Category: News

“An RSF force carried out a horrific massacre, executing 31 people from the Al-Salha area, including underage children, in the deadliest documented mass killing the area has ever witnessed,” the Sudanese Doctors Network, a volunteer group, said in a statement.

“We consider this mass execution a war crime and a crime against humanity. We call on the international community to act urgently to save the remaining civilians and to open safe corridors to allow them to leave Al-Salha, which is home to thousands of unarmed civilians,” it added.

Meanwhile, the Central Resistance Committees of Al-Salha, another volunteer group, also reported the killing, saying that the militia abducted unarmed civilians from the area and executed them.

“Available data suggests that the number of civilians killed exceeds 30,” the group noted.

The Emergency Lawyers Initiative, a third volunteer group, also condemned the killing, calling it “a brutal crime and a grave violation of all international conventions, amounting to war crimes and crimes against humanity.”

Videos shared by soldiers wearing RSF uniforms showed detainees sitting on the ground before being shot. In the footage, one soldier was heard saying, “We will leave no prisoners anymore.”

The RSF currently controls the Al-Salha area, situated in southern Omdurman, which has seen frequent clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF. The RSF has not yet responded to the allegations.

Sudan has been mired in conflict between the SAF and RSF since mid-April 2023, a war that has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths, with the exact toll unknown. The International Organization for Migration estimates that the conflict has displaced over 15 million people, both within Sudan and abroad.

Addressing a diverse audience of Rwandan compatriots, young people, friends of Rwanda, and diplomatic representatives, she reflected on the nation’s painful history and its remarkable recovery while sounding a warning about ongoing threats to peace.

The 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi remains one of the most harrowing chapters in modern history. In just 100 days, over one million Tutsi—men, women, children, and newborns—were systematically exterminated in a meticulously planned campaign.

Amb. Munyangaju emphasized that this was no spontaneous act but the culmination of decades of ethnic division, hateful ideologies, and discriminatory policies sown during colonial times and perpetuated by post-independence regimes. “It was one of the fastest and most brutal genocides,” she stated, carried out under the world’s gaze.

The theme of the commemoration, “Remember – Unite – Renew”—encapsulated Rwanda’s approach to healing and progress.

Remembering, Amb. Munyangaju stressed, is an act of truth and justice. It involves honoring the victims, acknowledging the devastation of entire families, and recognizing the courage of survivors whose resilience continues to inspire.

It also demands confronting the complicity of international actors whose inaction or support enabled the atrocities. “Remembering is rejecting forgetfulness, trivialization, and denial,” she declared.

Yet, the ambassador warned, the fight is far from over. Thirty-one years later, genocidal ideology persists, fueled by denialist networks and revisionist narratives often backed by international funding.

Groups like the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) remain active, tolerated, and even supported in some regions, notably by elements within the Congolese government.

“We cannot ignore the continued spread of genocidal ideology, nurtured by groups like the FDLR,” Amb. Munyangaju asserted, calling for unwavering vigilance and action to counter these threats.

Rwanda’s response to its tragic past has been nothing short of remarkable. Refusing to be defined by horror, the nation chose reconciliation over vengeance. Amb. Munyangaju saluted the survivors’ extraordinary strength, noting their ability to forgive and contribute to rebuilding a united Rwanda as a testament to shared humanity.

Under visionary leadership and with a forward-looking youth, Rwanda has transformed into a beacon of stability, social progress, and restored dignity. “We refused to be prisoners of the past,” she said, highlighting the collective commitment to coexistence and healing without erasing the scars.

The ambassador also underscored the role of the Rwandan diaspora, particularly young people, as guardians of memory and defenders of truth.

“You are the ambassadors of our history,” she told them, urging them to combat misinformation, support survivors, and uphold Rwanda’s values in their host countries.

To the friends of Rwanda present, she expressed profound gratitude for their solidarity, emphasizing that their fight against denial reinforces the global call of “Never Again.”

Looking forward, Munyangaju reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to preventing genocide worldwide and fostering peace within the international community.

The commemoration, she noted, is not only a moment of reflection but a call to action—a shared responsibility to build a future where justice, unity, and dignity prevail.

