Chadian President Mahamat Deby Itno was inside the palace when the attack occurred, but authorities swiftly contained the situation.
During a live broadcast from within the presidential palace, Foreign Affairs Minister Abderaman Koulamallah reassured the public, stating that the situation is completely under control.
The incident coincided with a visit by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who had earlier praised Deby Itno for efforts to reestablish constitutional order.
This attack comes shortly after parliamentary elections intended to restore democracy.
However, the main opposition party boycotted the polls, and analysts suggest the elections may further consolidate Deby Itno’s power.
President Mahamat Déby took over in 2021 following his father’s death during a rebel clash.
He was recently elected to lead Chad in a controversial election, facing allegations of vote-rigging and suppressing opposition voices.
Chad continues to struggle with ongoing violence and terrorism, including threats from extremist groups such as Boko Haram.
This was emphasized during a meeting held on January 7, 2025, which brought together the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement (MINUBUMWE), organizations representing genocide survivors, and local authorities in Nyamagabe District.
Nyamagabe District Mayor Hildebrand Niyomwungeri stressed that achieving complete justice involves concluding cases, apprehending offenders, and ensuring they serve their sentences.
“We have a list of over 200 individuals hiding in different parts of the country, particularly in Nyamagabe. Over the past three weeks, we have already apprehended 62 of them. We will continue these efforts to ensure that by the end of this month, everyone on that list will have been apprehended,” he said.
He stated that Nyamagabe District is determined to arrest those involved in the genocide who remain at large to ensure they face justice.
Patrick Sindikubwabo, President of Ibuka in Nyamagabe District, noted that one of the reasons the perpetrators have evaded capture is the difficulty in identifying them, as many used fake names or committed genocide in areas where they were not permanent residents.
“In the data collection process, we found that some of their real names were unknown. Some were referred to by aliases such as Kibonge, Rudomoro, or Mushi, which made identification challenging,” he explained.
“Some of those being sought relocated to other areas of the country. For instance, someone might have committed genocide in a sector where they worked as a housekeeper or herder, making it difficult to trace them. However, through survivor meetings in Nyamagabe, we have been sharing information and recalling those times, which is yielding positive results.”
Sindikubwabo added that most of those being pursued were sentenced by Gacaca courts to 30 or 25 years in prison, with only a few receiving life sentences.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken made the declaration on January 7, 2024, as Sudan continues to grapple with a conflict that has plunged the country into one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises.
“Based on overwhelming evidence, I have concluded that members of the RSF and allied militias have committed genocide in Sudan,” Blinken stated, citing systematic attacks targeting ethnic groups. The acts include mass murders, rape, and the deliberate prevention of civilians from accessing essential supplies.
The RSF, a paramilitary force led by Mohammad Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti, along with allied militias, has been accused of ethnic cleansing, crimes against humanity, and war crimes since the conflict erupted in April 2023.
What began as a power struggle between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) has had catastrophic consequences for civilians. Over 30 million Sudanese require humanitarian aid, with tens of thousands dead and hundreds of thousands facing famine.
The U.S. Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on Hemedti and seven RSF-affiliated companies based in the United Arab Emirates, citing their roles in acquiring weapons for the RSF.
Additionally, Hemedti has been designated under Section 7031(c) for his involvement in gross human rights violations, including the mass rape of civilians in Darfur. This designation bars Hemedti and his immediate family from entering the United States.
“Hemedti has wantonly ignored international humanitarian law and commitments made in the 2023 Jeddah Declaration and the 2024 Code of Conduct,” Blinken said, referencing agreements aimed at protecting civilians and facilitating humanitarian aid.
Despite the accords, the RSF has continued to commit war crimes under Hemedti’s leadership, including sexual violence and attacks on fleeing civilians.
“The United States does not support either side of this war,” Blinken emphasized, noting that both factions bear responsibility for the ongoing violence and lack the legitimacy to govern Sudan’s future.
In addition to sanctions, the U.S. has pledged $30 million to support Sudanese civil society actors working toward a peaceful and democratic future.
The toll of the conflict on Sudan is staggering. Since April 2023, millions have been displaced, with entire communities destroyed and left without access to basic necessities.
Blinken signalled the potential for further sanctions against RSF affiliates and other actors undermining peace in Sudan, stating: “We will continue to evaluate additional measures to ensure accountability.”
Humanitarian groups have welcomed the U.S. measures but stress that more international coordination is urgently needed to address the crisis effectively.
This innovative initiative marks the first time the city will have infrastructure specifically designed for car parking, signaling a significant step forward in urban planning and infrastructure development.
Speaking to the national broadcaster, RBA, Ms. Emma Claudine Ntirenganya, the Director General in Charge of Communication and Public Education at the City of Kigali, highlighted the transformative nature of the project.
