The year-on-year increase is a result of the identification of additional assets that were subsequently frozen, local media Swissinfo cited the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) as saying.
In addition, 14 real estate assets of individuals, companies or entities targeted by the European Union’s (EU) sanctions against Russia have been taken over by Switzerland.
According to the SECO, the Swiss authority has expanded its list of sanctions against Russia as it adopts the additional measures decided by the EU against Russia.
On Feb. 24, the EU adopted further measures against Russia as part of its 16th package of sanctions, which includes measures in the areas of goods, finance and services. (1 Swiss franc = 1.13 U.S. dollar)
The program, designed to bolster youth capabilities, combined cutting-edge AI education with peace leadership training, equipping participants with tools to foster community development and promote peace.
IPYG, a global youth organization active in 128 countries, launched the YEPC in 2020. Since then, it has engaged over 3,000 participants from approximately 60 nations, offering annual peace education on topics relevant to youth.
This year’s sessions, held in March, included an AI Practical Training on March 15, where participants explored the significance of artificial intelligence and learned to use tools like ChatGPT in various fields.
A week later, on March 22, the Youth Leadership Training highlighted historical youth-led peace movements, emphasizing the pivotal role young people have played in social transformation and peacebuilding.
Rwandan youth were among those who benefited from these initiatives, joining peers from South Sudan, Timor-Leste, and beyond in gaining skills to become future “peace leaders.”
The program aims to inspire sustainable progress in their regions, with participants encouraged to extend their learning through educational outreach and peace campaigns that ripple from local communities to a global stage.
The YEPC aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal of Quality Education and supports UNESCO’s lifelong learning objectives, offering valuable opportunities to youth worldwide.
Stories of young leaders who sparked change during times of war and conflict were shared during the training, underscoring their contributions to civil rights and democratization movements.
A key influence in the program was Chairman Lee of HWPL, IPYG’s partner organization, whose belief that “the voice of one person who has experienced war can change the world” left a lasting impression. His wartime experiences reinforced the urgency of peace, a message that resonated with attendees.
Kuir Michael Riak, a participant from South Sudan and National Coordinator of South Sudan Students for Liberty, praised the training’s impact.
“Attending the YEPC has been an incredibly enriching experience,” he said.
“The peace leadership session directly addressed the challenges faced by my community. It reinforced the crucial role of youth networks in uniting citizens for grassroots peace initiatives and inspired me to drive meaningful change.”
For Rwandan youth and others, the program shifted perspectives, positioning them as active agents of peacebuilding rather than passive societal members.
With the mantra “the future of peace starts with today’s youth” echoing throughout, IPYG’s efforts are planting seeds for a more peaceful world, one empowered young leader at a time.
The 62-year-old was arrested at the Kayonza Bus Terminal in the Eastern Province and taken into custody by officers from the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) on March 19, 2025.
During the genocide, he served as the president of the CDR party in Kabuga, which is now located in Gasabo District, Rusororo Sector, Kabuga I Cell, Kabeza Village.
Reports indicate that a roadblock in front of Safari’s home was a site where numerous Tutsi were killed.
In 2018, authorities conducting searches for genocide victims’ remains discovered mass graves beneath Safari’s properties and in surrounding fields. The remains were found in Kabeza Village, Gako Cell, Masaka Sector (Kicukiro District), and Kabeza Village, Kabuga I Cell, Rusororo Sector (Gasabo District).
Safari had built structures over these remains, making it difficult to determine the exact number of victims, as many appeared to have been burned.
Upon learning that bodies were being uncovered on his properties, Safari fled to a neighboring country. He later returned and was arrested at the Kayonza Bus Terminal on March 19.
Safari is currently detained at RIB’s Rusororo Station, and his case file was submitted to the court on April 1, 2025.
The crime of concealing or tampering with genocide evidence is punishable under Article 8 of Law No. 59/2018 of August 22, 2018, concerning genocide ideology and related offenses.
If convicted, he faces a prison sentence of seven to nine years and a fine ranging from 500,000 to 1,000,000 Rwandan francs.
Safari had previously been convicted by Gacaca Courts in 2004 and sentenced to 30 years in prison for his role in the genocide. On appeal, his sentence was reduced to five years, and he was released in 2008.
Following Safari’s case, other individuals who were stationed at roadblocks where Tutsi were killed were also prosecuted.
