Prof Janabi, a highly respected cardiologist and healthcare administrator, has played a pivotal role in shaping Tanzania’s medical landscape. His experience spans decades, including his tenure as the Director of Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute and later as the Executive Director of Muhimbili National Hospital.
His contributions to healthcare, particularly in the fields of cardiology and institutional transformation, have earned him recognition beyond Tanzania’s borders.
Thus, the government of Tanzania, alongside key stakeholders in the health sector, has begun lobbying African nations to rally behind Prof Janabi.
The campaign has gained momentum across multiple platforms, with diplomatic efforts intensifying to garner regional support.
Tanzanian embassies in various African nations have been tasked with championing Prof Janabi’s credentials, while social media campaigns are amplifying his vision for a healthier Africa.
If elected, Prof Janabi would play a crucial role in shaping health policies, coordinating emergency responses, and driving innovative health solutions across the continent. His appointment would mark a significant milestone for Tanzania in global health leadership.
“Today, Rwanda received Gitangaza Prince, who had fled to Uganda after his involvement in the crime of torture committed against Haberumugabo Guy Divin in November 2024,” the Rwanda Investigation Bureau announced.
His extradition follows an international arrest warrant issued by Rwanda’s National Public Prosecution Authority under the Uganda-Rwanda mutual legal assistance framework.
According to the Rwandan government, the attack on Haberumugabo stemmed from a theft accusation.
The incident occurred in Akindege Cell, Kamashashi Village, Kicukiro District, in which Gitangaza, together with a group of fellow young people, severely tortured Haberumugabo.
Haberumugabo was accused of stealing three mobile phones and a laptop. Following the assault, Rwandan authorities arrested 10 people in connection to the attack.
The suspects include Adolph Uwase Emmanuel (24), Bruce Ikuzwe Emery (21), Kevin Imanzi (21), Vanessa Kirezi (20), Joel Nkubana (20), Jonathan Mugenzi (20), Kevin Kirenga (19), and Marembo Rugema (19).
Officials from Uganda and Rwanda oversaw the handover of Gitangaza to Rwanda at the Kagitumba One Stop Border Post on Saturday March 17, 2025.
Rwanda’s delegation was led by Jean Bosco Zingiro, I-24/7 Communication Specialist at INTERPOL National Central Bureau, Kigali, while Uganda’s delegation was headed by Assistant Superintendent of Police Otekat Andrew Mike, representing Uganda Police.
The Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) said that all eight other accomplices linked to the crime are currently under provisional detention pending a court hearing.
“RIB warns criminal suspects who flee judicial process to other countries that there is strong collaboration to bring them to justice and they will not find a safe haven abroad,” it said.
Kagame reflected on the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) between government forces and the M23 rebel group, which is composed of Congolese fighters advocating for their rights.
He also spoke about how Rwanda is being unfairly blamed for the crisis. He noted that Belgium, which colonized Rwanda, Burundi, and the DRC, continues to push for Rwanda to be punished and sanctioned by the international community.
According to him, Belgium has encouraged the DRC and Burundi to turn against Rwanda, but he suggested that relations between Rwanda and Burundi are set to improve.
“They [the former colonizers] initially grouped Rwanda, Burundi, and the DRC together and encouraged these other two nations to oppose Rwanda. However, things are gradually becoming clearer,” he said.
He added, “I don’t want to dwell too much on this, but we are working towards better relations with one of these two countries.”
Although President Kagame did not explicitly name Burundi, political analysts quickly inferred that he was referring to it especially since Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, recently stated that Rwanda and Burundi are on the right path toward ending tensions.
“The relationship between Rwanda and Burundi is improving as both countries continue discussions to resolve their differences,” the minister earlier stated.
Relations between Rwanda and Burundi deteriorated in late 2023 when Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye accused Rwanda of supporting the armed rebel group RED Tabara, which launched an attack in the Gatumba Zone near Bujumbura.
Rwanda denied these allegations, clarifying that it had no involvement with any group opposing the Burundian government. However, Burundi dismissed Rwanda’s explanations and, in January 2024, decided to close all land borders between the two nations, citing security concerns.
The East African Community (EAC), under the leadership of South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit, attempted to mediate between the two countries to restore cooperation in line with the regional bloc’s mission of facilitating trade and movement among member states.
The start of 2025 was particularly tense as President Ndayishimiye made strong statements against Rwanda in late January, signaling readiness for confrontation.
His remarks echoed those he had made a year earlier in Kinshasa, where he claimed he would support Rwandan youth in overthrowing their government, asserting that they were being oppressed in the region.
President Kagame also pointed out that Belgium has taken sides in regional conflicts despite being the root cause of many of these issues, unfairly blaming Rwanda for the region’s instability.