“This is our moral duty, our shared promise, and our common legacy,” she concluded.

Lawyer Richard Gisagara, who made a presentation on the journey to justice, emphasized that “justice was—and remains—the first condition for hope in peace” in rebuilding Rwanda after the tragedy.

He described the genocide as “a failure of Rwandan society, but also a failure of the international community,” where ordinary citizens massacred “men and women, the elderly and newborns alike” over 100 days.

Gisagara stressed that a society that does not punish such crimes risks perpetual violence, making justice essential to break the cycle of impunity and restore hope.

He urged Europe to treat the Genocide against the Tutsi with the same seriousness as the Holocaust, advocating for robust action to combat denial and protect societies from hatred, ensuring justice for victims and survivors.

karirima@igihe.com

Among those elevated in rank, twelve officers who previously held the rank of Chief Superintendent of Police were promoted to Assistant Commissioner of Police.

Notable among them are Athanase Nshuti, the former Deputy Regional Police Commander in the Southern Province, and Corneille Murigo, who once served as Deputy Head of the Anti-Smuggling and Organized Crime Unit.

In addition, twenty-four officers were promoted from Senior Superintendent of Police to Chief Superintendent of Police, while twenty officers holding the rank of Superintendent of Police were elevated to Senior Superintendent.

Sixty-three Chief Inspectors of Police were promoted to Superintendent, and 304 Inspectors were moved up to Chief Inspector.

Likewise, 4 officers who had been serving as Assistant Inspectors of Police also received the rank of Chief Inspector of Police. Furthermore, 560 Assistant Inspectors of Police were promoted to the rank of Inspector.

Beyond these, a significant number of junior officers—3,510 in total—were also promoted across various ranks within the force.

Alongside the promotions, the Rwanda National Police announced the retirement of 150 officers, including 45 junior officers and 105 non-commissioned officers. Seventeen officers were discharged due to health-related reasons, while four others were released from service for various other reasons.

These changes reflect ongoing efforts to strengthen the police force through recognition of service and the renewal of leadership at different levels.

Speaking at this year’s RSE listings forum under the theme “Scaling Your Business: A Forum for Investments and Growth, Leveraging the Power of Capital Markets,” stakeholders emphasized the pivotal role of capital markets in fostering business resilience and national economic transformation.

In his remarks, Pierre Celestin Rwabukumba, Chief Executive Officer of the RSE, highlighted the crucial place SMEs occupy in Rwanda’s economy and the pressing need for them to broaden their horizons beyond traditional financing models.

“Across Rwanda, SMEs are not just businesses. They are the backbone of our economy, creating jobs, serving local communities, and fueling innovation. But despite their importance, many SMEs still face a critical challenge of access to capital,” Rwabukumba said.

He noted that while personal savings, bank loans, and informal lending networks remain important, they are often inadequate for scaling businesses. Capital markets, he explained, offer SMEs access to long-term, sustainable funding as well as increased credibility and visibility.

“Listing your company on the Rwanda Stock Exchange can help you raise funds from both institutional and individual investors. It also opens the door to corporate bonds and treasury instruments that can attract large-scale capital,” he stated.

A central highlight of this year’s forum was the Capital Market Investment Clinic Program, designed to prepare companies for investor engagement. Through diagnostic assessments, targeted support, and guidance on corporate governance and transparency, the clinic connects SMEs to the broader capital market ecosystem.

“This is not just about raising money. It’s about preparing your business to grow with transparency, good governance, and strategic focus. The clinic helps SMEs become investor-ready, and that’s a game-changer,” Rwabukumba emphasized.

Representing the Capital Markets Authority, Dr. James Ndahiro praised the evolution of Rwanda’s capital markets and stressed the government’s commitment to maintaining a supportive but principled regulatory environment.

“We have carried out reforms to ensure that the business environment allows both small and big companies to operate. But we don’t compromise on governance. It is essential for investor trust, market stability, and long-term success,” he said.

Ndahiro acknowledged the challenges that many SMEs face in navigating the rigorous listing process but affirmed that CMA and its partners are dedicated to supporting issuers at every step.

