U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem announced the decision.
“Let this serve as a warning to all universities and academic institutions across the country,” Noem said in a statement.
“Enrolling international students is a privilege — not a right — and that privilege has been revoked due to Harvard’s repeated failure to comply with federal law.”
DHS said that in addition to barring enrollment of future international students, “existing foreign students must transfer to lose their legal status.”
In response, Harvard issued a statement calling the administration’s action unlawful and harmful.
“We are fully committed to maintaining Harvard’s ability to host our international students and scholars, who hail from more than 140 countries and enrich the University — and this nation — immeasurably,” the statement said.
“We are working quickly to provide guidance and support to members of our community. This retaliatory action threatens serious harm to the Harvard community and our country, and undermines Harvard’s academic and research mission.”
The administration in April froze 2.2 billion U.S. dollars in federal grants to Harvard after the university rejected demands that it eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, and evaluate international students for ideological concerns.
As of the fall 2023 semester, international students made up over 27 percent of Harvard’s student body, according to university data.
The project is set to provide 1,638 modern housing units to families living in vulnerable conditions.
Targeting four villages — Nyabisindu, Amarembo I, Amarembo II, and Ibuhooro in Remera Sector — the project covers 38.54 hectares and builds on the recent success of the Mpazi Rehousing Project, which delivered 688 units in Nyarugenge District.
According to the Ministry of Infrastructure, the new housing units will be spread across 58 housing blocks.
In addition to residential space, the area will feature key infrastructure such as market spaces, schools, green zones, and access roads, all aimed at fostering inclusive and dignified urban living.
“This project reflects our commitment to sustainable urban transformation,” said Minister of Infrastructure Jimmy Gasore.
“We are not just building homes; we are restoring dignity, enhancing public infrastructure, and reducing existing informal settlements. Every Rwandan deserves a decent place to live.”
City of Kigali Mayor Samuel Dusengiyumva echoed the sentiment, noting that the Nyabisindu development marks a significant milestone in the city’s broader urban upgrade strategy.
“Nyabisindu marks a significant step in scaling up the Mpazi model across Kigali. In close collaboration with citizens, we are creating resilient communities where no one is left behind,” he said.
Local residents have welcomed the initiative with optimism. Kanzayire Josiane, who lives in Amarembo II, described the project as life-changing.
“We have lived in old houses for years. Now, we see a future for our children. This is more than housing – it’s a new life for our community,” she said.
Josiane also praised the government’s efforts after visiting completed units in Mpazi, Gitega Sector, and commended President Paul Kagame for championing such impactful initiatives.
The Nyabisindu housing project is expected to be completed within one year.
He made these remarks during the company’s celebration of International Labour Day, held to honor and appreciate staff contributions over the past year.
“The most important person in any company is the one who works there,” Bahizi said. “Every achievement and potential the organization has are rooted in its employees. That’s why we continually remind them of their value to the company’s growth and performance.”
The day was marked by a range of engaging activities designed to promote wellness, camaraderie, and team spirit. Staff and management participated in team-building exercises, football, volleyball, and other interactive games.
Bahizi emphasized that these activities serve more than just entertainment—they are vital to both personal well-being and professional performance.
“These games allow employees to unwind and maintain strong physical health, which in turn sharpens the mind. Second, they’re deeply educational.” he noted.
He added that the games reflect real workplace dynamics, highlighting how teamwork, communication, and mutual support are essential in overcoming challenges and achieving collective goals.
Touching on the growing discussion around automation and artificial intelligence (AI), Bahizi dismissed the idea that technology could fully replace the human workforce.
“Yes, we have machines and technologies like AI, and some believe these will replace people. But they haven’t—and won’t. Technology is created and run by humans. Once we adapt to one tool, we go on to create the next,” he explained.
The celebration concluded with an awards ceremony, recognizing employees who have shown outstanding behavior, dedication, and service both over the past year and throughout their careers with the company.
Kayitesi Sylvie, a BK Insurance employee, shared that seeing her colleagues recognized inspired her to work even harder with the hope of being celebrated in the future.
In his closing remarks, Bahizi expressed gratitude to all staff and reaffirmed that the company’s continued growth rests on their daily commitment and teamwork.
He urged employees to remain passionate, collaborative, and resilient—encouraging them to uphold strong work ethics and uplift each other as one team.
