These talks aim to resolve ongoing conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the broader Great Lakes region.
The decision to merge the Luanda and Nairobi talks was made during a meeting chaired by the Presidents of Kenya and Zimbabwe, bringing together the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
The Luanda talks initially aimed to mediate tensions between the DRC and Rwanda, while the Nairobi talks focused on addressing internal Congolese conflicts.
However, both processes stalled due to a lack of commitment from the Kinshasa government. By merging these efforts, regional leaders hope to achieve lasting peace and stability in eastern DRC and the surrounding region.
To facilitate the process, five prominent mediators have been appointed: Olusegun Obasanjo, Uhuru Kenyatta, Catherine Samba Panza, Sahle-Work Zewde, and Kgalema Motlanthe. Their expertise is expected to be instrumental in guiding the talks toward a peaceful resolution.
On March 24, 2025, the Heads of State instructed EAC Chairperson President Dr. William Samoei Ruto and SADC’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa to engage with these mediators within a week before the talks officially begin.
According to local media in Zimbabwe, Prof. Murwira confirmed on March 30 that preparations were well advanced, and the meeting between Dr. Ruto, Mnangagwa, and the mediators was expected within the set timeframe.
He expressed confidence that the high-level meeting could take place at any time, noting that the agenda had been finalized by March 28, and official letters had been sent to the mediators.
The only step remaining was for the regional leaders to deliver their opening remarks.
Ambassador Albert Chimbindi, Zimbabwean Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary, also assured that efforts were being made to ensure that the Luanda-Nairobi talks commence as soon as possible.
While the exact date of the meeting had not been finalized, he acknowledged the ongoing commitment to making the talks a success.
Having spent three decades immersed in the region, Peeters shares his personal experiences, emotions, and observations that inspired him to write this deeply moving and thought-provoking book.
Through vivid portraits and heartfelt testimony, he seeks to preserve the memory of the victims and shed light on the untold truths surrounding the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, Peeters discusses the motivations behind his writing, the emotional toll of bearing witness, and his unwavering commitment to honoring the truth.
{{Excerpts:}}
{{IGIHE: Jean-Pierre Peeters, you recently published a booklet titled “30 Years Later: Still the Same Questions.” What inspired you to write this book?}}
{{Jean-Pierre Peeters:}} The 30 years later correspond somewhat to the time I spent there, and I wanted, through writing, to be a witness to what I saw, what I felt, and everything I understood. I wanted to provide, in a few portraits, the testimony of someone sincere. I am not a politician. I am not someone who deals with history. I just wanted to be a witness to what I saw.
{{IGIHE: In your book, you refer to the “scoundrels of history.” Could you explain what you mean by that?}}
{{Jean-Pierre Peeters: }} Thank you for the question, because, in fact, the scoundrels of history is indeed a whole chapter of the book; it is the heart of the book. The other chapters are there only to explain events that culminated to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The core of the story, my true outcry, is precisely to denounce these scoundrels of history who want to impose their narrative in place of those who lived it and who still live it today on the ground, that is to say, in Rwanda.
So, denouncing the crimes is one thing, but we must also point out those who allowed this crime to occur, those who enabled the deaths of over a million people simply because we no longer wanted them on this earth.
{{IGIHE: Could you elaborate on how writing helped you confront and process those haunting memories?}}
{{Jean-Pierre Peeters:}} At first, I wanted to take refuge in writing, a bit like an outlet for an internal pain that was indescribable for years. What I saw, what I experienced was not only in Rwanda, because, in fact, my story begins in Burundi. I lived through the events in Ntega and Marangara in 1988 and everything that followed.
I experienced that as a true wound. But what really pushed me to write was what happened in Rwanda, because the crime of crimes was pushed to its peak, and what happened in Rwanda is something that is difficult to explain. It is hard for people to understand that the genocidaires went to work. They themselves said it like this: they left in the morning for work; they went to kill, and for three months, during those days, they killed between 10,000 and 12,000 people a day.
