Author: Wycliffe Nyamasege

Former Belgian Senator Destexhe calls out Belgium over ‘hostile’ stance on Rwanda

In a post shared on X, Destexhe expressed regret over the diplomatic rupture, which on Monday, March 17, 2025, saw Rwanda sever ties with Belgium in protest against the former colonial power’s acts of aggression, particularly regarding the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

He accused Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot of leading an “aggressive campaign” to influence the European Union and international organizations against Rwanda. According to Destexhe, Belgium has not adopted such an “offensive stance” on any issue since 1994.

“I regret the breakdown of diplomatic relations between Rwanda and Belgium, while fully understanding the Rwandan position,” Destexhe stated.

The former lawmaker argued that Belgium should have maintained neutrality in regional conflicts, warning that the current government’s actions risk reopening historical wounds in Rwanda.

The politician, who also doubles up as a researcher, highlighted Belgium’s extremist colonial history in Rwanda, including the introduction of ethnic classifications that fueled divisions and the 1959 ethnic violence that forced thousands of Tutsis into exile.

Furthermore, he criticized Belgium’s role during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, including the country’s push for the withdrawal of UN peacekeepers.

“That the current government ignores or pretends to ignore these facts is not only incomprehensible but profoundly irresponsible,” Destexhe added.

He also condemned the Belgian Parliament’s recent resolution calling for the suspension of economic agreements with Rwanda over alleged support for M23 rebel group in eastern Congo, describing it as “factually incorrect” and a reflection of a “glaring lack of understanding” of the regional situation.

In the conflict in eastern Congo, Rwanda has repeatedly denied supporting the M23 rebels. The Rwandan government insists that its main concern in the region is the FDLR militia group. According to Rwanda, the group—linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi—is collaborating with the Congolese government and poses a security threat to Rwanda.

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The diplomatic tension between Rwanda and Belgium escalated on Monday when Rwanda severed ties with Belgium and ordered all Belgian diplomats to leave the country within 48 hours.

Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused Belgium of undermining its interests and taking a biased stance on the conflict in the DRC. The Rwandan government said that Belgium has been “mobilizing against Rwanda” and allowing its territory to be used by groups propagating genocide denial.

In response, Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot described Rwanda’s decision as “disproportionate” and announced that Belgium would take reciprocal measures.

A day before Rwanda took the new measures, President Paul Kagame had condemned Belgium’s actions, accusing the former colonial power of ongoing interference and attempts to destabilize Rwanda. He dismissed Belgium’s push for sanctions as futile, emphasizing Rwanda’s resilience.

Despite the escalating tensions, Destexhe expressed hope that the diplomatic crisis would not harm the longstanding bonds between the people of Rwanda and Belgium, particularly those with dual citizenship.

March 18, 2025
Kenya facilitates over 60 Rwandans to experience Safari Rally thrill

The 2025 edition of the Safari Rally will be the first on the African Rally Championship (ARC) calendar and is scheduled to take place from March 20-23.

Thanks to the strong diplomatic ties between Rwanda and Kenya, a special vehicle was made available to transport the 62 Rwandans to Kenya for the occasion. The group departed from Kigali on Monday, March 17.

Kenya’s High Commissioner to Rwanda, Janet Mwawasi Oben, stated that this initiative aims to foster connections among East Africans, expressing confidence that the rally will serve as a unifying platform.

“Last year, there was no bus for fans travelling from Rwanda, but this year, one has been made available to encourage participation, as there is much more to experience compared to the previous edition. We believe the Safari Rally will be a great opportunity for East Africans to connect,” she said.

She added, “For Kenya, there are economic benefits, as fans attending the rally will book hotels and other services. Many have also expressed interest in visiting destinations such as Mombasa, our national parks, and various reserves before or after the rally.”

Ambassador Mwawasi Oben emphasized that participation in the event benefits not only Kenya but the entire East African region.

