Author: Wycliffe Nyamasege

South Sudan agrees to admit man deported from U.S. following visa revocation threat

The move comes just days after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the immediate revocation of all U.S. visas held by South Sudanese nationals, citing Juba’s refusal to accept the return of its citizens subject to deportation. The U.S. also halted the issuance of new visas and threatened to block South Sudanese passport holders from entering the country.

In a statement released Tuesday, April 8, South Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the government had decided to allow the entry of Makula Kintu, the man at the center of the dispute, “in the spirit of the existing friendly relations” between the two countries.

Kintu had previously been denied entry at Juba International Airport on April 5 and 6, prompting the U.S. to take sweeping punitive action.

The ministry confirmed that relevant authorities have been instructed to facilitate Kintu’s arrival as early as Wednesday, April 9.

While South Sudan originally claimed that the man was not one of its nationals but a Congolese citizen who had been misidentified, it now says it will admit him and remains committed to facilitating the return of ‘verified South Sudanese nationals’ deported from the United States.

The diplomatic dispute marks the first instance since President Donald Trump’s return to office in January that the U.S. has imposed a blanket visa ban targeting all citizens of a single country. Trump’s administration, campaigning on a hardline anti-immigration platform, has promised widespread deportations and stricter enforcement of immigration laws.

“This is about national security and public safety,” Rubio said on Saturday. “The transitional government of South Sudan has failed to comply with basic international norms by refusing to accept its deported nationals.”

The U.S. government has dismissed South Sudan’s earlier defense that the deported individual was actually a Congolese national.

Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau argued that South Sudan’s embassy in Washington had previously certified the man as one of its citizens, making any subsequent disavowal “legally irrelevant.”

“It is unacceptable and irresponsible for South Sudanese government officials to second guess the determination of their own embassy,” Landau said.

April 8, 2025
The day Kagame declared RPA would stop Genocide against the Tutsi

The genocide had begun openly on April 7, 1994, following the assassination of President Juvénal Habyarimana when his plane was shot down. Within hours, mass killings of Tutsi civilians were underway across the country, particularly in the capital, Kigali.

Recognizing the scale and urgency of the atrocities, Kagame issued immediate orders to his military commanders. Speaking from Mulindi in Byumba, the RPA’s main base at the time, he directed RPA forces to launch an offensive aimed specifically at halting the genocide.

The decision was quickly communicated to international diplomats and humanitarian organizations.

The first soldiers given the task of stopping the genocide were the 600 RPA troops already stationed at the CND (Parliament) in Kigali since December 28, 1993. Led by Charles Kayonga, this battalion included several high-ranking officers such as Maj Gen (Rtd) Charles Karamba (then a Captain), Jacob Tumwine, Emmanuel Rugazora, and Kwikiriza.

Originally, the soldiers’ mission was to protect FPR-Inkotanyi politicians who were expected to join the transitional government. But the downing of the president’s plane changed everything.

The soldiers, surrounded and attacked by government forces from Kanombe and Kacyiru, had to defend themselves and civilians who began seeking refuge.

On Kagame’s orders, the battalion transformed their CND post (now the Rwandan Parliament building) into a safe haven. Part of it became a makeshift hospital. Alone, they held their ground until April 11, when the Alpha Battalion under Sam Kaka arrived from Gicumbi, reinforcing them and allowing for a broader push across the city to stop the killings.

The goal was urgent and uncompromising—to defeat the enemy forces, dismantle roadblocks manned by the Interahamwe militia, and rescue Tutsi wherever they were being hunted. In every area secured by the RPA, they established safe zones, arranged for medical care, distributed food, provided clothing and shelter—restoring a measure of humanity in the face of systematic extermination.

Special squads were tasked with identifying and evacuating wounded survivors, abandoned children, and the elderly. The soldiers did everything: defending safe zones, administering first aid, collecting medicine, comforting victims, and gathering intelligence about others in hiding.

RPA troops faced fierce resistance from genocidal forces. Yet they pushed forward—fighting by day and rescuing by night. In Kigali, where the battlefield was chaotic and government troops were heavily concentrated, night missions were often the only way to search for and extract survivors. Soldiers combed through homes, bushes, streets—anywhere people might be hiding.

