He made these remarks on April 9, 2025, during the 31st commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi at the Nyanza Genocide Memorial in Kicukiro District. The event was organized by Our Past Initiative organization.
Minister Utumatwishima pointed out that a significant challenge remains in the form of genocide ideology, which is becoming evident among young people who have not had the opportunity to study, such as herders and domestic workers.
He expressed concern that those seeking to distort history are targeting this group of youth, who have not had the same educational opportunities, unlike those who have received formal education and thus better understand the history.
“The enemy may have realized that we, those who managed to go to school and come from resourceful families, are now more aware of the history. There is still a problem with some youth who have not had this opportunity,” Dr. Utumatwishima noted.
The Minister urged educated youth to take it upon themselves to teach those who have not had the chance to learn about the genocide, and to help eliminate any form of genocide ideology and hatred among their peers.
“Let us work together with ‘Our Past Initiative’ and other youth organizations to find ways to reach those young people and teach them. Genocide ideology, cruelty, and hatred lead to nothing but destruction. We must fight against it relentlessly,” he emphasized.
‘Our Past Initiative’, which has been commemorating the Genocide Against the Tutsi since 2012, brings together youth each year on April 9 to engage in discussions about the history of the genocide.
The event brought together leaders and experts from around the world. The conference was presided over by Dr Diogene Bideri, a National Prosecutor and expert in international criminal law.
The discussion focused on reflecting upon what occurred in 1994, when over one million Tutsi were brutally killed, and the lessons that can be drawn from that tragedy—particularly for the youth. It also served as a moment to honor the victims while reaffirming the collective commitment to ensuring that such atrocities never happen again.
The discussion featured three main presentations from international legal experts:
{{The Genocide Ideology and the Duty to Remember: }} This presentation focused on how genocide ideology evolved in Rwanda during the colonial period, the First and Second Republics, the methods used to spread it—including hate speeches and propaganda and the danger such an ideology poses to humanity. The presentation was given by Dr. Sibo Gahizi Yves, a lecturer at ILPD and expert in international criminal law.
Another similarly important theme was {{The Institutional Francophone in the Face of the Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda }} by Dr. Aymeric Durez, a lecturer at Javeriana University in Bogotá, Republic of Colombia in Latin America, and expert in international relations.
He examined the failure of the Francophonie institutions in Rwanda, their silent complicity in genocide their support to the genocidaire government and their dishonest shift of blame to those who stopped the Genocide against the Tutsi. Dr Durez investigated archives from the Francophonie and the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. These archives prove that these two institutions were informed about the preparation of Genocide against the Tutsi but kept silent.
{{The next theme was The Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda in 1994:}} What Lessons Can We Learn Today?Professor Roger Koudé, a lecturer at the Catholic University of Lyon in France and expert in international law, discussed the recurring global vow of “Never again” after every genocide.
Despite these vows, atrocities have continued to occur, such as the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, the genocide in Srebrenica, and the situation that is ongoing in Darfur since 2003. Despite efforts by the international community, the risk of genocide remains a pressing reality in many parts of the world, particularly in Africa, the Near and Middle East, and Asia.
Studies, including those by the UN and the Atrocity Forecasting Project, highlight Africa as especially vulnerable, underscoring the need for the continent to play a leading role in international efforts to prevent and sanction genocide.
In light of current crises like the war in Ukraine, where both sides allege genocide, such risks must be taken seriously to avoid repeating the failures of the past. Professor Roger Koudé recalled that the UN Secretary-General António Guterres has emphasized the fact that preventing genocide is not only a moral duty but also a legal obligation under international law, primarily falling on states.
The leadership of the Institute of Legal Practice and Development hailed the partnership with the Chaire UNESCO of the Catholic University of Lyon that has facilitated the organization of the conference. The two institutions share the same goal of raising global awareness against genocide ideology.
In his opening remarks, the Rector of ILPD, Dr Aimé Muyoboke reminded that one of the primary goals of the 1948 Genocide convention was to prevent genocide ideology.
He reminded that article 2 of the genocide convention has made it a crime to have ‘an intention to destroy in whole or in part” one of the four protected groups, namely racial, religious, national and ethnic groups.
