According to AP, a local pilot identified as Terry Godes, saw a social media post Sunday night asking for help locating the missing plane.
Early Monday, he joined a search team and spotted what appeared to be wreckage near the lake. As he got closer, Godes was relieved to see the survivors waving from the wing.
“They were alive and responsive,” Godes told The Associated Press.
The plane was reported missing after it failed to return from its flight. John Morris, the pilot’s father, made a public plea for help on social media, which led to the search effort.
Once Godes located the crash site, other pilots helped relay information to authorities, leading to a rescue by the Alaska Army National Guard.
Despite the extensive discussions, including a 12-hour meeting between the U.S. and Russia, both sides offered conflicting assessments of the talks.
The U.S. delegation, led by Andrew Peek and Michael Anton, met separately with Russian and Ukrainian representatives. The talks addressed issues like maritime safety in the Black Sea and a temporary moratorium on attacks against energy infrastructure.
However, both Russia and Ukraine voiced concerns about the implementation of any agreements. Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called for clear guarantees from the U.S. regarding Ukrainian compliance, while Ukrainian President Zelensky criticized the discussions, particularly Washington’s willingness to help restore Russia’s access to global agricultural markets, calling it a weakening of sanctions.
Despite the diplomatic exchanges, fighting on the ground continued, with both sides accusing each other of escalating tensions. Ukrainian forces reported casualties from a Russian missile strike in Sumy, while Russia accused Ukraine of targeting its energy infrastructure.
Meanwhile, experts remain skeptical about the prospects of a lasting resolution, citing deep mistrust and the failure of previous negotiations.
As the situation remains volatile, Europe has also intensified its support for Ukraine, with France and Britain pushing for military assistance and long-term security guarantees.
Meanwhile, the U.S. faces criticism for its dual role as a mediator while having economic interests in Ukraine’s mineral and energy resources.
With trust between the parties eroding, the future of peace talks remains uncertain, and the path to a lasting ceasefire seems increasingly complex.
In a statement released on Tuesday, March 25, UNICEF Rwanda confirmed that the UN agency dedicated to promoting and protecting the rights of children worldwide is not involved with the concert and will not receive any proceeds from it.
“UNICEF is not associated with the planned ‘Solidarité Congo’ charity concert. UNICEF will not receive any proceeds from the event, and no person associated with UNICEF is part of the concert,” the statement clarified.
The organizers of the concert say the event is intended to support children affected by the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where the Congolese army has been fighting the M23 rebels.
However, UNICEF reaffirmed its commitment to humanitarian principles, stating that it remains “a non-political organization whose work strictly adheres to the humanitarian principles of neutrality, impartiality, and independence.”
The concert, featuring Congolese artists such as Maître Gims and Youssoupha, has sparked significant backlash due to its scheduled date coinciding with the annual commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
The date, recognized by the United Nations, marks the beginning of the 100 days of commemoration of the genocide, in which over a million people were killed.
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo has called for the event’s cancellation, citing concerns over public order and the emotional impact on the Rwandan community.
In a letter to the city’s police chief, Hidalgo emphasized the inappropriateness of hosting the concert on such a significant day, especially in light of “recent hateful rhetoric targeting Rwandans and Tutsis circulating online.”
The concert has also faced criticism from the Rwandan diaspora in France, Rwanda’s Ambassador to France, François Nkulikiyimfura, and survivor organizations, who argue that holding the event on April 7 undermines genocide remembrance efforts.
Critics have further accused some performers, including Maître Gims and Youssoupha, of previously expressing controversial views about Rwanda, intensifying tensions between the Rwandan and Congolese communities in Paris.
The Rwandan government has previously denied the Congolese government’s claims that it is backing M23 rebels, insisting that its main concern is the FDLR militia—comprising remnants of the perpetrators of the 1994 genocide—which continues to operate in eastern Congo, posing a security threat to Rwanda.
McFadden’s appeal follows concerns raised by his constituent, Alexis Kiray, who represents approximately 2,300 Banyamulenge refugees resettled in the UK.
In a letter to Lord Collins of Highbury, Minister for Africa, McFadden stated that Kiray is concerned about the ongoing violence and human rights abuses against the Banyamulenge people and Tutsis in the eastern Congo.
“He [Kiray] is deeply concerned with the continuing persecution and displacement of the Banyamulenge community in the DRC, with many being arbitrarily detained and some executed. External observers have noted the risk of ethnic cleansing taking place in the DRC,” wrote the MP representing Wolverhampton South East.
