Category: News

According to recent data from the Rwandan Prosecutor General’s Office, over 1,100 people are still wanted for their roles in the Genocide against the Tutsi. Many of them have found refuge in different countries in the region and Europe.

Among them are former businessmen, leaders, and individuals who studied in these countries. Many of them continue to instill hatred and genocide ideology in their children, even in the countries they sought refuge in.

Denial and trivialization of the Genocide against the Tutsi is predominantly led by the children of those directly or indirectly involved in the Genocide, such as members of Jambo ASL, and individuals who support their ideology, including Filip Reyntjens, Pierre Pean, Robin Philpot, Bernard Lugan, Serge Desouter, Madeleine Raffin, Luc De Temmermann, Peter Erlinder, Peter Verlinden, Judi Rever, Charles Onana, and others.

The IBUKA-Europe meeting held on November 1-2, 2025, discussed topics such as combating the increasing genocide ideology, ways to fight it, justice, educating young people about history, and more.

Currently, IBUKA has branches in Belgium, Switzerland, France, the Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland.

In an interview with IGIHE, the President of IBUKA in Italy, who also leads IBUKA-Europe, Honorine Mujyambere, explained that they have plans to fight genocide ideology, including delivering talks and testimonies that clearly explain Rwanda’s history, focusing on the youth to prevent any misleading narratives.

“We continue to strengthen our efforts in combating genocide denial, we collaborate more, and we also expand our activities. Being able to reach many people and present the truth about the Genocide against the Tutsi, especially using technology, is another tool in fighting those who deny or distort the Genocide.”

Mujyambere emphasized that all of their activities are closely tied to the youth, as they are the strength of the future and make extensive use of social media. They educate them about history to ensure they play a part in confronting genocide deniers hiding behind social media platforms.

She stated that the only effective tool to eliminate genocide ideology among the youth, especially those from genocidaires’ families, is to educate them and show them the crimes committed by their parents and the severity of those crimes.

She continued, “We show them the crimes their parents committed in Rwanda. Many of them have been convicted by the Gacaca courts or other international criminal courts.”

She added, “In all the countries where IBUKA operates, we have long taken measures to encourage the youth to participate in activities to remember the Genocide, and this is part of what we have discussed, and it is already being done and yielding results.”

Mujyambere explained that their efforts go beyond just awareness campaigns; they also go into schools to teach the history of the Genocide, with some schools beginning to implement these lessons.

She said, “Through delivering talks at universities and higher learning institutions, we now have students writing their final theses about the Genocide. They come to us looking for information. All of this is the result of IBUKA’s discussions in schools.”

{{Europe’s weak commitment to fighting genocide denial}}

In 2015, a British court ruled that five Rwandans charged with involvement in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi would not be sent back to Rwanda for trial.

The court argued that these individuals could not receive fair justice in Rwanda. The individuals involved were Vincent Bajinya, Celestin Ugirashebuja, Charles Munyaneza, Emmanuel Nteziryayo, and Celestin Mutabaruka.

Mujyambere highlighted that the lack of political will is one of the challenges they face in combating genocide denial.

She continued, “These European countries mistakenly believe that Rwanda does not offer human rights protections, which is why they are hesitant to send genocide suspects to Rwanda. In some instances, they even apply minimal effort in following up on these cases, but we will not give up; we will continue to fight.”

However, she noted that some countries, like France, have started to make significant strides in tackling genocide crimes. Recently, France confirmed the involvement of Munyemana Sosthène in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and sentenced him to 24 years in prison.

IBUKA President in Rwanda Dr. Philbert Gakwenzire also highlighted that genocide ideology remains a serious issue in Europe. They work together with IBUKA branches globally to share information, especially since much of the evidence is stored in Rwanda.

He said, “When it comes to fighting genocide ideology, we collaborate with IBUKA branches in various countries. Witnesses, memorial sites, and physical evidence of the Genocide are based in Rwanda. What we do is work with our colleagues representing IBUKA in the diaspora to send them the necessary information.”

