking the efficiency of public health equipment such as ambulances and hospital refrigeration systems while also collecting and analyzing medical procedure outcomes to inform policies.
A key feature of the facility is its data warehouse, which stores patient care records, routine reports from healthcare facilities, and feedback from community health workers and the public.
This data is used to assess service delivery, monitor hospital performance, and improve health system efficiency.
Advanced technological solutions, including machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI), play a crucial role in predicting health trends and improving service delivery. For instance, AI-driven models can analyze maternal health data to anticipate pregnancy complications and issue early warnings to healthcare providers.
The hub also integrates telemedicine services, allowing remote consultations and enhancing access to healthcare. Additionally, real-time monitoring systems have been deployed to track hospital equipment functionality.
Refrigeration units in health facilities are now fitted with sensors that relay temperature data to the intelligence facility, ensuring vaccines and other temperature-sensitive medical supplies are stored safely.
“We can see the fridges and the exact temperature at which they are in real time. We can put the sensors on all of the equipment,” Muzungu Hirwa, a data scientist and medical doctor, remarked.
Similarly, ambulances are equipped with tracking systems that provide real-time data on their locations and operational efficiency.
Muhammad Semakula, head of the Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Health Financing Department at the Ministry of Health, emphasized the importance of leveraging big data to optimize resource allocation and improve healthcare outcomes.
He highlighted that data from Rwanda’s 58,000 community health workers would be integral to the facility’s operations, feeding into a centralized digital system for streamlined service delivery.
Health Minister Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana praised the initiative, stating that it will facilitate data-driven decision-making, reducing delays in policy implementation.
The move aligns with Rwanda’s broader digital health strategy, which includes the upcoming launch of e-Ubuzima, a platform designed to provide patients with online access to their medical records and appointment scheduling.
The prime minister said his government will also impose the tariff on non-Canadian content of any CUSMA-compliant vehicles from the U.S., adding that Mexico won’t be impacted.
Carney said that the global economy “is fundamentally different today than it was yesterday.”
“Yesterday’s actions by the U.S. administration, while not specifically targeting Canada, will rupture the global economy and adversely impact global economic growth,” he said.
“Our old relationship of steadily deepening integration with the United States is over. The 80-year period when the United States embraced the mantle of global economic leadership is over,” said Carney.
Carney also said his government has gone to the World Trade Organization to argue the tariffs violate international trade law.
Canada was spared from the 10 percent baseline tariffs, but a 25 per cent U.S. tariff on imported autos went into effect at midnight.
In a statement released on Thursday, April 3, 2025, AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka stressed that the rebel group had repositioned its forces in the area but warned that any aggression from Kinshasa would lead to immediate retaliation.
“The Congo River Alliance (AFC/M23) informs the Congolese people that, contrary to what is circulating on social media, we have implemented our decision to reposition our forces in Walikale and its surrounding areas, in accordance with our press release.
“If the Kinshasa regime forces continue their provocations or attacks against civilians in the liberated areas as well as against our positions, this gesture of goodwill will be automatically rescinded, and we will eliminate the threat at its source,” Kanyuka stated.
The warning follows accusations made by M23 on March 23, alleging that the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) violated the ceasefire by deploying attack drones in Walikale — a move the rebels insist poses a direct threat to peace efforts in eastern DRC.
“Contrary to what was stated in the press release of Sunday, March 23, 2025, the FARDC and its coalition forces have not withdrawn their attack drones from Walikale. This situation is delaying the repositioning of AFC/M23 forces in the area,” Kanyuka emphasized.
He further described the continued presence of attack drones as a “major obstacle to compliance with the ceasefire,” warning that it could derail ongoing peace negotiations.
M23 had seized control of Walikale on March 19, 2025, including the strategic Kigoma airstrip, after capturing surrounding areas such as Ngora, Kisima, and Mubanda.
The decision to withdraw was described by the group as a “strategic decision aimed at creating a favorable environment for political dialogue.”
