According to reports, this new assistance package includes a variety of military supplies, such as Milan anti-tank missiles, MICA missiles for Mirage fighter jets, Mistral air defense missiles, armored vehicles, munitions, and drones. Macron reaffirmed France’s commitment to supporting Ukraine’s long-term peace and security.
The announcement came ahead of the summit of the “coalition of the willing” scheduled for Thursday, which will focus on short-term military support and explore how European countries can offer long-term security guarantees for Ukraine’s defense.
Macron also addressed the issue of peacekeeping forces, clarifying that such troops would not be stationed on the front lines. Instead, they may be deployed in strategic locations behind the front lines, such as towns or bases, to support Ukraine’s military capacity.
Zelensky, speaking alongside Macron, expressed hopes that the United States would maintain its efforts to enforce a ceasefire.
However, Russia’s condition for lifting sanctions on its banks and exports was met with a firm rejection from Macron.
He stated that lifting sanctions would depend on Russia’s compliance with international law and insisted it was “far too early” to consider easing them.
The transformation from its violent past to a beacon of economic growth, social cohesion, and political stability has captivated the attention of global observers.
Recently, a group of Harvard University students visited Rwanda to learn firsthand about the country’s evolution. Their reflections offer insights into Rwanda’s remarkable journey and the lessons it holds for other nations.
Jordan Thomas, a fourth-year student at Yale Law School and Harvard Business School, was part of the Harvard Africa Caucus, which held the trip. As a JD-MBA dual degree student, Thomas was eager to delve into Rwanda’s economic and governance structures.
“There’s a lot to learn from Rwanda. Studying the economic and institutional structures from a legal standpoint has been incredibly enriching. But more than that, it’s the experience of Kigali and Rwanda as a whole that has made this trip so rewarding,” he said.
Schola Chioma Eburuoh, a U.S. citizen with Nigerian roots, joined the trip almost by chance but she acknowledges that this has been one of the most exceptional movements of her life.
“I wanted to experience a new place, especially East Africa. I had only visited Nigeria, Ghana, and Morocco, so Rwanda was an exciting new addition to my travels. I’m very impressed by how welcoming the people are, and the openness of the government, it feels like everyone is invited to contribute,” she explained.
Monserrat Magana, a student from Mexico, was drawn to Rwanda for its ambitious post-genocide transformation. “I had heard a lot about the improvements Rwanda has made after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. As someone who enjoys nature and adventure, visiting Rwanda also gave me the opportunity to see the gorillas and experience a safari, which I had always dreamed of,” she said
The beauty and community spirit of Rwanda stood out to many of the students. Magana shared, “There’s a sense of unity here. People help each other in the streets, and you can see a real sense of social interaction and togetherness.”
This theme of unity was echoed by Brandon Tran, a mid-career student in Public Administration from the U.S. He noted the strong social contract between the government and the people, which contributes to Rwanda’s development.
Tran was especially moved by his visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre. “The memorial walks you through Rwanda’s history in such a complex and personal way. It shows the pre-colonial and colonial periods, the events leading up to and during the genocide, and then the incredible regeneration post-1994. It’s not just about the tragedy of 1994, it’s about understanding what happened before and how Rwanda has rebuilt itself,” he said.
This careful and nuanced approach left a lasting impression on him. The students were equally struck by Rwanda’s bold vision for the future. The government’s focus on tourism and technology is shaping the country as a regional model for development.
Tran, for instance, was intrigued by Rwanda’s widely perceived ambition to become the ‘Singapore of Africa.’ “It’s clear that the government is proactive and focused on long-term goals. Kigali’s development is incredible, and the country’s efforts to attract foreign direct investment are impressive,” he observed.
Yuchen Ji, also known as Rain, a public policy student from Beijing, emphasized the importance of a unified vision in Rwanda’s success.
“One of my biggest takeaways was the country’s ability to invite different government agencies to align with a shared goal. For instance, in discussions with the Ministry of Justice, I learned how critical rule of law is for both societal development and attracting foreign investment,” she noted.
The Ministry of Education’s focus on developing human capital also resonated deeply with the students. As Rain explained, Rwanda’s efforts to equip its citizens with both knowledge and practical skills play a crucial role in its economic development.
