Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, issued a distress call shortly after its 1:39 p.m. departure local time. Seconds later, the aircraft lost contact with air traffic control and plummeted into a densely populated residential area near the airport, triggering a massive fireball and sending thick black smoke into the sky.
India’s federal health minister confirmed that “many people” had been killed, though an official death toll has yet to be announced. Eyewitnesses and footage from local media showed the charred wreckage ablaze, emergency responders pulling victims from the debris, and ambulances rushing the injured to nearby hospitals.
The airline confirmed the plane was en route to London’s Gatwick Airport and had 217 adults and 11 children on board, along with crew. According to Air India, the nationalities of those aboard included 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian.
“Rescue teams are working tirelessly at the site. Our thoughts are with the families of those affected,” Air India said in a statement posted on X.
The crash occurred in Ahmedabad, the main city in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s home state of Gujarat. Modi has directed aviation authorities to “extend all possible support” to the rescue and recovery efforts. The city’s airport, operated by the Adani Group, suspended all flight operations indefinitely.
Gautam Adani, chairman of the Adani Group, expressed his condolences on social media: “We are shocked and deeply saddened by the tragedy of Air India Flight 171. Our hearts go out to the families who have suffered an unimaginable loss.”
Aviation tracking service Flightradar24 reported that the last signal from the aircraft was received moments after departure.
The jet, registered as VT-ANB, is part of Boeing’s Dreamliner fleet and one of the most advanced commercial aircraft in use.
Boeing has acknowledged the crash and said it is working to gather more information. Shares in the U.S. aircraft manufacturer fell 6.8% in pre-market trading.
Britain’s Foreign Office said it was urgently working with Indian authorities to confirm facts and provide support to British nationals affected by the crash.
The minister made the remarks at the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held in Changsha, where he commended the broader China–Africa cooperation framework and its impact across multiple sectors.
“China and Africa enjoy strong and dynamic relations built on shared aspirations and reflected in tangible, people-centred results,” he said.
“The same holds true for Rwanda–China ties, which continue to grow through practical and mutually beneficial cooperation.”
His remarks come at a time when Rwanda and China are experiencing a renewed phase of economic engagement, marked by increased trade, new investment commitments, and a shared vision for sustainable development.
In a recent interview, Rwanda’s Ambassador to China, James Kimonyo, described the bilateral relationship as having moved “from engagement to action.” He credited the Rwandan government’s investor-friendly environment and China’s growing appetite for sustainable, innovation-led partnerships.
The results are already visible. Rwanda’s exports to China surged from $35 million in 2019 to nearly $160 million in 2024, a more than 350 percent increase in just five years.
Traditional exports like coffee and tea have been joined by newer products such as chilli, all benefiting from China’s zero-tariff policy for developing countries.
China, in turn, exports roughly $500 million worth of goods to Rwanda annually, illustrating a growing but still imbalanced trade relationship. However, the most significant shift is happening in direct investment. Between November 2023 and May 2024, more than 26 Chinese companies visited Rwanda, many returning with concrete investment proposals.
China was also the top source of foreign direct investment in Rwanda last year, ahead of India and the United States.
“All this begins with what our government has done in terms of creating a very conducive, attractive environment for investment,” said Kimonyo.
The alignment of Rwanda’s development goals with China’s “high-quality development” strategy, centred on sustainability, technology, and innovation, has opened new avenues of collaboration.
From climate-smart agriculture and green construction to smart transport and environmentally friendly manufacturing, the future of Rwanda–China cooperation is poised to be both transformative and sustainable.
The country’s highest court rejected an appeal filed by Fernandez’s legal team against lower-court rulings, confirming both the prison term and her lifetime ban from holding public office.
The ruling stemmed from the so-called “Vialidad case,” which investigated the awarding of 51 road construction contracts in the southern province of Santa Cruz to companies owned by businessman Lazaro Baez during the administrations of Nestor Kirchner (2003-2007) and Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner (2007-2015), the widow of Nestor Kirchner.
Fernandez has repeatedly denied wrongdoing and described the legal proceedings as politically motivated persecution.
This commitment was once again brought to life during the 2025 Associate Appreciation Week (AAW), a global initiative that honours the dedication, passion, and hard work of Marriott associates.
At both Kigali Marriott Hotel and Four Points By Sheraton Kigali, the celebration was nothing short of extraordinary, filled with meaningful moments, heartfelt recognition, and a strong sense of community.
The Associate Appreciation Week is a cherished tradition across Marriott international worldwide, designed to express gratitude to the associates who are the heartbeat of the organisation.