Despite the withdrawal, M23 urged local authorities and residents to maintain security in the region. Kanyuka further warned that the rebels would reconsider their decision and reoccupy Walikale if the Congolese forces resumed attacks on civilians or M23 positions.
Meanwhile, the Congolese government and M23 rebels are scheduled to hold direct talks on April 9 in Doha, the capital of Qatar as part of ongoing efforts to restore peace in the eastern Congo.
The meeting will mark the first direct negotiations between the two sides since the rebels captured two provincial capitals in eastern Congo.
Previously, Kinshasa had dismissed the idea of dialogue with the group.
An earlier meeting planned in Angola on March 18 was abruptly canceled after M23 withdrew in protest against European Union sanctions imposed on its leaders.
However, diplomatic efforts gained momentum after a surprise meeting in mid-March between Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and President Paul Kagame in Doha.
Qatar has since facilitated separate meetings with delegations from both the Congolese government and the rebels, paving the way for the upcoming direct negotiations.
Netanyahu arrived in Hungary on Thursday for a four-day state visit following an invitation from Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. This is his first European visit since 2023.
A senior Hungarian official confirmed the decision to exit the ICC, making Hungary the first European Union member to take such a step.
Orban has previously dismissed the court’s ruling against Netanyahu, stating that it would have “no effect” in Hungary.
During a joint press briefing, Orban reiterated his criticism of the ICC, calling it a “political institution” and questioning its impartiality.
Netanyahu, in response, welcomed Hungary’s decision, describing it as a stand against what he called a “corrupt organization.” He argued that the ICC had lost credibility and accused it of targeting Israel unfairly.
“It’s crucial for democratic nations to push back against this injustice,” Netanyahu said during the conference.
Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar also voiced support for Hungary’s withdrawal, thanking Orban for what he described as a “principled and strong stance.”
The ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant in November 2024, citing allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity during Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
The court stated that there were reasonable grounds to believe that Israeli officials were responsible for the use of starvation as a method of warfare and the obstruction of humanitarian aid.
Israel has rejected the allegations, with Netanyahu condemning the ICC’s actions as “outrageous.” The Israeli government is currently appealing the arrest warrants, while maintaining its stance that the court lacks jurisdiction over Israel, as it is not a member of the ICC.
Hungary’s exit from the ICC requires formal notification to the United Nations Secretary-General, with the withdrawal taking effect in a year as stipulated under Article 127 of the Rome Statute.
Until then, Hungary remains bound by its obligations to cooperate with the court. ICC spokesperson Fadi El-Abdullah reaffirmed this, stating, “Hungary continues to have a duty to comply with ICC procedures until the withdrawal process is complete.”
While Hungary’s departure does not impact ongoing ICC investigations, it’s likely to elicit mixed reactions across Europe.
Some European nations have signalled willingness to enforce the ICC’s arrest warrant if Netanyahu were to visit, while others, including Germany, have stated they would not detain him.
Speaking at the Global AI Summit on Africa in Kigali on Thursday, April 3, Kagame underscored the transformative potential of AI but warned that its unchecked involvement in political processes could lead to unintended consequences.
“Certainly, it would be a dangerous place if we involved artificial intelligence too much in our politics. We may have something good come out of it, but I think we might also experience terrible things happening to us,” Kagame said.
He stressed the need for Africa to actively participate in AI development rather than remain on the sidelines, playing catch-up to global technological advancements.
Kagame noted that AI is currently dominated by a few countries, a situation he believes Africa must address by promoting cooperation, investment in digital infrastructure, and workforce development.
“Artificial intelligence is driving some of the most groundbreaking innovations of our time and accelerating the pace of digital transformation across industries,” he stated. “However, it’s unfortunate that the rise of this new technology is being overshadowed by geopolitical competition.”