“For the East African Community, this is significant because it brings the region together, allowing residents to interact and potentially engage in business. The journey from Rwanda to Kenya includes a stop in Uganda, where travellers can shop and experience the country. It’s a major opportunity for East Africa,” she noted.

In addition to the bus transport arrangement, Kenya Airways has introduced a 12% discount on flight tickets for those travelling to Kenya to attend the rally between March 19 and 23.

Among the competing cars this year is the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X, driven by Prince Charles Nyerere, grandson of Tanzania’s founding president, Julius Kambarage Nyerere, alongside his Rwandan co-driver, Rutabingwa Fernand.

Also featured is the Hyundai i20 of Belgian racer Thierry Neuville, the 2024 World Rally Champion, who will compete alongside his co-driver, Martijn Wydaeghe.

This marks the fifth consecutive year, since 2021, that the Safari Rally has been included in the World Rally Championship calendar.

March 18, 2025
Dr. Biruta opens up about surviving Rwanda’s darkest days and his rise to leadership (Video)

Speaking candidly on The Long Form podcast about the ethnic violence that shaped his youth and the resilience that propelled him forward, Dr. Biruta offered a rare glimpse into the experiences that forged his commitment to a unified and stable Rwanda.

Born in 1958 in Rulindo District, Dr. Biruta was just a year old when the 1959 violence against the Tutsi ethnic community erupted, setting the stage for decades of sectarian strife.

Reflecting on his childhood, the former Minister of Foreign Affairs recalled, “As a young child, I heard my parents and visitors talk about violent events: destroyed properties, relatives in exile. It made me aware that I was growing up in an unstable, unsafe environment. You understood you were a target for violence.”

This early awareness planted the seeds of a political consciousness that would later define his career.

The turning point came in 1973 when, at age 15, Dr. Biruta was expelled from Kabgayi Seminary, where he was attending secondary school, during the ethnic purges.

“We were expelled on April 15, I believe,” he recounted. “I went home, planning to go into exile in Zaire on July 6. But on July 5, the borders closed due to a curfew, so I couldn’t leave.”

The thwarted escape—narrowly averted by chance—kept him in Rwanda, where he later returned to school despite the odds.

“I was fortunate to be accepted back, though I had to repeat a year. Not everyone was so lucky,” he added, underscoring the precariousness of those times.

His pursuit of education faced steep hurdles due to Rwanda’s discriminatory policies against Tutsis. “Discrimination limited Tutsi access to public schools,” he explained.

At Kabgayi Seminary, the Catholic Church provided an alternative.

“I didn’t necessarily want to be a priest—it was my only chance at secondary education. I took exams for both public schools and seminaries to maximize my chances.”

The Church sought bright students, and Dr. Biruta qualified: “If you met academic and Christian criteria, you could get in. I was fortunate to be accepted.”

After surviving the 1973 expulsion, he graduated from secondary school in 1978 and applied to the National University of Rwanda’s Faculty of Medicine.

“Medical school wasn’t the most popular choice—it was tough, six years with four terms annually, unlike law or economics, which were shorter and led to better-paying jobs,” he said.

“But they selected the best science students from secondary schools. I was lucky to be accepted.”

His motivation was both practical and idealistic: “I’d wanted to be a doctor since I was young… by a desire to serve the community and work independently, not reliant on government goodwill. The 1973 events also lingered; I thought medicine would help me integrate if I went into exile.”

Dr. Biruta graduated in September 1984, but even then, discrimination persisted. “The best graduates were typically selected as assistants at the university hospital, with opportunities for specialization. Despite qualifying, I and other Tutsi colleagues were sidelined and sent elsewhere,” he recounted.

Assigned to Byumba Hospital, he began his career as a doctor, later rising to director of Ruhengeri District Hospital in 1988.

The 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi once again put his survival instincts to the test. Living in Kigali’s Kimihurura neighbourhood near the parliament, Dr. Biruta narrowly escaped death and was ultimately rescued by the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), which ended the genocide and liberated the country from the genocidal government.