McFadden highlighted that Mr. Kiray seeks clarification on the UK Government’s response to the situation.
“Mr Kiray wishes to know what action the UK Government is taking to protect the Banyamulenge and Tutsi from this treatment, and what can be done to prevent crimes against humanity from taking place.”
The Banyamulenge refugees, whom Kiray represents, were resettled in the UK through a partnership between the UK Government and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).
The Kinyarwanda-speaking communities in the DRC, whose presence traces back to the colonial era’s arbitrary border-drawing, have faced decades of persecution for decades.
The AFC/M23 rebel group, which has recently captured large swaths of territory in the eastern region, says it is fighting for the rights of this minority group.
Alarmed by the escalating conflict and violence, regional leaders and the international community have renewed calls for dialogue between the parties to settle the conflict.
Speaking to Italian daily Corriere della Sera, Alfieri revealed that the Pope experienced a violent bronchospasm in which he aspirated vomit, endangering multiple organ systems.
The medical team faced a critical decision: whether to halt aggressive treatment or to push forward with interventions that carried the risk of damaging other organs.
“We had to choose whether to stop and let him go, or push forward with every available treatment—despite a high risk of damaging other organs,” Alfieri stated. “We chose to go forward.”
Massimiliano Strappetti, Francis’ longtime health aide, played a crucial role in the decision, urging doctors not to give up.
The Pope remained alert and aware during the crisis, though at one point, doctors feared he might not survive the night. The medical team employed a non-invasive aspiration procedure to clear his airways, followed by an intensive regimen of medications. While concerns loomed over potential kidney and bone marrow damage, the treatment ultimately succeeded in stabilizing his condition.
Three days later, Francis suffered a second pair of acute respiratory episodes. Doctors inserted a specialized tube to remove mucus from his lungs, once again averting a life-threatening situation.
The Vatican took an unusually transparent approach during the Pope’s hospitalization, releasing detailed daily updates. According to Alfieri, Pope Francis himself insisted on honesty.
“He wanted the truth about his condition to be shared. Nothing was hidden or omitted.”
After 38 days in the hospital—the longest stay of his papacy—Francis was discharged on March 23. Appearing frail but resolute, he greeted well-wishers from a hospital balcony, thanking them for their prayers.
The Vatican has since confirmed that the Pope will undergo a strict two-month recovery period at his Vatican residence, Casa Santa Marta. His doctors have recommended continuous medical supervision and oxygen support during his convalescence.
It remains uncertain whether the Pope will participate in upcoming events such as King Charles III’s planned visit to the Vatican or the Holy Week celebrations. Francis has not publicly led the Angelus prayer in weeks but has continued to offer reflections online, recently calling for global peace.
In a message on social media, he expressed gratitude for the prayers that supported him through his ordeal.
“Let us pray together for peace,” he wrote, citing ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Reflecting on the Pope’s remarkable recovery, Alfieri credited both science and faith. “Science backs it up—prayer can have real effects,” he said. “Twice we thought we had lost him, and then it happened like a miracle.”
The date, officially recognized by the United Nations as the International Day of Reflection on the Genocide, holds deep meaning for the Rwandan community.
The President of the Rwandan diaspora in France, Rwanda’s Ambassador to France, François Nkulikiyimfura and representatives of survivor organizations, had raised concerns with the mayor, warning that the event could undermine genocide remembrance efforts.
Critics of the concert say some of the scheduled performers, including Maître Gims and Youssoupha, have previously expressed controversial views about Rwanda, adding to the tension already present between the Rwandan and Congolese communities in Paris.
While the concert was allegedly intended to raise funds for children affected by conflict in eastern Congo, UNICEF France, the intended beneficiary, has declined to be associated with the event if it goes ahead on April 7, citing the significance of the date.
The Mayor’s office, in a statement released on March 25, said the concert’s timing was inappropriate and risked disturbing public order, especially in light of recent hateful rhetoric targeting Rwandans and Tutsis circulating online.
Authorities also noted that protests had already been planned should the event proceed as scheduled.
Hidalgo formally requested the Prefect of Police to prohibit the concert, emphasizing the potential for disruption and the need to respect the day of mourning and remembrance.
The event was organized by HWPL (Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light), a South Korea-based peace organization, under the theme “Building Bridges for Korean Reunification: Establishing Legal and Practical Frameworks for Peace.”
It brought together approximately 1,000 domestic and international leaders to present a unified plan for nationwide peace and reunification.
