Among those who reportedly traveled to Kinshasa is Jean-Luc Habyarimana, the son of former Rwandan president Juvénal Habyarimana.
According to sources, President Félix Tshisekedi took a particular interest in him, viewing him as someone who could be easily leveraged. Tshisekedi is said to have considered appointing him as a figurehead leader of a restructured coalition of Rwandan opposition groups.
Reports suggest that this coalition could include members of the FDLR, a group designated as a terrorist organization, along with other Rwandans in exile, including former politicians and military figures such as Kayumba Nyamwasa.
Intelligence sources in both the DRC and France indicate that Tshisekedi’s interest in Jean-Luc is not solely based on his family background. Instead, they point to his public visibility and perceived vulnerability, suggesting he may be easier to influence and mobilize.
Jean-Luc Habyarimana has no known political party affiliation and has not held any leadership position. However, sources claim Tshisekedi sees him as someone who could be used in propaganda efforts targeting the Rwandan government, particularly if provided with financial support.
Historical context also plays a role. Following the death of President Habyarimana in 1994, his family fled to what was then Zaïre, where they were received by Mobutu Sese Seko, who ruled the country from 1971 to 1997 before it became the DRC.
Reports indicate that Mobutu showed particular attention to Jean-Luc, even portraying him as a heroic figure and allegedly granting him financial support worth USD5,000.
The family later relocated to Gabon, where then-President Omar Bongo is also said to have provided additional financial assistance equivalent to USD3,000 before Jean-Luc moved to France.
Despite this reported financial backing, Jean-Luc’s economic situation is said to have remained unstable. Sources describe a pattern of spending without long-term planning, leading to financial difficulties. He reportedly had a relationship in Gabon and fathered two children, but the relationship ended amid financial strain.
Currently, Jean-Luc and his children are said to live with his mother, Agathe Kanziga Habyarimana, rather than in their own residence.
Observers suggest that Tshisekedi may view Jean-Luc’s circumstances as an opportunity, providing him with financial support in exchange for his involvement in anti-government activities, effectively positioning him as a symbolic figure rather than an established political actor.
Intelligence analysts further argue that Tshisekedi may see Jean-Luc as a way to amplify propaganda efforts by drawing on the historical legacy of the Habyarimana name. However, they caution that such a strategy would depend heavily on continued financial backing.
On the other hand, reports from Kinshasa indicate that the plan may already be encountering difficulties. Officials within the DRC government suggest that although Jean-Luc received funds intended for mobilization and anti-Rwanda campaigns, his tangible output has been limited, reportedly extending little beyond the creation of a media platform known as Xtrafrica Media Group.
Sources indicate that President Félix Tshisekedi took a particular interest in Jean Luc Habyarimana, viewing him as someone who could be easily leveragedJean-Luc Habyarimana, the son of former Rwandan president Juvénal Habyarimana is among individuals who have been travelling to Kinshasa in an anti-Rwanda mobilization.
With MoFlex, MoMo users can now access microloans tailored to their unique needs. This innovative service offers customers the freedom to choose repayment periods that suit their financial situations.
MoFlex users can request loans ranging from Rwf 1,000 to more than Rwf 1,000,000, with transparent and competitive interest rates from 7% to 14%, tailored to their chosen repayment period. Customers can choose to pay between 7, 14, and 30 days. This ensures both affordability and clarity for all users. Accessing a MoFlex loan is fast and hassle-free. Customers can dial 1825*4#, follow the prompts, and receive funds directly into their MoMo accounts within minutes.
Speaking at the launch, Chantal Kagame, CEO of Mobile Money Rwanda Ltd, shared: “We are delighted to introduce MoFlex as part of our ongoing commitment to fostering financial inclusion in Rwanda. “This product is designed to address the evolving needs of our customers, providing not only access to funds but also the flexibility to manage their finances effectively. At MoMo, we are dedicated to delivering solutions that truly come from the heart – ‘BivaMoMotima.’”
On the launch of MoFlex, Puneet Chopra, Chief Growth Officer at Yabx, highlighted that it combines flexible loan options with instant digital access, enabling customers to borrow and repay in a way that fits their financial needs.
“Behind this simple experience is a sophisticated digital lending infrastructure that brings together real-time data analytics, credit decisioning, and deep ecosystem integration. Through our partnership with Mobile Money Rwanda and Ecobank, we are creating a scalable model that has the potential to extend responsible access to credit across Rwanda’s large and growing base of MoMo users,” he said.
