Recently, a team of researchers from Cornell University discovered that a compound called JQ1 could stop sperm production in male mice by targeting the sperm‑making process, known as meiosis.
This process is crucial for the development of sperm, and by interfering with it, the compound essentially stops the production of sperm. The most remarkable aspect of this discovery is that it’s reversible. Once the treatment was stopped, the mice were able to resume normal sperm production and even successfully father offspring.
This method represents a major step forward because it focuses on stopping sperm development without harming the stem cells responsible for future sperm production. This is critical because it means that the treatment doesn’t lead to permanent infertility, and sperm production can return to normal once the compound is no longer used.
“We’re practically the only the group that’s pushing the idea that contraception targets in the testis are a feasible way to stop sperm production,” said Paula Cohen, professor of genetics and director of the Cornell Reproductive Sciences Center.
“Our study shows that mostly we recover normal meiosis and complete sperm function, and more importantly, that the offspring are completely normal,” Cohen said.
The findings were published on April 7 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
If successful in human trials, this research could lead to the development of a male contraceptive that’s easy to use and non-hormonal. Unlike hormonal birth control methods, which can cause side effects like mood changes, weight gain, or decreased libido, this non-hormonal approach could offer a safer and more comfortable alternative for men who wish to take control of their reproductive health.
The potential for a reversible male contraceptive is immense. It could provide an option for men who want to delay or avoid fatherhood without relying on traditional methods like condoms or vasectomy. Moreover, this method could be delivered through simple, non-invasive treatments, such as an injection or a patch that needs to be reapplied every few months. This would make it incredibly convenient and accessible.
While this research is still in its early stages and has only been tested in mice, the success of this study represents a significant milestone in the quest for male birth control. As scientists continue to refine this approach and move toward human trials, the future of reproductive health may become more balanced, allowing both men and women to share responsibility for family planning.
The development of a reversible male contraceptive offers a glimpse into a more equitable and flexible approach to reproductive choices, which could revolutionise how we think about contraception in the years to come.
A team of researchers from Cornell University has discover reversible male birth control that stops sperm production.
Both individuals shared a common disdain for the Tutsi, which they publicly demonstrated in speeches, writings, and actions.
On October 17, 1990, Mitterrand chaired a Cabinet meeting in his government, discussing issues related to France, such as trips made by certain leaders to Saudi Arabia, Japan, the plan to extract Uranium from Niger, France’s interests in Madagascar, and other matters.
The subject that took up the majority of the discussion was Rwanda. At that time, the Minister of Security was Pierre Joxe. Mitterrand expressed that the Tutsi were of no concern to him and that, even if they achieved their objectives, the Hutu would once again oppress them.
The minutes of the meeting state: “The President of the Republic emphasised that the purpose of our military mission in Rwanda is solely to protect our citizens [the French].”
“France does not wish to involve itself in the ethnic conflicts occurring within the country. However, there is no interest in seeing a small group of Tutsi overpower the majority Hutu population.”
During the meeting, Mitterrand further stated that even though the Tutsi had endured prolonged oppression, it would ultimately lead to nothing. The Hutu, he predicted, would unite and defeat them.
He remarked, “Even if the rebels prevail, the Hutu of Rwanda and neighbouring countries will soon unite and overthrow the government. We will continue to maintain good relations with the Rwandan government, which has grown closer to France after developing disagreements with Belgium, its former coloniser.”
These statements were made shortly after France deployed troops to Rwanda as part of Operation Noroît, an operation intended to protect French interests.
A report by the Duclert Commission revealed that these French soldiers went beyond their mission by providing training and equipment to the government forces of Habyarimana. The report indicates that, in the years that followed, France was well aware of the killings being perpetrated against the Tutsi but failed to take any action.
