The soldiers were at a security checkpoint in Big Babanki in the Tubah subdivision when they were attacked, a military official in the region confirmed.
“The separatist terrorists took them by surprise. The sad incident occurred by midday this Friday. We have deployed additional forces to pursue the terrorists and capture them,” the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told Xinhua.
Local media reported an increase in attacks on civilians and security forces in the region in recent weeks.
Cameroon has been experiencing an armed separatist conflict in its English-speaking regions of Northwest and Southwest since 2017, as separatists seek to create a new nation in the regions.
Two Cameroonian soldiers were killed on Friday in an ambush by separatist fighters in the country’s English-speaking Northwest region, security sources said.
The visit, which took place on April 30, 2026, offered employees an in-depth understanding of Rwanda’s history, particularly the planning and execution of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
During the tour, they explored different sections of the memorial and gained insight into the events that led to one of the darkest chapters in the nation’s history.
The Genocide against the Tutsi claimed the lives of more than one million people in just 100 days before it was halted by the Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA).
As part of the visit, the employees also learned about Rwanda’s journey of recovery and reconstruction in the years that followed.
They paid tribute to the victims by laying wreaths at mass graves where over 250,000 victims are laid to rest at the memorial.
Q-Sourcing Servtec Country Manager Martin Rushema Mugisha said the visit serves as a reminder of their responsibility to preserve the accuracy of Rwanda’s history as a nation.
“I strongly believe that the private sector especially Q-sourcing ServTec Rwanda has to play a big role in transmitting the same message to future generations and stakeholders, that Genocide against the Tutsi will never happen again” he said.
He reminded Q-Sourcing Servtec staff, especially the youth, of the importance of learning their history by visiting memorials to deepen their understanding. He urged young people to verify information from credible sources and avoid being misled by those who distort Rwanda’s history.
Q-Sourcing Servtec Rwanda currently employs more than 300 people across different parts of the country.
Staff from Q-Sourcing Servtec Rwanda laid wreaths at mass graves at Kigali Genocide Memorial, paying tribute to victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.During a guided tour of the Kigali Genocide Memorial, employees of Q-Sourcing Servtec Rwanda learnt about the events that led to the Genocide against the Tutsi.Q-Sourcing Servtec Rwanda employees observed a moment of silence to honour victims of Genocide against the Tutsi. Employees from Q-Sourcing Servtec Rwanda visited Kigali Genocide Memorial where they reaffirmed commitment to preserving Rwanda’s history.Q-Sourcing Servtec Rwanda staff gather at Kigali Genocide Memorial during a visit aimed at promoting historical awareness and responsibility among employees.
The school, based in Nyabihu District, was selected from nearly 3,000 nominations and applications submitted from 113 countries, highlighting its growing reputation as a centre of excellence in digital skills and future-focused learning.
RCA is competing in the AI Transformation category, supported by Fab AI, which promotes the use of artificial intelligence to improve education systems, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
Founded in 2019, RCA is a government-run specialist high school that trains around 280 students aged between 14 and 19 to become software engineers and AI innovators. The institution has positioned itself as a key part of Rwanda’s broader strategy to build a knowledge-based, digital economy.
Its recognition in the global competition is largely driven by its distinctive approach to artificial intelligence education. Beyond technical skills, the academy integrates ethics, responsibility, and social impact into every project.
Students are encouraged to critically examine issues such as fairness, data privacy, and the societal implications of AI technologies.
Among its standout innovations is a student-developed computer vision system designed to detect road accidents in real time. The system uses locally sourced data and has been deliberately engineered to protect privacy by avoiding facial recognition features.
RCA’s track record of achievement has further strengthened its global standing. Students have developed more than 70 functional technology projects, and in 2025, they secured first, second, and third place at the picoCTF-Africa cybersecurity competition, outperforming participants from over 20 countries.
More recently, RCA students won the 2026 AI Ideathon organised by the Rwanda Education Board and are set to represent the country at the global level in Switzerland.
The school has also expanded its international footprint through partnerships with organisations such as the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), as well as participation in global hackathons and cyber-resilience forums.
The Global Schools Prize, founded by education entrepreneur Sunny Varkey, is the largest award of its kind. It celebrates schools that demonstrate exceptional commitment to equipping learners with the skills and values needed to navigate a rapidly changing world.