“This holistic approach, addressing everything from the rule of law to education, sets the country on a strong path forward,” she explained.
Tunde Wey, a Nigerian fellow at the Graduate School of Design, also reflected on Rwanda’s design aesthetics, which resonated with his own cultural background. “The design sensibility here is familiar to me. There’s an elegance and functionality that speaks to a deep-rooted cultural understanding of space and community,” he revealed.
Throughout their trip, the Harvard students came to recognize Rwanda as a country that not only acknowledges its tragic past but actively works towards a brighter future. The nation’s resilience, unity, and proactive approach to governance have left a deep impression on each of them.
As they prepared to leave, the students reflected on Rwanda’s incredible transformation and the lessons that other nations might take from its journey.
“Rwanda is a shining example of how a country can rebuild, not just physically, but socially and politically. The resilience of the people here and the commitment to healing and progress are truly inspiring,” said Jordan.
Rwanda, once synonymous with tragedy, is now a symbol of hope and a testament to the power of unity and transformation. The students from Harvard left with a deeper understanding of the country’s journey and with a renewed belief in the potential for positive change anywhere in the world.
The appointment was made during a cabinet meeting chaired by President Paul Kagame on Wednesday, March 26, 2025.
As head of RIB, Col. Kabanda will oversee the overall direction and operations of the bureau, including leading investigations, ensuring accountability, and upholding the rule of law.
In addition to Col. Kabanda’s appointment, the cabinet also confirmed several other key positions across different institutions, including the reappointment of Oda Gasinzigwa as chairperson of the National Electoral Commission (NEC). She will be deputized by Kizito Habimana.
Other members of the commission include Fortunée Nyiramadirida, Nicole Mutimukeye, Carine Umwali, Jean Bosco Mutijima, Faustin Semanywa, Françoise Kabanda Uwera, and Judith Mbabazi.
During Wednesday’s meeting, the Cabinet also appointed Jeanne Umuhire as the new Deputy Director General at the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC).
Nassi Agaba Bisengo was appointed Deputy Director General at the Rwanda Technical and Vocational Education Training Board (RTB).
In the Ministry of Education, John Bosco Nkuranga was named Strategic Projects Implementation Unit Coordinator.
Dorian Cyubahiro joins the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning as Chief Technical Advisor.
At the Rwanda Atomic Energy Board, Dr. Joram Ndayishimye will head the Nuclear Technologies and Research Development Department, while Capt. Agnes Mutoni will lead the Nuclear Safety and Security Department. Eng. Alexis Ruhinda steps into the role of Manager of the Research Reactor Division, and Eng. Yves Butera becomes Manager of the Nuclear Power Production Development Division.
In the Office of the Prime Minister, Chantal Tuyishimire takes on the role of Senior Policy Analyst, with Françoise Niyigena, Oscar Uwayo, and Ornella Rwaniza all appointed as Policy Analysts.
This tax declaration specifically pertains to business activities conducted between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024. Following the end of this tax period, taxpayers are granted an additional three months to complete their accounting and submit their income tax returns to the RRA.
With the deadline fast approaching, the RRA reminds taxpayers that timely compliance is essential to avoid unnecessary penalties and ensure smooth processing of their returns.
Jean Paulin Uwitonze, Assistant Commissioner in charge of Taxpayer Services and Communication, explains that those concerned with this tax are individuals or businesses that generate income and have a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN).
Thus, they must declare whether they engaged in business activities or not or if they made profit or not.
“We have individuals who obtained their TINs in 2024. When you acquire a TIN, you are required to declare, for the first time, between January and March of the following year,” he clarified. “You may have operated for a month, two months, or the entire year. The important thing is that if you have engaged in profit-generating activities, you are required to pay income tax, and that will be determined after declaration.”
“We are saying that any taxpayer with a TIN, whether they have operated or not, should declare their status and whether they made a profit or not, fulfilling their obligation to declare is required by law.”
Apart from taxpayers registered under the real regime, who manage their accountancy and pay the corporate income tax at 28 percent rate, small enterprises composed of those whose turnover is between Frw 12 million and Frw 20 million, must pay a lump sum tax of 3% on annual turnover. Micro-enterprises pay a flat tax based on their annual turnover.