The relationship between former French President François Mitterrand and Rwanda’s then-President Juvénal Habyarimana has often been described as akin to that of a father and son, with their close political alliance widely viewed as one of the factors that shaped Rwanda’s path toward the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
At the senior level, five officers have been promoted from Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) to Commissioner of Police (CP). These are Emmanuel Karasi, Bertin Mutezintare, Jean Népomuscène Mbonyumuvunyi, Barthélemy Rugwizangoga, and Fidèle Mugengana.
Ten officers were promoted from Commissioner of Police (CSP) to Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP). They include Claude Bizimana, Adolphe Nyagatare, Rango Ndoli, Callixte Kalisa, Vincent Habintwari Bihigi, Antoine Munyampundu, Faustin Kalimba, Hodali Rwanyindo, Christian Safari, and Alexis Nyamwasa.
In the broader category of senior and junior officers, five personnel were elevated from Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) to Commissioner of Police (CSP), while 94 moved from Superintendent of Police (SP) to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP). A further 161 officers were promoted from Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) to Superintendent of Police (SP).
Additionally, 574 officers advanced from Inspector of Police (IP) to Chief Inspector of Police (CIP), and 17 were promoted from Assistant Inspector of Police (AIP) to Inspector of Police (IP).
Among non-commissioned officers and other ranks, 282 personnel were promoted from Staff Sergeant (S/SGT) to Chief Sergeant (C/SGT), while 763 moved from Sergeant (SGT) to Staff Sergeant (S/SGT). At the lower levels, 1,886 officers were elevated from Corporal (CPL) to Sergeant (SGT), and 1,949 from Police Constable (PC) to Corporal (CPL).
The promotions span all levels of the force and reflect ongoing efforts to strengthen capacity and leadership within the Rwanda National Police.
The long-awaited truce was struck in the nick of time, coming shortly before U.S. President Donald Trump’s deadline for Iran to agree to a deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, or the “whole civilization will die.”
While the ceasefire has pressed pause on a conflict whose shockwaves have been felt across the globe, experts warn that deep-seated disputes between Washington and Tehran remain unresolved, leaving the prospects for lasting peace far from certain.
Last-ditch breakthrough
The ceasefire was reached amid repeated threats from Trump, which culminated on Tuesday when he warned that Iran’s “whole civilization will die” if Tehran failed to meet his latest deadline for a deal by Tuesday, 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time (0000 GMT Wednesday), a statement that drew widespread criticism.
Late Tuesday night, as the world braced for possible U.S. strikes, Trump announced a two-week “double sided ceasefire,” as Tehran agreed to “the complete, immediate and safe opening” of the Strait of Hormuz.
In an interview with the media, Trump hailed the agreement as a “total and complete victory,” adding that Iran’s uranium would be “perfectly taken care of” under the ceasefire deal.
Following Trump’s announcement, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council quickly issued a statement confirming the ceasefire.
Iran has achieved a “great victory” and “forced” the United States to accept its 10-point plan, which includes controlled passage through the Strait of Hormuz and the necessity of ending the war against all elements of the “axis of resistance,” said the statement.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said that Iran will cease “defensive operations” if attacks against it stop. Araghchi also promised safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz during the two-week ceasefire under “coordination” with Iranian armed forces.
For its part, Israel said it supports the temporary truce, noting that Lebanon is excluded from the deal.
Entrenched differences
The ceasefire has, to some extent, revived hopes that negotiations might settle the conflict, but responses from key stakeholders suggest that deep divisions and mutual distrust remain firmly in place.
In the statement confirming the ceasefire, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council stressed that the negotiations will be conducted on Friday in Islamabad “with complete distrust of the American side.”
“Our hands are on the trigger, and as soon as the slightest mistake by the enemy is made, it will be responded to with full force,” the security council warned.
Hamad Alhosani, a researcher at TRENDS Research and Advisory in the United Arab Emirates, said that the statements from the United States and Iran also reveal “a wide chasm.”
On the Strait of Hormuz, Washington demands “complete, immediate, and safe opening,” while Tehran insists on “continued Iranian control,” Alhosani said. On the nuclear program, Iran demands acceptance of its enrichment rights, while the United States has told Israel it is committed to removing all of Iran’s nuclear material, he added.
