Speaking on Tuesday, April 28, during the Mining Investment Conference and Expo in Nairobi, the Kenyan Head of State said his comments were misrepresented and were never intended to demean any country.
“I was recorded when I was speaking to fellow citizens somewhere. It was supposed to be a private conversation, but someone decided that it should be public. But they also misrepresented the facts,” he said.
Ruto explained that his remarks were meant to highlight the proficiency of English across African countries, rather than compare or disparage nations.
“The facts are that I was talking about how we in Africa speak very good English. In fact, in some countries like Nigeria, if you don’t speak excellent English like the one we speak in Kenya, you may need a translator for you to understand the excellent English in Nigeria, so that was the comparison, but someone decided to take it out of context,” he said.
The President further expressed hope that the controversy would not affect relations between Kenya and Nigeria.
“My in-laws, I hope there will be no consequences for whatever was done,” he added, in reference to his family ties with Nigeria. Ruto’s daughter, June Ruto, is married to Nigerian national Alexander Ezenagu.
His clarification came moments after Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Henry Dele Alake, addressed the matter in a light-hearted intervention during the same conference, saying Nigerians had “mandated” him to affirm their command of English.
“The people of Nigeria have mandated me to inform you and assure you that Nigerians speak good English,” Alake said, drawing laughter from delegates.
President Ruto had earlier sparked controversy on Monday, April 23, while addressing Kenyans living in Italy, when he praised Kenya’s education system and English proficiency, contrasting it with Nigeria’s accent.
“Our education is good. Our English is good. We speak some of the best English in the world. If you listen to a Nigerian speaking, you don’t know what they are saying. You need a translator even when they are speaking English,” he said.
Both Kenya and Nigeria use English as an official language, though each country has developed distinct accents shaped by local languages and cultural influences. Online exchanges between citizens of the two countries are often marked by humour, rivalry, and national pride.
President Ruto explained that his remarks were meant to highlight the proficiency of English across African countries, rather than compare or disparage nations.
The visit, held on April 23, 2026, saw staff tour various sections of the memorial and receive a detailed briefing on how the Genocide was planned and executed. They were also taken through Rwanda’s post-genocide recovery journey.
The employees later laid wreaths at the burial site where more than 105,000 genocide victims are laid to rest.
The General Manager of Kigali Marriott Hotel and Four Points by Sheraton, Aditya Chacko, encouraged staff, particularly young employees, to uphold values of unity, resilience, and responsibility in their daily work.
“The attitude of Rwandans, your courage, and your ambitions all demonstrate that you have chosen not to be defined by a painful past. I wish you continued progress,” he said.
The Deputy Spokesperson of the Rwanda Defence Force, Lt Col Simon Kabera, emphasized the importance of educating young people about the history of the Genocide against the Tutsi and the ideology that led to it.
He urged them to actively counter genocide denial and distortion, particularly on social media platforms widely used by youth.
“Our young people should learn how the Genocide was planned and executed, understand the path it took, and remain vigilant against those who still promote genocidal ideology so that it never happens again,” he said.
He further noted that commemorating the Genocide against the Tutsi is not only a national responsibility but also a shared human duty.
Karambizi Oleg Olivier, an official from the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement responsible for strategies against genocide denial and revisionism, called on hotel staff to develop a deeper understanding of Rwanda’s history so they can accurately inform visitors.
He noted that, as hospitality workers engaging with many international guests, they have a responsibility not only to provide services but also to ensure visitors receive truthful accounts of Rwanda’s history, especially in cases where misinformation may exist.
Management of Kigali Marriott Hotel and Four Points by Sheraton Kigali reiterated their commitment to supporting Rwanda’s development agenda, including contributing to the country’s positioning as a leading tourism destination and supporting economic growth through job creation.
