In a statement issued on Thursday, March 27, the Rwanda Governance Board said the directive takes effect immediately.
The new policy forbids all forms of collaboration, partnerships, and engagements with the Belgian government, its agencies, and related non-governmental cooperation actors.
Additionally, the directive bans any financial transactions involving the Belgian government or its institutions. This includes, but is not limited to, budget support, project funding, and technical assistance grants.
The prohibition extends to financial contributions made directly or indirectly through third-party intermediaries, with strict penalties for any attempts to circumvent these restrictions.
The Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) directed that all active projects or agreements involving Belgian-linked entities be terminated immediately.
Entities found violating the directive could face severe consequences, including suspension of registration or even revocation of legal status, as well as other legal and administrative sanctions.
“Any attempts to circumvent these financial restrictions, including indirect transactions through subsidiaries or partner organisations, will be subject to strict penalties,” RGB stated.
Rwanda severed diplomatic ties with Belgium on March 17, 2025, accusing Belgium’s pitiful attempts to sustain its neocolonial delusions.
The government noted that Belgium had “consistently undermined Rwanda, both before and during the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC),” accusing the former colonial power of taking a biased stance in regional affairs.
“Belgium has clearly taken sides in a regional conflict and continues to systematically mobilize against Rwanda in different forums, using lies and manipulation to secure an unjustified hostile opinion of Rwanda, in an attempt to destabilize both Rwanda and the region,” the government said.
Rwanda has been accused of supporting the M23 rebel group, a claim it has consistently denied. Instead, the Rwandan government maintains that its primary concern is the ongoing collaboration between the Congolese government and the FDLR militia, an armed group composed of remnants of the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, who remain intent on destabilizing Rwanda.
This remarkable achievement places Rwandan tea alongside the world’s finest tea producers, further solidifying its reputation on the global stage.
Meanwhile, Attabarie Tea in Assam, another estate under the Luxmi Group, was declared the Superior Winner in the Black Tea CTC category, the largest category in the competition.
The Global World Tea Championships is a highly esteemed competition that celebrates excellence in tea production.
The Luxmi Group produces approximately 30 million kilograms of tea across 25 estates in Rwanda, Assam, and Darjeeling. The group includes the iconic Makaibari Estate in Darjeeling and Sorwathe Ltd, Rwanda’s most diversified tea company. Sorwathe produces a variety of teas, including organic, orthodox, CTC black, specialty, green, white, and Fairtrade-certified teas.
Commenting on the achievement, Mr. Dipankar Chatterjee, Chairman of Luxmi Group, said:
“Luxmi, in Assam, Darjeeling, and Rwanda, has evolved its plantation practices—including pruning, plucking, and manufacturing—to consistently produce high-quality teas. I congratulate our managers and workers for their relentless pursuit of excellence.”
Mr. Rudra Chatterjee, Managing Director of Luxmi Tea and Chairman of Silverback Tea Company in Rwanda, added: “This award is considered the ‘Oscar’ of the tea industry. Our goal is to produce the finest teas from the world’s best regions: the flavorful Darjeeling tea from Makaibari, the strong Assam tea from Attabarie, and the bright Rwandan teas from Gisovu.”
He further stated: “To make tea popular, we need to produce the highest quality teas. These awards belong to every worker and farmer whose passion and skills make our teas extraordinary.”
CEO of Silverback Tea Company, Mr. Nzeki Samuel Munyao, also commented: “This international recognition for Gisovu Tea Company highlights our strong commitment to quality and the excellent collaboration among all players in the value chain. A big appreciation to the entire team!”
The recognition of Gisovu Tea Company – Silverback Tea Company on the global stage is a proud moment for Rwanda’s tea industry, reinforcing the country’s reputation as a producer of bright, high-quality teas. This is further reflected in the success of Rugabano Tea Company Pvt Ltd, which topped Rwanda’s NAEB average selling price rankings in 2024, and Pfunda Tea Company, which sources its green leaves from the lush gardens near Gishwati Forest.
With continued innovation and excellence in tea cultivation, Rwandan teas are gaining a strong foothold in the global market.