Taxpayers under the lump sum or flat tax regimes can file their returns by dialing *800#, allowing them to declare easily using their mobile phones. Corporate income taxpayers, however, file their declarations through the e-tax system.
{{Assistance for Taxpayers facing difficulties}}
To support those encountering difficulties during the declaration process, a help desk was set up and will remain open to assist taxpayers, who may encounter challenges while filing their 2024 income tax, with just few days left until the March 31, deadline.
Kimihurura support desk assists those in the City of Kigali while those in provinces can access the same services from their respective district tax centres.
“Currently, very few have declared, which is an issue. We expect a rush and high traffic at the last minute, yet the system has been open for three months,” Uwitonze explained.
“That’s why we encourage people to declare early—it doesn’t mean you have to pay right away. Declare early, know your tax amount, and you can pay later on the 28th, 29th, or 30th of the month; but make sure you have declared to avoid becoming one of those in last minute long queues in need of urgent help.”
With the changes made this year, taxpayers can now generate a declaration document (Doc ID) in the system. To do this, go to E-Tax, select “Online Requests,” and find the option to request the declaration document. Choose the type of tax and the period, and then continue.
Taxpayers are urged to act promptly to declare their taxes and avoid the last-minute rush, which may lead to penalties.
{{Penalties for non filing }}
The tax procedure law states that a taxpayer who fails to declare and pay tax within the legal time limit must pay the tax due and is subject to an administrative fine. It provides for both general fixed administrative fines and non-fixed administrative fines for non-filers.
{{For fixed administrative fines, a taxpayer provides different rates:}}
-* Frw 50,000: If the annual turnover is below Frw 20 million:
-* Frw 300,000: For a public institution, a non-profit organization or a taxpayer whose annual turnover exceeds Frw 20 million
-* Frw 500,000: If they fall under the category of large taxpayers.
{{In addition, there are non-fixed administrative fines, and the law provides different rates:}}
-* A penalty of 20% of the due tax applies if the delay does not exceed 30 days.
-* A penalty of 40% applies if the taxpayer pays within 31 to 60 days after the deadline.
-* A penalty of 60% applies if the delay exceeds 60 days.
{{Late payment interests}}
If a taxpayer declares the tax due within the legal time limit but fails to pay it on time, the following fines apply:
-* 5% of the due tax if the delay does not exceed 30 days.
-* 10% of the due tax if the payment is made between 31 and 60 days after the deadline.
-* 30% of the due tax if the delay exceeds 60 days.
{{A taxpayer who fails to pay tax within the period set by law is also subject to late payment interest on the principal tax amount:}}
-* 0.5% if the delay does not exceed 6 months.
-* 1% if the delay is between 6 and 12 months.
-* 1.5% if the delay exceeds 12 months.
Late payment interest is non-compounding and is calculated on a monthly basis from the first day after the due date until the payment date. Each month that begins is counted as a full month. The total late payment interest cannot exceed 100% of the due tax.
Speaking at the seminar, Thapelo Tsheole, Chief Executive Officer of the Capital Market Authority, stressed the country’s growing achievements in green finance.
“Rwanda’s commitment to green finance is evident through its Sustainable Finance Roadmap, which provides strategic direction for scaling up sustainable investments while ensuring the resilience of the financial system,” he said.
A significant milestone in Rwanda’s financial sector has been the introduction of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Reporting Guidelines for the Rwanda Stock Exchange (RSE).
“These guidelines align Rwanda’s financial markets with international sustainability standards, enhancing transparency, accountability, and responsible investing,” Tsheole noted. He added that the move has significantly boosted investor confidence and improved market efficiency through adherence to global best practices.
Among other notable developments is the launch of Green, Social, and Sustainability (GSS+) Bonds, structured in line with standards set by the International Capital Market Association (ICMA) and the Climate Bonds Initiative (CBI).
“The successful issuance of these bonds affirms Rwanda’s commitment to creating credible and attractive green investment opportunities, ensuring our financial markets remain globally competitive,” said Tsheole.
In addition to GSS+ Bonds, the Rwanda Development Bank (BRD) has issued two Sustainability-Linked Bonds, while Prime Energy Plc launched a Green Bond to finance environmentally sustainable projects.
“These issuances highlight our dedication to leveraging capital markets to support climate-resilient development while enhancing investor confidence,” Tsheole added.