Similarly, Mohamed Benaya, an expert on Iranian and Gulf affairs at Al-Azhar University in Egypt, said, “The main points of difference are structural, the nuclear issues and the levels of enrichment and timelines.”
“There is a problem of trust between the two sides, driven by both ideological concepts,” Benaya added. “Bridging these gaps will be difficult without phased, reciprocal concessions.”
Analysts also noted that the disagreements between Washington and Tehran are not new: They stem from decades of political, ideological and strategic rivalry, and are unlikely to be resolved through either war or negotiations alone.
Akram Atallah, a Palestinian political analyst, said differences over Iran’s nuclear program, concerns about its regional influence, and the weight of economic sanctions have left fundamental disputes between Tehran and Washington unresolved.
“The current agreement should be understood primarily as an attempt to contain escalation rather than resolve the underlying conflict. It opens a diplomatic window, but the structural issues between the two sides remain unresolved,” Atallah said.
Dim prospects
Given these entrenched divisions, experts said the prospects for lasting peace in the Middle East remain shrouded in uncertainty.
“Over the next two weeks, we may see limited confidence-building steps, but the talks will likely focus on preventing further escalation rather than resolving all underlying disputes,” Oytun Orhan, a senior researcher at the Ankara-based Center for Middle Eastern Studies, told Xinhua.
Salah Ali Salah, a project officer at the Sanaa Center for Strategic Studies, said the ceasefire reflects a reluctant compromise by both sides rather than a genuine consensus.
“What we are witnessing is a forced and temporary truce between two sides that have exhausted their escalation options without achieving decisive outcomes,” he said. “With many critical issues still unresolved, the chances of renewed tensions outweigh the prospects for a real diplomatic breakthrough in the coming weeks.”
Jumaa Mohammed, a politics professor at Iraq’s Tikrit University, also voiced doubts about the prospects for lasting peace.
Both sides have lost enough to realize that a quick return to war would be more costly, but they do not yet trust each other enough to make major concessions, Mohammed said.
Mohammed Zakaria Aboudahab, a professor of public law and political science at Morocco’s Mohammed V University, also warned that the ceasefire is no guarantee of lasting peace.
“The fundamental drivers of conflict – Iran’s nuclear status, the reconfiguration of Gulf security architecture, and the persistent risk of escalation within the Israel-Hezbollah-Iran triangle – remain unresolved,” Aboudahab said. “What we are witnessing is more likely an intermission than a conclusion.”
A man attends a rally in Tehran, Iran, April 8, 2026. After some 40 days of deadly clashes, the United States and Iran on Wednesday reached a two-week ceasefire
He was speaking during the 32nd commemoration held at the Canadian Museum of History.
“We remember the lives that were lost. We honour the dignity that was denied. And we reaffirm the responsibility that history has placed upon all of us. Kwibuka is not only an act of memory. It is an act of truth, an act of resistance, and a call to action,” he said.
Amb. Higiro also emphasized the urgent need to confront genocide denial wherever it appears, warning that indifference is never neutral: “Indifference is not neutral. It never was.”
The commemoration, organized by the High Commission of the Republic of Rwanda in Canada in collaboration with RCA Ottawa-Gatineau, the Humura Association, and PLP Canada, drew approximately 800 participants, including members of the diplomatic corps, Canadian government representatives, Members of Parliament, the Rwandan community, and friends of Rwanda. The event was held under the theme “Remember — Unite — Renew.”
The afternoon began with the Walk to Remember, a symbolic procession led by the Humura Association along the Ottawa River, culminating in a flower release. The formal ceremony followed, featuring a moment of silence, candle lighting, a nondenominational prayer, survivor testimony, artistic performances, and remarks from distinguished speakers.