“I was rescued on April 8 by RPF soldiers,” he said. “They came to our houses—I recognized them and opened the gate.” The rescue came amid chaos, just days after the genocide began.

“They weren’t looking only for me; they were saving people in that area,” he clarified.

“We stayed at parliament, later moving to Byumba at the war’s end.”

Reflecting on his survival, he remarked, “I was not arrested in 1990, I managed to relocate from Ruhengeri on February 6, 1993, two days before an RPF attack, and I was at home when the plane of President Habyarimana went down. It’s just fortune.”

His family, too, was spared, though he kept his fears private: “You don’t show your children you’re anxious… but I’d tell my wife, ‘X, Y, Z have been arrested. If I’m taken, know where the money and food are, and move.’”

After the liberation of the country, he played a pivotal role in rebuilding Rwanda’s health system and the PSD, eventually rising to its presidency in 2001.

“We identified surviving members uninvolved in the genocide, formed a political bureau, and rebuilt,” he noted, highlighting the painstaking effort to restore both party and nation.

Today, as a cabinet minister and party leader, Dr. Biruta balances immense responsibilities with a quiet pragmatism.

“You have to find time for all these aspects, prioritizing what the country has entrusted you with,” he said of his dual roles.

Defending Rwanda’s consensus-driven governance model against critics who call it a one-party state, he argued, “Our constitution… reflects our history and culture—not the U.S. or Norway. Results—like development—prove it works.”

Looking ahead, Dr. Biruta remains optimistic yet vigilant. “I’m excited by Rwanda’s development path—achieving more, faster,” he said, though he cautioned, “I worry about our region—conflicts and leadership challenges could slow us.”

His story, from a child marked by violence to a leader shaping Rwanda’s future, embodies resilience and purpose—a narrative he hopes will inspire the nation’s youth.

Watch the full interview on The Long Form Podcast below:

March 17, 2025
M23 sends five representatives to Angola for peace talks with Kinshasa

In a statement, the group’s spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, confirmed their participation, stating that the delegation would depart for the Angolan capital on Monday, March 17, ahead of talks scheduled for the following day.

“The Congo River Alliance (AFC/M23) informs the public that it is sending, this Monday, March 17, 2025, a delegation of five people to Luanda, capital of Angola, to take part in direct dialogue at the request of the Angolan authorities,” the statement read.

Kanyuka also expressed gratitude to Angolan President João Lourenço for his “tireless efforts” to mediate a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

The Congolese government has also confirmed that its delegation will participate in the talks on Tuesday.

The meeting marks a turning point in the ongoing crisis, as President Félix Tshisekedi, who has previously refused to engage directly with M23, appears to be shifting his stance. The decision to enter negotiations comes after a series of military setbacks and increasing pressure from regional leaders and international bodies.

Angola has played a central role in facilitating dialogue, urging both parties to observe a ceasefire ahead of the talks.

Earlier, President Lourenço emphasized that “the ceasefire must include all possible hostile actions against the civilian population and the occupation of new positions.”

Despite previous ceasefire agreements frequently being violated, the Angolan government affirms that it’s committed to brokering a lasting peace.

The conflict in eastern DRC has escalated significantly in recent months, with M23 capturing key cities, including Goma and Bukavu.

The conflict stems from what the rebels term as long-standing ethnic persecution against Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese.

The group has long criticized previous peace processes in Nairobi and Luanda, arguing that they were excluded from key decisions.

The upcoming dialogue presents the first formal opportunity for the rebel group to engage directly with the Kinshasa government and address their demands.

March 17, 2025
DRC crisis: South African MPs seek clarity on SADC troops withdrawal strategy

This follows the Southern African Development Community (SADC) decision to terminate its military mission in the conflict-ridden eastern DRC and commence a phased withdrawal.

The decision to pull the plug on the mission was reached during a virtual Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government, chaired by Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, on March 13, 2025.

The summit focused on the deteriorating security situation in eastern DRC, where SADC troops had been deployed since December 2023 to support the Congolese army in its battle against the M23 rebel group.