At each Hotel, a week full of fun and recognition was dedicated to employees.
At Kigali Marriott Hotel, Associate Appreciation Week took place from 26 to 30 May, and at Four Points by Sheraton Kigali, it was held from 2 to 6 June 2025.
“This week is about what you do on daily basis, it’s not an easy job, it’s not an easy role, it’s not an easy industry. You people come in every day, putting smiles on your faces and making sure every guest and every associate is well taken care of. Thank you very much for what you do, you are what makes this Hotel, a Hotel otherwise, this will be an empty building,” said Aditya Chacko, Cluster General Manager of both hotels.
“I thank you every single day. This week is just to highlight and just to give you a thank you for an extra for what we have for you. As a leader standing in front of you at Four Points By Sheraton Kigali, I am honestly proud of each of you. We are family, we come together, we execute together, and we support one another. Enjoy this week and all activities prepared for you, said Samir Ramdial, Hotel Manager at Four Points By Sheraton Kigali.
The week was thoughtfully designed to include a variety of engaging activities, team-building events, and celebratory gatherings. Each day carried a unique theme and purpose, all aimed at recognising the invaluable contributions of the associates and reinforcing the Hotel’s culture of appreciation and mutual respect.
“Thank you for making Associate Appreciation Week an incredible celebration of the vibrant community we’re a part of at Marriott International. Across the globe, our teams came together to share meaningful moments – whether it was gathering to enjoy a treat, volunteering to give back to our communities, or recognising the dedication behind recent achievements,” said Tony Capuano, CEO, Marriott International Inc.
“Your positive energy and deep connection to each other and to our company’s timeless values shone through in every smile, every high five, and every unforgettable moment you continued to create for our guests.”
The week began with TakeCare Day, a celebration centred on wellness and recognition. The hotel’s Executive Committee and department leaders took time to acknowledge the individual and collective achievements of associates, highlighting the dedication that fuels the hotel’s success.
The atmosphere was festive and uplifting, with special lunch stations hosted by leadership, offering a delightful culinary experience that brought everyone together in a spirit of gratitude and celebration.
On Day 2, the focus shifted to community service and social impact with Spirit to Serve/ Serve 360 Day. This day embodied Marriott’s global “Serve 360” initiative, encouraging associates to give back to the community.
Both Hotels organised differently a blood donation drive, allowing associates to contribute to a life-saving cause. The day also featured team-building games and themed dress-up activities that added a fun and engaging twist.
A highlight of the day was the hotel’s partnership with UNICEF in the “One Egg per Child” campaign, aimed at fighting child stunting. The event was held at the ECD Center in Mageragere ( Kigali Marriott Hotel) and at the ECD Center in Batsinda (Four Points By Sheraton Kigali).
Culture and Unity Day, celebrated on Day 3 at Kigali Marriott Hotel and on Day 2 at Four Points By Sheraton Kigali was a vibrant tribute to the hotel’s diverse workforce. Associates proudly showcased their cultural heritage through traditional attire, music, dance, and cuisine.
The day served as a powerful reminder that diversity is not only a source of strength but also a wellspring of creativity and innovation. It was a day of learning, sharing, and celebrating the unique backgrounds that enrich the workplace and foster a sense of belonging among all team members.
Day 4, known as Winners Day, brought out the competitive spirit in the most joyful way. The hotel hosted the finals of its inter-departmental volleyball championship, drawing enthusiastic participation and support from all corners of the hotel.
The semi-finals of the talent show also took place, showcasing a wide array of talents including singing, traditional dancing, poetry, and visual arts. The energy was electric, and the performances were a testament to the incredible creativity and passion of the associates.
The week concluded with a grand celebration on Day 5, marked as the Closing Day and Staff Party. The festivities took place in the beautiful Malaika Garden at Kigali Marriott Hotel and at Kigali Universe for the Four Points by Sheraton team.
The event was a fitting finale to a week filled with appreciation and joy. Associates gathered for an evening of music, laughter, and heartfelt recognition. Awards were presented, memories were shared, and the sense of camaraderie was palpable. It was unforgettable nights, celebrating not just the achievements of the past week, but also the enduring spirit of the Marriott family.
“I regret some of my posts about President @realDonaldTrump last week. They went too far,” Musk posted on X, the platform he owns, on Wednesday, June 11, 2025.
The post marks the first conciliatory gesture from Musk after days of highly public clashes that drew headlines and shook political and financial circles alike.