These include Mucyo Jean Népomuscène, Buturutsemwabo Michel, Habyarimana Jean Népomuscène, Karekezi Augustin, and Twakizuru Jean Népomuscène.
They were found guilty of concealing information about mass graves at a site known as CND during the genocide.
On April 4, 2019, the Gasabo Intermediate Court sentenced them to five years in prison and fined each 100,000 Rwandan francs for concealing or destroying genocide evidence.
RIB has reiterated its commitment to holding accountable anyone who hides or tampers with genocide-related evidence.
The agency also urged the public to come forward with information about undisclosed burial sites so that victims can be given dignified burials.
“Thirty-one years after the Genocide against the Tutsi, it is imperative that people recognize the importance of revealing the locations of victims’ remains for proper burial, as this is a vital step toward true unity and reconciliation,” RIB stated.
The agency emphasized that concealing such evidence is a punishable offense and must not continue.
All imports would be subject to 10 percent additional tariffs, except as otherwise provided, the executive order said. This will take effect on April 5.
Trump will impose an “individualized reciprocal higher tariff” on the countries and regions with which the United States “has the largest trade deficits,” according to a White House document. This will take effect on April 9.
Some goods will not be subject to the reciprocal tariff, including steel and aluminum, as well autos and auto parts already subject to Section 232 tariffs, copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and lumber, the White House noted.
For Canada and Mexico, United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) compliant goods will continue to see a 0 percent tariff, non-USMCA compliant goods will see a 25 percent tariff, and non-USMCA compliant energy and potash will see a 10 percent tariff, according to the White House.
In his speech at the White House Rose Garden, Trump presented a chart on “reciprocal tariffs.” The chart shows that different countries and regions face different tariff rates.
For example, China will face a 34-percent tariff, the European Union 20 percent, Vietnam 46 percent, Japan 24 percent, India 26 percent, South Korea 25 percent, Thailand 36 percent, Switzerland 31 percent, Indonesia 32 percent, Malaysia 24 percent, and Cambodia 49 percent.
Trump claimed that other trading partners impose “non-monetary barriers” on the United States. The chart illustrates the tariff rates “charged” by different countries or regions to the United States, including “currency manipulation” and “trade barriers.”
“There is no basis for the claimed tariff-equivalent rates imposed by other countries. This is pure invention,” Gary Clyde Hufbauer, a nonresident senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, told Xinhua.
Despite Trump’s claim that higher tariffs will help bring in revenue for the government and revitalize U.S. manufacturing, economists have warned that such measures will push up prices for U.S. consumers and businesses, disrupt global trade, and hurt global economy.
“The move was a significant escalation of Mr. Trump’s trade fight and is likely to ripple through the global economy, driving up prices for American consumers and manufacturers while inciting retaliation from other nations,” The New York Times reported.
“The tariffs announced are at the extreme end of forecasts,” said Hufbauer. “Plus rabid characterization of foreign countries … Hard to see the U.S. avoiding a recession. World growth will be down 1 percent or more,” he said.
The prestigious event brought together distinguished guests, education leaders, students, and partners, celebrating a new chapter in Kepler College’s commitment to accessible and transformative education across Africa.
Chancellor Geingos, who officially began her term on July 29, 2024, brings a wealth of experience in governance, philanthropy, and youth empowerment. In her inaugural speech, she underscored the pivotal role of education in shaping Africa’s future.
“Education is the most powerful weapon we can wield to reshape our future. The world as we know, is changing at a fast pace, and the future isn’t coming, it’s here. It demands a new kind of African leader,” she stated.
“Today, as Kepler’s inaugural chancellor, I stand in front of you as a strong believer in the unstoppable force of African youth and the urgency of equipping them with the tools to reshape our future, because we have no more time,” she underscored.
Geingos reflected on Rwanda’s journey of resilience, emphasizing the power of narrative in shaping a nation’s destiny.
“A people who own their narrative control their destiny. When His Excellency President Kagame says, ‘We must do what is right for our country and not what pleases outsiders,’ he isn’t just speaking policy, he’s declaring intellectual sovereignty. That same sovereignty must define African education,” she emphasized.
She praised Kepler’s impact, highlighting its remarkable record of 95% of graduates securing meaningful employment within six months. Leadership, she emphasized, is not about titles but about action.
The new Chancellor called for a transformative education model that reaches across divides, empowering students from all backgrounds, including refugee communities.