The Joint Standing Committee on Defence, co-chaired by Malusi Gigaba and Phiroane Phala, welcomed the withdrawal decision, particularly in light of the loss of 14 SANDF soldiers in the mission.

However, they emphasised the need for clarity on the logistical aspects of the withdrawal, the security implications for troops remaining under the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO), and measures to ensure the safe return of military equipment.

“We will schedule an urgent meeting to obtain the envisioned phased plan of action for implementing the withdrawal,” a statement issued by the Parliament Communications Services on behalf of the co-chairs of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence, Malusi Gigaba and Phiroane Phala, reads in part.

“This meeting must also address the implications for soldiers remaining part of MONUSCO and assess the security risks involved.”

The committee termed the termination of the mission as a constructive step toward addressing the conflict in eastern Congo through diplomatic and political solutions.

The co-chairs affirm that SADC’s commitment to supporting alternative interventions, in coordination with the East African Community (EAC), demonstrates the bloc’s dedication to lasting peace in the region.

“The recommitment by SADC Heads of State to merge the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes reaffirms our belief that dialogue should be at the centre of efforts to resolve the DRC conflict,” the statement added.

“Achieving peace and stability in eastern DRC is a precondition for economic growth and development, not only for the DRC but for the entire region.”

Since SAMIDRC’s deployment, the mission has faced operational hurdles, including battlefield casualties.

Apart from the 14 South African soldiers killed, two Malawian and two Tanzanian soldiers also lost their lives during clashes that led to the capture of Goma in January. Many others sustained injuries, raising questions about the mission’s sustainability.

The decision to withdraw the troops coincides with peace talks between the DRC government and M23 rebels, set to begin in Angola on March 18, in what is seen as a crucial step toward resolving the long-running conflict.

The M23 and AFC rebel alliance accuse the Congolese government of poor governance and decades of persecution of the minority Kinyarwanda-speaking communities.

March 17, 2025
Kenya pushes to halt execution of woman linked to drug trafficking in Vietnam

Nduta was convicted on March 6, 2025, by the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Court after being found guilty of smuggling over two kilograms of cocaine through Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport.

She was arrested in July 2023 while transiting to Laos. Nduta claimed she was unaware of the drugs in her suitcase, stating that a Kenyan man had hired her to deliver the luggage. However, prosecutors dismissed her defense and held her accountable for the narcotics found.

Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Korir Sing’Oei said on Sunday, March 16, 2025, that he had engaged Vietnamese authorities in an effort to secure a reprieve for Nduta, following pleas from Kenyans on social media urging the government to intervene.

In a statement shared on X, Sing’Oei confirmed his conversation with Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nguyen Minh Hang, where he conveyed Kenya’s deep concern over the impending execution.

He assured that Vietnam was considering the government’s petition to stay the execution and allow both countries to explore an alternative path to resolving the matter.

“I conveyed to Madam Hang the anxiety of the Kenyan people on the impending execution of our national and reiterated our request for a stay of execution to allow our two countries to find a path to resolving the issue. I am grateful for Madam Hang’s assurance that our petition is under consideration by her country’s authorities. In the meantime, our mission in Bangkok is actively following up the case,” Sing’Oei stated.

The case had sparked widespread concern in Kenya, with Senator Richard Onyonka petitioning President William Ruto to intervene. Onyonka urged the government to explore diplomatic channels to negotiate possible clemency or a repatriation arrangement.

“This distressing development calls for urgent diplomatic intervention to safeguard her fundamental rights and explore the possibility of clemency and repatriation. While acknowledging the sovereignty of the Vietnamese judicial system, it is imperative that the Government of Kenya intervenes to ensure that Ms. Macharia’s life is preserved and she is given an appropriate sentence in her home country under Kenyan law,” Onyonka said.

Sing’Oei acknowledged Onyonka’s petition and reiterated that the government was making all possible efforts to prevent the execution, while admitting that the case was “complex and difficult”.