Carine Umutoni, Managing Director, Ecobank Rwanda Plc, also explained how the bank attaches great relevance to helping individuals access credit, as a powerful catalyst for economic empowerment in Rwanda, particularly for underserved communities who often face barriers to formal financing. “Through our partnership with Mobile Money Rwanda Ltd and YABX, MoFlex provides customers with convenient and responsible access to short-term financing directly through their mobile phones. This collaboration reflects our commitment to leveraging digital innovation to expand financial inclusion and deliver practical financial solutions that support everyday needs and small businesses across Rwanda,” she noted.
Empowering communities
MoFlex represents MoMo Rwanda’s unwavering dedication to leveraging digital innovation to transform lives and empower communities across the country. By offering accessible and user-friendly financial services, MoMo continues to lead the charge toward achieving a fully cashless economy in Rwanda.
Mobile Money Rwanda Ltd is MTN Rwanda’s FinTech subsidiary, established on 27th April 2021 to provide and manage Mobile Money services in Rwanda. The company has about 5.1 million subscribers, over 65,000 Mobile Money agents, and over 500,000 MoMoPay merchants across the country.
With continuous innovations in services such as MoMoPay, MoKash Loans & Savings, Tap&Go bus payments, Bill Payments, and International & Regional Remittances, Mobile Money Rwanda is positioning itself at the forefront of driving financial inclusion and supporting the digital economy in Rwanda.
Participants of the launch in a group photo. Chantal Kagame, CEO of Mobile Money Rwanda Ltd, speaking at the launch
President Cyril Ramaphosa officiated the ceremony at the Kinderle Monument in the Northern Cape province, where the remains, which had been taken to Europe and held in local museums and other institutions during the colonial era, were laid to rest following a years-long repatriation process involving South African authorities and overseas institutions.
The remains included six individuals repatriated from Scotland and others long held at Iziko Museums, formerly the South African Museum, since the early 20th century. Many were originally exhumed without consent between the late 1800s and early 1900s, during a period when the remains of indigenous people were collected, traded and studied in support of racist scientific theories.
“A dignified burial is but the least we can do as the democratic government to honor these, our countrymen and countrywomen, who were victims of a terrible past,” Ramaphosa said.
He described how indigenous communities were dispossessed of land and subjected to violence and exploitation under colonial rule, adding that “not even death would spare them from indignity.”
“Their remains were dug up from graves and sold to museums and medical institutions in Europe,” he said.
The reburial forms part of a broader national program led by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture to repatriate human remains and heritage objects taken during colonialism and apartheid.
“The return of our ancestors to their descendant communities is a vital act of restoration and restitution that goes beyond acknowledging the colonial legacy. It is also a manifestation of Ubuntu, a recognition of our common humanity,” Ramaphosa stressed.
“Today, as their remains are finally returned to the land from which they were taken, we restore the dignity that was so cruelly denied to them in life and even in death,” he said.
“They were not nobodies … They were our people,” he added.
Ramaphosa reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to restoring dignity to the victims of colonialism and apartheid, noting that the Constitution calls for healing the divisions of the past and advancing social justice.
“Our Constitution obliges us to advance restitution for all those who were the victims of colonial and apartheid atrocities,” he said.
Coffins are carried during the reburial of remains of dozens of Africans
This research involved a type of computing hardware known as neuromorphic computers, which are built to imitate how the human brain processes information.
Scientists have now shown that these machines can successfully solve partial differential equations (PDEs), a class of problems that are foundational to physics simulations, weather forecasting, fluid dynamics, and engineering tasks.
Until now, solving these equations typically required massive supercomputers that use enormous amounts of energy.
In contrast, the brain‑inspired systems demonstrated similar capabilities while using only a fraction of the power, suggesting a path toward far more energy‑efficient computing for scientific research and national security applications.
Researchers Bradley H. Theilman and James B. Aimone developed a new algorithm that allows this neuromorphic hardware to tackle such advanced calculations.
According to the team, the structure of this algorithm reflects how the brain might perform complex computations naturally, offering insight into both computing and brain function.
The study also highlights that these findings could greatly impact efforts to build the next generation of low‑energy computational systems.
If further developed, brain‑inspired computing could provide powerful alternatives to current systems used in high‑performance research, all while reducing electrical power demands.
Brain inspired machines are better at math than expected.
The two-day summit, hosted by The European House-Ambrosetti, brought together global leaders, private sector players and investors to champion climate finance, environmental stewardship and a just transition.
Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development Mutahi Kagwe warned that failure to finance climate-smart agriculture in Africa could trigger far-reaching consequences for global food systems.
Kagwe said that climate change is already dismantling traditional agricultural systems across Kenya, with extreme weather patterns now defining the country’s reality.