Survivors were taken to the battalion headquarters, where they received food, clothing (as many had been stripped or were barely dressed), medical care, and protection. Some were later relocated to pre-secured zones.

Intelligence teams also identified areas where Tutsi were being gathered for mass execution. The information was relayed to command centers, which then launched targeted assaults to liberate those zones. One example was the operation to rescue people trapped in Amahoro Stadium, which had become surrounded by killers. RPA troops stormed Remera and secured the area, saving hundreds.

When locations couldn’t be immediately seized, RPA soldiers infiltrated under the cover of night, battling their way in and evacuating victims. Such missions saved lives at Saint Paul, Saint André, and other high-risk areas.

Some soldiers went even deeper behind enemy lines—not only to gather military intelligence but to pinpoint the locations of genocidaires and, when possible, rescue Tutsi on the spot.

Ultimately, many people were saved through these night missions, and even more were rescued as the RPA took control of Kigali and expanded its reach across the country.

This extraordinary military effort, spearheaded by a resolve to stop the genocide regardless of international inaction, remains one of the most defining chapters in Rwanda’s history.

Kagame’s declaration on April 8, 1994, was more than a warning to the world; it was a promise kept.

April 8, 2025
Algeria closes airspace to Mali after drone incident

According to the statement, the closure applies to all flights departing from or destined for Mali.

It marks an escalation in tensions between Algeria and Mali, which began Sunday when Mali and its allies Niger and Burkina Faso recalled their ambassadors to Algeria in protest against the downing of a Malian military drone between March 31 and April 1 by Algerian forces.

The three governments, in a joint statement, “strongly condemned” the drone incident, saying it was part of a “premeditated hostile act” by Algeria and “disrupted an operation targeting a group planning a terrorist attack.”

The statement claimed that the drone crashed within Malian territory, about 9.5 km from the Algerian border, and “almost fell vertically,” which it said strongly suggested a hit by a surface-to-air or air-to-air missile.

In response, Algeria’s Foreign Ministry, in a statement earlier in the day, denounced the accusations as “serious, false, and unfounded,” saying the drone was downed as it infiltrated Algerian airspace, citing the Defense Ministry’s radar data.

The Foreign Ministry also announced the recall of ambassadors from Mali and Niger, as well as a delay in the accreditation of a new envoy to Burkina Faso, under “the principle of reciprocity.”

Tensions between Mali and Algeria have persisted in recent years, with the Malian side accusing Algeria of “harboring terrorist groups in border regions.”

April 8, 2025
EAC Secretary General Nduva calls for stronger genocide prevention mechanisms

In remarks delivered during a commemoration event held at the EAC headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania, Nduva paid tribute to the more than one million lives lost in 100 days and lauded the resilience of survivors, calling their journey of healing, forgiveness, and reconciliation a source of inspiration for the region.

“Despite enduring deep pain and trauma, they have chosen to forgive and reconcile. They are the epitome of hope, renewal and inspiration for us all to recommit to, ‘Never Again to Genocide,’” Nduva stated.

Highlighting the genocide’s chilling warning signs—hate speech, ethnic profiling, incitement, and dehumanisation—the Secretary General warned that these patterns remain evident in some parts of the region today, and are now amplified by social media, disinformation, and broader socio-political vulnerabilities.

“Genocide is not spontaneous; it is a process,” she noted, referencing the eight stages of genocide developed by Prof. Gregory Stanton. “Timely, strategic interventions are key to disrupting this process before it escalates into mass violence.”

The EAC has taken steps in recent years to institutionalise early warning systems, including the establishment of a regional early warning centre and national hubs in some partner states. The Secretary General stressed the need to expand and strengthen these systems, ensuring timely data collection, analysis, and response.

The call for stronger prevention mechanisms comes amid growing concern over rising hate speech and ethnic tensions in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where the M23 rebels accuse the government of perpetuating ethnic persecution of Congolese Tutsis, further escalating tensions in the region.