VIDEO: Staff from Kigali Marriott Hotel and Four Points by Sheraton Kigali recently visited the Nyanza Genocide Memorial as part of the 32nd commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Speaking during the visit, Aditya Chacko, CEO of Kigali Marriott Hotel, emphasised… pic.twitter.com/0uVOwJGX2t
Employees of Kigali Marriott Hotel and Four Points by Sheraton paid a visit to the Nyanza Genocide Memorial in Kicukiro District The staff toured various sections of the memorial and received a detailed briefing on how the Genocide was planned and executed. They were also taken through Rwanda’s post-genocide recovery journey.The management and staff of Kigali Marriott Hotel and Four Points by Sheraton paid tribute to the victims laid to rest at the memorial site.The General Manager of Kigali Marriott Hotel and Four Points by Sheraton, Aditya Chacko, encouraged staff, particularly young employees, to uphold values of unity, resilience, and responsibility in their daily work.The employees laid wreaths at the burial site where more than 105,000 genocide victims are laid to rest.
The RDB report published on Tuesday, April 28, indicates that the performance reflects resilient demand despite global uncertainties, supported by strong air travel activity and the continued diversification of tourism products.
Gorilla tourism remained the sector’s leading revenue contributor, increasing by 7 per cent to $248 million (Rwf 361.3 billion), further strengthening its position as Rwanda’s flagship high-value tourism product.
The visiting friends and relatives (VFR) segment recorded strong growth of 19 per cent, reaching $180 million (Rwf 262.2 billion), driven by increased regional travel and diaspora visits. Education-related travel also expanded by 17 per cent to $ 64 million (Rwf 93.2 billion), while business travel remained broadly stable at $112 million (Rwf 163.2 billion), the RDB report indicates.
Overall, tourism growth was largely underpinned by air travel revenues, which rose by 9 per cent to $594 million (Rwf 865.4 billion), reflecting improved connectivity and sustained international demand.
Visitor arrivals rise to 1.49 million
According to the RDB data, Rwanda welcomed 1.49 million visitors in 2025, up from 1.36 million in 2024, representing a 9 per cent increase in arrivals. The report attributes the growth mainly to air travel, with air arrivals rising by 23 per cent, while road arrivals increased by 5 per cent, highlighting Rwanda’s continued regional appeal.
Visitor inflows were led by East African Community (EAC) countries and the Democratic Republic of Congo, while arrivals from Europe, North America, Asia, and other African markets continued to expand. Business travel remained the largest segment of arrivals, alongside notable growth in health and education-related travel, reinforcing Rwanda’s positioning as a diversified, year-round destination.
National parks record growth and new attractions
RDB data shows that Rwanda’s national parks recorded 155,394 visits in 2025, a 3.2 per cent increase compared to 2024, supported by a 15 per cent rise in domestic visitation. Park revenues increased by 5.2 per cent to $40.8 million (Rwf 59.4 billion). Volcanoes National Park remained the leading revenue driver, generating $35.8 million (Rwf 52.2 billion), accounting for 87.7 per cent of total park revenues, the report states.
Nyungwe National Park recorded the fastest growth in visitation at 22.8 per cent, driven by new tourism products including a zipline and rope course, which attracted over 6,000 visitors within six months of launch, according to RDB.
Akagera National Park experienced a moderation in visitation following strong previous performance but continued to play a key role in Rwanda’s conservation and wildlife tourism offering, according to RDB.
Domestic tourism continues to expand
The new report indicates that domestic tourism revenues increased by 3.5 per cent to $821,093 (Rwf 1.2 billion) in 2025, while domestic park visits rose by 8.1 per cent to 59,270. Akagera National Park led domestic visitation with 32,932 visitors, followed by Nyungwe with 18,515 and Volcanoes National Park with 7,699 visitors. Gishwati–Mukura National Park continued to serve a niche domestic market.
On the revenue side, Volcanoes National Park generated the highest domestic tourism income at $306,263 (Rwf 446.2 million), followed by Akagera with $278,325 (Rwf 405.5 million) and Nyungwe with $234,337 (Rwf 341.4 million).