The inauguration was attended by Dr. Charles Murigande, Chairperson of the Governing Council of Kepler College, who expressed deep gratitude for Geingos accepting the role. “Your wealth of experience and unwavering commitment to education make you an ideal and invaluable leader for our institution,” he said.
He also acknowledged the unwavering support from the Government of Rwanda, particularly the Ministry of Education. “We are dedicated to supporting the college in its mission to provide innovative, job-driven higher education that equips young people with the skills they need to thrive.”
Dr. Murigande reaffirmed Kepler’s commitment to making quality education accessible, affordable, and scalable.
On behalf of the Government of Rwanda, State Minister of Education Claudette Irere also extended congratulations.
“Education is the foundation of Rwanda’s progress and a key driver of our national development. Institutions like Kepler College are instrumental in realizing this vision by delivering competency-based learning and fostering a strong culture of job readiness,” she said.
Irere lauded Geingos’ appointment as a turning point for Kepler College. “Her extensive experience, passion for education, and advocacy for youth empowerment will no doubt propel this institution to new heights.
We’re confident that under her leadership, Kepler College will continue to nurture graduates who not only achieve academic excellence but also contribute meaningfully to Rwanda and Africa’s socio-economic transformation.”
Addressing Kepler students directly, Irere encouraged them to see their education as a journey of growth and leadership. “Rwanda is counting on you to use your education to become the leaders, innovators, and change-makers of tomorrow. Your contributions will help shape a more prosperous, inclusive, and resilient future for our nation.”
The inauguration of H.E. Monica Geingos as the founding Chancellor of Kepler College marks a significant step forward in the institution’s mission to equip African youth with the education and skills necessary for a brighter future.
“This afternoon at Urugwiro Village, President Kagame received Tanzania’s Ambassador to Rwanda, Maj Gen Ramson Godwin Mwaisaka, as he completed his mission,” said a made by the Office of the President on April 2, 2025.
Rwanda and Tanzania have long-standing relations, particularly in trade, as Rwandans utilize the Dar es Salaam Port for imports and exports. Additionally, Rwanda exports goods to Tanzania for trade. The two nations also collaborate on various projects, strengthening their diplomatic ties over the years.
For instance, during a Cabinet meeting chaired by President Kagame on February 27, 2024, Gen Patrick Nyamvumba was appointed as Rwanda’s new Ambassador to Tanzania, replacing Fatou Harerimana.
Security cooperation is another key aspect of Rwanda-Tanzania relations. In May 2024, Rwanda Defence Force’s 5th Division welcomed Tanzania’s 202nd Brigade as part of routine security engagements. These meetings, held every three months, allow both armies to assess border security and share intelligence.
The two countries also share infrastructure projects as neighboring nations, including the Rusumo Hydropower Plant, a joint initiative between Rwanda, Tanzania, and Burundi.
The plant has a capacity of 80 megawatts, equally distributed among the three nations, with each receiving 26.6 megawatts. This power supply will benefit approximately 1.146 million people, including 520,000 Burundians, 467,000 Rwandans, and 159,000 Tanzanians.
Diplomatic relations between Rwanda and Tanzania continue to be reinforced through high-level visits. In April 2023, President Kagame undertook a two-day visit to Tanzania to strengthen bilateral ties. This followed a previous visit by Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu to Rwanda in August 2021.
During President Suluhu’s visit, the two countries signed five cooperation agreements, covering areas such as technology and communication, cross-border movement of people and goods, education, and pharmaceutical regulations.
He made these remarks on April 2, 2025, while addressing the Senate plenary session on the country’s preparedness to combat disasters that affect various regions during the rainy season.
He emphasized that continuous monitoring is conducted to ensure the safety of residents before disasters strike.
Minister Murasira also highlighted that the assessment identified more than 25,000 hectares of farmland, approximately 200 infrastructures, and 23 public buildings such as offices and churches as vulnerable to disasters.
In terms of districts, 88 households in Rusizi District are at high risk, while Rubavu has 452, Rutsiro 424, Nyabihu 364, and Nyamasheke 100 households at risk of being affected by disasters.
“We closely monitor these areas and ensure that if any warning signs emerge, we alert people in advance or be prepared to respond promptly,” he said.
He emphasized that the rainy season is when disasters are most severe, with lightning being a major cause of fatalities throughout the year.
The Ministry in charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA) highlighted that districts such as Rubavu, Rutsiro, and Nyabihu have the highest disaster risk levels. Therefore, continuous monitoring is conducted to provide early warnings and ensure rapid intervention in case of an emergency.