The date, officially recognized by the United Nations as the International Day of Reflection on the Genocide, holds deep meaning for the Rwandan community, and the concert has raised concerns that it could undermine the significance of the commemoration.
Mayor Anne Hidalgo had requested that the Paris police intervene, citing the potential for public disorder.
In a letter to the police, the mayor emphasized that the concert’s timing was inappropriate, given the sensitive nature of the date.
Responding to the mayor’s concerns on Thursday, the police stated that the city’s police chief, Laurent Nunez, would request the concert’s rescheduling due to these concerns or face a ban.
“The Prefect of Police, Laurent Nunez, will ask the organizers to reschedule the concert to a date other than April 7th, due to the risk of public order disturbances. If not, the Prefect of Police will initiate a procedure to ban the event,” the police department said in a statement on X.
The organizers of the event had claimed that the concert was meant to raise funds for children affected by the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where the Congolese government accuses Rwanda of backing M23 rebels, a claim that Rwanda has repeatedly denied.
The President of the Rwandan diaspora in France, Rwanda’s Ambassador to France, François Nkulikiyimfura, and representatives of survivor organizations had raised concerns with the mayor, warning that the event could undermine genocide remembrance efforts.
Critics of the concert say some of the scheduled Congolese performers, including Maître Gims and Youssoupha, have previously expressed controversial views about Rwanda, adding to the tension already present between the Rwandan and Congolese communities in Paris.
UNICEF France, the intended beneficiary, has already distanced itself from the event if it goes ahead on April 7, citing the significance of the date.
The exhibition hall showcases the Party’s history, achievements, and milestones through artifacts, documents, multimedia displays, and interactive exhibits. Located in Beijing’s Chaoyang District, near the Olympic Park, it stands as a testament to the CPC’s century-long journey.
Inside, visitors encounter an extensive collection of historical items and photographs, including rare Party documents, original manuscripts, and personal belongings of key leaders like Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping. Advanced multimedia technology enhances the experience, bringing history to life.
Beyond being a historical archive, the hall serves as an educational and patriotic site, reinforcing the Party’s legacy and development. It has become a key destination for Party members, students, and researchers.
A visit to the Museum of the Communist Party of China is a rare and unforgettable experience. Walking through its vast halls offers a deeper appreciation of the Party’s enduring influence.
Here are five fascinating facts about the museum:
{{1. The Largest Party History Museum in China
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Spanning an impressive 150,000 square meters, the CPC History Exhibition Hall is the largest museum dedicated to a political party in China.
Unlike other historical museums that focus on isolated events, this hall presents a sweeping narrative of the CPC’s evolution. It chronicles defining moments such as the Long March, the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, and the country’s economic reforms in the late 20th century.
{{2. Over 2,500 Exhibits
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Key exhibits include original documents from the First National Congress in 1921, marking the Party’s founding; relics from the Long March, such as weapons, clothing, and personal items used by Red Army soldiers; and Mao Zedong’s handwritten notes and speeches, including the declaration of the People’s Republic of China in 1949.
Others are records from China’s economic transformation under Deng Xiaoping, highlighting key policies of reform and opening up; and technological achievements, including China’s space program, high-speed rail development, and the Belt and Road Initiative.
{{3. A High-Tech Approach to History
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While deeply rooted in historical narratives, the museum embraces cutting-edge technology to immerse visitors in the CPC’s past.
One of the museum’s most striking features is its use of cutting-edge technology to bring history to life. A 360-degree immersive theatre transports visitors into key moments of the past, from the intense battles of the Red Army to China’s groundbreaking first spacewalk.
Artificial intelligence narrators provide insightful commentary, offering deeper context and guiding guests through the Party’s historical milestones. Augmented reality reconstructions further enhance the experience, allowing visitors to engage with digital recreations of historical events.
This seamless fusion of history and technology makes the museum’s storytelling not only immersive but also particularly appealing to younger generations accustomed to digital interactions.
{{4. Symbolic Architecture
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The CPC History Exhibition Hall stands as a symbolic structure, with every detail of its design reflecting the Party’s revolutionary spirit.