Rwanda also expanded its tourism offering through new investments, including Bisate Reserve in Volcanoes National Park, Magashi Peninsula in Akagera, and Munazi Eco Lodge in Nyungwe. Kigali’s hospitality sector also grew with new high-end hotels such as Mövenpick Hotel Kigali, The Pinnacle Kigali, and Zaria Court Kigali.
Tourists visit Akagera National Park. Rwanda’s tourism sector recorded steady growth in 2025, generating $685 million (about Rwf 997.9 billion) in revenue, a 6 per cent increase compared to 2024.Gorilla tourism remained the sector’s leading revenue contributor, increasing by 7 per cent to $248 million (Rwf 361.3 billion), further strengthening its position as Rwanda’s flagship high-value tourism product.
The report, published on Tuesday, shows a significant increase from 612 projects recorded in 2024, with the new investments expected to generate more than 38,000 jobs. Real estate, manufacturing and mining accounted for the largest share of the registered investments, underlining continued investor confidence in Rwanda’s economic outlook.
Foreign private capital performance also remained strong. According to the 2025 Foreign Private Capital survey, Foreign Direct Investment inflows rose to $872.9 million (Rwf 1.27 trillion) in 2024, marking a 21.8 percent increase from $716.5 million (Rwf 1.04 trillion) recorded in 2023.
RDB said the combined performance demonstrates sustained confidence in Rwanda’s policy environment and its ability to support investors beyond promotion through implementation and service delivery.
Tourism remained one of the country’s strongest-performing sectors, with revenues reaching $685 million (Rwf 997.9 billion) in 2025, up from $647 million (Rwf 942.6 billion) in 2024, representing a 6 percent year-on-year increase.
Visitor arrivals also rose by 9 percent to 1.49 million, supported by Rwanda’s flagship gorilla trekking experiences and expanded tourism offerings across the country’s national parks.
The Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) segment generated $94.7 million (Rwf 137.9 billion), up from $84.8 million (Rwf 123.5 billion) in 2024, reflecting an 11 percent increase. The growth was driven by 165 international and regional events hosted in Rwanda during the year.
Among the major events were the UCI Road World Championships held in September, the first time the global cycling championship was hosted in Africa, alongside Move Afrika Kigali featuring John Legend, the Mobile World Congress, and Season 5 of the Basketball Africa League.
RDB said these events played a major role in boosting visitor arrivals, raising Rwanda’s international profile, and strengthening the country’s MICE ecosystem.
Rwanda’s export sector also remained resilient, with total export receipts reaching $3.6 billion, supported by steady performance in mining, agriculture and horticulture. Services exports increased by 2.7 percent year-on-year, while air cargo volumes rose by 2.4 percent to 6,257 tonnes from 6,113 tonnes in 2024.
The country also continued to leverage global sports partnerships under the Visit Rwanda campaign to strengthen international visibility and attract high-value tourism and investment.
In 2025, Rwanda renewed its partnership with Paris Saint-Germain until 2028 and signed a new three-year deal with Atlético de Madrid running through 2028.
It also expanded long-term sponsorship agreements with the Los Angeles Clippers and the Los Angeles Rams, both extending through 2030.
These partnerships are expected to increase Rwanda’s global exposure, attract more high-value visitors and investors, and support further growth in tourism and the MICE segment.
The report also highlighted Rwanda’s strong performance in global rankings, including the World Bank B-READY Report, where the country achieved Africa’s highest score on regulatory framework performance.
Rwanda also maintained its position as one of Sub-Saharan Africa’s top performers in the World Justice Project Rule of Law Index.
To improve the business environment, RDB said it continued expanding the One Stop Centre and digitising services through a unified platform expected to provide more efficient and transparent access to over 400 services delivered by more than 20 institutions.
A real-time performance monitoring system was also introduced to improve service delivery in areas such as business registration and investment facilitation.
Additionally, Rwanda established the National Lottery and Gambling Commission under RDB’s mandate to regulate the gambling sector and strengthen governance, compliance and oversight.