To learn more, interested individuals can follow BKGI on [Facebook->https://www.facebook.com/?_rdc=2&_rdr#], [Instagram->https://www.instagram.com/accounts/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fbkinsuranceltd%2F%3Figsh%3DY3A5andod2I3eTR3%26utm_source%3Dqr&is_from_rle], or [X->https://x.com/bkinsuranceltd].
This initiative is part of a wider effort to promote education and empower young people in the region.
Colonel Simon Rocky Nyagasaza, Commander of the Rwanda Level 2+ Hospital, stated that the initiative aims to support the ambitions of young minds and to help cultivate their potential to become future leaders of the nation.
He urged the students to remain dedicated to their studies in pursuit of their goals.
The leader of Yandumo II Village, René Maradounguo thanked Rwandan contingents for their continued support.
He called for further assistance in the areas of health, education, and sanitation, and reaffirmed the community’s commitment to continued cooperation with the Rwandan peacekeepers in maintaining peace and security.
The meeting was confirmed by the Office of the President, which reported that discussions focused on expanding ServiceNow’s AI-powered digital workflow solutions in Rwanda.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) at BK Arena, where both Kagame and Camara attended the matchup between APR BBC and MBB South Africa, part of the ongoing Nile Conference in Kigali.
ServiceNow, a global leader in digital workflow solutions, has been steadily growing its presence across Africa, with active operations in Kenya, South Africa, and other emerging markets.
The company supports a variety of initiatives, including renewable energy projects and the promotion of green investment in the private sector.
Additionally, ServiceNow hosts high-level events such as the ServiceNow Africa Summit, which brings together investors, policymakers, and tech innovators to explore technology-driven approaches to solving regional challenges.
ServiceNow is particularly focused on helping both government and private sector institutions find technology-based solutions, with a strong emphasis on artificial intelligence, a focus area that aligns with the country’s national priorities in technology and innovation.
In a candid conversation on the Long Form podcast hosted by Sanny, Dr. Mutuyimana revealed how excessive screen time is fueling depression, addiction, and a loss of focus among young Rwandans, compounding the nation’s ongoing struggle with historical trauma.
“When you feel no support, when you feel rejected, at least you can look for another platform that can help you, and this is social media,” Dr. Mutuyimana explained, describing how youth turn to apps to escape feelings of isolation or inadequacy. However, this escape comes at a cost.
He shared the story of a client, a young professional, who became so addicted to her phone that she lost concentration at work, even checking TikTok during critical tasks.
“If you are always on your phone, you will never be you,” he cautioned, noting that constant consumption of others’ content stifles personal reflection and creativity.
Rwanda’s youth are particularly vulnerable. According to Dr. Mutuyimana’s social media’s addictive algorithms exacerbate feelings of helplessness and worthlessness.
“They are watching TikTok until the phone falls down,” he said, describing a cycle where youth sleep, eat, and work with their devices, leaving little time for real-world connections.
This obsession is not just a habit but a symptom of deeper issues, including family conflict and the intergenerational trauma stemming from the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.
According to Dr. Mutuyimana, studies show that 30% of Rwandans experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), far above the global average of 1-8%.
For young people born after the genocide, the pain of their parents’ unresolved grief manifests in modern vices like social media overuse, alongside alcohol and drug abuse.
“They want to fill a gap inside,” he said, linking these behaviours to a search for fleeting happiness in a society still healing from collective wounds.
The psychotherapist also highlighted the physical toll of excessive screen time, echoing host Ntayombya’s personal experience.
“I had to go to the eye doctor because I was light-sensitive,” Ntayombya admitted, estimating he spent 18 hours a day on screens.
Dr. Mutuyimana warned that prolonged exposure to small screens at close distances can harm vision and disrupt sleep, further aggravating mental health issues.
{{So, what’s the solution?
}}
Dr. Mutuyimana advocates for balance and systemic change. He urges youth to set phone-free hours to “enjoy food, family time, and celebration” and calls for schools and parents to teach digital literacy to curb addiction.
At Baho Smile Institute, Dr. Mutuyimana’s team offers group therapy and community programs that encourage youth to build meaningful in-person connections, countering the isolation driven by excessive social media use.
He emphasises the need for systemic solutions, like teaching digital literacy, to address the addictive nature of platforms that consume young people’s time and attention.
“We need to learn from social media, but we also need time to innovate,” he said, emphasising the importance of fostering creativity over passive consumption.
“Our young people, so few will innovate,” he warned, “because they are only following discoveries.”
Beyond social media, Dr. Mutuyimana revealed that over 20% of youth born post-genocide suffer from their parents’ unresolved pain, transmitted through abusive parenting or silence.