“In order to solve the issue of parking in a lasting way, we are planning to establish buildings specifically and strictly designed for parking. This will not only reduce the congestion caused by cars parked in designated areas but also elevate Kigali’s urban standards to align with global cities,” she said.
The new parking complexes are part of a broader effort to enhance Kigali’s urban infrastructure and ease transportation challenges. Ntirenganya also emphasized the importance of improving public transportation as a complementary measure.
“To sustainably solve this problem, we are further streamlining the general public transport system,” she explained. “If, for example, people are fully served and satisfied by public means, with vehicles operating at designated times and places, there will no longer be a need for everyone to drive to the city in their private vehicles.”
This project adds to the milestones Kigali and Rwanda as a whole have achieved in infrastructure development. Over the years, the city has witnessed the construction of state-of-the-art roads, modern bus terminals, and innovative green spaces, all aimed at improving the quality of life for residents and enhancing the city’s reputation as a modern African metropolis.
The government has also prioritized urban planning and smart city initiatives, with Kigali leading the way as a model city in Africa.
The prospect of dedicated parking buildings brings a sense of relief and excitement. These facilities promise pave the way for a more efficient and organized urban experience.
The Indian federal government urged states to increase surveillance and spread awareness to prevent transmission of the virus, but officials also urged the public not to panic. Many experts have stressed that HMPV has been around for decades and is not as fatal as COVID-19.
“Health experts have clarified that HMPV is not a new virus. It was first identified in 2001 and it has been circulating in the entire world since many years,” Indian Health Minister JP Nadda said in a video statement.
“HMPV spreads through the air, by way of respiration. This can affect people of all age groups. The virus spreads more during the winter and the early spring months,” he added.
Rajeev Jayadevan, the spokesperson on HMPV from the Indian Medical Association in Kochi, similarly tried to quell concerns, stressing that the virus is common in children.
“There is a lot of public anxiety about the HMPV. It is a common respiratory virus which most children get by the age of 3 or 4. It’s very rare to have a serious problem with this. Most children would have had at least one bout of this infection in their childhood, including all of us,” Jayadevan said.
“This is not COVID. This is not a killer virus. It has been around for many years in all countries, including ours,” Jayadevan explained.
It was in late December 2012, the day had started all well for Niyibizi, with shopping as he looked forward to joining his family to enjoy the festive season.
The joy turned into despair later that evening, when he was involved in an accident as he was going home.
“I lost my leg because of speeding. I think I was just happy that I was going home after months without going there, to enjoy Christmas and the New Year with them, and I forgot that I was on the road, which is shared with many other motorists and pedestrians. This ended up being my last ride,” Niyibizi reckons.
He recalls how carelessness and overexcitement cost him dearly. Having accepted the situation, Niyibizi now urges other road users to avoid making the same life-threatening mistakes.
“Towards the end of the year, people tend to overindulge, but that is dangerous for drivers and motorcyclists. You will regret your whole life when you lose your limb; that is if you don’t die and leave your loved ones heartbroken for something preventable.
“When I see people walking, I feel like I’ve lost something invaluable. My advice to motorists is to stay cautious, not prioritize celebrations over life, avoid speeding, and refrain from drinking and driving. If you lose your life, you leave your family in distress,” says Niyibizi.
Just like Niyibizi, Ernest Ndayishimiye, a former truck driver, recounts the same ordeal.
“It was in November 2011, when I was involved in an accident. I was driving a truck from Kigali to Rusizi and I had an accident in Nyamagabe. I lost my limb, which has since affected my life. Accidents have severe consequences. Economically, I’ve lost a lot having to spend years unable to work. I used to support my family, but now I can’t,” says Ndayishimiye.
Ndayishimiye advises road users to avoid driving under the influence, ensure vehicles are roadworthy, and observe speed limits. He also encourages pedestrians to use designated crossings.
Another road accident victim, Alice Mukamurenzi, who lost her leg as a child in 1996 while crossing the road, now plays football and advocates for road safety.
She said: “I live in Musanze and play football in a team for people with disabilities. I was a child when I was hit by a car while crossing the road, leading to my disability. Whether it was my carelessness or the driver’s speed, the accident happened because of negligence on both sides.”
“Whatever you want to achieve or to celebrate, you will only do it when you are in good health and without any harm. Drive sober, follow traffic laws, and as pedestrians, cross or use the road carefully.”
Road traffic accident (RTA) victims suffer from different types of injuries and disabilities, which can affect their quality of life. They usually face various physical, mental, and social problems. Most traffic accident victims experience difficulties adapting to the new life.
Road traffic accidents are a global concern as they are among the leading causes of death worldwide, claiming over a million lives each year and leaving many others injured.