“Climate shocks are no longer future risks. They are present disruptions. If agriculture in Africa fails, global food systems will feel the shock,” he warned.
The summit aims to catalyze a global discussion on the crucial role of industry in building a climate-resilient Africa.
Through a series of plenary sessions and panels, participants, including more than 150 CEOs, institutional leaders and influential stakeholders from Africa and beyond, will have the opportunity to examine best practices, innovations and policies needed to mitigate the impacts of climate change on the African continent.
Kagwe said that Kenya’s heavy reliance on rain-fed agriculture, which accounts for 98 percent of farming, leaves millions exposed to climate variability.
He said the consequences have already been severe, including five failed rainy seasons between 2020 and 2023, 4.4 million people pushed into food insecurity, and the loss of over 2.5 million livestock.
“Even in 2026, the crisis persists. While some regions face deadly floods, others are battling drought and extreme heat, with over two million Kenyans currently in need of emergency food and livestock support,” Kagwe said.
But beyond the statistics, Kagwe said that Africa must no longer be sidelined in climate decision-making or subjected to externally designed solutions.
“There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Climate change is a lived experience for our farmers. The answers must come from the ground, not from boardrooms in Brussels, New York or Paris,” he said.
The summit called on international investors to finance climate-smart agriculture to boost food security on the continent.
In the southeastern city of Zaporizhzhia, one person was killed, and five more were wounded when drones and missiles hit residential areas. Several apartment buildings, private homes, a shop, and an industrial facility were damaged, according to regional governor Ivan Fedorov, who shared photos showing fires and destruction.
“Russia launched a massive combined strike on Zaporizhzhia using drones and missiles,” Governor Ivan Fedorov said.
In the eastern Poltava region, two people died and 11 others were injured in similar attacks that struck homes and a hotel.
The strikes come shortly after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Monday warned that intelligence reports showed Russia preparing a new, large‑scale offensive.
Russian drone, missile attack kills three in Ukraine.
“Leo passed away peacefully after a long battle with cancer,” OnlyFans said on Monday, March 23, adding that his family has asked for privacy during this difficult time.
Radvinsky acquired Fenix International Limited, the company that owns and operates OnlyFans, in 2018 and served as its majority shareholder and director. Under his leadership, the subscription‑based platform grew into a globally used site that gave creators a way to earn directly from subscribers, especially during and after the pandemic years.
Before focusing on OnlyFans, Radvinsky built his early career in online businesses and later ran a venture capital fund called Leo, which invested in technology companies. Though he kept a low public profile, his influence on the creator economy and online content distribution was significant, helping shape how digital creators connect with audiences worldwide.
His passing marks the end of an important chapter in the company’s history, and questions remain about the future leadership and direction of OnlyFans without its key figure at the helm.
Leonid Radvinsky, the billionaire owner of OnlyFans, has died at the age of 43 following a prolonged battle with cancer.
Friendly countries recently sent messages to Iran indicating Washington’s desire to begin talks on ending the war, but Iran has not responded, the IRNA reported, citing Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei.
Baghaei said Tehran’s stance on the Strait of Hormuz, as well as its conditions to end the war, have not changed, the IRNA reported.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf also denied the claim on social media platform X, saying “no negotiations have been held” with Washington.
Meanwhile, several media reports quoted Ebrahim Rezaei, spokesperson for the Iranian parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, as saying that talks with the United States are meaningless in the current conditions.
Earlier in the day, Trump said he had ordered a five-day delay of planned strikes on Iranian power plants and energy facilities, citing what he described as “very good and productive conversations” over the past two days aimed at easing tensions in the Middle East.
Reuters, citing Israel officials, later reported that the United States is holding negotiations with Ghalibaf, and that the two sides could hold talks in Pakistan’s Islamabad as early as this week.
The developments came amid heightened regional tensions following joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran starting on February 28, to which Iran and its regional allies responded with attacks on Israeli and U.S. interests across the Middle East.
Iran’s declaration comes hours after President Trump said he had ordered a five-day delay of planned strikes on Iranian power plants and energy facilities, citing what he described as “very good and productive conversations” over the past two days aimed at easing tensions in the Middle East.
He made the remarks while closing a national meeting of central and local government leaders held at the Gako Military Academy, attended by district officials, cabinet ministers, and other senior government representatives.
The meeting examined ongoing governance challenges, including weak coordination among leaders, inefficiencies in service delivery, and other persistent shortcomings.
In his opening remarks, the Prime Minister cited findings from the National Institute of Statistics, noting a decline in service delivery performance, from 78.2% in 2023 to 75.8% in 2024, and further down to 71.7% in 2025.