Canadian government engagement was notable.The Office of the Prime Minister posted on X: “Today, we remember and reflect on the horrific 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. We honour the victims, survivors, and everyone whose lives were changed forever by the atrocities and commit to building a better world where such horrors are never forgotten or repeated.”
Greg Fergus, Member of Parliament, expressed solidarity with the Rwandan people, while Ms. Cheryl Urban, Assistant Deputy Minister, delivered remarks on behalf of the Government of Canada, reaffirming Canada’s commitment to remembrance and genocide prevention.
Arielle Kayabaga, MP for London West, sent a formal message recognizing the Humura Association’s role in fostering community unity and remembrance.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Bojana Coulibaly, PhD, Harvard University, who stressed the importance of confronting revisionist narratives: “Denial is not an opinion, it is part of the genocide process.”
A moving testimony from genocide survivor Diane Muberarugo reminded attendees of the human cost of the tragedy and the enduring resilience of survivors. The event concluded with closing remarks by Ms. Denyse Umutoni, President of the Humura Association, reflecting the strength of community partnership in Canada.
The 32nd commemoration of Genocide against the Tutsi , known as Kwibuka32, continues over a 100-day period, with commemorative activities taking place across Canada and worldwide, reinforcing the global commitment to remembrance, truth, and the prevention of genocide.
Prosper Higiro, Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Canada, has urged that remembrance of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi must go beyond reflection and become an active commitment to truth and justice. Dr. Bojana Coulibaly, PhD, Harvard University, stressed the importance of confronting revisionist narratives.The afternoon began with the Walk to Remember, a symbolic procession led by the Humura Association along the Ottawa River, culminating in a flower release.Various Canadian officials attended the event. The 32nd commemoration of Genocide against the Tutsi was held at the Canadian Museum of History on April 7, 2026.
This isn’t just any souvenir. The steel spiral staircase, which once connected the second and third floors of the Eiffel Tower when it first opened in 1889, is made of riveted sheet metal and includes 14 steps resting on a cross-shaped base. The section stands 2.75 meters tall and spans nearly 1.75 meters in diameter.
Over 300 million people have climbed the tower since its debut at the Universal Exposition celebrating the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution, but for nearly a century, those steps were part of the journey to the top. In 1983, the tower underwent a massive overhaul, replacing sections of the original staircase with elevators. Most of the dismantled steps ended up in private collections, while a few were placed in museums like the Musée d’Orsay, Cité des Sciences, and even as far afield as Japan and New York.
Now, Section No. 1 is coming back into the spotlight. Artcurial’s Art Deco department in Paris will put it up for auction on May 21, with an expected price tag of €120,000 to €150,000 (approximately 205.4 million to 256.7 million Rwandan francs).
The staircase has been in a private collection for over 40 years and underwent a full restoration for the sale, according to Sabrina Dolla, associate director at Artcurial.
“It’s more than just a piece of history,” Dolla told CNN. “It’s an immersive experience, a stationary journey through time and space. Imagine yourself in 1889, perched hundreds of meters above Paris on this staircase, with a 360-degree view and no safety barriers.”
Artcurial has auctioned other staircase sections before, with one record-setting section selling for €523,800 (approximately Rwf 896.5 million) in 2016 to a determined collector from China. According to Dolla, such sales often come down to “circumstances and opportunities,” making this upcoming auction a rare chance to own a tangible piece of the Eiffel Tower.
So, do you have the space, the money, and a flair for the historic? If yes, this 14-step slice of Paris might just be yours, history included.
Over 300 million people have climbed the tower since its debut at the Universal Exposition celebrating the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution.
AFC/M23 is currently holding thousands of Congolese government troops, most of whom were captured during fighting in late January 2025, when the group seized the city of Goma and surrounding border areas.
On March 8, 2026, AFC/M23 announced plans to hand over 5,000 detainees to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) for transfer to the capital, Kinshasa. The group said the soldiers are being held at the Rumangabo military base and that their release is intended to support ongoing peace efforts and facilitate dialogue with the DRC government.