From January to December 2024, Rwanda recorded around 9,600 road accidents, leading to 350 fatalities. Despite ongoing efforts by international organizations and governments worldwide to mitigate the effects of road accidents, the issue persists.
For the last five years, the Rwanda National Police (RNP) has been conducting the “Gerayo Amahoro” road safety campaign to educate and influence all categories of road users to adopt safer behaviors on road usage.
The campaign focuses on eliminating human behaviors that lead to accidents, fatalities or permanent disabilities, and to increase visibility and enforcement.
Gerayo Amahoro or ‘arrive safe’ encourages safe driving behavior, responsive use of the road and to make road safety a choice and culture.
The road security report indicates that road-related fatalities reduced by 50 percent in 2024 compared to the previous year.
Accidents involving cyclists, who are often among the most vulnerable road users, also dropped by 17%, reflecting significant changes in the behaviors of road users.
The RNP spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Boniface Rutikanga, echoed the message of road safety, urging people to drive safely without jeopardizing public safety.
He advises the public against driving or riding under the influence, and to seek alternative safer means.
“Roads are used by many people, who wish to get to their final destinations safely. So, when you are on the road as a driver, motorcyclist, cyclist, pedestrian or passenger, behave or act in a way that guarantees your safety and that of other people sharing the same road.
“Avoid speeding, using a phone when riding, driving or crossing the road; respect zebra crossing, refrain from drunk driving, wrong or dangerous maneuvers, reckless use of road; all of which increase risks of road crashes, injuries, loss of lives and destruction of property. Make road safety a choice and culture,” ACP Rutikanga says.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, spoke to reporters after meeting with President of the Republic of the Congo Denis Sassou Nguesso.
When asked about how China and Africa jointly address climate change, Wang said that President Sassou’s high attention to the issue of climate change reflects the foresight of African leaders, adding that China has always supported Africa in achieving green development as the installed capacity of photovoltaic power plants built jointly has exceeded 1.5 GW, lighting up thousands of homes across the continent.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has proposed that China and Africa should jointly advance modernization that is eco-friendly, which is the common goal of both sides and one of the key tasks of this visit, Wang said.
He said that China will implement the Partnership Action for Green Development, and work with African countries to carry out clean energy projects proposed at the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.
China will join hands with Africa to promote international climate governance, Wang said.
Noting that fair and common but differentiated responsibilities should be adhered to, Wang called on developed countries to face up to their historical responsibilities, earnestly fulfill their obligations, and provide financial, technical and capacity-building support to developing countries, especially African countries.
This development was confirmed by Rwanda’s Presidency via its X account.
In 2021, a tripartite declaration of intent was signed between OIF, Rwanda’s Ministry of Education, and the French Development Agency (AFD) to develop a national plan for teaching French in Rwanda.
This agreement marked a significant step in improving the quality of French language teaching across various levels of education, from basic schooling to higher education and vocational training, with a focus on enhancing the professional integration of young Rwandans.
Before becoming the Secretary General of the OIF in 2018, Louise Mushikiwabo served as Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.
She was re-elected for a second term in 2022 during the 18th Summit of Francophonie Heads of State in Djerba, Tunisia.
Under her leadership, the OIF has undergone reforms to address global challenges such as security threats and environmental issues. Rwanda joined OIF in 1970.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces said that the attack caused a series of explosions and a large fire at the site, leading to significant damage.
Ukrainian officials believe the strike will severely disrupt Russia’s logistics, particularly affecting its strategic bombers stationed at Engels-2, such as the Tu-95, Tu-22, and Tu-160.
These bombers are frequently used to conduct airstrikes against Ukraine as reported by local media.
In addition to the deaths in the Caribbean island country, more than 2,200 people were injured, and nearly 1,500 were kidnapped.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, expressed deep concern over the scale of the violence, calling it a severe humanitarian crisis.
He highlighted a December massacre in Port-au-Prince’s Cité Soleil area, where over 200 people were killed in a gang-led attack.
The victims, many elderly, were accused of causing the death of a gang leader’s son. The bodies were mutilated and thrown into the sea.
Other reports from OHCHR detailed 315 lynchings and 281 summary executions linked to gangs and alleged police involvement.
These incidents, coupled with widespread corruption and impunity, continue to fuel the country’s multi-dimensional crisis.
Türk emphasized the urgent need for international support, calling for strengthened efforts to restore the rule of law and accountability.
He also reiterated the need for a full implementation of the UN Security Council’s sanctions, especially regarding arms control, as illegal weapons continue to fuel the violence.
Among others, the High Commissioner urged nations to halt deportations to Haiti, where ongoing insecurity makes safe returns impossible.