Minister Murasira stated, “We have identified specific areas prone to disasters, and we prioritize thorough inspections in those locations.”
He further confirmed that Rwanda’s overall disaster resilience level is currently at 46%.
“Our resilience is still low. Research on disaster resilience across different sectors, such as infrastructure and agriculture, indicates that we stand at 46% nationally. Some areas have better resilience, while others are highly vulnerable. The lower the resilience, the higher the susceptibility to disasters, even minor ones, like light winds that can damage homes,” he explained.
MINEMA stressed that disaster-affected areas require immediate response and restoration efforts, as delays can worsen the damage and increase future risks.
Rwanda has identified 14 designated relocation sites where affected individuals can be resettled in case of a disaster.
Statistics show that natural disasters caused damages worth over 222.3 billion Rwandan Francs in 2023.
The tour, which spans several key districts, is designed to strengthen partnerships with local leaders, gain a deeper understanding of regional business needs, and gather direct feedback from customers. Through this initiative, I&M Bank seeks to ensure its services remain responsive and relevant to the diverse economic landscape of Rwanda.
Mr. Mutimura kicked off the tour with visits to six districts: Rwamagana, Muhanga, Huye, Gicumbi, Musanze, and Rubavu. During these visits, he engaged directly with customers at their workplaces, enabling the Bank to better understand the unique challenges and opportunities faced in each region. This hands-on approach underscores the Bank’s commitment to offering tailored financial solutions that foster inclusive economic growth.
“The core purpose of these visits is to deepen our understanding of regional needs and ensure our services are aligned with local dynamics,” said Mr. Mutimura. “By engaging with customers directly, we gain invaluable insights into their businesses and challenges. This approach supports our strategy of delivering customer delight, ensuring that we are not only meeting but exceeding expectations.”
A major highlight of the tour was the unveiling of the newly expanded I&M Bank branch in Huye, now operating as a fully-fledged business center. This transformation reflects the Bank’s continued investment in enhancing service delivery and creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
“The development of the Huye branch is a clear demonstration of how we are responding to the evolving needs of local businesses,” the CEO added. “It’s not just about expanding our footprint; it’s about creating spaces where entrepreneurs and enterprises can grow with our support.”
The stakeholder engagement tour also serves to align the Bank’s operations with Rwanda’s broader economic agenda. By adopting a customer-centric strategy, I&M Bank continues to play a key role in promoting regional development and supporting the country’s long-term goals.
As the tour progresses, additional district visits are planned in the coming weeks. Mr. Mutimura emphasized the importance of maintaining strong connections with communities to ensure the Bank’s products and services continue to evolve in line with customer expectations.
This appeal was made following a meeting held in Rwanda at Saint Joseph in Ngoma District. They conference addressed social welfare, strategies for restoring peace in the Great Lakes Region, and efforts to strengthen the Catholic faith.
The gathering was attended by bishops and other senior leaders of the Catholic Church from both nations. They underscored that prolonged border closures have had adverse effects on citizens and trade between the two countries.
Burundi closed its borders, citing demands for the extradition of individuals allegedly involved in the 2015 coup attempt. Rwanda, however, maintains that international law prohibits the repatriation of refugees who have sought asylum.
The bishops expressed their support for ongoing diplomatic discussions between Rwanda and Burundi, emphasizing that ‘border closures have significant economic and social repercussions.’ They urged leaders to act prudently to restore normalcy and strengthen unity between the two nations.
The discussions also addressed security concerns in eastern DR Congo, with the bishops advocating for sustained dialogue among conflicting parties to resolve tensions. They also condemned the use of hate speech by the DRC government, which they believe has exacerbated violence and unrest.
Regarding education, the bishops highlighted the need to improve educational standards in both countries. They also raised concerns about the increasing violence against young people and stressed the urgency of addressing this issue.
These insights were shared at the first National Symposium on Conservation Agriculture, held on March 28, 2025 at RICA campus in Bugesera.
The event was organized by the Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), and the World Food Programme (WFP).
Dr. Ndambe Nzaramba Magnifique, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Extension and Applied Research at RICA, shared the foundational principles of conservation agriculture, which include minimal tillage or no-till practices.
He emphasized that practices such as plowing, cutting stubble, or clearing the land are discouraged as they can reduce yields and degrade soil health.
“We do not encourage plowing, cutting stubble, or clearing the land as these practices harm the soil,” he said.