“Yes, it can be difficult and costly but capital does not come on a slip of faith. You must demonstrate readiness, transparency, and accountability. Once that’s in place, the possibilities, both domestic and international, are immense,” he admitted.

Ndahiro emphasized that CMA’s role extends beyond regulation to active advisory support and market facilitation. “We support potential issuers in this journey. And our support is well aligned with the clinic. We ensure that price-sensitive information is disclosed, that governance standards are met, and that the market remains liquid and fair,” he said.

Adding a policy perspective, Herbert Asiimwe, Head of Financial sector Development at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MINECOFIN) called for broader participation in the capital markets ecosystem.

“We are committed to nurturing an enabling environment that supports long-term economic transformation, and capital markets are a crucial piece of that puzzle,” Asiimwe said.

“As we continue building this ecosystem, we urge more companies, especially those in high-growth sectors, to attend and actively engage in upcoming forums. The strength of our capital markets depends on the diversity and vibrancy of the businesses that participate in them.”

A key partner in Rwanda’s development, Charlotte Helminger, Chargée d’Affaires at the Embassy of Luxembourg, reaffirmed Luxembourg’s strong support in advancing financial inclusion and sustainable development.

She explained that the partnership with Rwanda is rooted in a shared vision one where inclusive, transparent, and well-regulated capital markets are at the heart of sustainable economic development.

“We believe that by supporting market infrastructure, investor education, and access to finance, we can empower more local businesses to grow and attract long-term investment. Rwanda has shown strong leadership in this area, and we’re proud to be part of its journey,” she said.

As Rwanda positions itself as a regional hub for innovation and investment, the future belongs to businesses that are transparent, strategically focused, and ready to leverage the power of capital markets.

Through initiatives like the investment clinic, Rwandan SMEs now have both the tools and the support they need to make that future a reality.

Despite US President Donald Trump also claiming the two sides were talking trade, China has definitely stated that there were “no economic and trade negotiations between China and the United States”.

Speaking on Thursday April 24, 2025, He Yadong, a Chinese commerce ministry spokesperson, said that the unilateral tariff measures were initiated by the US, they should be the first to de-escalate the trade war.

“If the US truly wants to solve the problem, it should completely cancel all unilateral tariff measures against China and find a way to resolve differences through equal dialogue,” he said.

However, US Treasury secretary Scott Bessent said this week that there would have to be a “de-escalation by both sides” due to the unsustainability of the trade war.

China has insisted its “door is open” to discussions, yet the first removal of tariffs must be made by the US. President Trump has attempted to reach out to negotiate a deal with President Xi Jinping, yet Beijing will not currently participate in what it deems as economic bullying.

Earlier this week, Trump was asked how soon he could reduce the levies imposed on China, to which he said: “That depends on them.”

The White House tariffs on China now amount to a staggering 145%. Trump’s office hiked the figure to 125% earlier this month which is added to the 20% fentanyl-related tariff already on China. In response, Beijing imposed a 125% retaliatory tariff on US goods.

Certain goods have been exempt from the sky-high levies including smartphones, semiconductors and electronics. Trump said the tariffs would reduce “substantially” with a deal being concluded “pretty quickly.”

However, Beijing vehemently denied these claims, saying reports of the two nations being near a deal were “fake news”.

“There have been no consultations or negotiations between China and the United States regarding tariffs, let alone reaching an agreement,” said foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun.

Kalinda and other parliamentary leaders, including Nelly Mutti of Zambia, Vital Kamerhe of the DRC, Carolina Cerqueira of Angola, and Amason Kingi of Kenya, gathered in Luanda for a summit focused on inclusive governance.

Following the meeting, they were received by AU President and Angolan Head of State João Lourenço, to whom they presented a report detailing the activities of armed groups in eastern DRC, the violence occurring there, and possible approaches to ending it.

According to the Office of the President of Angola, Nelly Mutti, who chairs the regional parliamentary leaders’ forum, explained that the report highlights effective strategies that could help resolve the crisis in eastern DRC and promote regional stability.

President Lourenço and Mutti emphasized the importance of African nations playing an active role in resolving the ongoing tensions between Rwanda and the DRC, which stem from insecurity in the country’s eastern region.