The EAC urged partner states to intensify collaboration through a joint mechanism on genocide prevention, in line with Article 5(2)(b) of the Protocol on Peace and Security, and to ensure justice for victims by pursuing accountability for perpetrators.

“As we remember the atrocities of 1994, we must also confront present-day threats with urgency and coordination. Prevention is a shared responsibility—no nation is immune,” the Secretary General emphasised.

Since 2014, the EAC has maintained a Genocide Memorial at its headquarters to honour victims and reaffirm its commitment to the principle of “Never Again.” The Secretariat also partners with the Government of Rwanda and international institutions during annual commemorative activities, including the symbolic Walk to Remember.

April 8, 2025
Trump threatens to impose additional 50% tariff on China

The warning follows China’s announcement of a 34% levy on American goods, a response to Trump’s earlier imposition of similar duties under his “Liberation Day” policy, which introduced a global 10% minimum tariff and a specific 34% charge on Chinese imports.

Posting on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump gave Beijing a tight deadline to reverse its decision or face what would be one of the most aggressive tariff increases in recent trade history.

“Any country that retaliates with further tariffs will be met with significantly higher tariffs from the U.S.,” he declared, singling out China for what he called “decades of abusive trading practices.”

Should the threat materialise, combined U.S. duties on Chinese goods would soar to a staggering 104%, accounting for previous rounds of tariffs including a 20% charge implemented in March and the recent 34% increase.

The Chinese embassy in Washington fired back, labelling the move as “economic intimidation” and a “textbook example of protectionism.”

Spokesperson Liu Pengyu said Beijing would not bow to pressure and vowed to defend its economic interests through “firm countermeasures.”

Trump’s stance has rattled global financial markets, which have been jittery since the introduction of sweeping tariffs earlier this month.

Stock indices across Asia and Europe recorded sharp losses on Monday, with Hong Kong’s Hang Seng experiencing its worst single-day drop since the late 1990s. U.S. markets also opened in the red, continuing a week-long slide driven by fears of a deepening trade standoff.

Despite growing anxiety among investors and trade experts, Trump doubled down, suggesting that negotiations with countries seeking exemptions or revisions to tariffs would proceed—but on U.S. terms.

“We’re not backing down,” he told reporters outside the White House, adding that other nations must come forward with “fair and balanced proposals.”

He also revealed that trade discussions had begun with both Japan and Israel, while accusing the European Union of building barriers intended to disadvantage the U.S.

“They were set up to hurt American trade,” Trump claimed, dismissing recent EU offers to negotiate reciprocal tariff cuts.

Critics argue that the administration’s tariff campaign is likely to drive up consumer prices. According to an analysis from the Yale Budget Lab, American households may already face an additional $3,800 in annual costs due to rising import duties—excluding the potential 50% tariff hike.

Still, Trump maintains that tougher trade policies are necessary to level the playing field. “It’s not just about tariffs—it’s about fairness,” he said. “America has been taken advantage of for too long.”

Currently, China’s top exports to the U.S.—which include electronics, computers, and consumer goods—stand to be most affected by the proposed hike. Meanwhile, American products hit by Chinese tariffs include key exports like grains, aircraft, and pharmaceuticals.

April 8, 2025
Kagame urges Rwandans to fight for dignity in the face of ‘dark past and cruel present’

Speaking during the 31st commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi on Monday, April 7, Kagame reminded the nation that despite the weight of a painful past and the cruelty of current misrepresentations, Rwanda must hold its head high.

He emphasised that Rwanda’s survival hinges on its people’s refusal to be crushed by historical trauma and ongoing external pressures.

“The dark past and the cruel present—how do you manage that?” Kagame asked rhetorically, acknowledging the inseparable link between the Genocide against the Tutsi, which scarred Rwanda and claimed more than a million lives 31 years ago, and the challenges it faces today.

“From the beginning, we were under no illusion that the two were siblings, and we had to deal with them as such. You are either crushed in between and cease to exist, or you stand up and fight.”

Kagame framed Rwanda’s resilience as a hard-earned strength, forged through adversity.