The architecture is laden with meaning, with each feature serving as a reminder of the Party’s enduring legacy. The striking red façade captures the essence of the Party’s revolutionary roots, while a massive golden hammer-and-sickle emblem underscores the CPC’s leadership role in shaping the nation.
A grand star-shaped dome, inspired by the Great Hall of the People, symbolizes national unity and strength. Inside, sculptures and murals of key CPC figures like Mao Zedong, Zhou Enlai, and Deng Xiaoping highlight their pivotal contributions to China’s development.
Central to the building, the main structure takes the form of the Chinese character “人” (ren), meaning “people,” symbolizing the Party’s steadfast commitment to serving the people.
{{5. Xi Jinping’s Personal Involvement
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The establishment of the CPC History Exhibition Hall was personally overseen by President Xi Jinping, who stressed its importance in reinforcing Party unity and educating future generations. Beyond preserving history, the museum serves a political function, shaping narratives about the CPC’s legacy.
Before its official opening, Xi Jinping led a delegation of senior Party officials on a private tour, underscoring its significance. Today, the hall is a mandatory stop for Party cadres and students, reinforcing ideological training.
As Xi Jinping has frequently stated, “History is the best textbook.” The CPC History Exhibition Hall stands as a powerful instrument in preserving and promoting the Party’s vision for China’s future.
Addressing a press conference attended by shareholders and key stakeholders on Thursday, March 27, 2025, BPR Bank Rwanda Managing Director Patience Mutesi said the impressive profit growth was driven by a 23% increase in net interest income, which rose to Frw80.3 billion.
The bank also recorded a 13% rise in customer deposits, reaching Frw757.1 billion, while net loans and advances increased by 8% to Frw620.6 billion. Total assets grew to Frw971.8 billion, demonstrating strong financial stability.
“Our financial results reaffirm our strong market position,” said the MD. “Profit after tax of Frw29.7 billion represents robust growth across our business segments. This performance was driven by a 23% increase in net interest income, growth in our SME lending portfolio, and investments in key earning assets.”
Mutesi further noted that the bank has been at the forefront of digital banking advancements, successfully rolling out a Unified Omni-channel banking platform that integrates mobile, internet, and USSD banking to enhance customer experience.
Additionally, the bank has strengthened its sustainability agenda through green finance initiatives, supported by partnerships such as a $40 million (Frw53.8 billion) financing package from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to enhance SME lending and support Rwanda’s economic diversification.
As part of its commitment to youth empowerment and entrepreneurship, the bank launched the BPR Igire Alumni Club, which has supported over 1,000 young entrepreneurs, with 40 businesses receiving seed capital.
Owing to its strong performance, the bank has proposed a 13.7% dividend payout to shareholders, subject to approval at the upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM).
Speaking on the proposed dividend payout, George Rubagumya, Chairman of the Board of Directors, stated, “From a shareholder perspective, our solid financial performance has enabled the Board to propose a dividend payout of 13.7% of profit after tax for approval at the AGM. We have always believed in delivering consistent returns to our shareholders while retaining sufficient capital for future investments.”
One of the key milestones the bank celebrated in 2024 was its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of banking excellence in Rwanda. The milestone was commemorated with multiple stakeholder engagements, culminating in a grand gala scheduled for August 4, 2024.
Looking ahead, the bank affirmed that it remains committed to sustained growth, financial innovation, and economic impact through its strong financial foundation, digital transformation, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives.
The tariffs, scheduled to take effect on April 2 for vehicles and later for parts, are part of Trump’s broader strategy to boost American manufacturing and protect domestic industries. However, the decision has drawn sharp criticism from global trade partners, industry leaders, and economic analysts.
Trump has framed the tariffs as a measure to stimulate domestic car production and create jobs in the United States.
“If you build your car in the United States, there is no tariff,” Trump stated during a press conference, emphasizing his goal to encourage companies to shift operations to American soil.
He further claimed that the policy would lead to “tremendous growth” in the domestic car industry.