He further stated that all countries still harboring genocide suspects should strengthen their efforts to prosecute them so that justice can be served to the victims.

He added, “Although genocide crimes do not expire, the perpetrators age, and the victims also grow older. It is truly tragic that victims of the Genocide may pass away without ever seeing justice done.”

Yoon, who was impeached and removed from office after declaring martial law on December 3, 2024, is currently on trial for several charges, including leading a rebellion.

His successor, President Lee Jae Myung, has approved investigations into Yoon’s martial law actions and other alleged criminal activities involving Yoon’s administration and family.

The charges stem from alleged drone flights that occurred months before martial law was declared. South Korean prosecutors claim that Yoon and his defense officials intentionally heightened the risk of conflict with North Korea.

These flights allegedly involved dropping propaganda leaflets over Pyongyang, a move that North Korea criticized and which South Korea initially denied, later offering no confirmation.

Yoon had cited threats from North Korea in justifying his martial law declaration, but his real motivation appeared to be a conflict with the liberal-led parliament.

According to AP, investigators now allege that the drone flights were part of a strategy to create a pretext for emergency measures.

Yoon, along with two key defense officials, is charged with abuse of power and jeopardizing military security, but his defense has denied his involvement in the drone operation.

In January, state prosecutors indicted Yoon for allegedly directing a rebellion. It’s a grave charge whose conviction only carries the sentence capital punishment or life imprisonment.

The resignations came ahead of the BBC’s expected apology over the controversy on Monday.

“I wanted to let you know that I have decided to leave the BBC after 20 years,” Davie said in his resignation statement, adding that “there have been some mistakes made and as director-general I have to take ultimate responsibility.”

The controversy centered on the Panorama documentary “Trump: A Second Chance?” aired last year. The program was criticized for splicing together clips of Trump’s speech on Jan. 6, 2021 in a way that allegedly gave the misleading impression that he urged his supporters to march to the U.S. Capitol and “fight like hell.”

The Telegraph reported on Nov. 3 that a leaked internal BBC memo by Michael Prescott, a former independent external adviser to the broadcaster’s editorial standards committee, flagged the issue.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said Sunday that there were a series of “very serious allegations” that had been made about the BBC, “the most serious of which is that there is systemic bias in the way that difficult issues are reported at the BBC.”

“I’ve spoken to the chair (of the BBC) this week, I am confident that he is treating this with the seriousness that this demands,” she said when appearing on a BBC current affairs program.

Since the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) mandated flight reduction policy took effect on Friday, the number of canceled flights surged from 202 on Thursday to 1,025 on Friday, and further to 1,566 on Saturday.

The number of air traffic controllers taking leave has risen since the shutdown began on Oct. 1, forcing many others to work overtime.

The U.S. Department of Transportation and the FAA recently announced a 10 percent capacity reduction at 40 major airports across the country starting Friday, aiming to ease staffing pressures and reduce airspace safety risks.

“It’s only going to get worse,” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy told CNN on Sunday. “I look to the two weeks before Thanksgiving. You’re going to see air travel be reduced to a trickle.”

On the same day, National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett told CBS that if people are not traveling during Thanksgiving, “we really could be looking at a negative quarter for the fourth quarter.”

In a statement, the ministry said Russian tactical aviation, strike drones, missile troops, and artillery units from the Russian Armed Forces have hit targets in 143 areas.

These include energy facilities supporting Ukraine’s military-industrial complex, transport infrastructure used by Ukrainian troops, as well as temporary deployment sites of Ukrainian armed formations and foreign mercenaries.

Additionally, the ministry said that over the past 24 hours, Russian air defense forces shot down one Neptune long-range cruise missile, seven U.S.-made HIMARS rockets and 247 Ukrainian drones.

According to the ministry, a total of 95,801 Ukrainian drones have been destroyed since the start of its special military operation.