“The criminalization of the intent aimed to send a strong message of zero tolerance to all forms of discriminations that are the early stage of genocide,” he said.
Dr. Muyoboke indicated that the genocide against the Tutsi was an indication of the failure of the Genocide Convention that, a generation later, is again defied in the Great Lakes Region and elsewhere in the world.
“Risk factors of genocide in Eastern DRC, in Myanmar, Syria to name a few are of public notice. The world should not say again it did not know. It should rather remember that in regions where genocide happened before the risk of genocide is three times higher and act promptly to prevent a new genocide. The resurgence of hate speeches and propaganda, if not contained and eradicated forever, will make this convention to be an illusion,” he concluded.
For ILPD and the Chaire UNESCO of the Catholic University of Lyon, the conference was an introduction to another conference planned in June 2025 in Kigali-Rwanda.
The end-goal is the transfer of knowledge, skills and competence to the young people from all over the world in matters related to the fight against genocide ideology and transitional justice.
Participants from all over the world commended this initiative and appreciated the partnership between the two institutions.
The company’s insurance service revenue rose by 13.8%, from Rwf19.6 billion in 2023 to Rwf22.3 billion in 2024, highlighting robust business expansion and growing market confidence.
According to its [annual financial report->https://igihe.com/serivisi/gutangaza-amatangazo/article/prime-insurance-limited-annual-report-and-financial-statements-for-the-year-227098?var_mode=calcul], Prime Insurance recorded pre-tax earnings of Rwf6.2 billion and contributed Rwf1.8 billion in taxes, underlining its growing contribution to Rwanda’s economic development.
This strong performance stands out in an industry that collectively posted Rwf15 billion in profit after tax for the year. Prime Insurance paid Rwf6 billion in claims a testament to the company’s solid commitment to meeting policyholder obligations.
In just three years since entering the medical insurance segment, Prime Insurance has emerged as Rwanda’s fourth-largest provider, underscoring its agility and competitive edge in new markets.
Reflecting its strong financial footing, the Board of Directors has approved a dividend payout of Rwf500 million to shareholders a notable development and a testament to the company’s leading position in the sector and its strong performance.
The company’s total assets also saw a substantial rise, growing from Rwf30 billion in 2023 to Rwf38 billion in 2024. This Rwf8 billion increase further reinforces Prime Insurance’s sustained financial strength and market leadership.
With these record-breaking results, Prime Insurance continues to redefine excellence in Rwanda’s insurance industry, solidifying its dominance in general insurance while rapidly scaling up in the medical insurance space.
The requiem mass drew a distinguished crowd, including ministers, Prosecutor General Angelique Habyarimana, Government Spokesperson Yolande Makolo, Rwanda National Police Spokesperson ACP Boniface Rutikanga, and Rwanda Broadcasting Agency Director General Cleophas Barore, among others.
Musicians, artists, and athletes also gathered to pay their respects.
A well-known figure in Rwanda’s arts community, Mukuralinda was celebrated by entertainers such as Clapton Kibonke, Ndimbati, DJ Bisoso, DJ Ira, and Mico The Best.
In tribute to his contributions, artists composed a song honoring his legacy in the music industry.
During a funeral service held the evening before his burial, Muyoboke Alex reflected on Mukuralinda’s pivotal role in advancing the sector, urging others to preserve his progress.
Mukuralinda’s love for sports was equally evident. Athletes and coaches from his former team, Tsinda Batsinde, attended to honor his memory.
A passionate football enthusiast, he founded a youth football team and composed the anthem “Tsinda Batsinde” for Rwanda’s national team, Amavubi, alongside other popular songs cherished by local clubs.
In his homily, Cardinal Kambanda spoke of the profound loss felt by those who knew Mukuralinda.
“Death is painful when it takes someone like Alain Mukuralinda—someone vital to his family and destined for even greater things. Yet, while it saddens us, life does not end with death,” he said.
The Cardinal praised Mukuralinda’s generosity, deep faith, and dedication to nurturing young talent, particularly children from disadvantaged backgrounds. “That is a powerful legacy he has left us,” he added.