On March 23, a commemorative ceremony took place in Osaka, Japan, gathering around 80 peace advocates, citizens, and HWPL members who came together to express their shared aspiration for global peace.
Since its proclamation on March 14, 2016, the DPCW has served as the foundation for HWPL’s global peace-building efforts. The 10-article, 38-clause document was developed in collaboration with legal experts from 15 countries and provides a robust legal framework to prevent and resolve conflicts while promoting a culture of peace.
The Osaka ceremony opened with a reflection on the significance of the DPCW and its origin in South Korea. Attendees were offered an in-depth look into the legal foundations of the DPCW and its growing influence in the international peace community. The event also underscored the importance of active participation by individuals, communities, and governments in creating lasting peace.
Leaders from HWPL’s Kobe and Nagoya branches shared their plans for future activities, emphasizing the organization’s intent to expand its peace efforts throughout Japan. The announcement further encouraged participants and strengthened expectations for continued collaboration.
Additionally, the event featured a membership registration drive and a petition in support of the DPCW. Attendees engaged meaningfully by writing and sharing heartfelt peace messages.
One of the guest speakers, Mr. Morimoto Tadanori, Yamato Takada City Representative from the Nara Prefectural Japan-North Korea Friendship Association, remarked, “It was truly inspiring to witness how people can come together in the shared mission of promoting peace. And it would be wonderful to see more young people from Japan actively participating in these events. Their involvement is crucial in shaping a peaceful future for all.”
HWPL plans to expand peace initiatives actively in Japan and strengthen collaboration with various organizations and individuals to advance international peace efforts.
“These comments are surprising because Rwandan and Burundian defence and security institutions have actually been meeting to discuss how to secure our common borders in light of developments in Eastern DRC,” Makolo.
The President of Burundi made these remarks during an interview with the BBC, where he accused Rwanda of attempting to destabilize his country by backing RED Tabara—an armed group based in South Kivu, DRC, known for its opposition to the Burundian government.
He alleged that Rwanda plans to use this rebel group in the same way it has been accused of supporting M23 rebels in eastern DRC.
“We know that Rwanda is trying to attack us through RED Tabara operating from Congo. But if they want to come to Bujumbura that way, we can also get to Kigali through Kirundo,” Ndayishimiye warned.
This is not the first time Ndayishimiye has accused Rwanda of supporting RED Tabara. In December 2023, following an attack by the group in Gatumba zone, Bujumbura, he repeated similar accusations.
These allegations, refuted by Kigali as baseless, saw Burundi closing borders in January 2024.
Despite these tensions, recent months had seen signs of diplomatic progress. Military and intelligence officials from both countries held bilateral meetings aimed at restoring security cooperation and resolving border issues.
The latest such meeting took place on March 10 in Kirundo province, Burundi. Besides, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, stated on March 14 that Rwanda and Burundi were on a good path towards de-escalation and mutual understanding as talks continue between the leadership of both countries.
President Paul Kagame also hinted at improving regional relations during a citizen outreach programme on March 16 at BK Arena, where he revealed that former colonial powers had attempted to unite Burundi and DRC against Rwanda.
However, he noted that such efforts were being unraveled and Rwanda was working to rebuild strong ties.
Speaking at a church event on the same day, President Ndayishimiye accused Rwanda of sowing chaos across the region and described any intentions to attack Burundi as madness.
“The idea that someone dreams of attacking Burundi is madness. I hear people say, ‘Rwanda has a strong army.’ Oh! They don’t know the kind of army I have,” he said defiantly.
“Burundi has both visible and invisible forces. We are well protected.” Ndayishimiye also expressed lingering frustration over Rwanda’s refusal to extradite individuals accused of involvement in the 2015 attempted coup against the late President Pierre Nkurunziza.
Rwanda has maintained that these individuals are refugees protected under international law and cannot be handed over.
The current turn of events casts doubt on the recent optimism surrounding Burundi–Rwanda relations.
While both countries had appeared to be on a diplomatic path towards peace and cooperation, President Ndayishimiye’s statements suggest deeper mistrust still lingers—potentially jeopardizing the fragile progress made in recent months.
For years, senior education and medical officers employed by the government have simultaneously managed private schools, clinics, pharmacies, and hospitals, often prioritizing their private enterprises over their official duties.
Many have been accused of neglecting government facilities while diverting resources, including medicines and equipment, to their private establishments.
Additionally, some medical officers have been found referring patients to their private facilities for services that should be freely available at government hospitals.