The findings, released by the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement (MINUBUMWE) during the 18th Unity Club Intwararumuri Annual Forum on Saturday, November 8, indicate a 13-percentage-point increase since the first barometer was introduced in 2010.

According to Minister Jean Damascène Bizimana, the steady upward trend reflects Rwanda’s resilience and the effectiveness of policies promoting social harmony.

“The current level of unity and reconciliation in Rwanda is commendable,” he said, noting that the index has improved from 82.3 percent in 2010 to 92.5 percent in 2015, and now 95.3 percent in 2025.

{{New focus on resilience
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This year’s edition of the barometer, which surveyed 12,300 respondents from across the country, introduced resilience as a key pillar alongside unity and reconciliation.

Minister Bizimana explained that resilience strengthens the other two pillars by equipping Rwandans to overcome challenges that threaten national cohesion, including the persistence of genocide ideology, negative social influences, and the erosion of cultural values.

The report attributes the strong performance to continued efforts through initiatives such as Ndi Umunyarwanda, civic education programs, and community dialogues that encourage reflection on shared history and identity.

{{How Rwandans view unity and reconciliation
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The study found that Rwandans continue to demonstrate a strong sense of belonging and mutual trust. Unity was rated at 95.6 percent, reconciliation at 95 percent, while heroism and patriotism reached 98.7 percent. Respect for Rwandan traditions and beliefs scored 97.9 percent, social cohesion stood at 98.5 percent, and equal rights for all citizens were rated at 92 percent.

Respondents also emphasized the importance of commemorating the genocide against the Tutsi, which scored 99 percent in its contribution to reconciliation, while shared ancestry and collective identity scored 96.8 percent.

Overall, the findings depict a society that has not only healed but continues to build stronger foundations for peaceful coexistence.

{{Challenges that persist
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Despite these positive results, the report identifies several areas that require further attention. About 23 percent of respondents said genocide ideology remains present in their communities, while 38 percent observed that some individuals still hold discriminatory or ethnic-based attitudes.

Additionally, 45 percent of respondents believe that emotional wounds from the genocide have yet to fully heal, particularly among survivors and younger generations.

Minister Bizimana warned of the growing influence of certain social media platforms that spread misinformation and attempt to distort Rwanda’s history.

“Platforms operating from outside Rwanda continue to twist facts and undermine the country’s unity and progress,” he said.

To build on the progress made, the barometer outlines several actions to further reinforce national cohesion. It calls for greater emphasis on teaching Rwandan language, history, and culture as central elements of identity, while also encouraging youth participation in initiatives that promote unity at family, community, and workplace levels.

The report further recommends investment in inclusive local dialogues to foster open discussions about Rwanda’s history and promote truth-telling and reconciliation.

Bizimana said the progress made so far demonstrates the effectiveness of deliberate government policies that promote equality, justice, and social inclusion.

“The progress we see today is the result of sustained effort,” he noted. “But we must continue ensuring that no remnants of division or discrimination are allowed to take root again.”

Founded by First Lady Jeannette Kagame, the Unity Club Intwararumuri brings together current and former government leaders and their spouses to champion unity, peace, and sustainable development. The organisation has played a key role in fostering dialogue and advancing reconciliation since its creation.

Speaking in an interview with Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC) on November 8, 2025, President Museveni said the two Kenyans had entered the country in September, claiming to be “protest experts” supporting Bobi Wine’s campaign.

“In Uganda, we have very good intelligence,” Museveni said. “We arrested two Kenyans, though I don’t recall their names, who were working with Kyagulanyi’s group. They had presented themselves as experts in riots.”

The two men, identified as Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo, were reportedly arrested on October 1 in Kira, Wakiso District, by men in military uniform. They were held for over a month before being released and handed over to Kenyan authorities at the Busia border crossing on October 7, following diplomatic engagement between Nairobi and Kampala.

Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary, Korir Sing’Oei, confirmed that the activists had been handed over to the Kenyan High Commission in Uganda before returning home.