Commenting on the results, RDB Chief Executive Officer Jean-Guy Afrika said the performance reflects continued progress in supporting Rwanda’s economic fundamentals.
“The 2025 performance reflects continued progress in supporting Rwanda’s economic fundamentals and delivering on our priorities across investment, exports, tourism and service delivery. We remain focused on building a predictable and competitive environment that enables private sector growth and long-term development,” he said.
RDB said it will continue implementing the Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) and its 2025–2030 strategy, with a focus on expanding investment, strengthening exports, promoting high-value tourism and advancing innovation.
Rwanda registered $2.62 billion (approximately Rwf 3.8 trillion) in investments across 799 projects in 2025, reflecting stronger economic momentum driven by growth in investment, tourism, exports and business reforms, according to the latest annual report released by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).
The Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, has expressed deep concern over a rise in xenophobic violence in South Africa, warning that attacks against migrants threaten the country’s democratic values and social cohesion.
In a statement delivered by spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric to mark Freedom Day on Monday, April 27, the UN chief extended congratulations to South Africans while also condemning reports of harassment, intimidation and violence targeting foreign nationals.
The attacks, reported in provinces including KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape, were described as criminal acts driven by individuals exploiting socio-economic tensions. The Secretary-General stressed that “violence, vigilantism and all forms of incitement to hatred have no place” in a democratic society governed by the rule of law.
While acknowledging the significance of Freedom Day, which commemorates the end of apartheid, the UN chief underscored that South Africa’s liberation struggle was built on solidarity across Africa and the wider international community. He noted that the country’s development has long depended on the contributions of both citizens and migrants.
The statement comes amid growing concern within the UN over what experts describe as a troubling escalation of xenophobia. Reports indicate that anti-migrant rhetoric has increasingly featured in political discourse, with some actors blaming foreign nationals for unemployment and poor public services.
UN officials have also warned that xenophobia in South Africa is becoming more entrenched. Beyond sporadic mob violence, there are signs of institutionalised discrimination, including inflammatory remarks by some public officials and the emergence of vigilante-style groups targeting migrant communities and businesses.
A key concern highlighted by the UN is the lack of accountability for such violence. Few perpetrators of past attacks have been successfully prosecuted, contributing to what observers describe as a culture of impunity. High-profile cases, including the killing of migrant workers in recent years, continue to underscore gaps in justice and enforcement.
The Secretary-General welcomed statements by South African authorities affirming that no individual or group has the right to enforce the law independently, and that those responsible for crimes will be investigated. He emphasised that such investigations must be “prompt, thorough, independent and impartial.”
Recognising the broader socio-economic challenges facing the country, the UN chief stressed that responses must remain lawful and non-discriminatory, while upholding human rights and dignity for all. He also welcomed government efforts to address systemic issues, including anti-corruption measures in immigration systems and the implementation of a national action plan against racism and xenophobia.
“The United Nations stands ready to continue engaging in efforts to de-escalate tensions, counter incitement, protect those at risk, and strengthen social cohesion,” the statement read in part, adding: “The Secretary-General underscores that sustained community engagement, respect for human rights, responsible leadership, and accountability are essential to prevent further violence and to preserve peace and stability.”
The Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, has expressed deep concern over a rise in xenophobic violence in South Africa, warning that attacks against migrants threaten the country’s democratic values and social cohesion.
The newly approved medicine, artemether-lumefantrine, is tailored for babies weighing between two and five kilograms. Previously, infants diagnosed with malaria were typically treated with drugs formulated for older children, creating challenges in achieving accurate dosing and increasing the risk of side effects.
WHO’s approval, announced on April 24, confirms that the treatment meets international standards for safety and effectiveness. The decision also clears the way for governments and health agencies to procure and distribute the drug more widely, potentially improving access to life-saving care.