Before delivering his address, Kagame was informed that leaders had acknowledged their shortcomings and committed to improving their performance. He questioned whether the issues raised were new to those present.
“Who here is hearing this for the first time? That would mean there are issues beyond what has been acknowledged. Otherwise, we should continuously assess what is not working, put everything in order, and implement corrective measures. But what we end up with is repetition. So what exactly is the problem?” he asked.
The President expressed concern over leaders who repeatedly make the same mistakes, apologise, and promise not to repeat them, only to fall into the same patterns again.
“Making the same mistake repeatedly, apologising for it, and repeating it again, I don’t understand that as a normal way people make mistakes. It becomes a problem. These are mistakes that are repeatedly made by the same individuals, including those in leadership positions,” he said.
He stressed that if a leader continues to repeat the same mistakes, it reflects a lack of understanding that must be addressed.
The Head of State further questioned whether the issue lies in how responsibilities are understood and executed across leadership structures.
“Is the problem within us as Rwandans? All of you seated here understand your responsibilities and what needs to be done, perhaps even better than I do. Yet we still face these challenges,” he said.
He also highlighted weaknesses in planning and implementation, noting that failure to align plans with execution leads to ineffective outcomes.
“Planning must go hand in hand with implementation. Even when plans are well designed, if they are not aligned with execution, it becomes a problem. You cannot expect meaningful results without proper planning,” he noted.
Citing an example from the Eastern Province, Kagame questioned why an irrigation project intended to also supply water to residents had not achieved both objectives.
“You follow up on one component and neglect the other. How can you achieve the intended outcome?” he asked.
The Governor of the Eastern Province, Pudence Rubingisa, explained that while part of the irrigation component had been implemented, the water supply aspect had been overlooked.
Kagame questioned the lack of coordination among stakeholders involved in the project, emphasising the importance of communication in delivering results.
“After this, you go and communicate, something I have not seen in the past 31 years,” he remarked.
Rubingisa acknowledged the communication gap and noted that leaders had committed to improving coordination and ensuring citizen participation in providing feedback on projects affecting them.
President Kagame concluded by stressing the need for urgent behavioural and operational changes among leaders, urging them to move beyond repeated mistakes and apologies, and to fully understand and fulfil their responsibilities.
President Kagame made the remarks while closing a national meeting of central and local government leaders held at the Gako Military Academy, attended by district officials, cabinet ministers, and other senior government representatives.
Over the course of a single week in March 2026, ALX Rwanda hosted and participated in two impactful Women in Tech engagements, one in collaboration with HerinTech on March 14 and another with Lead Access on March 17. While each event had its own focus, both were united by a shared mission of empowering women with the confidence, connections, and capabilities needed to thrive in tech.
Partnership-driven empowerment
The March 14 engagement, organised in partnership with HerinTech, brought together young women, students, and industry professionals under the theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls.” The session created a dynamic and inclusive space for learning, dialogue, and inspiration.
While each event had its own focus, both were united by a shared mission of empowering women with the confidence, connections, and capabilities needed to thrive in tech.
Speakers, including Linda Ikirezi, Founder of HerinTech, emphasised the importance of intentional collaboration in creating opportunities for women. Their message underscored a key reality that advancing women in tech requires ecosystems rather than isolated efforts.
The event featured contributions from industry professionals and partners, including Marie Grace Niwemukiza from the Ministry of ICT and Innovation, Arnould Gabiro, Software Engineer at Umurava, and Fleury, a representative from NCBA Bank spoke at the event. Sessions covered a wide range of topics, from career journeys in tech to often-overlooked conversations such as women’s reproductive health, creating a holistic environment that addressed both personal and professional development.
Linda Ikirezi, Founder of HerinTech, emphasised the importance of intentional collaboration in creating opportunities for women.
A panel discussion moderated by Liliose Gashugi brought together experienced professionals, including Simonneta Perles from Westerwelle Startup Haus Kigali, Eliane Irankunda Kamana from Irembo, and Resire Mboneko, a Kigali-based Information Security Manager. They shared candid insights on navigating male-dominated industries, with their collective message resonating strongly with participants.
“Show up—scared, nervous, or uncertain—but always show up.”
The engagement also featured presentations from young innovators, including students from SOS Technical School, demonstrating early-stage creativity and highlighting the importance of nurturing talent from a young age.
Panel discussions featured experienced professionals who shared candid insights on navigating male-dominated industries, with their message resonating strongly with participants.
The keynote speech by Grace Ingabire, CEO of RICTA, left a lasting impression. She spoke about the importance of being audacious, challenging stereotypes, and taking action before feeling ‘ready.’