Sina Gerard, a close family member, remembered Mukuralinda as a humble man who inspired younger generations with his work ethic and love for music.
Recalling their six years together—spanning Mukuralinda’s return from studies in Belgium to the building of his own family—Gerard noted their harmonious bond.
Mukuralinda’s wife, overcome with emotion, thanked those who supported their family during this challenging time.
She spoke of her husband’s unwavering devotion to both his career and loved ones, emphasizing his ability to balance both with care and affection.
Born in 1970 in Rulindo, Mukuralinda moved to Kigali with his family at age two.
He built a distinguished career in justice and politics, serving as a prosecutor and spokesperson for the Public Prosecution Authority.
In the entertainment world, he gained fame as a musician under the stage name “Alain Muku” and founded Boss Papa, a company dedicated to supporting artists.
Mukuralinda leaves behind a rich legacy of unity, compassion, and steadfast support for Rwanda’s youth, forever etched in the nation’s cultural and sporting history.
Amb. Karega made this statement on April 9, 2025, during a discussion at the Kigali Genocide Memorial on the state of ethnic discrimination in the Great Lakes region, held as part of the commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
He noted that while Rwanda has made considerable progress in combating ethnic division, the rise of discriminatory ideologies in neighboring countries remains a significant concern.
“We still witness killings, displacement, and the ongoing exile of Tutsis. This is particularly evident in Burundi and the DRC. In Tanzania, there are Rwandans referred to as ‘Abaha’, but no one seems to care about that,” said Karega. “They are also in Uganda but the Constitution protects them. […] Whether their claims are true or not, they don’t face death or expulsion because of their identity.”
Amb. Karega further elaborated that in Burundi, ethnic issues have evolved, with their consequences extending beyond its borders.
He cited the example of refugees fleeing ethnic violence in Burundi who are now in Europe and Canada, often escaping groups like the Imbonerakure.
He also noted that some individuals fleeing similar groups end up seeking refuge, underscoring the enduring nature of ethnic hatred.
The ambassador also expressed his worry that many individuals, especially outside the region, lack a comprehensive understanding of the region’s history.
This lack of awareness can lead them to accept false narratives and align themselves with those who reject the Tutsi community.
Focusing on the DRC, Amb. Karega provided a stark illustration: “Congolese who are well-educated and knowledgeable about global history once said, ‘Ruberwa Azarias, who was Vice President of the DRC, can’t possibly be Congolese.’ When asked why he could not be Congolese, they claimed, ‘Because he is Tutsi, and no Tutsi can be Congolese.’”
He emphasized that despite the DRC’s rich diversity with over 400 ethnic groups, some individuals propagate the idea that Tutsis are foreigners, originating from places like Ethiopia or Russia, and falsely label them as criminals who should reside in Rwanda.
Amb. Karega concluded by stressing that this ethnic ideology is not limited to ordinary citizens in the DRC but is also held by educated individuals, including those with advanced degrees.
He also pointed out the perceived lack of significant efforts by the DRC government to actively combat this harmful ideology.
Speaking to IGIHE, three years after reintegrating into civilian life, Musoni underscored Rwanda’s resolute stance against any recurrence of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and warned of the dangers posed by the FDLR, a terrorist group established by perpetrators of the Genocide.
Musoni emphasized Rwanda’s unwavering commitment to preventing a return to the dark past.
“Rwanda will not tolerate anyone bringing problems back to the country,” he said. “The Rwandan Patriotic Front [RPF] knows how it came to power and the state the country was in. They will neither allow that chaos to resurface nor permit the conflicts of that era to return.”
He stressed that those responsible for the genocide, an imprescriptible crime, face justice, saying, “You can’t commit genocide and expect to roam freely. That’s not how it works.”
However, Musoni urged younger generations born in exile, now in their 30s or 40s, to leave the forests of the DRC and return to Rwanda, their true home. “What are they doing in the forest with no end in sight? They’ll grow old there, and their children will die there. That is not their country—Rwanda is.”
Rejecting claims that the FDLR, often portrayed as a group of aging members, no longer threatens Rwanda, Musoni argued that even a small number of rebels can destabilize a nation.
