The exhibition took place on the morning of April 7, 2026, in the hall where the 32nd commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi was held.
The Rwandan Embassy in India reported that officials, including Rwanda’s High Commissioner to India, Jacqueline Mukangira, the Head of the UN Mission in India, Darrin Farrant, and school teachers, were given an introduction and explanation of the messages conveyed through the students’ works.
April 7 is observed annually as the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. This year marks the 32nd commemoration, when Rwandans and the global community remember the genocide.
In Rwanda, the 32nd Commemoration Week has begun nationally, alongside 100 days of remembrance activities.
Students in India on the morning of April 7, 2026, displayed artworks commemorating the 32nd anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
On April 7, 2026, Rwanda, alongside the international community, began the 32nd commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
MINUBUMWE stated that the Commemoration Week officially begins at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, which also hosts the national-level Kwibuka ceremony.
On the evening of April 7, a “Walk to Remember” will start in Gasabo District and conclude at BK Arena, where the Evening of Remembrance will take place.
At the community level, commemorative activities will include talks and guidance on the day’s messages. MINUBUMWE emphasized that after the Kwibuka activities, all regular work and services may continue as usual.
Essential services, such as pharmacies, hospitals, and health centers, will remain operational to serve the public, and hotels are allowed to continue providing services to their guests.
At the village level, no additional talks are planned during the Commemoration Week, except for those scheduled on April 7.
On April 11, 2026, in Kigali’s Kicukiro District, another Walk to Remember will start at IPRC/Kicukiro and conclude with an Evening of Remembrance at the Nyanza Genocide Memorial.
MINUBUMWE also stated that commercial activities, individual sports, team training, and other income-generating activities are allowed to continue throughout the Commemoration Week.
The ministry further announced that during Commemoration Week, the national flag will be flown at half-mast.
On April 13, 2026, the Commemoration Week will conclude at the Rebero Genocide Memorial at the national level. On that day, political figures who were killed for opposing the genocide will also be remembered.
The ministry clarified that no additional district-level closing activities are planned. It also reminded organizers that Kwibuka ceremonies should not exceed three hours.
Remembrance activities in government institutions, private organizations, businesses, and foreign embassies in Rwanda will be held on designated days between April 8 and July 3, 2026, with talks led by knowledgeable facilitators.
Schools will organize special remembrance days with lectures, visits to memorial sites, and activities aligned with Kwibuka program once students return from holidays.
It was also emphasized that evening vigils held before Kwibuka ceremonies or genocide victim burials should conclude by 10:00 p.m.
After the Commemoration Week, all remembrance symbols will be lowered, but may be reused only for specially organized genocide remembrance events.
During the 32nd commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi, Rwandans, particularly the youth, are encouraged to actively participate in remembrance activities and follow commemorative programs broadcast on radio, television, and social media.
President Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame lighting the Flame of Hope in 2025 during the 31st commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi.
In a statement issued on the occasion of the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, Guterres reflected on the horrors of 1994 while stressing the urgent need for accountability and prevention.
“Thirty-two years ago, Rwanda endured one of the darkest chapters in human history. In just 100 days, more than a million people were murdered,” he said.
The UN chief noted that the day serves not only to honour the victims but also to confront the failures of the international community at the time.
“On the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda, we mourn the victims and honour their stolen dignity. We pay tribute to the survivors, whose resilience shows the strength of the human spirit,” he stated, adding that the world must also recall “with humility and shame, the international community’s failure to heed warnings and take immediate lifesaving action.”
Guterres emphasized that remembrance alone is not sufficient, urging nations to take deliberate steps to prevent similar tragedies.
“It’s not enough to remember the dead. We must learn from past failures and protect the living – by rejecting hatred, inflammatory rhetoric and incitement to violence; by investing in the social fabric to deepen community resilience; and by strengthening institutions that help prevent mass atrocities,” he said.
He further called on all countries to commit to international legal frameworks aimed at preventing genocide.
“I call on all countries to become parties to the Genocide Convention without delay and to implement it fully,” he added.
So far, 153 countries have signed the international convention on the prevention and punishment of the crime of genocide.
Reaffirming the United Nations’ solidarity, Guterres said, “The United Nations stands with the people of Rwanda. And we stand with all those, everywhere, who refuse to surrender our future to fear, division, or silence.”
He concluded by urging a renewed global commitment to action, saying, “Let this day reaffirm our commitment to remember, to listen, and to act. With history as our guide, and the prevention of genocide as our goal.”