“What didn’t kill us and finish us 31 years ago has hardened us,” he asserted, assuring the nation that the worst is behind them.

“The hurricane came, and we took cover… it has passed, and we rebuilt. I don’t think there’s any other hurricane that will come and sweep across the country, destroying everything.”

He urged Rwandans to reject passivity, warning that while standing up carries risks, inaction guarantees defeat.

“There is a risk you may die when you stand up to fight. But if you don’t, it’s a sure thing you’re going to die,” he said.

He added, “And fighting does not involve invading anybody’s territory, does not involve going after something that is not ours. Fighting, I mean, is if you find us here and want to treat us the way you want, that you have seen in the past, I just want to assure you, you will not succeed.”

The president did not shy away from confronting international critics, accusing Western powers and the United Nations of perpetuating a “cruel present” through hypocrisy and selective justice.

Kagame also voiced frustration at what he described as double standards in international diplomacy—particularly regarding the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the treatment of Congolese Tutsi refugees in Rwanda.

“They’re fine with that. And they expect us to accept it also ourselves, in broad daylight—hate speech, killings of people for their identity, uprooting them from their homes. And most of them are refugees here in this country.

“We have 125,000 people living as refugees in camps, uprooted from their homes in eastern Congo. Then these powerful people come here and pick one, two, three—another day, five, if there are many—to go and settle them in their beautiful countries. And they leave the majority here.”

He condemned African leaders he described as “puppets,” who enrich themselves while their citizens suffer in poverty.

“Find billionaires in a sea of poverty,” he said. “These are the ones received in Western capitals and praised.”

Kagame also dismissed claims that Rwanda was plundering minerals in eastern DRC and denounced calls for sanctions.

“If the allegations about the minerals were actually true, Rwanda would be as rich as those making the accusations. In fact, we wouldn’t need your money at all.”

Extending his message beyond Rwanda, Kagame challenged Africans to resist dehumanisation and dependency.

“My message goes to other Africans who live like this on a daily basis—who are dehumanised, and they accept it, and they beg,” he said. “I can’t beg to live. When can Africans refuse to be mistreated like this? To be told their lives have to be lived as a favour?”

April 7 is recognised as the International Day of Reflection on the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994. The day is observed globally to honour the memory of more than one million lives lost in just 100 days.

Earlier, President Paul Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame lit a flame of hope at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, marking the official start of the commemoration week and the 100 days of remembrance activities.

The First Family also laid wreaths on the mass graves and paid tribute to the victims.

April 7, 2025
“What didn’t kill us 31 years ago has hardened us” – Kagame affirms Rwanda’s resilience

Speaking at the Kwibuka31 ceremony in Kigali, Kagame reflected on Rwanda’s traumatic past and the persistent challenges of the present, declaring that the trials the country has endured have only strengthened its resolve.

“What didn’t kill us and finish us 31 years ago has hardened us,” Kagame said. “It has prepared us for the bad things that will always come any time these people want and wish. Honestly, I want to assure you, we will not die—not fighting like last time.”

The president emphasised that Rwanda’s survival and progress since the genocide were not the result of favours from external powers, but of a conscious choice by Rwandans to stand up and fight for their dignity. He urged citizens to maintain the spirit.

“I’ve had people come to me and warn me and say, ‘President, you know, you are too vocal. You say things that challenge these people who have the power in their hands, and they’re going to kill you.’ But my answer to them is, you know what? If I were to be there to just accept these things to happen, I don’t think I would count myself as living anyway. It’s like I would already be dead.

“To live a life of lies, of pretense, and all my life to somebody else. I would be dead anyway. So why don’t I die fighting? So, you Rwandans, why don’t you die fighting instead of dying anyway?” he stated.

In a pointed critique of the international community, Kagame lashed out at what he described as hypocrisy and selective outrage from powerful nations and institutions, particularly in their handling of the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

He accused certain Western countries of turning a blind eye to hate speech and violence against Congolese Tutsi communities, many of whom have sought refuge in Rwanda, while simultaneously demonising Rwanda for the crisis.