“Belgium colonized these three countries [Rwanda, Burundi, and the DRC], yet they now go to Kinshasa and point fingers at Rwanda, calling for sanctions against us and urging the world to act against Rwanda. How shameless can you be? Calling on the entire world to gang up against Rwanda, just like that?” Kagame wondered.
This is not the first time Rwanda and Burundi have experienced tensions and later resolved them. Between 2015 and 2020, the two countries had a strained relationship, but through dialogue, they reconciled and reopened their borders.
Nduta was convicted on March 6, 2025, by the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Court after being found guilty of smuggling over two kilograms of cocaine through Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport.
She was arrested in July 2023 while transiting to Laos. Nduta claimed she was unaware of the drugs in her suitcase, stating that a Kenyan man had hired her to deliver the luggage. However, prosecutors dismissed her defense and held her accountable for the narcotics found.
Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Korir Sing’Oei said on Sunday, March 16, 2025, that he had engaged Vietnamese authorities in an effort to secure a reprieve for Nduta, following pleas from Kenyans on social media urging the government to intervene.
In a statement shared on X, Sing’Oei confirmed his conversation with Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nguyen Minh Hang, where he conveyed Kenya’s deep concern over the impending execution.
He assured that Vietnam was considering the government’s petition to stay the execution and allow both countries to explore an alternative path to resolving the matter.
“I conveyed to Madam Hang the anxiety of the Kenyan people on the impending execution of our national and reiterated our request for a stay of execution to allow our two countries to find a path to resolving the issue. I am grateful for Madam Hang’s assurance that our petition is under consideration by her country’s authorities. In the meantime, our mission in Bangkok is actively following up the case,” Sing’Oei stated.
The case had sparked widespread concern in Kenya, with Senator Richard Onyonka petitioning President William Ruto to intervene. Onyonka urged the government to explore diplomatic channels to negotiate possible clemency or a repatriation arrangement.
“This distressing development calls for urgent diplomatic intervention to safeguard her fundamental rights and explore the possibility of clemency and repatriation. While acknowledging the sovereignty of the Vietnamese judicial system, it is imperative that the Government of Kenya intervenes to ensure that Ms. Macharia’s life is preserved and she is given an appropriate sentence in her home country under Kenyan law,” Onyonka said.
Sing’Oei acknowledged Onyonka’s petition and reiterated that the government was making all possible efforts to prevent the execution, while admitting that the case was “complex and difficult”.
“Nduta’s case is complex and difficult, but we are doing everything within our disposal to secure a reprieve for our national,” he said.
Nduta’s execution is scheduled for Monday, March 17, at 8:30 p.m. local time, with her final meal set for an hour earlier.
Kenya doesn’t have a diplomatic mission in Vietnam and is relying on its embassy in Thailand for consular support.
Vietnam enforces some of the world’s strictest drug laws, including the death penalty for those convicted of smuggling or possessing over 600 grams of heroin or cocaine. It remains to be seen whether Kenya’s efforts will bear fruit.
DJ Ira was among 8,000 people who attended a Presidential Citizen Outreach event held at BK Arena on Sunday, March 16, 2025. During the event, she expressed her gratitude to President Kagame for the warm welcome she had received in Rwanda and made a request to be granted Rwandan citizenship.
She thanked the Head of State for Rwanda’s inclusive opportunities, noting 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 immediately agreed, confirming that the citizenship would be granted. He advised her to continue following the necessary procedures for acquiring Rwandan citizenship.
“Have those responsible heard this? I’ve granted it, and now just follow up on the remaining steps. The rest is simply a matter of following the process; what else can I say?” he remarked.
DJ Ira is one of the top music mixers, a profession she began in 2016 with support from her cousin, DJ Bissosso, who played a key role in her rise to fame in Rwanda.
DJ Bissosso introduced DJ Ira to Kigali in August 2015 after she completed her secondary education in Burundi.
DJ Ira says she had aspired to follow in her cousin’s footsteps from a young age, but her family initially discouraged her, urging her to focus on her studies. After completing her secondary education, she began training in the profession she loves and is now one of the leading DJs performing at major events across Rwanda.
Kagame was speaking at BK Arena in Kigali on Sunday during his citizen outreach program, where he addressed thousands of Kigali residents, reaffirming Rwanda’s sovereignty and addressing regional security concerns, particularly the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
{{Belgium’s historical and ongoing influence}}
During his speech, Kagame did not hold back in addressing Belgium’s historical role in shaping Rwanda’s turbulent past. He accused Belgium of being responsible for Rwanda’s division and suffering, stretching back to colonial times and beyond.
“Some of the problems we face today are because we were colonized by a small country with the same size as Rwanda, which then went on to divide Rwanda and cut it into pieces. […] That country is Belgium,” Kagame said.