Health experts say the move could help close a long-standing treatment gap, particularly in Africa, where an estimated 30 million babies are born each year in malaria-endemic regions.
Speaking on the development, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said recent advances are helping to shift the trajectory of the global malaria fight. He highlighted progress in vaccines, diagnostics, mosquito control tools and medicines, including those adapted for the youngest patients.
“For centuries, malaria has stolen children from their parents, and health, wealth and hope from communities,” he said. “But today, the story is changing. New vaccines, diagnostic tests, next-generation mosquito nets and effective medicines are helping to turn the tide.”
In addition to the new treatment, WHO has approved three rapid diagnostic tests aimed at improving malaria detection. Many existing tests identify a protein known as HRP2, but some malaria parasites have evolved to stop producing it, making infections harder to detect.
This challenge has been reported in parts of eastern Africa, including Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea and Djibouti, where gaps in diagnosis have led to missed cases. The newly approved tests target a different protein, pf-LDH, which is less prone to change.
Public health experts believe this will significantly improve diagnostic accuracy in regions where current testing methods are failing. WHO recommends that countries switch to the new tests if more than five percent of malaria cases go undetected.
In Rwanda, the arrival of infant-specific treatments coincides with a period of intensified surveillance. According to recent data from the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), malaria incidence in the country rose to 76 cases per 1,000 people in the 2024/25 fiscal year, up from 45 the previous year. Total malaria cases reached 1,131,314 during that peak, though early 2026 reports show a promising dip toward 928,000 cases.
Despite these advances, malaria remains a major global health challenge. According to WHO’s latest World Malaria Report, there were approximately 282 million cases and 610,000 deaths in 2024, an increase of about 9 million cases compared to the previous year.
While some countries have made notable progress in reducing or eliminating the disease, efforts have slowed in many regions due to factors such as drug and insecticide resistance, weak diagnostic systems and declining funding.
The approval of a newborn-specific treatment is seen as a critical step in addressing these challenges and strengthening the global response to malaria, particularly among those most at risk.
The newly approved medicine, artemether-lumefantrine, is tailored for babies weighing between two and five kilograms. Previously, infants diagnosed with malaria were typically treated with drugs formulated for older children, creating challenges in achieving accurate dosing and increasing the risk of side effects.
On Monday, Allen made his first court appearance at the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia since the shooting.
He was charged with three criminal counts, namely, attempting to assassinate the president, interstate transportation of weapons, and discharge of a firearm during a violent crime.
The prosecutor said Allen had a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun and a .38 caliber pistol, and was also carrying with him three knives and other dangerous paraphernalia when he was arrested, CNBC reported.
According to law enforcement authorities, Allen, 31, traveled from California to Washington, D.C. by train and checked into the Washington Hilton hotel with weapons before the attack.
Allen reportedly sent an email to his relatives shortly before the shooting, in which he wrote that Trump administration officials were “targets, prioritized from highest-ranking to lowest.”
He also wrote: “I walk in with multiple weapons and not a single person there considers the possibility that I could be a threat.”
Live footage of the event showed that the suspect attempted to rush a security checkpoint and exchanged gunfire with law enforcement. A U.S. Secret Service officer was injured amid the shooting incident.
Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and all Cabinet members were evacuated from the dinner after the shooting. Attendees were seen on the live broadcast ducking around their tables and taking cover.
Shortly after the security incident, U.S. Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi wrote on X that the agency was investigating “a shooting incident near the main magnetometer screening area” at the dinner, in coordination with the Metropolitan Police Department.
Political violence has been frequent in the U.S. in recent years. Trump has been the target of multiple assassination attempts and death threats during his presidential campaign and as president. The most prominent example is the July 2024 assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, in which Trump narrowly survived while campaigning for president.
Media crews are positioned near the entrance to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia in Washington, D.C., the United States, April 27, 2026. A court security officer stands guard at the entrance to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia in Washington, D.C., the United States, April 27, 2026.Servicemen and a servicewoman enter the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia in Washington, D.C., the United States, April 27, 2026. Media crews are positioned near the entrance to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia in Washington, D.C., the United States, April 27, 2026. Media crews are positioned near the entrance to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia in Washington, D.C., the United States, April 27, 2026.