“They expect us to accept it also ourselves, in broad daylight—hate speech, killings of people for their identity, uprooting them from their homes,” Kagame said, referring to the over 125,000 refugees now in Rwanda from eastern DRC.

Kagame also condemned what he called “fools leading countries and being used as puppets,” accusing some African leaders of squandering national wealth and collaborating with foreign interests at the expense of their own people.

“Find billionaires in a sea of poverty—millions going hungry. These are the ones received in Western capitals and praised. And when Rwanda is being crucified… these are the ones who show up, and everybody is doing their bidding.”

The president’s remarks were equally unfiltered in response to threats of sanctions and criticisms from foreign diplomats and UN officials over claims of Rwanda’s involvement in the conflict in the eastern DRC. He mocked the so-called “group of experts” frequently cited in international reports, questioning their legitimacy and understanding of Rwanda’s context.

“These are people who are supposed to know better our situation than ourselves. Can you imagine?” he asked. “And the ones who did those groups are the very people connected with this history I’m talking about.”

The Head of State maintained that Rwanda will not be intimidated or shamed into silence. He reiterated that the worst had already happened in 1994 and that no future threat could undo the determination forged in the aftermath.

“The worst—the hurricane—came, and we took cover, and it has passed, and we rebuilt. We rebuilt our strength of all kinds,” Kagame remarked. “I don’t think there’s any other hurricane that will come and sweep across the country, destroying everything.”

April 7 is recognised as the International Day of Reflection on the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994. The day is observed globally to honour the memory of more than one million lives lost in just 100 days.

Earlier, President Paul Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame lit a flame of hope at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, marking the official start of the commemoration week and the 100 days of remembrance activities.

The First Family also laid wreaths on the mass graves and paid tribute to the victims.

April 7, 2025
Arsenal FC joins Rwanda in commemoration of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi

In a post shared on X, Arsenal paid tribute to the victims and stood in solidarity with Rwanda.

” ‘Kwibuka’ means ‘to remember’. Today we mark the 31st commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda,” Arsenal wrote.

April 7, officially recognised by the United Nations as the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, commemorates the day in 1994 when the genocide began, an atrocity in which over one million Tutsi were systematically killed over a period of 100 days.

In Rwanda, the April 7 commemoration, known as Kwibuka, which means “to remember” in Kinyarwanda, is observed as a national day of mourning and marks the start of a week-long period of remembrance and reflection.

It serves as a solemn occasion to honour the victims, support survivors, and reaffirm a global commitment to ensuring that such atrocities never happen again.

Arsenal has been a key partner in Rwanda’s recovery and development efforts through the Visit Rwanda campaign, which promotes tourism and investment opportunities in the country. The partnership began in 2018.

The Rwandan government has consistently called on the international community not only to remember the genocide but also to combat genocide ideology and denial. Arsenal’s act of remembrance sends a strong message about the value of global solidarity in honouring the memory of the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi.

April 7, 2025
Kagame, UN envoy discuss path to lasting peace in Great Lakes region

The meeting, held at Urugwiro Village, centered on the importance of supporting ongoing regional processes and strengthening efforts to address the root causes of conflict.

According to a statement from the president’s office, the two officials underscored the need for coordinated, evidence-based strategies that prioritize sustainable peace over short-term fixes.

“They discussed the importance of supporting ongoing regional processes and the need for fact-based, coordinated efforts that address the root causes of the conflict and prioritize achieving lasting peace in the region,” the statement reads in part.

The meeting coincides with ongoing efforts to resolve the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where recent battles between the M23 rebel group and government forces culminated in the takeover of strategic towns, including the cities of Goma and Bukavu.

In pursuit of a solution to the insecurity in eastern DRC, Heads of State from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) resolved to merge the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes during an extraordinary summit held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on February 8.

In a subsequent meeting held on March 24, the Heads of State appointed five former presidents to facilitate the peace talks. Those named to the expanded mediation team are Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria, Kgalema Motlanthe of South Africa, Catherine Samba-Panza of the Central African Republic, and Sahle-Work Zewde of Ethiopia.

