As usual, during this year’s race, Amstel organized accompanying events known as the “After Party,” adding excitement to the competition.
The 17th edition of the international cycling race concluded on Sunday, March 2, 2025, with French cyclist Fabien Doubey of Team TotalEnergies emerging as the overall winner.
Many attendees expressed their joy and appreciation for the festivities that accompanied the race.
Emmanuel Niyonkuru from Rubavu District shared his excitement about seeing Yampano, one of the most popular artists of the moment.
“I’m really happy. We got to enjoy a performance by Yampano, who is currently delivering amazing hits. We truly appreciate Amstel for bringing him to us for free,” he said.
Bruce Hirwa also praised these events, highlighting how they bring energy to the city.
“These concerts are fantastic. People spend the whole day on the streets watching the race, so in the evening, it’s great to have a place where we can relax and celebrate in a different way,” he said.
Bralirwa’s management stated that such activities bring joy to people and encourage social interaction, which aligns with Amstel’s mission and purpose. They also promised even more exciting activities for the next edition of the race.
In addition to these events, Amstel also awards stage winners throughout the race.
The Wazalendo fighters were sighted entering the city through the Camp TV area in Kadutu Commune on Monday morning. However, M23 forces quickly responded, forcing the Wazalendo fighters to retreat to the hills from which they had advanced within 20 minutes.
M23 has controlled Bukavu since mid-February after expelling Congolese government forces, including the Wazalendo fighters.
Since taking over the city, M23 has tightened security measures to enable residents resume their daily activities, including business operations.
To facilitate governance and security in Bukavu and the surrounding areas, M23 established a new administration for South Kivu province on February 28.
Emmanuel Birato Rwihimba was appointed Governor, while Dunia Masumbuko Bwenge will serve as Deputy Governor in charge of politics, administration, and legal affairs. Juvénal Bushinge Gasinzira was named Deputy Governor in charge of the economy, finance, and development.
M23’s leadership, which is part of the AFC rebel alliance, has in recent months intensified its offensive against President Félix Tshisekedi’s administration, which they accuse of discriminating against certain communities, particularly Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese.
Speaking prior to the opening session on March 3, 2025, Dr. Githinji Gitahi, the Group CEO of AMREF Health Africa, highlighted the importance of African countries working together to strengthen healthcare systems. He disclosed that more than 200 health sector partners from across the world are participating in the event.
“Health is a collective responsibility. It is crucial for nations to unite and work together to create safer societies because these are the environments where outbreaks begin,” Githinji said.
He also raised concerns following the United States’ recent three-month suspension of USAID funding, urging African nations to develop independent, sustainable solutions to maintain and improve healthcare delivery.
“The real concern is not just the loss of funding but the disruption of essential health services for vulnerable populations who rely on these programs,” he added.
Githinji revealed that AMREF had been collaborating closely with USAID on a $20 million project across Kenya, Malawi, Ethiopia, and Zambia, focusing on maternal and child health, infectious disease prevention, and HIV/AIDS management.
The World Health Organization’s Acting Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Chikwe Andreas Ihekweazu, called for greater collaboration among African nations, emphasizing the need for local solutions.
“We still need to work together, and I believe we will find our own ways to address these challenges. We continue to encourage all countries to recognize the value of cooperation and open avenues for stronger partnerships,” he said.
Representing Africa CDC, Dr. Claudia Shilumani praised Rwanda’s proactive approach to addressing healthcare challenges. She noted that President Paul Kagame had recently urged African leaders to seek alternative solutions in response to the USAID funding suspension.
“While I cannot speak for other countries, Rwanda has demonstrated strong leadership in navigating this crisis,” Dr. Shilumani said.
{{Rwanda’s commitment to a resilient healthcare system}}
Rwanda’s Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, highlighted the country’s efforts to build a robust healthcare system despite external funding uncertainties.
He detailed ongoing initiatives, including expanding the healthcare workforce, investing in modern medical infrastructure, training healthcare professionals, and improving governance within the health sector.
The Africa Health International Conference Agenda in Kigali aims to foster collaboration, explore innovative solutions, and strengthen Africa’s healthcare systems amid evolving global health challenges.
The WHO said ver the weekend that it continues to support the national response, working with the Ministry of Health and partners to strengthen and sustain control measures to curb the spread of the virus and halt the outbreak.
“WHO continues to support Uganda’s Ebola response efforts. Our teams are working with the Ministry of Health and partners to strengthen surveillance, active case searching, contact listing and tracing, infection prevention and control in health facilities, case management, and community engagement to halt the spread of the virus.”
On February 5 this year, the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Health, Dr. Diana Atwiine, announced that Uganda had kicked off clinical trials of a vaccine against Ebola Sudan.