Why write? Everything I saw deeply marked me, and it took me no less than fifteen years before I could find sleep at night. I was incapable of having a peaceful day; it was a haunting. And I say this: I did not lose anyone from my family; I only witnessed friends and acquaintances die.
I did not lose anyone from my home, but the inner anger was something I could not overcome. I truly thought that writing the book, which took me nearly three and a half years, would serve as an outlet where I could try to absorb this pain and confine it somewhere in my little head so that I could live normally. When you witness this, you can no longer live normally.
What I wanted to convey is that it is essential to maintain memory. And I say this at the beginning of the book; I dedicate this book not only as an individual but also to the memory of all those who will not be able to read it but who are my profound inspiration.
The UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic stated that peacekeepers were attacked by an “unidentified armed group” during a long-range patrol in Tabane village, Haut-Mbomou Prefecture, on Friday morning.
In a press statement, the Security Council expressed their deepest condolences and sympathies to the victim’s family, as well as to Kenya and the United Nations.
The council reiterated that attacks against peacekeepers may constitute war crimes and reminded all parties of their obligations under international humanitarian law.
On Saturday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemned the attack, urging the Central African Republic authorities to “spare no effort in identifying the perpetrators of this tragedy so that they can be brought to justice swiftly.”
For us Africans, this tragedy resonates deeply, as it reflects the painful history of colonial violence, ethnic persecution, and the struggle for justice that many African nations have also endured.
In March and April 1918, Armenian Dashnak (political party that still exists in Armenia and its diaspora) militants, supported by Bolshevik forces, carried out brutal massacres against Azerbaijanis in Baku, Shamakhi, Guba, Nakhchivan, Zangezur, Ganja and other regions of Azerbaijan.
Dozens of thousands of innocent men, women, and children were slaughtered, villages were burned, and cultural heritage was destroyed. The violence was not just a military operation; it was an attempt to erase Azerbaijani identity from these lands.
In Guba alone, mass graves have been uncovered, revealing the horrifying scale of the atrocities. These crimes were part of a broader campaign to displace Azerbaijani communities and seize their lands, a pattern that, sadly, continued in later decades, including the modern period during the former Karabakh conflict.
For us, this history may feel familiar. The scars of colonialism, ethnic violence, and forced displacement are shared wounds across many nations.
Just as Africa remembers the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, the atrocities of King Leopold in Congo, or the Sharpeville Massacre in South Africa, Azerbaijan remembers its own martyrs.
31 March, the day of the Genocide of Azerbaijanis, declared by the decree of the President of Azerbaijan dated 26 March 1998, is not just about the past, it is a call for global recognition of historical injustices.
Azerbaijan, just like many African countries, seeks truth and reconciliation, ensuring that such crimes are never repeated.
Today, Azerbaijan honors the victims through memorials, educational programs, and international advocacy. The country has rebuilt and restored its territories after the 2020 Karabakh war, but the wounds of history remain.
By remembering March 31, Azerbaijan sends a powerful message that genocide denial is unacceptable, and justice must prevail.
As Africans who have faced oppression, we understand the importance of remembrance. The day of the Genocide of Azerbaijanis reminds us that no people’s suffering should be forgotten. Whether in Africa, the Caucasus, or beyond, the fight against ethnic hatred and historical erasure is a global struggle.
On this day, we stand with Azerbaijan in honoring the victims and demanding that the world acknowledge this tragedy, just as we demand recognition for our own histories.
{ {{The author is a political Analyst based in Addis Ababa.}} }
Elly Mate, the spokesperson for the Uganda Police Force in the Kigezi region, reported that the accident occurred at the Kyanamira trading center along the Mbarara-Kabale highway.
Muhire was driving a Sinotruk truck from Mbarara to Kabale when he lost control of the vehicle at Kyanamira, causing it to veer off the road on Saturday.