Rwanda’s commemoration period, known as Kwibuka, begins on April 7, with a week of national mourning and continues over 100 days, reflecting the duration of the genocide in which more than one million victims were killed.
This year’s commemoration is observed under the theme “Remember, Unite, Renew”.
Guterres has urged action beyind remembrance as Rwanda marks the 32nd commemoration of Genocide against the Tutsi.
Umurerwa’s path to Zoe Wellness Studio began when she found herself at a crossroads in life. Living in Nigeria, she was battling a deep sense of loss and disconnection. “I was going through a serious depression. I felt lost. I didn’t know what I was doing with my life,” she recalls. Gym sessions felt overwhelming, and yoga didn’t resonate with her. After exhausting other avenues, a chance encounter at a sip-and-paint event would change everything. When a stranger introduced her to Pilates, Celine was intrigued. She attended a class, and the experience proved to be transformative. “For a whole hour, I didn’t think of myself. I was just trying to breathe and move my body. And from there, I knew this was something I could do.”
Pilates became more than just physical exercise for Umurerwa; it was a mental anchor. The focus on controlled movements, deep breathing, and posture restoration helped her rebuild not only her body but also her mind. Determined to share this healing practice, Celine returned to Rwanda with a clear vision: to offer women a safe space where they could connect with their bodies and find mental clarity, free from the intimidation often felt in traditional gyms. This led to the opening of Zoe Wellness Studio in Kigali.
Pilates transformed Celine’s life, and now she’s bringing its power to women in Kigali.
“When I started Zoe Wellness Studio, I wanted to create a safe space for women who want to move their bodies but don’t always feel comfortable in a gym setting,” Umurerwa shares. “Pilates isn’t just a movement; it helps with core strength and mental health. We do a lot of breathing in Pilates, which is essential for mental well-being.” Inside the studio, clients are greeted by a calming, light-filled space where they can slip off their shoes, leave their bags behind, and step onto the reformer beds. The sessions are gentle yet powerful, emphasizing slow, intentional movements that strengthen the body and quiet the mind.
Umurerwa personally guides beginners with patience and encouragement, emphasizing that “everything here is going to be a slow movement.”
Umurerwa is quick to dispel the misconception that Pilates is only for women, stating, “Pilates is for everyone, men, women, the elderly, and young people. If you want to move your body, it doesn’t matter who you are.”
Since its inception, Zoe Wellness Studio has grown exponentially, drawing full classes every day. The community that has developed around the studio is one of warmth and support. “We want to create a space where women can come in and feel safe to talk about what they’re going through. A lot of women don’t open up about their struggles, but in this space, they can,” says Umurerwa. In addition to reformer Pilates, the studio also offers aerial yoga, where clients can stretch and relax in hammocks, further promoting deep relaxation and well-being.
Zoe Wellness Studio is a safe haven for women to reconnect with their bodies, breathe deeply, and find strength.
Umurerwa’s commitment to cleanliness and safety is reflected in the studio’s meticulous care after each session, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for every client. “It really, really changed my life in so many ways,” Celine shares, speaking about the impact Pilates had on her. “I knew that if it helped me, it could help other women who are going through the same things I went through.”
As Zoe Wellness Studio celebrates its first anniversary, Celine’s vision continues to expand. Plans for online classes will allow women, whether at home or on lunch breaks at work, to access the transformative benefits of mindful movement. From a woman who once felt lost to the founder of a growing community of strength and sisterhood, Celine Umurerwa’s story is a powerful reminder: sometimes, the gentlest movements, a deep breath, a slow stretch, a reformer glide can guide us back to ourselves.
For those in Kigali ready to reconnect with their body and mind, Zoe Wellness Studio is waiting.
Celine’s dream of building a supportive community where women can thrive physically and mentally is becoming a reality.From personal healing to empowering others, Celine Umurerwa’s journey led to the creation of Zoe Wellness Studio in Kigali.
The development follows the signing of a partnership agreement between Karongi District authorities and Afrinest Engineering, a company that has been operating in the area for the past seven years.
Rwanda comprises six major lakes, including Lake Kivu, Muhazi, Ihema, Rweru, Burera, and Ruhondo.
These water bodies present significant opportunities for transport, trade, tourism, and recreation. However, progress in these sectors has been hindered by limited local expertise in boat construction and navigation. Within the region, Afrinest Engineering Ltd is currently the only company manufacturing boats that meet the standards of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
One of the key challenges the company faces is its reliance on foreign skilled labor, with workers sourced from countries such as Bangladesh, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa. This challenge has driven the initiative to establish a local training institution in partnership with Karongi District.