The National Development Plan (NDP) IV, which outlines the Government’s strategic direction for the next five years, highlights this issue of conflict of interest and public service neglect as a key area for reform.
According to the plan, the ban seeks to ensure that civil servants focus on their core responsibilities, thereby improving service delivery in public schools and hospitals.
Senior officials in the education sector, including head teachers and commissioners, have been running private nursery, primary, and secondary schools while simultaneously overseeing government institutions.
Similarly, medical professionals have been accused of setting up private health facilities, often under pseudo names or proxies, to bypass regulations.
These conflicts of interest have led to the deterioration of public services, as officials devote more time and resources to their personal businesses.
The new directive follows President Yoweri Museveni’s call for the Public Service Ministry to review civil service regulations and address the growing issue of moonlighting among public servants.
The Government aims to ensure equitable resource allocation and improve the quality of education and healthcare services.
“Conflict of interest is especially rampant in the health sector. Many senior health workers are rarely available at public hospitals and instead operate their own facilities.
Patients are often referred to these private establishments to purchase medicines, even when the same drugs are available in government stores. This is unfair and undermines public healthcare,” a government source explained.
Meanwhile, there is uncertainty over how the Government will handle civil servants who already own private schools and hospitals.
A senior official suggested that affected individuals might be required to either resign from public service and run their businesses or sell their private facilities to remain in government employment. Cabinet is expected to provide final guidance on this matter.
{{Challenges in education and health sectors}}
The Government acknowledges that despite efforts to improve public services, significant challenges remain. According to NDP IV, the cost of education and healthcare continues to rise due to inefficiencies, population growth, and weak policy implementation.
Currently, households contribute nearly 47% of education funding in Uganda. The healthcare sector also struggles with affordability, with out-of-pocket expenses still accounting for 29% of total health expenditure.
The country faces severe shortages in both sectors, with only 8,900 doctors serving a population of over 45 million, far below the World Health Organization’s recommended doctor-to-patient ratio. Similarly, the education sector is short by 78,000 teachers at the primary level and 20,000 at the secondary level.
By ensuring that civil servants dedicate themselves fully to their roles, the government hopes to improve the quality of public education and healthcare services and reduce reliance on costly private alternatives.
The policy does not extend to political leaders, but it marks a significant step towards accountability and efficiency in Uganda’s public sector. The implementation of this directive will be closely monitored, with Cabinet expected to issue further guidelines to ensure a smooth transition.
He was speaking at the 2nd joint virtual summit of East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State held on March 24, 2025.
The summit, co-chaired by EAC Chairperson President William Ruto of Kenya and SADC Chairperson President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe, was focused on addressing the worsening security situation in the region.
The government of the DRC has frequently accused Rwanda of violating its sovereignty, claiming that Rwanda has sent troops onto its territory and is supporting the M23 armed group, which controls large areas.
Rwanda has denied these accusations, explaining that in response to security threats originating from the DRC, such as the FDLR, it has strengthened its border security measures.
These security measures have helped prevent some of the shelling in the Rubavu District since the morning of January 27, 2025, when M23 fighters clashed with the DRC armed forces and its coalition in Goma City.
Kagame emphasized that Rwanda’s security concerns must be considered within a broader context.
“Rwanda remains concerned about our security, and this must be addressed within the framework of dealing with problems of other countries, including DRC as well,” he stated.
The summit, which was characterized by a collaborative and positive atmosphere, resulted in the appointment of five eminent persons to a newly established Panel of Facilitators tasked with finding a lasting political solution to the crisis.
Kagame reiterated the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations, stating, “When we talk about sovereignty and territorial integrity, it should mean every country. Every country deserves respect for its territorial integrity or its sovereignty.”
Kagame’s message also underscored the significance of addressing the underlying political issues that contribute to the instability in the region.
“If you want the war to end, you end the injustice, you end political problems for not only your people, but for others, including neighbors, that are affected,” he asserted.
The meeting of the Heads of State of EAC and SADC, which followed a previous one on February 8, 2025, made decisions including calls for an end to fighting and hostilities between the conflicting parties in Eastern DRC.
This was followed by a meeting of the military chiefs of the member states leading to a report outlining how the fighting and hostilities would cease, allowing humanitarian efforts to continue without obstruction. The report was discussed and approved by the council of ministers.
Kagame also expressed cautious optimism, acknowledging the progress made in the discussions and highlighting the collective responsibility to resolve the crisis.
“I think we are making progress. We are counting on everyone to help make positive contributions towards ending all of this,” he stated.