According to Mate, the accident was caused by brake failure, which led to the truck overturning. Muhire died instantly at the scene.
His body was taken to Kabale Regional Referral Hospital for a post-mortem examination before being repatriated to Rwanda.
The earthquake struck the Southeast Asian country on Friday, with Mandalay, Bago, Magway, the northeastern Shan state, Sagaing, and Nay Pyi Taw among the hardest-hit regions.
The 7.7 magnitude earthquake was also felt in neighboring countries.
In Bangkok, the latest official figures report that 11 people have died, 32 are injured, and 83 are missing due to a collapsed building in the capital.
As the search for survivors continues in both countries, friends and relatives anxiously await news of their loved ones, holding onto a faint glimmer of hope after a woman was pulled from the rubble in Mandalay after 30 hours.
In a phone interview with NBC News, Trump said he was “very angry” and “pissed off” when Russian President Vladimir Putin criticized the credibility of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s leadership, adding that the comments were “not going in the right location.”
“If Russia and I are unable to make a deal on stopping the bloodshed in Ukraine, and if I think it was Russia’s fault — which it might not be — but if I think it was Russia’s fault, I am going to put secondary tariffs on oil, on all oil coming out of Russia,” Trump said.
“That would be that if you buy oil from Russia, you can’t do business in the United States,” he said. “There will be a 25 percent tariff on all oil, a 25- to 50-point tariff on all oil.”
Trump noted that the tariffs on Russia would come within the next month if Moscow does not sign up to a ceasefire with Ukraine.
Trump said Putin knows he is angry, but he has “a very good relationship” with Putin and would speak to the Russian leader again this week.
During a phone conversation on March 18, Trump and Putin agreed that the peace in Ukraine “will begin with an energy and infrastructure ceasefire.”
In a message shared on the social media platform X, Kagame expressed his hope that the occasion would bring peace, happiness, and prosperity to all those celebrating.
“Eid Mubarak to all Muslims in Rwanda and around the world celebrating Eid al-Fitr. May this joyous occasion bring you and your loved ones peace, happiness, and prosperity. Let us continue to uphold the values of compassion, unity, and generosity that define this celebration,” Kagame wrote on Sunday night.
#EidMubarak to all Muslims in Rwanda and around the world celebrating Eid al-Fitr. May this joyous occasion bring you and your loved ones peace, happiness, and prosperity. Let us continue to uphold the values of compassion, unity, and generosity that define this celebration.
On March 30, Muslims in Rwanda joined millions worldwide in marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan after 29 days of fasting. The national Eid prayer gathering took place at Kigali Pele Stadium in Nyamirambo, where a large number of Muslims came together to observe the religious occasion.
As part of the celebrations, the Rwanda Muslim Community carried out a charitable initiative to support those in need.
During Ramadan, the community raised over 33 million Rwandan Francs, which was used to purchase food for underprivileged Muslims. Through this effort, 21,000 tons of food, including beans and rice, were distributed to vulnerable families, ensuring they could also partake in the festivities.
The celebrations will continue on Monday, March 31, which the government has declared a holiday to allow the Muslim community in Rwanda to mark the occasion.
Eid al-Fitr, one of the most significant celebrations in the Islamic calendar, marks the end of a month of fasting, reflection, and devotion.
Participants competed in two categories: Best Poster Presentation and Best Oral Presentation, with a special category reserved for those working at King Faisal Hospital. The first-place winners in each category received a prize of 600,000 Rwandan Francs (RWF).
Dr. Nkundimana Gerard, a kidney disease specialist, was recognized for his exceptional poster presentation. His study, which addresses ongoing healthcare challenges, focused on the dialysis filters used to purify the blood of kidney patients, which can sometimes become contaminated with microbes leading to infections.
“Research helps doctors improve their practice by keeping up with the ever-evolving medical field,” Dr. Nkundimana explained. “By identifying problems early on, we can prevent complications for our patients.”