The Managing Director of Afrinest Engineering, Alain Munyaburanga, said the land for the school has already been secured, and the next steps involve conducting architectural studies and developing the curriculum.
“We will begin with 40 students, gradually increasing to 400. We plan to recruit students with backgrounds in welding, mechanics, and electrical engineering and equip them with specialized skills in boat building and maintenance,” he said.
Julienne Ntakirutimana, Vice Mayor of Karongi District in charge of economic development, noted that the school will be built in Bwishyura Sector. She added that the district will support student recruitment.
“This initiative will help reduce unemployment, as Afrinest has access to job markets both in neighboring countries and beyond. When the company builds boats, clients often request trained personnel to operate and maintain them,” she explained.
Célestin Simparinka, who has spent 30 years navigating boats on Lake Kivu, welcomed the initiative. He noted that his own skills were acquired abroad, having trained in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, and Uganda.
“My boat navigation license was obtained in Congo. I have heard about Afrinest’s plan to establish this training school, and it is a very positive step.
Karongi is growing in tourism, and we have long been concerned about operators who learn informally and in a short time,” he said.
The announcement came at the conclusion of a week-long training program organized by the U.S.-based Global Digital Heritage Center, designed for staff responsible for managing exhibitions in museums and heritage sites across the country.
3D technology allows objects or sites to be captured in a way that lets people view them from all angles, replacing traditional photography, which only captures a single perspective.
This means that anyone will soon be able to rotate and examine artifacts or historical sites virtually, gaining a much fuller understanding of their details.
The digitization program is planned to be rolled out museum by museum until all sites are covered, with new discoveries continuously added to the digital archive.
Chantal Umuhoza, a staff member of the Rwanda Cultural Assembly responsible for Exhibitions and Digital Heritage Projects, Chantal Umuhoza, Museum Curator at the Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy (RCHA), specializing in exhibitions and cultural heritage protection, said the technology will improve the preservation and global dissemination of Rwanda’s heritage.
She explained, “This technology helps us preserve and safeguard artifacts in museums and at heritage sites. Take, for example, the Musanze cave, you can now explore it virtually and see all angles as if you were there in person. This is the level at which we want to showcase our heritage.”
Umuhoza added that digitizing museums will also raise the international profile of Rwanda’s heritage, allowing anyone with an internet connection to visit the museums virtually without needing to travel physically. This is expected to increase curiosity and interest among potential visitors worldwide.
Historians and cultural experts note that making museum artifacts digitally accessible will help people better understand the country’s history and culture, while also making it easier to share Rwanda’s heritage with foreigners.
Steven Iradukunda commented, “In today’s world, technology is the most advanced way to quickly share information. As someone interested in history, I feel this technology will provide an easy way to explore museum collections, helping our children learn more about our heritage instead of wasting time on trivial content on social media.”
Addressing concerns that digitization might reduce physical visits to museums and heritage sites, Rwanda’s Cultural Heritage Academy clarified that this is unlikely. Instead, virtual access is expected to stimulate interest, encouraging more people to visit in person, ultimately increasing attendance.
Visitor numbers to Rwanda’s museums and heritage sites have been steadily increasing; from 139,538 in the 2014/15 fiscal year to 263,061 in 2024/25, generating Rwf 439,885,212 in revenue that year.
Participants praised the training for being transformative.
This initiative was carried out in collaboration with France, which contributed £429,000 (about Rwf 680 million) for the purchase of various machines used for processing and recycling waste at the newly established landfill in Ruhango town.
Additionally, Rwf 300 million was allocated for the construction of the landfill site located in Rwoga Cell, Ruhango Sector.
Ruhango District Mayor, Habarurema Valens, mentioned that this project is the first of its kind outside Kigali and will help manage waste in the district through the program called ‘Ruhango Icyeye’ (Clean Ruhango).
All waste in Ruhango town will be collected and transported to the Rwoga landfill, where it will be sorted based on its type and processed into useful materials, including organic fertilizer.
This approach is expected to reduce the amount of waste accumulating at the landfill, as most of the materials previously stored there will now be processed into valuable products in factories.
“We plan to process nearly all of the waste, leaving only about 10% at the landfill. The rest will be turned into various products, including fertilizer,” he added.
He further explained that, after collecting waste from Ruhango town, the project will expand to other centers such as Kinazi, Gitwe, and Buhanda, where waste will also be collected and transported to the main landfill.