He went further to state that Belgium’s involvement in Rwanda’s past was not just limited to colonial rule but extended to causing instability long after the country gained independence.
“They [Belgium] have been killing Rwanda and Rwandans in history that spans more than 30 years. We warned them before, and we will warn them again.”
Kagame also slammed Belgium’s attempts to pressure countries and international bodies into taking sanctions against Rwanda.
“Are we going to die because of sanctions? Even the ones responsile for the prolems are the ones asking for sanctions? There are those you ask what are the reasons, [they tell you] you now what? i don’t know. Belgians told us there is something,” Kagame noted.
“When someone wants to kill you, what do you do?… They say if someone slaps you on one cheek, you should turn the other? That’s not for me, forgive me and understand me, I didn’t ask anyone for that. If you slap me on one cheek, if you’re lucky, you’ll still be alive. That’s my religion. I will hit back anywhere,” he said.
President Kagame went on to say, “”There is nothing worse that can happen to us than what hapened to us long ago. Nothing. That is why you should not be afraid. If you are afraid of dying, will fear save you?”
He emphasized that Rwanda’s resilience and determination remain unshaken, despite the external pressures aimed at undermining the country’s progress.
“We do not want to be Belgians. We are Rwandans, and we will always be Rwandans. Those who colonized us must understand that we will never go back to that,” Kagame concluded.
{{On DRC conflict: “This is not Rwanda’s war”}}
Rwanda has been accused of supporting the M23 rebel group, a claim it has consistently denied. Instead, the Rwandan government maintains that its primary concern is the ongoing collaboration between the Congolese government and the FDLR militia, an armed group composed of remnants of the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Turning to the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC, Kagame was clear in his assertion that Rwanda is not responsible for the war that has plagued the region for decades. He refuted claims that Rwanda is fueling the conflict, stating that the roots of the crisis lie in unresolved historical issues and failures by the DRC government.
“This war is not Rwanda’s war. It is not Rwanda that started it. What we are fighting against is the false narrative that blames Rwanda for a conflict it did not create,” he said.
Kagame pointed out that many people labeled as Rwandans in eastern Congo have lived there for generations and were not moved there by Rwanda.
“Some people found themselves beyond our borders through no fault of their own. It was not Rwanda that took them there. Rwanda did not take Rwandans to Kisoro in Uganda. Rwanda did not take Rwandans to Masisi or Rutshuru in the DRC,” he explained.
The Head of State criticized the notion that Rwanda should be responsible for resolving an issue that was not of its making. He stated that if the Congolese government and its allies insist that these people must be sent back to Rwanda, then they should also return with the land they have lived on for decades.
“If you want to drive people away from where they have lived for generations, you must also remove the land they live on. But if you want peace, you must give people their rights. When you deny people their rights, they fight for them,” Kagame said.
{{Rwanda’s security }}
The President emphasized that Rwanda will not allow history to repeat itself, particularly regarding the resurgence of groups like the Interahamwe, which were responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Kagame firmly stated that Rwanda has taken decisive measures to ensure that such threats never rise again.
“This will never happen again. We will never allow the Interahamwe or any other armed group to reorganize along our borders and be used to destabilize Rwanda,” he declared.
The move follows Trump’s directive to reduce several federal agencies to the minimum level required by law, a decision that has drawn sharp criticism from free press advocates and international media experts.
The U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which oversees VOA, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, and Radio Free Asia, was among the agencies targeted by the order.
Kari Lake, a Trump ally and senior adviser to USAGM, confirmed the layoffs in a post on X, advising employees to check their emails for official notifications.
VOA Director Michael Abramowitz also confirmed the mass layoffs in a statement, saying, ‘For the first time in 83 years, the storied Voice of America is being silenced.”
He revealed that nearly all 1,300 VOA employees were placed on leave, effectively crippling a media network that operates in almost 50 languages.
“VOA promotes freedom and democracy around the world by telling America’s story and providing objective news, especially for those living under tyranny.”
The sudden cuts also include the termination of USAGM grants to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and Radio Free Asia, organizations that broadcast news into authoritarian states such as China, North Korea, and Russia. The network’s president, Stephen Capus, called the cuts a “massive gift to America’s enemies.”
Critics, including Reporters Without Borders, condemned the move, warning that it undermines America’s global leadership in press freedom.
“This is a stark departure from the U.S.’s historic role as a defender of free information,” the organization said in a statement, calling for congressional intervention to restore the media outlets.
The cuts are part of Trump’s broader effort to reduce government spending and eliminate agencies he deems inefficient. In addition to USAGM, the executive order targets several smaller federal programs, including the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars and the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness.
Despite the backlash, Lake defended the move, arguing that USAGM was a “burden to taxpayers” and needed to be downsized.
“We’re doing everything we can to cancel wasteful contracts and save money,” she said in a video message.