“When you are a traumatised parent, you are more likely to transmit,” he said, citing a client whose mother shared heavy trauma, burdening her as a child.
The interview also tackled what the doctor described as Rwanda’s “culture of silence,” where admitting mental health struggles is “unusual”, especially for men.
Dr. Mutuyimana noted that men are more likely to die by suicide due to societal pressure to suppress pain, while women, more open to expressing emotions, face higher rates of depression and PTSD. He called for a shift to normalise therapy.
AFR, a non-profit company established in 2010 with the mission to promote financial inclusion and develop the financial sector in Rwanda, made a pledge to advance gender parity through signing the WIFR Gender Charter at its headquarters in Kacyiru.
The scholarships are part of a partnership between WIFR and the UK-based Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI), which provides certification in emerging fields such as sustainable finance and the future of finance.
The scholarship programme supports women across the financial sector by reducing the cost barrier to accessing globally recognised qualifications. While enrolment is valid for 12 months, learners can complete the CISI certification in as little as 12 weeks, depending on their schedule and commitment.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, AFR’s CEO, Jean Bosco Iyacu, reflected on the institution’s journey towards internal gender parity. He revealed that AFR has achieved equal representation of women on its board and executive committee and said the focus now shifts to increasing female representation across all staffing levels.
“This charter is not symbolic—it’s a reaffirmation that we’re still on the journey. We haven’t yet arrived,” Iyacu said.
“This charter becomes part of how we advocate for sector-wide change,” he added.
The charter signing and scholarship awards also highlighted AFR’s deepening collaboration with Women in Finance Rwanda, as the company recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding to support the foundation in conducting its first-ever survey to inform its activities.
“While individual institutions may know their internal figures, there’s a real gap in sector-wide data. We don’t fully understand the challenges women face that limit their progress—or worse, push them out of the sector altogether,” the AFR CEO added.
A general overview of the current landscape shows that while women make up 48.2% of Rwanda’s labour force compared to 65.6% for men, their presence in high-impact roles remains limited. In the private sector, only 32% of decision-making positions are held by women. Moreover, they are significantly underrepresented in higher-paying technical fields, limiting both their economic empowerment and influence on financial policy and innovation.
Dr. Diane Karusisi, CEO of Bank of Kigali and a WIFR Council and Institutional Member, represented the foundation at the event, where she emphasised to AFR staff that the movement is driven by action, not mere aspiration.
“Gender equity won’t happen if we just sit back and hope. It takes leadership. It takes intention. That’s why this partnership with AFR matters,” she said.
Dr. Karusisi noted that the CISI certification programme has already had a measurable impact. One of the four scholarship recipients from the Bank of Kigali’s previous cohort has since been promoted to a managerial role.
“That’s a clear example of the tangible impact this programme is having on women’s careers,” the CEO quipped.
Speaking on behalf of the new AFR scholarship beneficiaries, Honnête Isimbi, AFR’s Gender and Social Inclusion Specialist, stressed that the opportunity was not just about training, but about transformation.
“You’ve done more than just fund education—you’ve created access. You’ve opened doors to learning, to networks, and to platforms that have historically been difficult for women to reach. And we know that access is the first step toward transformation.”
Highlighting the broader impact of the partnership and the collective commitment within AFR, Agnes Uwanyirigira, AFR’s Chief Program Officer, emphasised the importance of institutional involvement in advancing gender equality.
“Today is a memorable day for the women at AFR who have grown, for the men, and for everyone who supports this agenda. I am proud to join Women in Finance Rwanda not just as an individual, but as an institution,” she remarked.
Beyond the scholarship programme, WIFR has also launched a mentorship initiative involving over 100 young professionals and 30 seasoned mentors. The programme aims to promote peer-to-peer learning and professional growth through structured group sessions over a nine-month period.
In his home area of Murundi Sector, Karongi District, Habiyaremye became widely known for the sheer number of people he killed during the Genocide against the Tutsi. Gacaca court records show he took the lives of more than 300 Tutsis, many of them his neighbours, acquaintances, and even friends.
Today, he still lives in the same region. The once densely populated hills of Gasharu Cell, where many Tutsi families had lived, now bear only terraced slopes and forests.
“That area was home to many Tutsis,” says Mukamatayo Anne Marie, President of Ibuka in Gasharu. “They were completely wiped out. Families like that of Mukakimenyi and Ntoyihuku vanished. No one from those homes is left.”