However, experts predict a different outcome. Analysts warn that the tariffs could disrupt the industry, increase vehicle prices, and temporarily shut down car production lines due to the reliance on foreign-made parts.
A study by the Anderson Economic Group estimates that the cost of vehicles in the U.S. could rise between $4,000 and $10,000 per car. The tariffs are expected to impact both foreign automakers and American manufacturers who depend on imported components.
The U.S. imported approximately eight million cars in the last year, accounting for $240 billion in trade.
The top suppliers of vehicles to the U.S. include Mexico, South Korea, Japan, Canada, and Germany. Additionally, many U.S. automakers have significant manufacturing operations in Mexico and Canada, benefiting from long-standing trade agreements.
While tariffs on Canadian and Mexican car parts will be temporarily exempted as the U.S. Customs and Border Protection establishes a duty assessment system, the move still threatens trade relations between the nations.
{{Market response
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Following the announcement, shares in major automakers fell sharply. General Motors’ stock slid by roughly 3%, while Stellantis, the parent company of Jeep and Chrysler, dropped by 3.6%. The Japanese auto industry also took a hit, with shares in Toyota, Nissan, and Honda all declining amid uncertainty over potential retaliatory actions.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk acknowledged that the tariffs would also impact his company, stating on social media that “the tariff impact on Tesla is still significant.”
Industry leaders, including the American Automotive Policy Council, have urged the administration to reconsider, warning that higher production costs could lead to job losses and decreased consumer demand.
International leaders have condemned the tariffs. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau labeled them a “direct attack” on Canada’s auto sector, while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the European Union would review the measures before deciding on a response. Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida suggested that his government would explore “all options” in reaction to the tariffs.
For American consumers, the tariffs are expected to result in higher car prices. Industry experts predict that dealerships may increase prices on existing stock, even before new tariff-affected vehicles arrive.
Additionally, a decrease in vehicle availability due to reduced production could drive prices up further, mirroring trends seen during past supply chain disruptions, such as the 2021 semiconductor shortage.
The appointment was made during a cabinet meeting chaired by President Paul Kagame on Wednesday, March 26, 2025.
As head of RIB, Col. Kabanda will oversee the overall direction and operations of the bureau, including leading investigations, ensuring accountability, and upholding the rule of law.
In addition to Col. Kabanda’s appointment, the cabinet also confirmed several other key positions across different institutions, including the reappointment of Oda Gasinzigwa as chairperson of the National Electoral Commission (NEC). She will be deputized by Kizito Habimana.
Other members of the commission include Fortunée Nyiramadirida, Nicole Mutimukeye, Carine Umwali, Jean Bosco Mutijima, Faustin Semanywa, Françoise Kabanda Uwera, and Judith Mbabazi.
During Wednesday’s meeting, the Cabinet also appointed Jeanne Umuhire as the new Deputy Director General at the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC).
Nassi Agaba Bisengo was appointed Deputy Director General at the Rwanda Technical and Vocational Education Training Board (RTB).
In the Ministry of Education, John Bosco Nkuranga was named Strategic Projects Implementation Unit Coordinator.
Dorian Cyubahiro joins the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning as Chief Technical Advisor.
At the Rwanda Atomic Energy Board, Dr. Joram Ndayishimye will head the Nuclear Technologies and Research Development Department, while Capt. Agnes Mutoni will lead the Nuclear Safety and Security Department. Eng. Alexis Ruhinda steps into the role of Manager of the Research Reactor Division, and Eng. Yves Butera becomes Manager of the Nuclear Power Production Development Division.
In the Office of the Prime Minister, Chantal Tuyishimire takes on the role of Senior Policy Analyst, with Françoise Niyigena, Oscar Uwayo, and Ornella Rwaniza all appointed as Policy Analysts.
On March 16, 2025, Tshisekedi’s office announced that it had welcomed Congressman Dr. Ronny Jackson and discussed security in eastern DRC as well as development issues.
“On this Sunday, President Félix Tshisekedi met with Mr. Ronny Jackson, the Special Envoy of the President of the United States, Donald Trump, and a member of the U.S. Congress,” the office of the president said in a statement.