The feud erupted after Musk labelled Trump’s newly passed tax and spending bill a “disgusting abomination,” urging Americans to lobby their representatives to “kill the bill,” which he warned could lead to a recession later this year.
The bill, which includes major tax cuts and increases to defense spending, passed the House last month and is now under Senate consideration.
Tensions escalated further when Musk suggested Trump was named in unreleased government files related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The White House dismissed the claim, while Trump responded by calling Musk “disrespectful” and threatened to terminate his companies’ government contracts, valued at around $38 billion, much of which goes to SpaceX.
Musk’s attacks included reposting calls for Trump’s impeachment and claiming that the president owed his 2024 election victory to Musk’s support and donations.
Musk, who previously served as co-head of the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and was a top donor to the 2024 Trump campaign, appeared to delete many of those posts over the weekend.
Trump, for his part, declared their relationship “over” and said he had no interest in speaking with Musk again, telling CNN, “I don’t know what his problem is… I haven’t thought too much about him in the last little while.”
The fallout shocked Washington and Silicon Valley alike. Former Trump strategist Steve Bannon called for Musk, who was born in South Africa, to be deported. Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance and several senior Republicans expressed hope that the two powerful figures could reconcile.
In the wake of Musk’s walk-back, Tesla shares rose 2% in premarket trading, reflecting investor relief over the potential de-escalation of a political rift that had also spooked markets.
While Musk didn’t specify which posts he regretted, his recent actions suggest a softening stance. He deleted the post referencing Epstein, as well as one endorsing Trump’s impeachment.
Over the weekend, he signalled agreement with investor Bill Ackman’s call for reconciliation, replying, “not wrong,” to a suggestion that the two men should “make peace.”
Musk also appeared to back the administration’s tough response to protests in Los Angeles, posting American flag emojis in response to VP Vance’s remarks condemning the unrest.
Adding to the drama, Musk’s father, Errol Musk, told Russian media over the weekend that Elon had made a “mistake” in taking on the president.
“Trump will prevail. He is the president,” Errol said, predicting the feud would be “over tomorrow.”
While it remains to be seen whether the truce will hold or the rivalry will reignite, Musk’s change in tone signals a possible end, at least for now, to one of the most explosive political clashes of 2025.
‘This comes in light of the UAE’s wise leadership’s interest and significant support for equipping young Arab talent with advanced tools and skills in storytelling related to humanitarian and development work, enhancing community solidarity, and shedding light on pioneering humanitarian efforts and significant development contributions that positively impact the lives of millions of people across the world.
His remarks came on the occasion of the launch of the “Impact Makers” initiative by the International Humanitarian Affairs Council, under the directives of Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in cooperation with the New Media Academy. The initiative includes several educational programs and training workshops specializing in digital media related to various humanitarian and development fields.
He stressed the need to empower individuals to create positive and impactful humanitarian content that addresses various humanitarian issues, and to raise community awareness of these issues through the use of storytelling skills and appropriate media strategies to support institutional and community efforts with multiple humanitarian dimensions.
This is particularly true for humanitarian projects, initiatives, and programs targeting communities in need and the most affected and needy populations. These projects aim to provide access to basic education and health services, as vital priorities of paramount importance in achieving development and prosperity and ensuring security and stability.
The initiative targets journalists, camera crews, and content creators specializing in humanitarian affairs, who possess a passion for creating digital content about humanitarian, development, and charitable initiatives and programs. The initiative aims to enhance their ability to understand, write, and distribute press releases that reflect humanitarian efforts, as well as various storytelling methods and audio and visual translation techniques, to suit various journalistic formats and publishing media.
The initiative aims to attract digital content creators from the UAE, across the Arab world, and friendly countries around the world to join several specialized digital media training programs, enabling them to acquire the skills and tools necessary to produce creative content on humanitarian, developmental, and charitable initiatives and programs worldwide.
It also attracts official spokespersons representing humanitarian donor institutions and charitable organizations in the UAE to train them on corporate reputation strategies and media crisis management.
It’s worth noting that the educational programs and training courses develop the skills of diverse influencers, enabling them to deliver meaningful humanitarian content using advanced methods that contribute to delivering a humanitarian media message to a wide audience.
The New Media Academy continues to support content creators and social media influencers, enabling them to deliver their messages in a professional manner that contributes to the development, advancement, and growth of societies. Among these programs is the “Impact Makers” initiative, which will enrich the content creators’ content and meet the aspirations of their followers to benefit from what they provide.