The story of Habiyaremye resurfaced during a past commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi, when the Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, Dr. Jean Damascène Bizimana, cited him as an example of the scale of killings that occurred in the area.
“One striking case is in Nyamushishi Cell, Murundi Sector, where one man was found to have personally killed more people than any other individual identified through the Gacaca court system,” Dr. Bizimana said.
“Habiyaremye Bernard, known as ‘Kimashini’, murdered more than 300 people by name. He even remembers some of them.”
During the Genocide, Habiyaremye participated actively in killings. He recalls how it began:
“We were neighbours. One day, a man said to me, ‘They killed my daughter. Now I have no one to avenge me.’ That’s when I started. His name was Tharcisse Nzabahimana—I killed him. After that, I continued. I felt like it would catch up with me if I didn’t.”
Eventually, Habiyaremye was arrested and tried under the Gacaca court system. After serving his sentence, he returned to live in the same community he had once terrorised.
“Those I killed were close to me—neighbours with whom we shared meals, worked together in the fields, and lived peacefully before the genocide,” he admits. “Some were killed by others, but we had all lived together.”
Surprisingly, Habiyaremye says he was not rejected by his community upon return:
“I’ve never been turned away. I eat where others eat. I can’t say I have enemies.”
On whether he feels remorse, he reflects: “I wasn’t myself—I was like a statue. No one with a heart could do what I did and claim to be a good person.”
He credits Rwanda’s post-genocide education and reconciliation programmes for helping him and others like him to reflect, take responsibility, and rejoin the community.
“Unity and reconciliation have been powerful,” he says. “If you look around Rwanda, it’s clear the country has been rebuilt.”
Habiyaremye believes the fight against genocide ideology is everyone’s duty: “It still exists, but it can be identified and rooted out. That mindset must not find space in Rwanda.”
He says he now lives in peace with genocide survivors—some of whose relatives he killed:
“We live together, eat together, and talk. No one tells me to go away. I don’t hide, and they don’t avoid me.”
He also thanked President Paul Kagame for restoring national unity and said he now plays a role in building the same country he once helped tear apart.
Trump made the remarks while hosting Ramaphosa and his delegation, who are in the U.S. to revitalise diplomatic and economic ties with Washington.
In a wide-ranging discussion that touched on regional conflicts, trade, and African development, Trump singled out the Rwanda–DRC peace process as a highlight of his administration’s recent diplomatic efforts.
The mediation process is coordinated by Senior Advisor for Africa Massad Boulos.
“Looking very good,” President Trump said. “I’m hearing phenomenal reports because what I was hearing before was deaths, deaths and chopping of heads off. It was very horrible over there. It was really brave of you [Boulos], to go there. I really appreciate it. It looks like we have something very substantial.”
The U.S.-led mediation has made significant headway in recent months following widespread tensions that escalated after the takeover of large swaths of territory in eastern Congo by the M23 rebels, fighting what they describe as decades of persecution and marginalisation of Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese.
While the Congo accuses Rwanda of backing the M23 rebels, Rwanda denies this, stating that its main concern is the presence of the FDLR militia group, linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, and its collaboration with the Congolese army, which poses a security threat along the border with Rwanda.
During the meeting at the White House on Wednesday, Boulos confirmed that Rwanda and the DRC recently signed a declaration of principles and have submitted their respective versions of a peace agreement. A unified draft incorporating both proposals has now been shared with both parties for final review.
“We are in the process of finalising it,” Boulos said. “A couple of weeks ago, the two parties signed a declaration of principle in which they agreed on the way forward. They have both submitted draft peace agreements, and we have compiled one that incorporates their suggestions. It looks very good.”
The U.S. State Department last week also confirmed that a peace agreement draft had been shared with President Paul Kagame and President Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC.
If all parties approve the final version, a landmark signing ceremony is scheduled for June at the White House. Presidents Kagame and Tshisekedi are expected to attend the event, which will also feature the signing of new economic cooperation deals with the United States.
Before the deal can be finalised, the U.S. has outlined key preconditions, particularly for the DRC. These include disbanding the FDLR militia and enacting governance reforms to ensure a fairer distribution of national resources.
If successful, the agreement could usher in a new era of stability for the long-troubled eastern DRC and boost regional economic integration, with U.S. investments playing a pivotal role.
Trump said his involvement in the conflict was motivated by a desire to save lives, not geopolitical gain.