“Rebels, no matter how few, can disrupt security,” he said, pointing to insurgencies in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso as examples. “The FDLR has proven it can create instability.”
He also highlighted the group’s internal fractures, noting that many fighters have returned to Rwanda, weakening its structure over time. Musoni attributed part of the FDLR’s persistence to its collaboration with the DRC government, which he accused of inconsistency.
“Those still working with the DRC should stop trusting its government—it shifts its stance too often,” he cautioned, urging fighters to return and contribute to Rwanda’s future alongside their compatriots.
Musoni also debunked misinformation spread by some in the Rwandan diaspora, who claim that Rwanda is unsafe and that returnees face oppression.
“No one is oppressed in Rwanda; all Rwandans are one,” he countered. “They will come and live the same life as others. If they ask how things are, they’ll hear the truth: people are living well. In Rwanda, life and development belong to all, and they should join in uplifting our country.”
He noted that ethnic divisions, once a hallmark of Rwandan society, have been replaced by unity and reconciliation—a transformation that surprised him upon his return.
“There’s no longer talk of ethnicity; it’s about being one people,” he said.
Reaffirming Rwanda’s commitment to safeguarding human life, Musoni declared, “Rwanda will never allow a repeat of the genocide. Human life is sacred and must be protected at all costs.”
He called genocide “the most serious crime above all others” and urged those contemplating such acts to recognize the sanctity of life. “It’s a gift from God—we must protect it. No one should say others don’t deserve to live,” he said.
“Once those abroad understand this, they’ll see there’s no discrimination in Rwanda. Different religions coexist, and ethnic labels are gone. Those who divide people by ethnicity don’t grasp what it means to be human.”
The entertainer is among 36 individuals whose applications for Rwandan citizenship were approved and published in Official Gazette No. 14, dated April 7, 2025.
DJ Ira made a passionate appeal to President Kagame for Rwandan citizenship during a citizen outreach program held at BK Arena on March 16, 2025.
During the interaction, she thanked the Head of State for Rwanda’s inclusive opportunities, highlighting how foreign children are given the same chances as Rwandan children.
“I want to thank you for how a foreign child is given the same opportunities as any Rwandan child. I also want to thank you for how a girl child is given the same opportunities as a boy. I have found great blessings in this country. We often meet at various events, and when there’s a dance, I’m one of those who make people dance,” she remarked.
DJ Ira then asked President Kagame if she could be granted Rwandan citizenship and officially become Rwandan.
“My request is to ask for Rwandan citizenship so I can be considered a Rwandan child and be one of yours,” she said.
President Kagame responded affirmatively, stating that he had no objection to her request and encouraged her to complete the legal procedures required to make it official.
The process moved swiftly. Speaking in a recent interview with IGIHE, DJ Ira shared her surprise at being contacted by immigration authorities less than 24 hours after receiving the President’s approval. She was instructed to begin fulfilling the remaining legal obligations, which have now been completed with her official naturalization.
DJ Ira, a rising star in East Africa’s music scene, began her DJ career in 2016 with the mentorship of her cousin, DJ Bissosso.
She moved to Kigali in August 2015 from Burundi, shortly after completing high school, and has since become a recognized figure in Rwanda’s entertainment industry.
The feature allows users to turn their Google Docs into audio overviews, with AI reading out articles or other written work. Available through the Gemini-powered updates to Google Docs, the feature acts as an AI narrator, offering a fresh, hands-free way to consume written content.
The functionality had previously grabbed attention when it was offered as part of the NotebookLM research tool and is now being integrated more broadly across Workspace accounts, set to roll out in the coming weeks.
In addition to the podcast feature, Google has introduced a variety of other Gemini-powered tools for Workspace users. One such feature is a prompt called “Help me refine,” which offers suggestions to improve drafts rather than simply rewriting them.
This tool is especially useful for those who don’t have access to a human editor, providing helpful feedback to tighten up documents. It will be available later this quarter.
Gemini’s influence doesn’t stop there. The update also includes a tool designed to assist with spreadsheet management in Google Sheets.
Currently, Gemini can help generate visuals and answer specific questions related to data in spreadsheets.