Conservation agriculture practices aim to enhance soil biodiversity, preserve soil integrity, store water for longer periods, and reduce erosion.
All this refers to the first principle: {{Minimizing Soil Disturbance. }} This includes using no-till or minimum-till methods to plant and control weeds without plowing the soil. Keeping the soil undisturbed helps increase soil organic matter, preserves soil structure, improves water retention, and reduces soil erosion.
The second principle is {{Permanent Soil Cover}}. This includes planting cover crops to cover the soil between seasons, leaving leftover residues like leaves and stalks in the field after harvesting, and putting down mulch where available. Covering the soil increases soil organic matter, limits erosion and nutrient run-off, and helps the soil retain moisture, which enables farmers to be more resilient in times of drought.
The third principle is {{Crop Diversification}}. This may include using crop rotation, or planting different crops in alternating seasons, or intercropping, which involves planting multiple crops in an orderly manner in the same field during the same season. Crop diversification benefits soil fertility and soil structure and is linked to higher yields. It can also help stop the spread of pests and diseases.
Dr. Ndambe highlighted that crop rotation also helps combat pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.
“When you continue to plant the same crops in one field, pests and diseases accumulate, but rotating crops or intercropping minimizes this risk,” he said, emphasizing that farmers using these methods benefit from higher yields without the worry of pest infestations.
The symposium was attended by government officials, academic experts, private sector representatives, development partners, and farmers’ organizations involved in agriculture.
Dr. Karangwa Patrick, Director General of Agriculture Modernization at the Ministry of Agriculture, stated that conservation agriculture is a critical pillar for building sustainable farming in Rwanda.
He revealed that currently, 1,000 hectares of land are being cultivated using conservation agriculture techniques but expressed a desire to see this number grow. The goal, as outlined in the country’s five-year agriculture development program (PSTA 5), is to expand the practice to at least 100,000 hectares.
“Our goal is to reach at least 100,000 hectares in the PSTA5 plan. We want to increase the land area using conservation methods because we view it as a crucial aspect of agricultural development,” Dr. Karangwa said.
Thomas Habanabakize, the Food and Security Coordinator at Mennonite Central Committee Rwanda (MCC), explained that MCC has dedicated resources to support and promote conservation agriculture.
One of their key programs, the “Farm Field School,” has been implemented across the country. Each farm school brings together 30 farmers for training, where they apply their learning to their own farms and train five others in their community.
“We train farmer representatives, who in turn train others. In the last 10 years, this method has yielded great results,” Habanabakize noted.
The initiative is currently active in nine districts, including Nyaruguru, Nyamagabe, Karongi, and Rutsiro, with plans to expand to Kayonza, Ruhango, Burera, and other regions. Many farmers who have participated in this program have reported increased yields due to the adoption of conservation agriculture practices.
Like other stakeholders in conservation agriculture, the World Food Programme (WFP) has recognized the importance of these farming methods in helping communities withstand natural disasters and improve crop yields.
WFP has supported projects to encourage conservation agriculture and assist farmers in managing their harvests better.
Richard Makuza, the Climate-Smart Agriculture Expert and Programme Policy Officer at WFP Rwanda, shared that in addition to providing disaster relief during droughts and floods, WFP has helped smallholder farmers in more than 400 cooperatives across the country access markets and store their produce after harvesting.
“In addition to responding to disasters like droughts and floods, we help over 127,000 smallholder farmers in 425 cooperatives across the country get access to markets and properly manage their harvests,” Makuza said.
WFP, in collaboration with the government, has also developed initiatives to help farmers improve their resilience to climate change. These initiatives are aimed at helping farmers maintain their productivity during difficult times.
As a result, WFP has realized that promoting and encouraging conservation agriculture is a proven strategy and solution for sustainable farming.
“This is why we have gathered support for projects that promote conservation agriculture,” Makuza added. “We started with pilot projects in five districts, and we are now entering a new phase where we support programs that align with the PSTA5 objectives.”
Gakuba Jonas, a farmer from Kirehe District, who has practiced conservation agriculture for over five years, shared that the results have been impressive.
” Before we practiced conservation agriculture, our maize yields were below one ton per hectare and beans were only 800 kilograms per hectare. But now, after adopting conservation agriculture, our yields have doubled. We now receive water on time, and conservation practices have restored the fertility of our soil,” Gakuba said, emphasizing the positive impact these methods have had on his farm’s productivity.