The Impact Makers Initiative includes five training programs, starting with the “Skills of Official Spokesperson, Media Appearance, and Crisis Management” program, the “Humanitarian Impact Journalism” program, the “Humanitarian Impact Content Makers” program, in both Arabic and English versions, and the “Humanitarian Impact Content Makers – in partnership with the Arab Youth Center” program.
This figure indicates that the group, formed by the remnants of the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, remains active, despite the DRC government’s previous claim that it no longer poses a threat.
Speaking to IGIHE, Brig Gen Rwivanga stated that the FDLR fighters are estimated to be between 7,000 and 10,000, and that “they always blend in with civilians whenever they are attacked.”
He added that the fighters are spread across different areas, including North Kivu, South Kivu, and the Kibira Forest in Burundi.
Those based in North Kivu are the ones most involved in destabilising the northern and western regions of Rwanda. The Kibira Forest, on the other hand, has often been used by elements attempting to destabilise Rwanda from Burundi.
In 2021, 15 fighters from the FLN (National Liberation Front), who had crossed into Rwanda through the Kibira Forest and launched an attack in Bweyeye Sector in Rusizi District, were ambushed by the RDF. Some were killed in the operation.
This incident followed earlier attacks in the same area where the fighters had set up roadblocks, resulting in the deaths of innocent civilians.
Brig Gen Rwivanga emphasised that the FDLR has posed a security threat to Rwanda for many years and has launched multiple attacks since 2022, including in Kinigi and Rubavu Districts.
In March and May 2022, the DRC army, in collaboration with FDLR fighters, carried out attacks on Rwandan soil in the sectors of Kinigi and Nyange in Musanze District, as well as Gahunga Sector in Burera District. The attacks injured civilians and damaged property.
During the same period, other incidents occurred, including the abduction of two Rwandan soldiers on patrol—a joint operation carried out by FARDC (the Congolese army) and FDLR.
In May this year, Rwanda received nearly 2,000 Rwandan nationals who had been held hostage by the terrorist group FDLR.
Despite Rwanda repeatedly raising concerns about the threat posed by the FDLR, the DRC has consistently ignored these warnings. This has led to heightened tensions, with Rwanda accusing the neighbouring country of actively collaborating with the FDLR to launch attacks aimed at toppling the Rwandan government.
Brig Gen Rwivanga concluded by stressing that war cannot resolve security issues, and urged the DRC to pursue political and diplomatic solutions and to end its collaboration with the FDLR.
The issue of the FDLR is one of the key concerns that Rwanda has raised with mediators involved in addressing regional security challenges, during discussions held in Doha and Washington. Rwanda maintains that the DRC must end its cooperation with the group, designated as a terrorist organisation by the United States, which continues to undermine the security of both countries.
{{Speech by Prof. Dirk Vansina on behalf of the City of Leuven}}
Leuven has long maintained close ties with Rwanda. Rwandan students have studied at KU Leuven, professors have taught there, priests and nuns from our region have worked in Rwanda, and today a Rwandan community resides in Leuven.
We have just heard powerful testimonies. We are gathered here to remember one of the darkest chapters in recent history: the genocide committed against the Tutsi in Rwanda, now 31 years ago. In just one hundred days, between April and July 1994, more than a million people were brutally murdered simply because they existed.
This atrocity was the result of a colonial policy of division, the belief that some groups are superior to others, and the dangerous illusion that all human beings are not equal. But this genocide did not begin with machetes. It began with words — with hate speech and division.
What makes this tragedy even more painful is that the world looked away. The international community failed in its duty, and that failure echoes louder than ever today. Even now, groups are dehumanized. People are deliberately turned into enemies. As was the case then, we hear cries of “This must stop!” And, as then, the responses are too weak, too late, too hesitant.
That is exactly why it is essential to continue commemorating and learning from the past. That is why an organization like IBUKA is so important. IBUKA means “Remember,” and you do not let us forget. You give a voice to those who were silenced. You support survivors. You show us that remembering is not about looking back — it’s about looking forward.
Earlier, young women gave testimonies.
They recalled what happened, but they also embodied strength, hope, and life. They are giving birth to a new future, a future better than the past. As a local authority, we also have a responsibility: to provide space for moments of remembrance like this one. Not as a symbolic gesture, but as a true commitment.
I heard the request made by the President regarding the installation of a memorial stone in Leuven. I commit to discussing this proposal with conviction with the mayor and my colleagues. Remembering is essential, but it is not enough. We have a moral obligation to turn memory into action: through education, public policy, vigilance, and dialogue.