The couple arrived in Kigali on February 21, 2025, and while Legend headlined the concert, they also took time to explore Rwanda’s rich natural beauty.
Sharing the experience with his fans on Instagram, Legend posted a video capturing the intimate encounter with a family of gorillas, calling it a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
“While we were in Rwanda for @glblctzn #MoveAfrika, we were able to spend some time in nature. We got up close and personal with a family of gorillas in their natural habitat. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” he captioned a video highlighting their trekking experience on Saturday night.
The American singer-songwriter and pianist also extended his heartfelt gratitude to the people of Rwanda for their hospitality during his first visit to the country.
“We’re so grateful to the people of Rwanda for their hospitality and loving welcome,” he added.
The “Move Afrika” concert, which John Legend headlined, is part of Global Citizen’s larger mission to develop Africa’s international touring circuit.
Meanwhile, gorilla tourism is a major revenue earner for Rwanda. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda primarily occurs in Volcanoes National Park, located in the northwest part of the country. The park is part of the larger Virunga Mountain range, which is home to the endangered mountain gorillas.
Volcanoes National Park is one of the best places in the world to go gorilla trekking, and visitors can embark on guided treks to see these incredible animals in their natural habitat. The park is famous for its stunning scenery, with its lush forests and towering volcanic mountains.
An internal memo seen by several outlets outlines the proposed restrictions, categorizing affected nations into three tiers: “red,” “orange,” and “yellow.”
{{Countries Facing Full Travel Suspension (Red List)
}}
Citizens from 11 countries in the “red” category would face a complete ban on entry into the United States. These countries are:
-* Afghanistan
-* Bhutan
-* Cuba
-* Iran
-* Libya
-* North Korea
-* Somalia
-* Sudan
-* Syria
-* Venezuela
-* Yemen
If approved, these nations would face indefinite travel restrictions under the executive order signed by Trump on January 20, aimed at preventing entry by individuals perceived to pose security risks.
{{Countries Facing Partial Visa Restrictions (Orange List)
}}
A second group of countries, under the “orange” category, would be subject to partial visa suspensions affecting immigrant, tourist, and student visas, with some exceptions. The ten countries on this list include:
A third category, the “yellow” list, includes 22 countries that would be given 60 days to address security and information-sharing concerns raised by Washington.
Failure to comply could result in movement to the more restrictive “red” or “orange” categories. These countries are:
-* Angola
-* Antigua and Barbuda
-* Benin
-* Burkina Faso
-* Cabo Verde
-* Cambodia
-* Cameroon
-* Chad
-* Democratic Republic of the Congo
-* Dominica
-* Equatorial Guinea
-* Gambia
-* Guinea
-* Liberia
-* Malawi
-* Mali
-* Mauritania
-* Republic of the Congo
-* Saint Kitts and Nevis
-* Sao Tome and Principe
-* Vanuatu
-* Zimbabwe
The proposed travel ban marks a return to one of Trump’s most controversial policies during his first term in office.
In January 2017, shortly after taking office, Trump signed the “Protecting the Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry Into the United States” order. This initial travel ban temporarily barred entry for citizens from seven Muslim-majority countries and led to widespread protests and legal challenges.
The US Supreme Court eventually upheld a revised version of the ban in 2018, which continued to restrict travel from several nations, including Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen. President Joe Biden repealed the ban in 2021, describing it as “a stain on our national conscience.”
During his 2024 presidential campaign, Trump vowed to reinstate and expand the travel ban to protect the US from perceived threats.
The new proposal remains under review and could face legal challenges similar to those following the 2017 ban.
Rwanda was represented by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, and Minister of Defense, Juvenal Marizamunda.
The meeting was chaired by Kenyan Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi, with all participants agreeing on the need for collaborative efforts to resolve security threats in the region.
Nduhungirehe stated that the ministers endorsed the resolutions of senior military officials from EAC and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which focused on ceasing hostilities, ending provocations, and ensuring humanitarian assistance in eastern DRC.
He further explained that discussions also revolved around the political dialogue framework under the Luanda-Nairobi process, which seeks to resolve the DRC crisis through diplomatic engagement. This process will be facilitated by three mediators.
They are Olusegun Obasanjo, former President of Nigeria, Uhuru Kenyatta, former President of Kenya and Desalegn Hailemariam the former Prime Minister of Ethiopia.
This EAC ministerial meeting precedes a joint session between EAC and SADC ministers, set to take place on March 17, 2025, in Harare, Zimbabwe, where further deliberations on ending the conflict in eastern DRC will be held.
The discussions build on decisions made by EAC and SADC heads of state during their summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on February 8, 2025, which called for an end to hostilities, cessation of provocations, and facilitation of humanitarian efforts in the conflict zone.