Atwiine made the announcement just one week after the disease killed one person. The deceased was a nurse at Mulago Hospital.
She said that health workers and other people exposed to the disease were being targeted in the trial.
“It is right to test the vaccine in the condition we are in now because our health workers have been exposed, and I believe that it will have that ability. The safety trials were done, and the vaccine is safe. So now, we just want to see how protective it is because we are in the midst of the epidemic,” Atwine said.
On February 26, 2025, while addressing the UK Parliament, Collins was questioned about the recent deaths of 70 Christians who were killed by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) using machetes and hammers. The bodies of these victims were discovered in a church in the Lubero territory of North Kivu province.
In response, he claimed that he had discussed the matter with Nduhungirehe in Geneva, but that Rwanda had denied all allegations. This statement further strained the already tense relations between the two nations, with Rwanda condemning it as ignorance and an attempt to mislead the world about the security crisis in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Two day later, the UK Ambassador to Rwanda was summoned to provide clarifications on the matter.
During a media briefing on March 2, 2025, Nduhungirehe expressed his disbelief at Collins’ statement, suggesting it may have been generated using AI.
“We immediately summoned the UK Ambassador and informed him that these claims were unacceptable. We made it clear that, first of all, the Minister for Africa, Lord Collins of Highbury, was not telling the truth because we never discussed anything related to the ADF,” Nduhungirehe said.
He further indicated that the UK Ambassador was also shown evidence disproving the allegations. “Accusing Rwanda of collaborating with the ADF is completely unacceptable because we are, in fact, actively fighting against terrorist groups like those in Cabo Delgado. Additionally, because these statements came from the UK, a major global power, people tend to believe them without question,” he added.
He mentioned that Collins’ statements had sparked misinformation online, with some individuals claiming that Rwanda had ties to the ADF and reiterated Rwanda’s request for the UK government to issue a public statement refuting Collins’ remarks and to issue a formal apology.
“That is why we asked the UK Government to release a statement clarifying that their Minister’s claims were false and to apologize. While the Minister did send me a letter acknowledging that Rwanda had no connection to the ADF and that we never discussed the matter, he did not apologize,” Nduhungirehe stated.
“He admitted that his statements were inaccurate and that Rwanda has no ties whatsoever with the ADF, a terrorist group responsible for killing Christians in churches. Such falsehoods cannot be tolerated,” he added.
Relations between Rwanda and the United Kingdom began to deteriorate after the UK announced plans to impose sanctions on Rwanda over allegations of supporting the M23 rebel group and deploying troops in Eastern DRC. Rwanda has consistently denied these accusations and provided evidence to counter them.
Rwanda accuses the UK of hastily taking sides in the Eastern DRC conflict and has expressed concerns over the collaboration between the FDLR terrorist group and the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC), Burundian forces and European mercenaries.
Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, announced her passing on Sunday, March 2, 2025.
“I am heartbroken by the untimely passing of Ms. Safari Christine, Chairperson of Ibuka Netherlands. I offer my deepest condolences to her husband, Léon, and to her children,” Minister Nduhungirehe wrote in a heartfelt message on X.
“Christine, you fought a good fight for memory, reconciliation, and against genocide denial. As a former Ambassador of Rwanda to the Netherlands, who had the privilege to work with you, I will forever be grateful for your friendship, your courage, your perseverance, and your tremendous achievements,” he added.
“May your soul rest in eternal peace, together with that of our loved ones you dedicated your life to.”
Through collaboration with the Embassy of Rwanda in the Netherlands and Ibuka in the country, Christine played a huge role in initiatives such as commemorating the Genocide against the Tutsi, supporting vulnerable genocide survivors, and advocating for justice.
Ibuka-Netherlands has been instrumental in identifying and bringing to justice those responsible for the Genocide against the Tutsi.
Additionally, Christine championed efforts to secure the Dutch government’s support for constructing a Genocide memorial to serve as a site for remembrance.
As a result of her advocacy, on April 19, 2023, a memorial for the Genocide against the Tutsi was inaugurated in the Netherlands.
At the time, she emphasized the significance of the memorial for herself, fellow genocide survivors, and anyone concerned with this history, highlighting its global importance.
“This memorial will help counter genocide denial and serve as an educational resource. It will be a place where we can find solace and remember our loved ones,” she stated.
“This is a major milestone for Ibuka-Netherlands. The Netherlands was the last country in Western Europe without a memorial for the Genocide against the Tutsi, despite having significantly contributed to justice efforts.”
The envoy made the remarks in a statement released after completing his diplomatic visit to Rwanda, where he held high-level discussions with government officials and international partners regarding the crisis in eastern DRC.