To ensure Africa is not left behind, Kagame outlined three key areas of focus: enhancing digital infrastructure, strengthening the continent’s skilled workforce, and expediting regional integration.
He highlighted Rwanda’s investment in centers of excellence to equip young people with AI-related skills, emphasizing that Africa’s growing workforce presents a unique opportunity for innovation.
Furthermore, Kagame called for harmonization of AI governance frameworks across Africa, warning that regulatory fragmentation is stifling entrepreneurship and technological growth.
He urged policymakers to work together to address concerns over privacy and security while leveraging AI to reduce inequality and promote shared prosperity.
“Technology is supposed to be a force for good, and we have a responsibility to use it accordingly,” he remarked.
Togo’s President Faure Gnassingbé also weighed in on the discourse, emphasising the need for Africa to safeguard its strategic assets in the AI era. He highlighted the continent’s wealth of resources, including a youthful population, rich genomic and cultural data, and critical rare minerals essential for AI development.
Gnassingbé warned that these assets would become highly sought after by external entities, underscoring the importance of ethical governance and inclusion. He urged African nations to take proactive steps in structuring, valuing, and protecting their data to prevent exploitation.
“The temptation for external entities to exploit these resources without ethics and inclusion will be immense,” he said, calling for a concerted effort to ensure Africa maximises the benefits of its unique advantages in the global AI landscape.
The two-day summit brings together African and global leaders, tech experts, and policymakers to discuss AI’s role in shaping the continent’s future.
Other high-ranking leaders who graced the opening ceremony included Mahamat Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), and Musalia Mudavadi, Prime Cabinet Secretary of Kenya.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the inaugural Global AI Summit on Africa in Kigali on Thursday, April 3, 2025, President Kagame called for bold investments in digital infrastructure, workforce development, and continental integration to position Africa as a key player in AI innovation.
“We have to adapt, cooperate, and compete—because it is in our best interest to do so. That’s why we are here,” Kagame said.
“Technological development is concentrated in a few countries, and Africa cannot afford to be left behind, once again playing catch-up,” he added.
{{AI as a force for good
}}
While acknowledging AI’s transformative potential, Kagame cautioned against the risks of allowing AI to influence political and diplomatic affairs.
“If we work together—even in what was stated as geopolitics, diplomacy, and politics—we may drive AI to serve us well, rather than allowing AI to drive our politics, diplomacy, and cooperation,” he stated.
“Certainly, it would be a dangerous place if we involved artificial intelligence too much in our politics. We may have something good come out of it, but we might also experience terrible consequences.”
Instead, Kagame urged African leaders and innovators to leverage AI for economic growth, social progress, and reducing inequalities across the continent.
The Head of State outlined three priority areas that Africa must focus on to ensure that artificial intelligence drives meaningful progress across the continent.
First, Kagame emphasized the need to strengthen digital infrastructure, highlighting that reliable high-speed internet and stable power are essential for AI deployment. He urged governments and the private sector to invest in modernizing these systems to support technological growth.
Second, Kagame highlighted the importance of building a skilled workforce to meet the demands of the AI-driven economy.
“Africa needs its own data scientists, engineers, and cybersecurity experts,” he stated.
President Kagame pointed to Rwanda’s efforts in establishing centers of excellence designed to equip young people with the necessary skills to participate in and shape the future of AI.
He emphasized that empowering the next generation with digital expertise is key to ensuring that Africa remains competitive in the evolving technological landscape.
Finally, he called for fast-tracking continental integration to facilitate AI development. Kagame underscored the need for harmonized AI governance frameworks that would enable African countries to work together in shaping policies and regulations.
He also stressed the importance of stronger collaboration among nations to accelerate innovation and investment in AI, ensuring that African entrepreneurs and businesses can scale their solutions beyond national borders.
Kagame commended the African Union, Smart Africa, and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) for their efforts in championing AI development on the continent. He specifically praised the establishment of the Africa AI Council, which aims to guide the continent’s AI policies and strategies.