Rwanda’s robust green finance agenda is designed to attract private sector investment into climate-related initiatives, deepen capital market development, and align national policies with international frameworks such as the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
These efforts also contribute to fostering responsible investing and strengthening the overall credibility of Rwanda’s financial sector. With progressive policies and ongoing innovation in green finance, Rwanda is well on its way to becoming a continental leader in sustainable financial development.
In a recent interview with the BBC, President Ndayishimiye claimed he had credible information indicating that Rwanda plans to invade Bujumbura using RED Tabara, which he says is based in South Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo).
“We know that Rwanda is trying to attack us through the Democratic Republic of Congo, using RED Tabara. But we are telling them that if they want to attack Bujumbura via Congo, Kigali is also not far if we go through Kirundo.”
Ndayishimiye began accusing Rwanda of backing RED Tabara in December 2023, following the group’s attack on the Gatumba area near Bujumbura. Rwanda denied the accusations, stating it does not support any group opposing the Burundian government.
On March 26, 2025, RED Tabara’s military spokesperson, Patrick Nahimana, released a statement dismissing Ndayishimiye’s claims as baseless. He emphasized that the group is solely supported by Burundians.
“RED Tabara strongly denies being supported by Rwanda or any other entity. Our struggle is solely backed by Burundians who understand that our existence is rooted in the need to restore the rule of law and the Arusha Peace Agreement, which the CNDD-FDD-led government has violated—leading to Burundi’s political crisis since 2015,” Nahimana said.
The group pointed out that Rwanda previously handed over captured RED Tabara fighters to Burundi in July 2021. These individuals were arrested in Nyungwe Forest in September 2020 after crossing from Kibira Forest.
RED Tabara argued that it is illogical to accuse Rwanda of supporting them while it is actively participating in peace talks with Burundi aimed at restoring diplomatic ties strained since the 2023 Gatumba incident.
“How could Rwanda be supporting RED Tabara while it is simultaneously in dialogue with Burundi to resolve their differences?” the group questioned.
They further accused President Ndayishimiye of using Rwanda as a scapegoat to deflect attention from Burundi’s worsening economic conditions.
The group invited international observers to visit their bases and investigate any claims of external support, urging transparency.
Meanwhile, President Ndayishimiye has firmly stated that his government will not negotiate with RED Tabara, insisting that the group’s fighters must be brought to justice.
In response, RED Tabara called on international organizations that supported the Arusha Peace Agreement to pressure the Burundian government into engaging in dialogue with political and armed opposition groups.
They argued that, had such pressure been applied earlier, the ongoing conflict might have been resolved.
He was addressing youth representatives from Kigali and nearby districts on March 25, 2025, after raising concerns about the potential impact of the sanctions on Rwanda.
Dr. Bizimana clarified that the countries that imposed the sanctions were more focused on the stability of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), which they see as a loss. He emphasized that although these countries criticize Rwanda, they are fully aware of the true situation.
He pointed out that many countries impose sanctions primarily for their own national interests, often under the pretext of human rights, while pursuing their own agendas.
The minister highlighted Canada’s position, stating that although Canada has not been traditionally supportive of Rwanda, it imposed sanctions under the guise of protecting Congolese interests.
However, he pointed out that Canada’s real motivation was safeguarding its economic interests in the DRC.
“Canada does not support Rwanda, but it imposed sanctions restricting Canadians from attending conferences in Rwanda and preventing Rwandans from participating in events in Canada,” Dr. Bizimana noted, emphasizing Canada’s mining interests in the DRC.
Dr. Bizimana further explained that Western countries with no direct interests in the DRC did not engage in imposing sanctions on Rwanda.
He referenced Luxembourg, which opposed the sanctions, stating that it found no reason to penalize Rwanda, as it saw no fault with the country.
Luxembourg instead highlighted that the real issue was the governance and security situation in the DRC, where armed groups operate unchecked.
The minister also discussed Belgium’s position, explaining that the country’s interest in DRC’s minerals influenced its advocacy for sanctions against Rwanda.
He clarified that these sanctions serving as tools for Western powers to exert their influence, will not have permanent effect.
Dr. Bizimana encouraged the youth to remain resilient and seek solutions within their own country, asserting that Rwanda has the capacity to overcome these sanctions.