During his visit to Rwanda, Borgstam met with President Paul Kagame, Minister of Defence Juvenal Marizamunda, and Gen. (Rtd.) Kabarebe, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in Charge of Regional Cooperation.
Borgstam expressed concern over the escalation of conflict in eastern Congo, particularly the war involving M23 and Congolese coalition forces, including the FDLR militia, which consists of remnants of the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
Addressing Rwanda’s concerns about the genocidal group that continues to threaten its security, Borgstam stressed that the apprehensions must be respected. He also noted that the ethnic persecution of communities, particularly the Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese in the east—which constitutes a central grievance of M23—must be addressed.
“We reiterate the responsibility of the DRC government to dismantle the FDLR militia. Additionally, we strongly condemn the rise of ethnic hate speech, which must be addressed by all governments in the region,” he stated.
At the same time, the EU reaffirmed its support for African-led peace initiatives, stressing that there is no military solution to the crisis.
“We welcome the outcome of the EAC-SADC summit of February 8 and encourage all parties to engage in constructive dialogue,” Borgstam stated.
Borgstam’s remarks on the FDLR come even as the M23 rebel group, which recently captured Goma and Bukavu, handed over Brigadier General Gakwerere Ezechiel, a senior member of the DRC-based FDLR genocidal militia, along with 13 other fighters, to Rwandan authorities on Saturday, March 1.
Among those transferred were senior FDLR officer Major Ndayambaje Gilbert and several junior fighters.
Brig. Gen. Gakwerere, who was dressed in a newly issued uniform of the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC), is known by multiple aliases, including Sibomana Stany, Julius Mokoko, and Sibo Stany. His capture, along with other FDLR members, has raised fresh concerns about the DRC’s alleged support for the militia, which Kigali has long accused of seeking to destabilize Rwanda.
Speaking at the border, Colonel Joseph Mwesigye, Commander of the Rwanda Defence Force’s 509th Brigade, dismissed claims that the FDLR is an aging, ineffective group with no operational capacity.
“You can see there are young people among them. Some claim the FDLR consists only of old men who are no longer a threat, but this shows otherwise. The ideology of genocide does not fade with age,” he asserted.
He further stated that the capture of these fighters provides concrete evidence that the FDLR remains active, despite Congolese authorities’ claims that the group is no longer a major force.
The FDLR fighters handed over were among those captured during clashes with the M23 in Goma and surrounding areas. While some fighters have fled to areas such as Walikale and Virunga National Park, reports indicate that others are taking refuge in UN military facilities in North Kivu Province.
Brig. Gen. Gakwerere has a long and notorious history. Born in 1964 in Rukara Commune, Kibungo Prefecture—now part of Rwanda’s Kayonza District—he played a key role in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
As a Lieutenant at the time, Gakwerere was stationed at the Non-Commissioned Officers School (ESO) in Butare, where he worked closely with Captain Ildephonse Nizeyimana, a key architect of the Butare massacres.
Reports indicate that he led a notorious group known as the “New Formula”, responsible for mass killings at roadblocks and various locations in Butare. He is also accused of involvement in the murder of Queen Rosalie Gicanda on April 20, 1994, as well as the killing of Jean Baptiste Habyarimana, the former Governor of Butare Prefecture.
During a parliamentary session on February 26, Lord Collins had claimed that Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe had “actively denied and refuted” accusations of Rwanda’s involvement with the ADF during their meeting in Geneva.
The British minister, however, later admitted that the remarks were false in a private message to Rwanda’s Foreign Minister and pledged to send a letter to the House of Lords to correct the record.
The retraction follows strong criticism from Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, which summoned the UK High Commissioner in Kigali over the remarks.
In the meeting with the UK envoy, Rwanda dismissed the statement as false, stating that the ADF was never discussed in the meeting in Geneva. The terrorist group recently killed 70 people in a church in Lubero, North Kivu in eastern DR Congo.
Rwanda condemned the comments as misleading and irresponsible, accusing the UK minister of fueling misinformation and undermining ongoing peace efforts in the region.
“It is dangerous and irresponsible for the UK Minister for Africa to make these comments that mislead the public, fuel the DRC propaganda machine and entertain conspiracy theories, as well as undermine the ongoing African-led peace process,” the ministry said in a statement on Saturday.
The government further rejected any suggestion of ties to the ADF, emphasizing that Rwanda is actively combating terrorism alongside Mozambican forces in Cabo Delgado.
While Lord Collins has acknowledged the mistake, Rwanda insists that a private message and a letter to the House of Lords are insufficient.
The Rwandan government has formally requested a public correction and an official apology from the UK government.
Rwanda’s ties with the UK have faced a strain following Britain’s move to push for sanctions against Kigali. The measures stem from allegations that Rwanda is involved in the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where M23 rebels are battling the Congolese army.