Their detention had drawn public concern after both the Ugandan police and military denied knowledge of their whereabouts, even as witnesses claimed they had been taken by armed security personnel.

Following their release, the two Kenyans alleged they were held at the Kasenyi Military Barracks in Entebbe and subjected to harsh conditions, including prolonged hunger.

President Museveni defended the actions of his security agencies, saying the arrests were based on intelligence reports linking the individuals to activities that could incite unrest. “We monitor all groups working to disrupt peace in our country,” he said.

Uganda is set to hold its next presidential elections on January 15, 2026.

Museveni: “Here we have got very good intelligence. We arrested 2 Kenyans who were working with Kyagulanyi’s group that they are experts in riots.” pic.twitter.com/u1VftZ76SL

— UBC UGANDA (@ubctvuganda) November 8, 2025

The announcement, made recently, places the company among 33 pioneering organizations and schools selected from submissions across 173 countries, recognizing their innovative approach to solving one of Africa’s most urgent challenges: access to safe drinking water.

Founded in 2017, IRIBA Water Group has emerged as a leader in developing solar-powered smart water ATMs equipped with UV and RO purification systems, mobile payment options, and digital monitoring.

The enterprise’s innovative model has already reached over 517,000 people through 203 water ATMs, transforming the health and well-being of vulnerable communities while creating 194 jobs across Rwanda.

“At IRIBA, we believe no one should suffer or die due to the lack of something as basic and essential as safe drinking water. Our mission is to ensure safe water for all, transforming health outcomes and building resilient communities across Africa,” says the management of IRIBA Water Group, highlighting that access to clean water is a fundamental human right.

The company’s holistic approach goes beyond technology. IRIBA Water Group actively engages communities through educational initiatives, reaching over 2.8 million people with vital WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) practices, and empowers women and youth through its franchise model, creating sustainable economic opportunities that extend beyond water access.

With water scarcity affecting millions across Africa – where 700 million people lack access to safe drinking water, and 80% of illnesses are linked to poor water and sanitation conditions- IRIBA Water Group’s solutions are both timely and impactful, driving positive change where it is needed the most.

The company’s model combines innovation, sustainability, empowerment, integrity, and measurable impact, ensuring that every initiative not only improves access to water but also contributes to socio-economic development across Africa.

The Zayed Sustainability Prize, the UAE’s pioneering award recognizing excellence in sustainability, celebrates innovative solutions to global challenges.

This year’s finalists, including IRIBA Water Group, represent inclusive, tech-enabled, and locally adapted solutions tackling urgent issues such as clean energy, safe water, nutritious food, quality healthcare, and climate resilience.

The Prize’s global impact has already touched over 400 million lives, demonstrating the power of innovation to transform communities and shape a sustainable future.

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE, believed that sustainable progress begins with empowering people and meeting their most fundamental needs.

His vision of inclusive, people-centered development continues to inspire the Zayed Sustainability Prize – and is vividly reflected in their selection of finalists.

In many ways, IRIBA embodies the principles Sheikh Zayed championed: innovation with purpose, sustainability anchored in community well-being, and development that leaves no one behind.

By merging solar technology, digital monitoring, and community-driven entrepreneurship, IRIBA turns water access into a catalyst for social and economic transformation. Each smart water ATM not only delivers clean, affordable water but also supports local jobs, women-led franchises, and healthier communities.

IRIBA’s approach demonstrates that sustainable development is not just about technology – it is about dignity, opportunity, and inclusion. In translating innovation into impact by creating practical, scalable solutions that drive positive change, while inspiring others across Africa to reimagine what sustainable progress can look like.

The winners of the Zayed Sustainability Prize 2026 will be announced in January 2026, during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.

Whether or not it takes home the top honour, IRIBA Water Group’s work stands as proof that homegrown African innovation can drive global impact, delivering safe water, dignity, and opportunity, one drop at a time.