The EU continues its attempts to pressure Russia by scaling up unilateral restrictive measures, the ministry said in a statement, adding that Brussels’ destructive actions grossly violate the norms of international law.
“We have also imposed restrictive measures against civil society activists and academics in European countries who hold hostile positions toward Russia, as well as members of national parliaments of EU member states and the European Parliament who voted in favor of anti-Russian resolutions and bills,” said the statement.
Russia has also barred entry to representatives of European institutions and EU member states involved in decisions on providing military aid to Ukraine, it added.
European Council President Antonio Costa said on Thursday that the EU has approved a 90-billion-euro (105 billion U.S. dollars) loan package for Ukraine, along with a 20th round of sanctions against Russia.
Moscow has largely expanded the blacklist of European Union (EU) officials banned from entering Russia in response to Brussels’ 20th sanctions package against Moscow, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Monday.
The Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA) has sanctioned internet service provider GVA Rwanda Ltd, commonly known as CanalBox, following days of widespread service disruptions that affected customers across Rwanda.
In a statement issued on Monday, April 27, RURA said the company had been penalised under Article 269 of Law No. 24/2016 for continued non-compliance with service standards. The regulator ordered CanalBox to compensate all customers affected between April 13 and April 20, 2026, and to pay daily penalties until it fully restores stable service.
Additionally, the company has been instructed to submit regular progress reports within prescribed timelines. RURA emphasised that it will closely monitor the operator’s compliance, warning that failure to meet requirements could lead to further regulatory action.
“GVA has committed to compliance, and RURA will continue to closely monitor progress to ensure full service stability. Failure to comply will result in further regulatory action,” RURA announced.
The sanctions follow earlier enforcement steps taken by the regulator. On April 21, RURA summoned CanalBox management after receiving numerous complaints about poor internet connectivity. The company was invited to a formal hearing to explain the disruptions and outline corrective measures.
The disruptions were initially linked to a major fiber optic fault with their international provider overseas, which impacted stability and speeds across their network.
The Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA) has sanctioned internet service provider GVA Rwanda Ltd, commonly known as CanalBox, following days of widespread service disruptions that affected customers across Rwanda.
Kaniki made the appeal amid what he described as continued inaction by the international community in response to ongoing attacks carried out by coalition forces of the Congolese government in areas inhabited by, or hosting displaced Banyamulenge populations in South Kivu Province, particularly in Minembwe.
He noted that the United States places strong constitutional emphasis on the protection of fundamental human rights and that this principle obliges it to oppose any government actions that violate them.
According to Kaniki, these principles are not limited to domestic application but also inform U.S. foreign policy and international engagements.
He further argued that recent mineral extraction agreements signed between the United States and the DRC in December 2025 risk sidelining broader human rights considerations in favour of strategic and economic interests.
Kaniki added that what distinguishes the United States on the global stage is its historical commitment to defending human rights in situations of crisis, urging Washington to reassess its position regarding the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC.
“It is time for the United States to reconsider the side it has taken in the war in the DRC, based on the values that form the backbone of the United States as a nation,” he said.
On April 20, 2026, members of the Banyamulenge diaspora in the United States staged a demonstration in Washington, D.C., calling on the international community to break its silence as reports continue of killings targeting their relatives in their homes and displacement sites.
The protest followed a prolonged period of advocacy by human rights organisations, including MPA (Mahoro Peace Foundation) and MRDP-Twirwaneho, which say they have repeatedly raised concerns without prompting significant international intervention.
The deputy coordinator of the AFC/M23 coalition in charge of economic and financial affairs, and leader of the MRDP-Twirwaneho movement, Freddy Kaniki Rukema, has called on the United States to place greater emphasis on the protection of human rights in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