Kagame noted that Africa’s young population is a major advantage in the global AI revolution.
“Africans will soon represent the majority of the growth in the global workforce,” he said, stressing the importance of equipping them with the right skills to harness AI for economic transformation.
In closing, President Kagame called for unity in ensuring AI becomes a tool for development rather than division.
“Let’s remain committed to working together and driving AI to reduce inequality and allow more of our citizens to benefit from the good AI can deliver,” he urged.
The two-day summit brings together African and global leaders, tech experts, and policymakers to discuss AI’s role in shaping the continent’s future.
Some of the high-ranking leaders who graced the opening ceremony included Faure Gnassingbé, President of Togo; Mahamat Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC); and Musalia Mudavadi, Prime Cabinet Secretary of Kenya, among others.
The global health body now faces a $2.5 billion budget deficit, including a $1.9 billion gap in its planned $4.2 billion budget for 2026-27 and an additional $600 million deficit through the end of 2025, according to senior WHO officials who spoke at a recent global staff ‘Town Hall’ meeting.
Health Policy Watch, a nonprofit global health news outlet, reports that the U.S.—historically the WHO’s largest donor—has yet to pay its 2024 dues of $130 million, further deepening the organization’s financial crisis.
In total, the country owes WHO $260 million for the 2024-25 period, funds that are unlikely to be paid following newly elected President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw from the organization.
While the U.S. withdrawal will only take effect in January 2026 due to a required one-year notice period, the financial repercussions are already being felt.
Raul Thomas, WHO’s Assistant Director General of Business Operations, highlighted that the withdrawal of U.S. funding has played a key role in the crisis. The country contributed nearly $1 billion in both fixed and voluntary payments in 2022-23. The loss of these funds means WHO must now make significant budgetary adjustments to continue its core operations.
In response, WHO Director General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has announced strategic reductions across all levels of the organization, beginning with senior leadership.
Speaking to WHO staff via Zoom, he emphasized that the organization will undergo a prioritization exercise to focus on its core functions and maximize its impact despite reduced resources.
“Everything is on the table, including merging divisions, departments, and units, and relocating functions,” Tedros stated, adding that the prioritization process will be completed by the second half of the month.
He assured that the cuts will be guided by strategic need rather than contract type or grade level.
A newly formed “prioritization working group” led by Deputy Director General Dr. Mike Ryan, alongside Regional Directors Hans Kluge (Europe) and Hanan Balkhy (Eastern Mediterranean), will oversee the restructuring efforts. Thomas and WHO Chief Scientist Jeremy Farrar are also part of this team.
President Trump’s decision to pull the U.S. from WHO marks the second time he has pursued such action. During his first term, he initiated the withdrawal in response to what he claimed was WHO’s mismanagement of the COVID-19 pandemic. His successor, President Joe Biden, reversed that decision upon taking office. However, upon his return to the White House in January 2025, Trump swiftly signed an executive order to withdraw again.
While the full impact of the U.S. withdrawal will only take shape in 2026, WHO officials are already bracing for the financial and operational consequences of losing its largest donor. The organization now faces tough choices to ensure that it continues its global health initiatives with significantly reduced funding.
The program, designed to bolster youth capabilities, combined cutting-edge AI education with peace leadership training, equipping participants with tools to foster community development and promote peace.
IPYG, a global youth organization active in 128 countries, launched the YEPC in 2020. Since then, it has engaged over 3,000 participants from approximately 60 nations, offering annual peace education on topics relevant to youth.
This year’s sessions, held in March, included an AI Practical Training on March 15, where participants explored the significance of artificial intelligence and learned to use tools like ChatGPT in various fields.
A week later, on March 22, the Youth Leadership Training highlighted historical youth-led peace movements, emphasizing the pivotal role young people have played in social transformation and peacebuilding.
Rwandan youth were among those who benefited from these initiatives, joining peers from South Sudan, Timor-Leste, and beyond in gaining skills to become future “peace leaders.”