Rwanda has repeatedly denied the claims, insisting that the M23 rebels are Congolese citizens fighting against decades of persecution and marginalisation of Kinyarwanda-speaking communities. Rwanda has also accused the international community of ignoring the root causes of the conflict, thereby hampering efforts to fully resolve it.
With increasing interest from travelers in Southern Europe, Asia, and Africa, Rwanda offers a range of experiences, from gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park to eco-lodges and cultural heritage sites.
The country’s approach to sustainable tourism and conservation will be a key focus during the event.
This year’s theme, “The Power of Transition Lives Here,” highlights how the industry is adapting to new opportunities and challenges.
ITB Berlin provides a valuable platform for Rwanda to engage with tour operators, investors, and travel professionals, fostering new partnerships and collaborations.
{{Visit Rwanda Stand: Hall 21, Stand 112}}
{{Photos showing Rwanda’s participation at a past trade show}}
The prophecy originates from a mysterious text called ‘The Prophecy of the Popes,’ attributed to St. Malachy, an Irish archbishop who claimed to have received a vision during a visit to Rome in 1139.
This vision allegedly revealed the names and characteristics of 109 future popes, ending with a chilling prediction about the final pontiff.
Of the last pope, the prophecy states: “In the final persecution of the Holy Roman Church, there will reign Peter the Roman, who will feed his flock amid many tribulations, after which the seven-hilled city will be destroyed and the dreadful Judge will judge the people. The End.”
Pope Francis, as the 109th pope since St. Malachy’s prophecy was written, fits this description, raising anxiety that his death could fulfill the prophecy.
While many scholars question the authenticity of The Prophecy of the Popes, some aspects of St. Malachy’s predictions have been remarkably accurate.
Author Robert Howells, who has extensively researched the Catholic Church’s secrets, delves into these prophecies in his book The Last Pope. According to Howells, the accuracy of some descriptions cannot be easily dismissed.
“Malachy wrote the prophecies in the 12th century and gave them to Pope Innocent II in 1139. He listed 109 remaining popes, ending with the last one, Peter the Roman. It’s the only description in the prophecy with more than a few words,” Howells explains. “
Skeptics argue that the prophecy remained hidden in the Vatican archives until its publication in 1559, leaving room for potential embellishments. However, Howells points to examples that align with historical events.
For instance, Pope Benedict XV, who reigned from 1914 to 1922, was described by Malachy as “religion depopulated.” During his papacy, World War I claimed 20 million lives, the 1918 Spanish flu devastated Europe, and the Bolshevik Revolution spread atheism across Russia, an apt reflection of the phrase.
Similarly, Pope John Paul II, who served from 1978 to 2005, was called a “shining star.” His papal coat of arms prominently featured a shining star, lending further credence to the prophecy’s eerie accuracy.
According to Howells, such specific details are difficult to attribute to coincidence, particularly in cases where historical events align perfectly with Malachy’s brief descriptions.
Some Popes have even tried to fit themselves into the prophecy. In 1958, Cardinal Spellman sailed a boat filled with sheep down the Tiber River to match the prophecy’s reference to a “shepherd and mariner.”
Yet, as Howells emphasizes, the prophecy’s true power lies in instances where historical circumstances unfolded independently of Vatican influence.
Despite the intrigue surrounding St. Malachy’s visions, the Vatican maintains a strict policy of neither confirming nor denying the authenticity of prophecies. Nevertheless, the fact remains that Pope Francis is the 109th pontiff since the prophecy’s creation, leading many to wonder if his death could mark the beginning of the end.
Howells remains open-minded about how the prophecy could manifest. He suggests that the destruction of Rome may not necessarily involve a cataclysmic event. Instead, it could symbolize the weakening of the Catholic Church’s influence, driven by declining faith worldwide and a dwindling number of new priests.
“It says, ‘In the final persecution of the Holy Roman Church, there will reign Peter the Roman, who will feed his flock amid many tribulations, after which the seven-hilled city will be destroyed,’” Howells notes.
“That suggests that Rome itself could be affected by war, an earthquake, or even a comet, which was a common concern when the prophecy was written.” While the prophecy’s wording hints at apocalyptic scenarios, Howells cautions against interpreting it too literally.
“The destruction could be a thousand years away. It may simply mean that Pope Francis is the last pope on Malachy’s list, not necessarily that his death will trigger the end of the world.” he says.
Whether one views The Prophecy of the Popes as divine foresight or medieval forgery, the ongoing health crisis of Pope Francis adds an unsettling layer to the ancient text.
With history providing examples that seemingly align with Malachy’s descriptions, the question remains: Could the death of Pope Francis fulfill a prophecy nearly 900 years in the making?