Her message resonated deeply, noting that growth comes from stepping forward rather than waiting for perfection.
What followed was pure joy, with music, dance, and a lively after-party led by the students themselves. From Amapiano challenges to spontaneous moments of connection, the atmosphere reflected something deeper than fun, showcasing a sense of community, connection, and shared celebration.
ALX workshop with Lead Access
Just days later, ALX Rwanda, in partnership with Lead Access, hosted a Women in Tech workshop at the ALX Rwanda Hub in Nyarutarama. Held under the theme “Give to Gain”, the session brought together aspiring technologists, learners, and industry leaders in an interactive environment centred on mentorship, leadership, and innovation.
The workshop highlighted Rwanda’s growing position as a hub for digital talent and innovation. Speaking at the event, Sandra Kabongoyi, Partnership Manager at ALX Africa, emphasised the importance of inclusivity in shaping the future of the digital economy.
ALX Women in Tech events coincided with International Women’s Month, highlighting the celebration of women’s achievements while fostering dialogue, collaboration, and empowerment in the tech space.
The program featured a panel discussion with prominent women in tech, including Noella Mupole, Chief Technology and Information Officer at Solid Africa, Linda Ikirezi, Founder of HerinTech Rwanda, and Michaëlla Rugwizangoga, CEO of WiseAfrica, moderated by Jacinta Gitau. The discussion explored personal journeys marked by resilience, persistence, and growth, with panellists sharing experiences overcoming gender barriers, self-doubt, and structural challenges.
A key message emerged throughout the session: mentorship and continuous learning remain essential pillars for women building careers in technology.
Michaëlla Rugwizangoga highlighted the broader ecosystem’s role in enabling women’s progress, while Ingabire Muziga Mamy, Co-founder of Charis UAS Ltd, delivered a motivational talk emphasising purposeful innovation and leadership:
“The future digital economy must be built by women, not just used by women.”
The engagements sparked inspiration, learning, and connection.
She further encouraged participants to tackle local challenges as a pathway to global relevance, reinforcing the idea that innovation often begins within one’s immediate environment.
For many participants across both events, the experience went beyond inspiration. It provided practical exposure, meaningful connections, and renewed confidence in their ability to pursue careers in technology.
Learners like Apophia Usanabaganwa from ALX Rwanda described the experience as transformative, noting how interactions with speakers and peers helped restore confidence and reaffirm ambition.
“I’m really happy about what happened today. We’ve been reminded that women are capable of everything,” she said. “My hope had dropped in recent days, but today it rose again because of the engaging words from the guests. Right now, I’m very confident that I’m able to do anything.”
She also highlighted the role of ALX in her personal growth, noting that the program has equipped her with practical skills, including AI Career Essentials, and valuable connections to support her career journey.
For many participants across both events, the experience went beyond inspiration. It provided practical exposure, meaningful connections, and renewed confidence in their ability to pursue careers in technology.
ALX at the centre of a growing ecosystem
Through both engagements, ALX Rwanda played a central role not only as a host but as a convener of partnerships, ideas, and opportunities. By working alongside organisations such as HerinTech and Lead Access, ALX continues to strengthen a collaborative ecosystem that supports women at different stages of their tech journeys.
At the core of ALX’s model is a focus on accessible, flexible, and future-ready learning. Through a hybrid model that combines intensive online technical tracks, ranging from software engineering and data science to AI career essentials, with in-person collaboration at its Kigali Tech Hub, the organisation bridges the gap between traditional education and the modern workforce.
By leveraging strategic partnerships with the Government of Rwanda and global tech entities, ALX focuses on large-scale youth employability, offering fully sponsored programs and advanced AI learning tools like “Chidi” to foster a knowledge-based economy and drive regional innovation.
Dozens of young women in tech attended the events.Panellists shared real-world insights on navigating and thriving in tech careers. Held under the theme “Give to Gain”, the session brought together aspiring technologists, learners, and industry leaders in an interactive environment centred on mentorship, leadership, and innovation.Sandra Kabongoyi, Partnership Manager at ALX Africa, emphasised the importance of inclusivity in shaping the future of the digital economy.Through both engagements, ALX Rwanda played a central role not only as a host but as a convener of partnerships, ideas, and opportunities.For many participants, the experience went beyond inspiration, offering practical exposure, meaningful connections, and renewed confidence to pursue careers in technology.Participants gained valuable insights from experienced professionals in the Women in Tech space. The engagement also featured presentations from young innovators, including students from SOS Technical School.The participants cut a cake to mark International Women’s Month.The events offered practical exposure, meaningful connections, and renewed confidence to pursue tech careers.