Meanwhile, direct talks between the Kinshasa administration and the M23 rebels are scheduled to take place in Qatar on April 9.

Qatar extended the invitation shortly after a March 18 meeting hosted by the Emir of Qatar, which brought together Rwandan President Paul Kagame and DRC President Félix Tshisekedi. The discussions focused on de-escalating tensions between the two countries, fueled by the presence of the FDLR militia group in the DRC—a group responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda—and the DRC’s accusation that Rwanda supports the M23 rebels, claims that Rwanda has repeatedly denied.

Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs later announced that Presidents Kagame, Tshisekedi, and Sheikh Tamim had reaffirmed their commitment to cease hostilities in eastern DRC, in line with resolutions adopted by African leaders.

April 7, 2025
Dujiangyan: Ancient engineering that tames nature and sustains life (Photos)

Nestled between the flowing waters of the Min River and the rolling fields of the Chengdu Plain stands the Dujiangyan Irrigation System—a testament to human ingenuity and harmony with nature.

The Dujiangyan Irrigation System is one of the most extraordinary engineering achievements in human history, a masterpiece of ancient design that still serves millions today.

Built over 2,300 years ago, during the Warring States period in what is now Sichuan Province, this system was designed not to block the river with a dam, but to work with nature—taming the unruly Min River while providing life-giving irrigation to the fertile Chengdu Plain.

Its story begins at a time when floods and droughts brought suffering to the people of Sichuan. The Qin Dynasty, seeking to strengthen its hold on the region, appointed a governor named Li Bing to solve the problem.

Li Bing studied the river’s behavior and devised a system that would forever change the fate of Sichuan. Instead of fighting the river, he redirected it.

The heart of his design was the Fish Mouth Levee—a carefully shaped divider that splits the Min River into two channels, one for irrigation and the other for flood control.

This simple yet brilliant structure ensured that water would flow steadily to farmlands while excess floodwaters were safely carried away. To manage the buildup of silt, he built the Flying Sand Weir—a spillway that uses the river’s own swirling currents to flush out sediment, keeping the system clear.

Finally, the Bottleneck Channel acted as a precise regulator, controlling how much water entered the irrigation network.

What makes Dujiangyan truly remarkable is that it has never stopped working. For centuries, it has turned Sichuan into one of China’s most productive agricultural regions, earning it the nickname “Land of Abundance.”

Even today, the system irrigates over 5,300 square kilometers of farmland, supporting crops that feed millions. Unlike modern dams, which often disrupt ecosystems, Dujiangyan operates in harmony with nature, requiring no artificial barriers or destructive interventions.

It has survived wars, dynasties, and even the devastating 2008 Sichuan earthquake, which caused only minor damage.

Beyond its practical benefits, Dujiangyan stands as a symbol of human innovation and sustainability. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, it attracts visitors from around the world who come to marvel at its ancient yet timeless design.

Walking along its pathways, one can see the same structures that Li Bing built over two millennia ago, still performing their duty just as effectively as they did in the days of the Qin Dynasty.

As the world today grapples with climate change and environmental challenges, Dujiangyan remains a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when ingenuity and respect for nature come together.

A Festival of Water and Memory

Every spring during Qingming Festival (around April 4–6), the city of Dujiangyan comes alive with one of China’s oldest and most symbolic cultural events: The Water-Releasing Festival. With a history of over 1,000 years, this grand ceremony honors both the annual maintenance of the Dujiangyan Irrigation System and the legacy of its visionary creator, Li Bing.

The celebration is not only a tribute to ancient engineering but also a spiritual rite marking the beginning of spring ploughing—a time of renewal and agricultural hope.

Declared a National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2006, the festival culminates in a dramatic Water-Releasing Ceremony. Dressed in traditional Han attire, local officials, invitees, and participants reenact age-old rituals, including the symbolic cutting of rope-bound cofferdams made of wood, bamboo, and stone to release the river’s flow back into the irrigation channels.

Offerings are made to the gods and to Li Bing himself, while spectators throw symbolic items into the water to pray for good harvests and well-being.

April 6, 2025