“We can thrive without them. If they say we cannot go to the U.S., we will reach a level where we no longer need to go there,” he said.
He urged the youth to focus on unity, hard work, and self-reliance as the path to a prosperous future for Rwanda.
Dr. Bizimana also dismissed the sanctions as misguided, particularly pointing out the threat to confiscate assets of individuals like General (Rtd) James Kabarebe, which they do not have in those countries.
The minister concluded by emphasizing that Rwanda’s strength lies in its unity and continued hard work, ensuring that essential services and development goals are achieved for the benefit of all citizens.
Scholz will remain as caretaker chancellor until a new government takes office.
The negotiation to build a ruling coalition is underway. Germany’s conservative bloc, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Christian Social Union (CSU), took the lead in the country’s 2025 federal election, followed by the Social Democratic Party (SPD). The results have paved the way for a CDU/CSU and SPD coalition.
CDU leader Friedrich Merz is expected to head the new government. He has voiced the willingness to put the government in place by Easter.
Also on Tuesday, CDU’s Julia Kloeckner was elected as the new president of the Bundestag, the lower house of parliament.
Born in 1972, Kloeckner served as a Bundestag member from 2002 to 2011. She held the position of Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection from 2009 to 2011. From 2018 to 2021, she served as minister of food and agriculture and again a member of the Bundestag from 2021.
The election took place during the first gathering of the 21st Bundestag following February’s election. The first sitting marks the end of the previous electoral term and the Bundestag adopted its rules of procedure.
The term of the current federal government concludes with the constitution of the new Bundestag.
Waltz’s statement followed Goldberg’s revelation that he had been inadvertently added to the group, which included high-profile officials such as Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Goldberg’s report in The Atlantic exposed the breach, which critics argue compromised national security by allowing a journalist to overhear classified discussions about military operations.
In a Fox News interview, Waltz acknowledged his role in creating the group but struggled to explain how Goldberg was added.
He blamed a “technical mistake,” saying that Goldberg’s name appeared similar to another person’s contact. Waltz further criticized Goldberg, calling him “the bottom scum of journalists” and suggesting that the incident was a result of a mix-up rather than any deliberate action.
While Waltz claimed no staffer was to blame, President Trump seemed to offer a contradictory explanation, suggesting that a lower-level staff member may have inadvertently shared Goldberg’s contact information.
According to The Guardian, Trump defended Waltz, dismissing the leak as a minor issue. However, the incident has drawn widespread condemnation from lawmakers, with Senator Mark Warner calling it an example of “sloppy, careless” handling of classified information.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Chris Coons also expressed concern, with Coons stating that the breach could constitute criminal behavior, even if accidental.
The leak raises questions about the use of Signal for sensitive communications, with some arguing that it may have violated provisions of the Espionage Act, as Signal is not approved for sharing classified information. The controversy continues to stir criticism over the handling of U.S. military secrets.
The delegation was received by the RDF Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General MK Mubarakh.
In his welcome address, General Mubarakh highlighted the longstanding and strong relationship between the RDF and the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), especially in terms of force development.
“The RDF and UPDF have enjoyed strong, cordial relations for many years, dating back to our liberation struggles. We are pleased that our Armed Forces continue to strengthen the existing special bond through various programmes, including the exchange of student officers and Directing Staff between the UPDF Command and Staff College and the RDF Command and Staff College.
“This initiative plays a critical role in the professional development of our forces. It contributes to the growth of our military leaders who are trained to effectively address prevailing security challenges, including cross-border crimes, in diverse operational environments,” the CDS emphasised.
The delegation received a comprehensive briefing on RDF’s transformation and its contributions to continental security from Brig Gen Ronald Rwivanga, the Defence Spokesperson.
Col Martin Sunday Byegarazo, head of the delegation, explained that the purpose of the visit was to expand the students’ understanding and gain valuable insights into national and international affairs, global politics, security studies, and international relations.
As part of their seven-day official visit to Rwanda, the delegation also paid tribute to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi at the Kigali Genocide Memorial and later visited the Campaign Against Genocide Museum.
Their itinerary includes visits to the Rwanda Defence Force Command and Staff College (RDFCSC) in Nyakinama, Zigama CSS and several other key government institutions.