Paulin Buregeya, CEO of COPED Ltd, the company managing the landfill on behalf of Ruhango District, stated that the project has begun by collecting tons of waste daily in Ruhango town. Waste is being collected from households, street bins, markets and shops.
This waste will be collected at designated sites using electric-powered bicycles to help reduce costs, and then transported to the landfill.
At the landfill, the waste will be sorted into biodegradable and non-biodegradable categories, such as metal and plastic bottles, tires, glass, and other waste, which will be placed in separate areas.
Buregeya continued by explaining that they have set up a system to recycle some of the waste. Cardboard, paper, and plastic will be sent to factories to be turned into other products. Glass bottle fragments will be crushed and mixed with sand and cement to produce paving tiles, while plant-based waste will be processed into organic fertilizer.
“Our cities are facing challenges with waste, and we are figuring out how to process it without harming the environment. In the past, all the waste was dumped without sorting, but now, thanks to this project, only 10% will be discarded, and the rest will be recycled,” he said.
He also emphasized that projects like this create jobs, noting that in Ruhango, they started with more than 30 employees, and the number is expected to grow to 200 as the project progresses.
Workers involved in the project are also pleased to be earning income while contributing to the cleanup of the planet, Rwanda, and Ruhango District in particular.
It is expected that, after three months of the project’s implementation, an assessment will be conducted to determine whether similar initiatives can be extended to other districts, in order to continue promoting environmental sanitation throughout the country.
Residents are urged to collect waste regularly, and those responsible should promptly collect and transport it.Some of the paving stones were made using crushed glass bottle fragments, mixed with sand and cement.This is a facility where the recycled plastic from the waste is stored.Only 10% of waste will be discarded.Some of the papers and cardboard have been sorted from the waste and are awaiting to be sent to the factories.
With its lush landscapes, cool fresh air, and welcoming communities, it attracts a diverse mix of visitors eager to explore nature, experience local culture, and enjoy a different side of Rwanda; including its unique cow-based tourism, where visitors engage with traditional livestock practices deeply rooted in Rwandan heritage.
It is in this spirit of exploration and connection that, recently, a group of 92 travelers set off on an unforgettable adventure to this picturesque destination in Nyabihu District.
This journey, organized by RUA Safaris, brought together a diverse group of adventurers, including influencers, artists, and families. The tour offered a perfect blend of outdoor exploration, cultural immersion, and a true taste of Rwandan hospitality.
The adventure began with a breathtaking scenic drive through the hills of Bigogwe. As the group made their way through this rural paradise, the lush green landscapes, rolling hills, and clear skies left everyone in awe. Bigogwe is renowned for its natural beauty, and the opportunity to explore it on foot was something all the travelers eagerly anticipated.
The highlight of the trip was the hiking experience. The group trekked through the hills of Bigogwe, guided by locals who shared their knowledge of the area’s flora, fauna, and history.
The invigorating atmosphere of the hike brought a sense of peace and connection to nature. Whether they were experienced hikers or first-timers, the adventure proved to be equally rewarding, and everyone left feeling accomplished, with a deep appreciation for the landscape.
The vibrant spirit of Rwanda with Inyambo cows, where tradition meets unity in every step.
The experience deepened with traditional games and food. The travelers engaged in traditional Rwandan games, which brought joy and camaraderie to the group.
The games ranged from teamwork challenges to friendly competitions, offering a fun and interactive way to bond with fellow travelers while learning about local customs. The meal that followed was a true reflection of Rwandan cuisine.
Participants were treated to a feast of beans, cassava, Irish potatoes, and milk dishes prepared with fresh local ingredients. Sharing a meal together, surrounded by the beauty of Bigogwe, made the experience even more special.
Beyond the hiking, games, and food, the tour also allowed the travelers to connect with the local community. Many of the villagers shared their stories, providing insights into their daily lives.
It was a humbling experience to witness the warmth, hospitality, and resilience of the people of Bigogwe. RUA Safaris ensured that every moment of the tour was an opportunity to engage with Rwanda’s culture and the unique lifestyle of its rural communities.
Among the 92 travelers were notable influencers, including Linda and her husband, AG Promoter and his wife, the artist RunUp, Papa Cyangwe, and many others.
RunUp soaking in the beauty and adventure of Bigogwe.
Speaking to IGIHE, Amen Babu Rugemana, founder of RUA Safaris, expressed appreciation to the sponsors, partners, and participants who contributed to the success of the initiative.