RFI reported on April 8, 2026, that the ICRC is prepared to transport the soldiers to Kinshasa, but that Congolese authorities have not yet authorized their reception. According to the report, the hesitation is linked to concerns that some of the soldiers could have been compromised or may pose a threat, although no official government statement has been issued.
The report also noted that AFC/M23 has been encouraging the DRC government to receive the soldiers, while a source close to President Félix Tshisekedi said the government was taking time to consider the offer.
Earlier, on February 20, 2026, AFC/M23 political coordinator Corneille Nangaa Yobeluo announced the release of 230 soldiers captured in Goma, though it remains unclear whether they were subsequently transferred to Kinshasa by the ICRC.
In a related development, in April 2025, 1,359 Congolese soldiers and police officers who had taken refuge at United Nations peacekeeping bases (MONUSCO) on the outskirts of Goma were repatriated to Kinshasa following negotiations involving the ICRC and AFC/M23.
Many of the soldiers captured by AFC/M23 are being held at the Rumangabo military base.
The message was delivered during the Kwibuka32 commemoration held in Seoul on April 7, 2026, where diplomats, government officials, members of the Rwandan community, and friends of Rwanda gathered under the theme “Remember – Unite – Renew.”
The event began with a Walk to Remember, honoring the victims, supporting survivors, and paying tribute to those who stopped the Genocide and contributed to Rwanda’s liberation.
Participants reflected on the historical reality of the Genocide against the Tutsi, which was planned and executed, leading to the killing of more than one million innocent Tutsi in just 100 days, from April to July 1994.
Representing the Government of the Republic of Korea, Chung Kwangyong, Director-General for African and Middle Eastern Affairs, noted that Rwanda’s journey of recovery and transformation resonates with the Korean people, who have also overcome the devastation of war to rebuild their nation.
He commended Rwanda’s resilience and highlighted its emergence as a hub of innovation and a model for sustainable development.
Speaking at the event, Chafik Rachadi, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, emphasized the importance of vigilance against hate speech and division, calling for continued global commitment to human dignity and the prevention of atrocities.
Rwanda’s Ambassador to South Korea, Bakuramutsa Nkubito stressed that remembrance must remain active and grounded in truth.
He highlighted that ‘genocide denial and distortion, particularly in the digital age, constitute a continuation of genocide ideology and must be firmly confronted’.
He further underscored Rwanda’s continued commitment to unity, reconciliation, and resilience, noting that these values have been central to the country’s rebuilding process over the past three decades.
Thirty-two years after the Genocide, concerns remain over the persistence of denial and distortion, increasingly spread through digital platforms and transnational networks, a trend the Embassy warned must be actively countered.
The commemoration also highlighted Rwanda’s progress in rebuilding a united nation founded on the principle of Ndi Umunyarwanda, reflecting inclusive governance, justice, and reconciliation.
The Embassy called on the international community to uphold the truth, combat genocide denial and hate speech, and ensure accountability by bringing genocide fugitives to justice in line with international obligations.
Rwanda’s Ambassador to South Korea, Bakuramutsa Nkubito stressed that remembrance must remain active and grounded in truth. Chung Kwangyong, Director-General for African and Middle Eastern Affairs, noted that Rwanda’s journey of recovery and transformation resonates with the Korean people.Chafik Rachadi, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, emphasized the importance of vigilance against hate speech and division.A Walk to Remember preceded commemoration talks.
American diplomat James Swan has officially assumed leadership of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO).
António Guterres appointed Swan as his Special Representative for MONUSCO early March 2026, succeeding Bintou Keita of Guinea, who left office on November 30, 2025.
Upon his arrival in Kinshasa on April 7, Swan underscored that the crisis in eastern DRC cannot be resolved through military means, pointing instead to dialogue, regional engagement, and the implementation of existing agreements as essential pathways to progress.
He reaffirmed that the protection of civilians remains MONUSCO’s central responsibility.