Dr. Jackson, who also chairs the U.S. Congress Intelligence and Special Operations Committee, visited Rwanda, Burundi, and Uganda to understand the root causes of insecurity in the region.
After concluding his visit on March 23, Dr. Jackson explained to his fellow U.S. lawmakers that the insecurity stemmed from colonial-era border changes in the 19th century, which resulted in some land being allocated to the DRC.
Dr. Jackson stated that due to these altered borders, some Congolese in eastern DRC, including many members of the M23 armed group, are not recognized as full citizens, which has led them to take up arms to fight for their rights.
“For lasting peace, the Congolese government must integrate M23 fighters into the military and recognize the people of eastern DRC as full citizens with legitimate rights,” he added.
His remarks angered some Congolese social media users, who criticized the U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa, questioning how a special envoy from Trump could make such statements.
The outrage stemmed from the fact that Dr. Jackson did not distort the region’s history as some Congolese politicians and their foreign allies have often done.
On March 26, the U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa clarified that Dr. Jackson was not a special envoy of Trump but had visited the region as a member of the U.S. Congress.
“The Embassy wishes to clarify that Mr. Ronny Jackson is an elected member of the U.S. Congress and not an official envoy appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate,” the statement read.
Dr. Jackson’s remarks could potentially shift the perspectives of some U.S. politicians who previously believed that the conflict between the Congolese army and M23 was solely driven by the struggle for mineral resources, rather than by the fight for the rights of marginalized Congolese communities.
Liège authorities have traditionally joined Rwandans in commemorating the genocide and had scheduled the event for April 12, 2025. However, they have now decided to withdraw from the event.
According to state broadcaster RTBF, the city’s decision was based on a warning from the Liège police.
The police cited tensions between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, suggesting that individuals from the two countries residing in the city could clash during the event.
“An analysis of the potential issue was conducted. The Liège police provided an unfavourable recommendation. The international political climate is unstable,” Jadranka Lozina, the spokesperson for the Liège police, was quoted as saying.
While Rwandans will still be allowed to gather privately for the commemoration, Liège Mayor Willy Demeyer will not attend. Authorities have also warned that if public order is threatened, the gathering will not be permitted.
The decision comes amid strained diplomatic relations between Rwanda and Belgium. Rwanda recently cut ties with Belgium due to the latter’s alignment with the DRC in calling for sanctions against Rwanda, accusing it of supporting the M23 rebel group—an allegation Rwanda has strongly denied.
Minister Nduhungirehe condemned the move, arguing that it demonstrates how the genocide denial narrative, propagated by DRC authorities and their Belgian supporters, is rapidly spreading within Belgium.
“It is evident that the denial virus, spread by the Congolese government and its supporters in Belgium, is rapidly taking hold in the Kingdom of Léopold!” the minister wrote on X.
Nduhungirehe further pointed out that Liège is governed by the Socialist Party (PS), which includes Lydia Mutyebele, a DRC-born MP known for her hostility towards Rwanda and genocide denial, as well as André Flahaut, who has recently shown support for Kinshasa’s leadership in the ongoing regional tensions.
He also reminded that April 7 is an internationally recognised day, designated by the United Nations General Assembly, for the world to join Rwandans in commemorating the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
With five out of seven people lacking access to safe surgery and 4.2 million dying within 30 days of operations each year, experts at the inaugural Advancing Medical Education in Africa Conference (MedEdAfrica 2025) this week highlighted how these interventions, paired with innovative training, are reducing risks and reshaping healthcare education.
“When the lights go off mid-operation, our headlamp comes on, and we continue,” said Professor Nobhojit Roy, a Lifebox governing board member and surgery professor at the University of Global Health Equity (UGHE).
Lifebox’s headlamps, distributed across 116 countries, tackle a universal hurdle: power interruptions.
In Rwanda, like many other countries in the region, they have illuminated operating theaters, with Prof. Roy describing them as a “practical fix” in cases of power hitches, ensuring surgeries can continue uninterrupted even with the slightest interruption.