“The trip went smoothly, and we are grateful to everyone who took part,” he said.
He noted that beyond hiking and food, the experience was about bringing people together to connect with the essence of Rwanda.
Rugemana also acknowledged key partners, including The CHOICE Live, IGIHE, Dopik Electronics, and L & L Attire, for their support in making the trip possible. He emphasized that such collaborations are essential in delivering unique and memorable experiences.
As RUA Safaris prepares for a trip to Zanzibar this summer, he reflected on the impact of the Bigogwe tour, describing it as unforgettable and highlighting the joy people find in such adventures.
“It was an unforgettable experience. It showed me how people are truly happy when they get the chance to experience such adventures. We can’t wait to continue offering more exciting opportunities to connect with nature and culture.”
Papa Cyangwe embracing the rich culture of Rwanda in traditional attire.
The trip to Bigogwe, organized by RUA Safaris, was more than just an adventure; it was a celebration of Rwanda’s rich culture, nature, and community spirit. From the challenging hikes and traditional food to the laughter-filled games and heartfelt connections with locals, every aspect of the trip was crafted to create lasting memories. For those seeking a deeper connection to Rwanda’s culture and natural beauty, a tour to Bigogwe with Ruwa Safaris is highly recommended. It was an experience that allowed everyone to disconnect from the daily grind and reconnect with the heart of Rwanda. The memories of this beautiful journey will continue to inspire future travels and a lasting love for Rwanda’s hidden gems.
Babu extends heartfelt gratitude to everyone who joined the Bigogwe adventure.
In a new study, scientists identified a single protein, called FTL1, that appears to play a central role in the aging brain. In experiments with mice, higher levels of this protein were linked to weaker connections between neurons, the cells responsible for memory, learning, and thinking.
Older mice with elevated FTL1 performed worse on memory tests and had fewer network connections in a key brain region called the hippocampus, which is vital for forming and storing memories.
To explore how FTL1 influences aging, the researchers increased its levels in the brains of young mice. The results were dramatic: the mice began to show brain changes and behaviors similar to much older animals. Their nerve cells developed simpler structures and fewer of the branching connections that healthy brains rely on.
But the most remarkable finding came when the team reduced FTL1 levels in older mice. After this adjustment, the animals showed clear signs of cognitive recovery.
Neurons started to build more connections again, and the mice performed significantly better on memory tests. According to Dr. Saul Villeda, the study’s senior author, this wasn’t just slowing aging it was a real reversal of age‑related decline.
Further investigation revealed that FTL1 also affects how brain cells use energy. In older mice with high levels of the protein, metabolism in the hippocampus slowed down.
However, when researchers treated these cells with a compound that boosted metabolism, they prevented many of the negative effects tied to FTL1.
This discovery could have major implications for future treatments targeting age‑related memory loss and cognitive decline in humans.
By focusing on FTL1 and how it impacts brain cell connections and metabolism, scientists may one day develop therapies that help preserve or even restore mental function in older adults.
While more research is needed before human treatments are possible, the findings offer exciting promise. Understanding the biology of brain aging is a major step toward tackling memory disorders and improving quality of life for older generations.
Scientists found a protein that drives brain aging and how to stop it.
The night of March 31, 2026, was filled with celebration across the country as the national team defeated Jamaica 1-0, securing a World Cup spot for the first time in 52 years.
Residents in regions under AFC/M23 control, including the city of Goma, also celebrated the victory, demonstrating a sense of shared joy with citizens in other parts of the country, despite being under the rule of opposing factions.
On April 5, 2026, during festivities in Kinshasa honoring the team and thanking the players for their achievement, President Tshisekedi noted that the happiness of people in the eastern regions reinforced his confidence in reclaiming these areas.
He stated, “You saw the footage—there is joy in these territories controlled by the enemy, and we will reclaim them soon because of these forces, because of this momentum.”
The Head of State expressed optimism about regaining the regions, even as AFC/M23 maintained that it had no plans to relinquish control and warned that any government attacks would be dealt with.
Whenever the Congolese government has tried to retake lost areas, AFC/M23 has countered effectively, often seizing additional territory.
The international community has emphasized political negotiations as the only viable solution to halt the conflict, but President Tshisekedi has remained adamant.
There are reports that peace talks between the DRC government and AFC/M23 could resume in April 2026, though not in Doha, Qatar, due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East; suggesting the venue may be moved to Switzerland.
President Tshisekedi noted that the happiness of people in the eastern regions reinforced his confidence in reclaiming AFC/M23 controlled areas.