“I have nothing to do with Rwanda and Congo, but I felt I had a very talented person in this administration, and I sent him there. He did an unbelievable job. He has done the hardest part of the job. I want to save the lives of each and every African—if it’s in Europe, wherever it may be,” Trump told the delegation.
In typical fashion, Trump also drew parallels to other global conflicts, saying that “we settled” tensions between India and Pakistan “in less than two days” through strategic trade diplomacy, while also citing ongoing efforts to resolve the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
“It’s a very small investment for me compared to the consequences,” he added.
{{Ramaphosa hails mediation efforts
}}
President Ramaphosa thanked the U.S. for its role in pushing forward a peaceful resolution, revealing that the Southern African Development Community (SADC) had withdrawn its troops from eastern Congo to make way for diplomatic talks.
His visit to Washington comes amid efforts to reset relations between South Africa and the United States, especially in light of recent tensions and controversy over claims of racial violence in South Africa, which saw Trump offer refuge to white farmers fleeing the country.
Despite disagreements during the meeting, particularly when Trump raised long-standing “white genocide” claims, Ramaphosa expressed satisfaction with the private discussions, calling the visit “a great success” in opening communication channels and advancing trade opportunities.
{{Trump’s message to Africa
}}
As Africa Day approaches on May 25, President Trump shared a broader message of peace and prosperity for the continent, stating that what he wants to see is peace across Africa.
“What I want is peace. I want to see happiness. I want to see health. You have an incredible land that has tremendous value—a lot of countries don’t have that,” he stated.
“We have settled a war that has been raging for years, Rwanda and the Congo, and I think we have done it.”
Among the envoys were Sylver Aboubakar Minko Mi Nseme of Gabon, Vu Thanh Huyen of Vietnam, Viacheslav Yatsiuk of Ukraine, and others representing Chad, South Sudan, Argentina, Somalia, Tanzania, Angola, Sudan, and Norway.
A particularly notable development is the appointment of Viacheslav Yatsiuk as Ukraine’s new ambassador to Rwanda. He replaces Andrii Pravednyk, who had served in the role from 2021 until February 2025.
This follows the recent opening of Ukraine’s first embassy in Kigali on April 18, 2024—an important milestone in the bilateral relationship.
The embassy is currently headed by a Chargé d’Affaires as preparations continue for Ambassador Yatsiuk to officially assume his duties.
Ambassador Yatsiuk spoke warmly of the commonalities between Ukraine and Rwanda, noting that although the two countries are separated by more than 6,000 kilometers, they share histories of resilience.
He emphasized Ukraine’s deep respect for Rwanda’s progress under President Kagame’s leadership and expressed hope for Rwanda’s support as Ukraine continues to defend its sovereignty amid ongoing conflict with Russia.
He also identified areas of potential collaboration, including agriculture, technology, fertilizer production, and broader economic development.
The new ambassador from Vietnam, Vu Thanh Huyen, will be based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, while overseeing Vietnam’s diplomatic interests in Rwanda.
Vietnam and Rwanda established formal relations in 1975, and the partnership has been strengthened over the years.
A milestone in this relationship came in 2008 when President Kagame visited Vietnam, resulting in cooperation agreements in agriculture, health, and education. Today, the two countries continue to work toward shared goals such as sustainable development and economic transparency.
One of the most symbolic moments of the day was the appointment of Dr. Sylver Aboubakar Minko Mi Nseme as Gabon’s first ambassador based in Kigali.
Although Gabon and Rwanda have had diplomatic relations since 1976, the position had remained vacant since 2016. Dr. Minko Mi Nseme’s appointment marks a renewed commitment to deepen ties, especially in education, culture, and trade.
He emphasized the importance of collaboration, noting that over 2,000 Gabonese students are currently studying in Rwanda.
Ambassador Dr. Habib Gallus Kambanga of Tanzania pledged to focus on enhancing cooperation and trade between the two neighboring nations. Similarly, Ilyas Ali Hassan of Somalia affirmed his intent to strengthen bilateral relations.
From Sudan, Ambassador Khalid Musa Dafalla expressed admiration for Rwanda’s achievements in peacebuilding and national reconciliation, highlighting opportunities for agricultural trade.
Paul Malong Akaro of South Sudan echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the appeal of Rwanda’s education sector, which continues to attract students from his country.
Chad’s Ambassador Abdelkerim Ahmadaye Bakhit, who last visited Rwanda five years ago, shared his appreciation for the development he witnessed upon his return.
He affirmed that Chad could draw valuable lessons from Rwanda’s progress, particularly in the area of education.