Swan further indicated that the mission will continue to support efforts aimed at reducing violence and creating conditions conducive to sustainable peace in the eastern region.
Swan assumes his duties at a time when MONUSCO has been tasked with overseeing the implementation of a ceasefire in Uvira territory, South Kivu Province, following the Doha negotiations between the Congolese government and the AFC/M23 coalition.
The United Nations Security Council has maintained that MONUSCO’s core mandate includes protecting civilians, preventing and responding to attacks on displacement camps, supporting the reintegration of former combatants, and monitoring compliance with sanctions related to arms flows.
In addition, the mission’s Force Intervention Brigade has been restructured to enhance its effectiveness in restoring stability in eastern DRC, with a strengthened mandate to conduct operations against armed groups independently or in coordination with national forces.
MONUSCO staff members welcomed Swan upon arrival The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres appointed Swan as his Special Representative for the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) early March 2026. Upon his arrival in Kinshasa on April 7, Swan underscored that the crisis in eastern DRC cannot be resolved through military means.
The acknowledgment came during the 32nd commemoration of the genocide in remarks by Nick Checker, Senior Bureau Official at the U.S. Bureau of African Affairs.
“As we gather to mark this solemn occasion, let us recognise the unspeakable horrors that befell the Rwandan people during the Genocide against the Tutsi. Today, we remember the nearly one million Tutsi victims, as well as Hutu, Twa, and others who were murdered due to their opposition to a genocidal regime,” Checker said.
Checker recalled his visit to Rwanda and the genocide sites at Nyamata and Ntarama, former churches where tens of thousands of Tutsis were killed. He described the emotional impact of seeing the altars where the massacres occurred:
“Standing before those altars, one cannot escape the visceral reality of what occurred there; I was profoundly moved. The altar, where the holy sacrifice of the Mass is offered, where the blood of Christ is made present for the salvation of the world, was here mingled with the blood of the innocent during the Genocide against the Tutsi.”
He noted that the genocide was the result of deliberate leadership decisions and emphasised the importance of justice:
“A key component of this effort is bringing justice to victims and survivors by holding the perpetrators accountable. The United States helped establish the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and will continue to work with partners to bring those responsible for the genocide to justice.”
Previously, the United States had referred to the events as the “Rwandan Genocide” or noted that “Tutsi, Hutu, Twa, and others” were killed. Observers have said this language was misleading, as 93.7% of the victims were Tutsi, according to Rwanda’s 2004 census.
During the 30th commemoration, President Paul Kagame addressed past international reluctance to clearly identify the victims, saying:
“Rwandans will never understand why any country would remain intentionally vague about who was targeted in the genocide. I don’t understand that. Such ambiguity is, in fact, a form of denial, which is a crime in and of itself, and Rwanda will always challenge it.”
Historians often compare the Genocide against the Tutsi with other large-scale atrocities to highlight the deliberate targeting of specific groups. During World War II, the Nazis killed six million Jews in the Holocaust. In total, roughly 75 million people died as a result of the war.
While tens of millions of others, including Slavs, Roma, political dissidents, and Jehovah’s Witnesses, also lost their lives, they are not counted as victims of the Holocaust. This is because the term is defined specifically by the Nazis’ plan to exterminate the Jewish people.
Experts say the same principle applies to Rwanda. The killings in 1994 specifically targeted the Tutsi population. Using the term “Genocide against the Tutsi” reflects this deliberate targeting and ensures the historical record is not distorted.
The U.N. General Assembly has designated April 7 as the annual commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi. Rwanda has consistently emphasised that correct terminology is essential to honour victims and prevent denial or minimisation of the 1994 atrocities.
Previously, the United States had referred to the events as the “Rwandan Genocide” or noted that “Tutsi, Hutu, Twa, and others” were killed. Observers have said this language was misleading, as 93.7% of the victims were Tutsi, according to Rwanda’s 2004 census.