Senait Bitew Alemu, Lifebox’s Chief Programme Officer, highlighted the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist as a cornerstone of their Clean Cut project, which includes components such as proper hand hygiene, skin antisepsis, sterile equipment and environment, and timely antibiotic prophylaxis.
In Rwanda, the non-profit organization focused on improving the safety of surgery in low-income countries has been implementing the Clean Cut program in four facilities, including CHUK, Kabgayi, Kigeme, and Kirehe. According to the organization, globally, Clean Cut has demonstrated a 35% reduction in infections among all patients.
“A patient shouldn’t return with an infection,” Alemu said, emphasizing the importance of safer recoveries for mothers post-cesarean.
Pulse oximeters, which monitor oxygen levels, have also played an important role in safer surgeries.
“It’s a device you saw during COVID,” Prof. Roy noted.
A pulse oximeter is the only piece of equipment included on the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist and is a minimum standard for safe anesthesia. Yet, operating rooms across the world still lack this essential device, putting millions of lives at risk, according to Lifebox experts.
Since 2011, Lifebox has distributed more than 35,000 pulse oximeters in 116 countries. Coupled with the training of more than 14,000 healthcare providers on safe surgeries, these efforts are making surgery safer for more than 200 million patients.
Additionally, as part of efforts for safer surgeries, Lifebox, in partnership with Smile Train, is equipping 650 operating rooms with Smile Train-Lifebox Capnographs. These essential monitors ensure patients receive adequate oxygen during anesthesia. While they have been used universally in high-income countries for decades, they remain absent in many low-resource operating rooms.
The MedEdAfrica conference, launched Monday at the Kigali Convention Centre, drew over 600 medical educators, students, healthcare leaders, and policymakers from Africa and beyond.
Hosted by UGHE, the Ministry of Health, and partners, it birthed the Consortium of Medical Schools in Africa (COMSA) to foster collaboration.
Speaking during the opening of the conference, Health Minister Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana stressed the importance of evolving education to meet a shifting health landscape.
“Diseases have moved from malaria to cancer as life expectancy rises,” he said. “We need specialists, and fast.”
Lifebox supports the ministry through a nine-month nursing fellowship at Butaro Teaching Hospital, which began two months ago and is ongoing.
“Nurses are the backbone,” Alemu affirmed. “We’re training them in safety, leadership, and sterilization,” she added.
The Lifebox training program, targeting general nurses in perioperative roles, aims to cascade training across Rwanda, with five initial trainees set to mentor others.
{{Reforms on medical training
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Professor Abebe Bekele, UGHE’s Dean and COMSA co-chair, emphasized the need for education reform across Africa to address existing gaps.
“Africa can’t afford 15-20-year training timelines,” he said, advocating for shorter, intensive programs and multi-level training to meet rural healthcare demands.
He termed the reforms as crucial to supporting initiatives such as the 4×4 program launched in July 2023, which aims to quadruple the number of healthcare workers in the country within four years, with a target to achieve this by 2027.
Thomas Weiser, a Stanford surgeon and Lifebox collaborator, echoed this call for change: “We’ve trained doctors the same way for 120 years—it’s too slow.” He proposed simulation and task-sharing with non-medical doctors, noting, “Nurse anesthetists handle 80% of rural US anesthetics.”
Minister Nsanzimana pushed for a tech-driven overhaul, stating, “The demand is growing, and we must respond by aligning medical education with healthcare needs. There is no debate—medical education is crucial. The burden of disease is increasing and evolving. We have moved from primarily dealing with malaria, HIV, and tuberculosis to addressing chronic illnesses like cancer and organ failure. These shifts are recent—perhaps in the past decade—but they are significant.”
He added, “AI is already transforming fields like radiology and pathology. Should we continue training the same number of specialists in these fields, or should we adapt to the changing landscape? Technology is not replacing healthcare professionals, but it is shifting how we work. We must integrate these advancements into medical education.”
Prof. Roy reinforced this urgency: “With population growth, we need faster training—15 years won’t cut it.”