Looking ahead, a feature called “Help me analyze” will offer broader capabilities, guiding users to identify trends and helping them make sense of data. This tool is expected to be available later this year.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 2,962.86 points, or 7.87 percent, closing at 40,608.45. The S&P 500 surged 474.13 points, or 9.52 percent, to 5,456.90 – its largest single-day gain since 2008, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rallied 1,857.06 points, or 12.16 percent, to finish at 17,124.97. It was the Nasdaq’s most significant one-day advance since January 2001 and its second-largest ever.
All 11 major sectors in the S&P 500 ended higher. Technology and consumer discretionary sectors led the way, climbing 14.15 percent and 11.36 percent, respectively. Utilities, while still strong, posted the smallest gain of the day, rising 3.91 percent.
Trading volume surged dramatically, with roughly 30 billion shares changing hands – the highest daily volume recorded on Wall Street in the history.
“I have authorized a 90-day PAUSE, and a substantially lowered Reciprocal Tariff during this period, of 10 percent, also effective immediately,” Trump posted on his Truth Social. Trump, in the same post, said he was raising the tariff on China higher again to 125 percent.
Later in the day, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that the pause would apply to all countries except China. He noted that base tariff rates would revert to 10 percent during the negotiation period, although sector-specific tariffs would stay in place.
U.S. stocks that had suffered the most under the weight of trade tensions led the market’s comeback. Apple soared more than 15 percent, Nvidia surged nearly 19 percent, and Tesla jumped over 22 percent. Walmart shares also saw a robust rise, gaining 9.6 percent.
“Given how depressed stock prices and sentiment had become, the 90-day pause is sparking a violent rebound, and delaying implementation certainly removes a giant overhang from the market,” said Adam Crisafulli, Vital Knowledge founder. “But – tariffs are not going away. China’s tariff rate is now in triple digit territory, and who knows what happens in 90 days when this pause concludes.”
Still, stocks continued to trend upward into the afternoon session. Investor sentiment improved after Bessent announced he would take the lead in upcoming tariff negotiations. Adding to the optimism, Trump took to Truth Social shortly after the market opened, encouraging investors by saying it was “a great time to buy.”
“This allows for at least a near-term rally, but I would not assume that the bottom has been put in place,” said Sam Stovall, chief investment strategist at CFRA Research. “Fool me once shame on you; fool me five times, shame on me.”
Boulos is currently in Rwanda, touring various parts of the country. On April 8, 2025, he held talks with President Paul Kagame focused on strengthening U.S.-Rwanda relations and addressing insecurity in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Trinity Metals confirmed on Thursday that the senior Trump envoy had visited their Nyakabingo mining site.
Trinity Nyakabingo, operated by Trinity Metals Group, expressed its pleasure in hosting Boulos at the site, where he learned about the source of the key mineral and the company’s growth plans.
“We were honored to host U.S. Senior Advisor for Africa, Massad Boulos, at Trinity Nyakabingo Mine—Africa’s leading tungsten producer. He came to learn about Trinity’s growth plans and toured the mine to see firsthand where the minerals come from,” the company stated.
The Nyakabingo Mine produces over 1,000 tons of wolfram annually, with production expected to double within the next four years.
Wolframite is a highly valuable mineral from which tungsten is processed. Tungsten is an extremely hard metal used in construction, aircraft, tanks, satellites, firearms, ammunition, and other applications requiring high-strength materials.
Rwanda currently lacks a facility to refine wolfram into pure tungsten, so the mineral is exported at 68% purity. Once abroad, it is refined to 99.999% purity, resulting in high-grade tungsten.
Nyakabingo’s wolfram is exported primarily to Austria, where it is prized for its exceptional quality. In 2024 alone, 1,107 tons were exported.
Trinity Metals Group has invested $40 million across its mining operations, including Nyakabingo; Musha, which produces cassiterite and coltan and is under exploration for lithium; and Rutongo, which also produces cassiterite.
In 2024, Trinity Metals exported a combined total of 2,226 tons of wolfram, cassiterite, and coltan. By 2029, the company plans to increase its annual exports to 5,201 tons.