Today, you are our guests here in Leuven — a city that chooses dialogue, tolerance, and peace. A city that knows commemoration is not only about the past, but also about facing the future and taking action. A city that takes seriously the signs of racism, hatred, or dehumanization before it is too late.
With education, with concrete projects that bring citizens together, and with support for refugees and newcomers. Peace begins with small things: with children learning to resolve conflict without violence, with youth standing up against hate speech and injustice, with societies refusing to reduce the “other” to a caricature, and with communities that leave no one behind.
Leuven wants to be a city that leaves no one behind. A city where everyone has a place and can thrive as they are.
Kwibuka. Let us remember. Let us keep speaking. For those who are no longer with us. For those yet to come. With the duty to do good and to make the world better.
And let it begin with us.
{{Leuven: Selected photos from the commemoration ceremony of the victims of the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, 1994.}}
The Hillerød court reviewed how the 2024 sentence handed down by Rwanda’s appellate court could be implemented under Danish law, as per prior agreements between the two countries.
In a ruling delivered on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, the court ruled that Twagirayezu must serve the full 20-year term in accordance with Denmark’s legal system.
The decision aligned with the prosecution’s recommendation. However, Twagirayezu’s lawyer, Eddie Khawaja, announced plans to appeal, arguing that the Danish court should have rejected the Rwandan verdict or imposed a reduced sentence of 12 to 16 years.
Twagirayezu was convicted for his role in the killings of over 2,000 Tutsi who had sought refuge at Busasamana Parish and the University of Mudende. Witnesses said he entered the church with a dog, reportedly used to hunt down Tutsi civilians.
During proceedings, Twagirayezu denied all charges, claiming mistaken identity. However, both Rwandan and Danish courts rejected his defence.
Danish media highlighted that a 20-year sentence is among the most severe punishments in Denmark, second only to life imprisonment.
Twagirayezu was extradited from Denmark to Rwanda in 2018, under an agreement that any resulting sentence would be served in Denmark if he were convicted. At the time, he claimed that during the Genocide’s onset in April 1994, he had been on Easter holiday in Congo.
He moved to Denmark in 2001 and later acquired Danish citizenship.
A former teacher in Rwanda, Twagirayezu, has consistently denied any involvement in the Genocide against the Tutsi.
Rwanda’s High Council Chamber initially acquitted him in January 2024, but the prosecution appealed, and in July 2024, the Court of Appeal found him guilty and imposed a 20-year sentence.
Malinga assumed his new role on Saturday, June 7, during a handover ceremony at Kigali Serena Hotel, where he pledged to expand the club’s membership and enhance its impact on community well-being.
Rotary International is a global non-governmental organisation focused on humanitarian service, including support for vulnerable populations, improving access to clean water, combating epidemics, and contributing to socio-economic development.
Outgoing President Dunia Jacqueline expressed her gratitude to members for their support and collaboration over the past year, and encouraged her successor to build on that momentum by continuing to drive positive change.
The newly elected President, Peter Malinga, thanked members for the trust they placed in him. He emphasised that his leadership will focus on three key pillars: empowering the youth, advancing community welfare projects, and growing the club’s membership.
“I will prioritise three major pillars, starting with youth empowerment. This was a strong focus under my predecessor’s leadership, and I intend to continue in that direction. We want to see young people grow into the great leaders of tomorrow,” he said.
“Another focus will be promoting self-reliance within communities. And finally, we want to grow our club. We currently have 87 members, but there is great potential for expansion, and we aim to achieve that.”
He added that by expanding the club’s membership, they aim to maintain an inclusive and united culture within Rotary Club Kigali Virunga.
The founder of Kigali Independent University (ULK), Prof. Rwigamba Balinda, was recognised for his impactful contributions to education. He reaffirmed that his goal in founding the university was to help Rwandans and other Africans access quality education.
Entrepreneur Faustin Mbundu commended Rotary’s work in Rwanda and its role in improving community welfare. He pledged continued support for its initiatives and encouraged everyone with the means to invest in education to build a knowledge-based economy.
District Governor of Rotary District 9150, which includes Rwanda, Sussane Eleasoe Behle Zoung-Kanyi, praised the work of Rotary in Rwanda and particularly the efforts of Rotary Club Kigali Virunga in promoting community well-being.
She encouraged them to continue upholding Rotary values, particularly collaboration in the pursuit of development.
Rotary Club Kigali Virunga also expressed gratitude to its partners, including NCBA Bank, which contributed Frw 10 million; Prime Insurance, which gave Frw 3 million; IGIHE, Old Mutual, and several others.