The program aims to inspire sustainable progress in their regions, with participants encouraged to extend their learning through educational outreach and peace campaigns that ripple from local communities to a global stage.
The YEPC aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal of Quality Education and supports UNESCO’s lifelong learning objectives, offering valuable opportunities to youth worldwide.
Stories of young leaders who sparked change during times of war and conflict were shared during the training, underscoring their contributions to civil rights and democratization movements.
A key influence in the program was Chairman Lee of HWPL, IPYG’s partner organization, whose belief that “the voice of one person who has experienced war can change the world” left a lasting impression. His wartime experiences reinforced the urgency of peace, a message that resonated with attendees.
Kuir Michael Riak, a participant from South Sudan and National Coordinator of South Sudan Students for Liberty, praised the training’s impact.
“Attending the YEPC has been an incredibly enriching experience,” he said.
“The peace leadership session directly addressed the challenges faced by my community. It reinforced the crucial role of youth networks in uniting citizens for grassroots peace initiatives and inspired me to drive meaningful change.”
For Rwandan youth and others, the program shifted perspectives, positioning them as active agents of peacebuilding rather than passive societal members.
With the mantra “the future of peace starts with today’s youth” echoing throughout, IPYG’s efforts are planting seeds for a more peaceful world, one empowered young leader at a time.
The 62-year-old was arrested at the Kayonza Bus Terminal in the Eastern Province and taken into custody by officers from the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) on March 19, 2025.
During the genocide, he served as the president of the CDR party in Kabuga, which is now located in Gasabo District, Rusororo Sector, Kabuga I Cell, Kabeza Village.
Reports indicate that a roadblock in front of Safari’s home was a site where numerous Tutsi were killed.
In 2018, authorities conducting searches for genocide victims’ remains discovered mass graves beneath Safari’s properties and in surrounding fields. The remains were found in Kabeza Village, Gako Cell, Masaka Sector (Kicukiro District), and Kabeza Village, Kabuga I Cell, Rusororo Sector (Gasabo District).
Safari had built structures over these remains, making it difficult to determine the exact number of victims, as many appeared to have been burned.
Upon learning that bodies were being uncovered on his properties, Safari fled to a neighboring country. He later returned and was arrested at the Kayonza Bus Terminal on March 19.
Safari is currently detained at RIB’s Rusororo Station, and his case file was submitted to the court on April 1, 2025.
The crime of concealing or tampering with genocide evidence is punishable under Article 8 of Law No. 59/2018 of August 22, 2018, concerning genocide ideology and related offenses.
If convicted, he faces a prison sentence of seven to nine years and a fine ranging from 500,000 to 1,000,000 Rwandan francs.
Safari had previously been convicted by Gacaca Courts in 2004 and sentenced to 30 years in prison for his role in the genocide. On appeal, his sentence was reduced to five years, and he was released in 2008.
Following Safari’s case, other individuals who were stationed at roadblocks where Tutsi were killed were also prosecuted.
These include Mucyo Jean Népomuscène, Buturutsemwabo Michel, Habyarimana Jean Népomuscène, Karekezi Augustin, and Twakizuru Jean Népomuscène.
They were found guilty of concealing information about mass graves at a site known as CND during the genocide.
On April 4, 2019, the Gasabo Intermediate Court sentenced them to five years in prison and fined each 100,000 Rwandan francs for concealing or destroying genocide evidence.
RIB has reiterated its commitment to holding accountable anyone who hides or tampers with genocide-related evidence.
The agency also urged the public to come forward with information about undisclosed burial sites so that victims can be given dignified burials.
“Thirty-one years after the Genocide against the Tutsi, it is imperative that people recognize the importance of revealing the locations of victims’ remains for proper burial, as this is a vital step toward true unity and reconciliation,” RIB stated.
The agency emphasized that concealing such evidence is a punishable offense and must not continue.