“Nduta’s case is complex and difficult, but we are doing everything within our disposal to secure a reprieve for our national,” he said.

Nduta’s execution is scheduled for Monday, March 17, at 8:30 p.m. local time, with her final meal set for an hour earlier.

Kenya doesn’t have a diplomatic mission in Vietnam and is relying on its embassy in Thailand for consular support.

Vietnam enforces some of the world’s strictest drug laws, including the death penalty for those convicted of smuggling or possessing over 600 grams of heroin or cocaine. It remains to be seen whether Kenya’s efforts will bear fruit.

March 16, 2025
President Kagame grants Rwandan citizenship to DJ Ira

DJ Ira was among 8,000 people who attended a Presidential Citizen Outreach event held at BK Arena on Sunday, March 16, 2025. During the event, she expressed her gratitude to President Kagame for the warm welcome she had received in Rwanda and made a request to be granted Rwandan citizenship.

She thanked the Head of State for Rwanda’s inclusive opportunities, noting how foreign children are given the same chances as Rwandan children.

“I want to thank you for how a foreign child is given the same opportunities as any Rwandan child. I also want to thank you for how a girl child is given the same opportunities as a boy. I have found great blessings in this country. We often meet at various events, and when there’s a dance, I’m one of those who make people dance,” she remarked.

DJ Ira then asked President Kagame if she could be granted Rwandan citizenship and officially become Rwandan.

“My request is to ask for Rwandan citizenship so I can be considered a Rwandan child and be one of yours,” she said.

President Kagame immediately agreed, confirming that the citizenship would be granted. He advised her to continue following the necessary procedures for acquiring Rwandan citizenship.

“Have those responsible heard this? I’ve granted it, and now just follow up on the remaining steps. The rest is simply a matter of following the process; what else can I say?” he remarked.

DJ Ira is one of the top music mixers, a profession she began in 2016 with support from her cousin, DJ Bissosso, who played a key role in her rise to fame in Rwanda.

DJ Bissosso introduced DJ Ira to Kigali in August 2015 after she completed her secondary education in Burundi.

DJ Ira says she had aspired to follow in her cousin’s footsteps from a young age, but her family initially discouraged her, urging her to focus on her studies. After completing her secondary education, she began training in the profession she loves and is now one of the leading DJs performing at major events across Rwanda.

March 16, 2025
1,300 VOA staff placed on leave as Trump orders cuts to US-funded media

The move follows Trump’s directive to reduce several federal agencies to the minimum level required by law, a decision that has drawn sharp criticism from free press advocates and international media experts.

The U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which oversees VOA, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, and Radio Free Asia, was among the agencies targeted by the order.

Kari Lake, a Trump ally and senior adviser to USAGM, confirmed the layoffs in a post on X, advising employees to check their emails for official notifications.

VOA Director Michael Abramowitz also confirmed the mass layoffs in a statement, saying, ‘For the first time in 83 years, the storied Voice of America is being silenced.”

He revealed that nearly all 1,300 VOA employees were placed on leave, effectively crippling a media network that operates in almost 50 languages.

“VOA promotes freedom and democracy around the world by telling America’s story and providing objective news, especially for those living under tyranny.”

The sudden cuts also include the termination of USAGM grants to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and Radio Free Asia, organizations that broadcast news into authoritarian states such as China, North Korea, and Russia. The network’s president, Stephen Capus, called the cuts a “massive gift to America’s enemies.”

Critics, including Reporters Without Borders, condemned the move, warning that it undermines America’s global leadership in press freedom.

“This is a stark departure from the U.S.’s historic role as a defender of free information,” the organization said in a statement, calling for congressional intervention to restore the media outlets.

The cuts are part of Trump’s broader effort to reduce government spending and eliminate agencies he deems inefficient. In addition to USAGM, the executive order targets several smaller federal programs, including the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars and the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness.

Despite the backlash, Lake defended the move, arguing that USAGM was a “burden to taxpayers” and needed to be downsized.