Dr. Sendegeya August, Chief Medical Officer at King Faisal Hospital, emphasized the importance of research in enhancing healthcare.
“Research enables us to contribute our knowledge and expertise to improve patient care. It is grounded in real issues faced by patients and the country,” he said.
“When we conduct research and clearly identify problems, we can work together to find solutions. This collaborative effort is more effective than working in isolation and allows us to share valuable insights.”
The research presented during the competition covered a range of medical topics, including kidney disease, childhood illnesses, heart conditions, and more, all aimed at finding solutions to pressing healthcare challenges.
According to Li, there was a widespread consensus in China that the U.S. trade war would persist under any administration—whether led by Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, or Donald Trump.
Speaking at a recent public lecture titled The Prospect of a New Stage of China’s High-Quality Development, Li addressed the ongoing U.S.-China trade tensions, asserting that a full-scale trade war is now unfolding.
The event, attended by both local and international journalists, provided insights into China’s strategic response and its focus on advancing high-quality economic development.
{{Escalating Trade Conflict
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Since January 2025, the trade conflict between the United States and China has intensified. During his second term, the Trump administration incrementally increased tariffs on Chinese imports, starting with a 10% duty on February 4, followed by a rise to 20% on March 4.
These measures were part of a broader strategy to pressure China on issues such as intellectual property rights and what the U.S. perceives as unfair trade practices.
In response, Beijing has refrained from matching U.S. tariff increases one-for-one but has instead adopted a targeted and multifaceted retaliation strategy.
Chinese authorities have imposed tariffs of 10–15% on select U.S. agricultural products, affecting key exports like soybeans, chicken, and wheat. Additionally, China has implemented non-tariff measures, including suspending import licenses for certain U.S. firms and launching anti-circumvention investigations aimed at limiting U.S. access to its industrial supply chain.
“China has been preparing for this for the past six to seven years. Everybody in China knew that the U.S. trade war would continue under any administration—Biden’s, Harris’s, or Trump’s. We knew this war was coming, and now it has arrived in full scale. We are looking at more tariffs, more policies, and more restrictions on Chinese goods,” Li stated.
Li emphasized that China’s government remains patient and is willing to work toward mutual benefits for both the Chinese and American people.
“We are waiting for the Trump administration to present constructive proposals. Naturally, China must respond to tariff policies, but overall, I would argue that among the world’s major economies, China is perhaps the most patient.”
According to Li, China has long anticipated and prepared for this phase of the trade war. He pointed out that trade with the U.S. now accounts for just 3.4% of China’s GDP, a figure he suggests is not substantial enough to derail the country’s broader economic trajectory.
With this in mind, he downplayed the impact of escalating tariffs and restrictions, framing them as challenges that China is well-equipped to navigate.
{{U.S. and Chinese Priorities
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Li noted that President Trump is primarily focused on three key issues: tackling immigration, boosting job creation in key swing states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, and addressing the U.S. federal fiscal challenges.
Conversely, China’s strategic priorities center on maintaining social and political stability, peacefully resolving the Taiwan issue, and sustaining economic growth.
“These three concerns are not diametrically opposed to Trump’s top priorities. In economics, when two parties have different objectives, there is room for collaboration, negotiation, and communication. I remain hopeful that the Chinese government and the Trump administration will eventually find common ground and resolve seemingly unresolvable issues,” Li stated.
Li predicted that the world would be economically and financially divided into three major blocs.
He likened the division to the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, with the first bloc consisting of the U.S., Canada, and Mexico forming a relatively self-sufficient trade zone. The second bloc, according to him, would be Europe, which is now highly interconnected.
The third and largest economic bloc would consist of China, ASEAN countries, Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) nations, and Africa.
“As a result, we will see a significant increase in Chinese investment and technology flowing to African and Belt and Road countries. This will foster mutual economic benefits between China and these economies. In my view, the world is shifting toward a relatively divided structure with three distinct economic blocs,” he concluded.