“We’re doing everything we can to cancel wasteful contracts and save money,” she said in a video message.

March 16, 2025
John Legend shares magical gorilla trek experience in Rwanda during “MoveAfrika tour”

The couple arrived in Kigali on February 21, 2025, and while Legend headlined the concert, they also took time to explore Rwanda’s rich natural beauty.

Sharing the experience with his fans on Instagram, Legend posted a video capturing the intimate encounter with a family of gorillas, calling it a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

“While we were in Rwanda for @glblctzn #MoveAfrika, we were able to spend some time in nature. We got up close and personal with a family of gorillas in their natural habitat. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” he captioned a video highlighting their trekking experience on Saturday night.

The American singer-songwriter and pianist also extended his heartfelt gratitude to the people of Rwanda for their hospitality during his first visit to the country.

“We’re so grateful to the people of Rwanda for their hospitality and loving welcome,” he added.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by John Legend (@johnlegend)

The “Move Afrika” concert, which John Legend headlined, is part of Global Citizen’s larger mission to develop Africa’s international touring circuit.

Meanwhile, gorilla tourism is a major revenue earner for Rwanda. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda primarily occurs in Volcanoes National Park, located in the northwest part of the country. The park is part of the larger Virunga Mountain range, which is home to the endangered mountain gorillas.

Volcanoes National Park is one of the best places in the world to go gorilla trekking, and visitors can embark on guided treks to see these incredible animals in their natural habitat. The park is famous for its stunning scenery, with its lush forests and towering volcanic mountains.

March 16, 2025
More than 20 African nations on the list for Trump’s possible travel ban expansion

An internal memo seen by several outlets outlines the proposed restrictions, categorizing affected nations into three tiers: “red,” “orange,” and “yellow.”

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Citizens from 11 countries in the “red” category would face a complete ban on entry into the United States. These countries are:

-* Afghanistan

-* Bhutan

-* Cuba

-* Iran

-* Libya

-* North Korea

-* Somalia

-* Sudan

-* Syria

-* Venezuela

-* Yemen

If approved, these nations would face indefinite travel restrictions under the executive order signed by Trump on January 20, aimed at preventing entry by individuals perceived to pose security risks.

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A second group of countries, under the “orange” category, would be subject to partial visa suspensions affecting immigrant, tourist, and student visas, with some exceptions. The ten countries on this list include:

-* Belarus

-* Eritrea

-* Haiti

-* Laos

-* Myanmar

-* Pakistan

-* Russia

-* Sierra Leone

-* South Sudan

-* Turkmenistan

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A third category, the “yellow” list, includes 22 countries that would be given 60 days to address security and information-sharing concerns raised by Washington.

Failure to comply could result in movement to the more restrictive “red” or “orange” categories. These countries are:

-* Angola

-* Antigua and Barbuda

-* Benin

-* Burkina Faso

-* Cabo Verde

-* Cambodia

-* Cameroon

-* Chad

-* Democratic Republic of the Congo

-* Dominica

-* Equatorial Guinea

-* Gambia

-* Guinea

-* Liberia

-* Malawi

-* Mali

-* Mauritania

-* Republic of the Congo

-* Saint Kitts and Nevis

-* Sao Tome and Principe

-* Vanuatu

-* Zimbabwe

The proposed travel ban marks a return to one of Trump’s most controversial policies during his first term in office.

In January 2017, shortly after taking office, Trump signed the “Protecting the Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry Into the United States” order. This initial travel ban temporarily barred entry for citizens from seven Muslim-majority countries and led to widespread protests and legal challenges.

The US Supreme Court eventually upheld a revised version of the ban in 2018, which continued to restrict travel from several nations, including Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen. President Joe Biden repealed the ban in 2021, describing it as “a stain on our national conscience.”

During his 2024 presidential campaign, Trump vowed to reinstate and expand the travel ban to protect the US from perceived threats.

The new proposal remains under review and could face legal challenges similar to those following the 2017 ban.

March 16, 2025