“Congratulations, Rwanda Coding Academy. Your approach to teaching and learning powerfully demonstrates how schools play a defining role in equipping young people with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to shape our rapidly evolving world,” Varkey said in a statement.
Mathias Esmann, Director of Partnerships at Fab AI, also commended the finalists, noting that they are “harnessing the enormous potential of AI to expand access, free up time for teachers and deliver measurable impact for learners.”
As part of the shortlist, RCA receives a Global Schools Prize badge and joins an international network of leading institutions, gaining access to partnerships, professional development opportunities, and global collaboration platforms.
The competition will now narrow the top 50 schools down to 10 category winners, each receiving $50,000. One overall winner will be awarded $500,000 to scale its impact.
The final winner is expected to be announced during the Education World Forum in London in May.
The school, based in Nyabihu District, was selected from nearly 3,000 nominations and applications submitted from 113 countries, highlighting its growing reputation as a centre of excellence in digital skills and future-focused learning.
Scientists have made a major breakthrough in understanding how the immune system’s most powerful cells fight cancer, and for the first time, they’ve captured a detailed three‑dimensional look at the process inside real tumours.
Researchers from the University of Geneva and the Lausanne University Hospital used an advanced imaging technique called cryo‑expansion microscopy to observe how killer T cells, also known as cytotoxic T lymphocytes, attack and eliminate cancerous cells at the microscopic level.
This new view shows that these immune cells form an intricately organised contact zone with their targets, allowing them to destroy dangerous cells with incredible precision, while protecting nearby healthy tissue.
Until now, scientists could only see parts of this killing process because traditional imaging methods either lacked the resolution or distorted the cells’ natural structure. Cryo‑expansion microscopy changes that by freezing cells quickly to preserve their internal architecture and then physically expanding the sample so that tiny details can be seen more clearly than ever before.
Jens Rietdorf, a research engineer at the UNIGE Faculty of Science and co-author, explained why this has been so difficult to observe until now:
“The great challenge in science has always been observing these interactions without deforming delicate biological structures. Cryo-expansion microscopy allows for the physical enlargement of cells after an ultra-rapid freezing process, making the invisible visible.”
With this new technique, the researchers uncovered previously hidden features at the interface where the immune cell meets its target. They also observed how the toxic granules inside T cells, the “killers” that deliver the death blow to infected or cancerous cells, vary in structure and organisation.
Most importantly, the team was able to apply this method directly to tumour tissue samples, allowing them to watch the immune response in a realistic, clinical setting.
This new 3D insight into how killer T cells work could have meaningful implications for cancer research and treatment. By understanding the molecular choreography behind successful immune attacks, scientists can better explore how to improve immunotherapies or find ways to overcome immune resistance in stubborn tumours.
This discovery doesn’t just show us what killer T cells do; it shows how they do it, and that deeper understanding could be a powerful tool in the fight against cancer.
Breakthrough 3D imaging reveals how T cells destroy cancer cells.
Here’s a list of five of the hottest recent animated releases, perfect for your next movie binge.
1. Hoppers
Hoppers follows the story of Mabel, an animal-obsessed college student who transfers her mind into a robotic beaver to communicate with animals and protect their environment from destruction.
However, her well-intentioned actions spark an unexpected uprising. This 30th animated feature from Pixar has captivated audiences worldwide, grossing an impressive $375 million since its release. It’s an exciting, heartfelt adventure that’s perfect for all ages.
2. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
The highly anticipated sequel to The Super Mario Bros. Movie takes Mario, Luigi, and their friends on a cosmic adventure in outer space. They meet Princess Rosalina and must stop Bowser Jr.’s plan to restore the Bowser family name by threatening the universe.
While it received mixed reviews from critics, the movie has already earned $835 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing film of 2026 so far. If you loved the original, this sequel is a must-see.
3. Invincible: Season 4
Season 4 of Invincible picks up after the global catastrophe that rocked the previous season. Mark Grayson is dealing with guilt as he works to protect his loved ones and home.
This season brings even more tension with the arrival of powerful new threats, including the Viltrumite War storyline and new antagonists like Thragg and Dinosaurus.
With eight episodes packed with action and emotional moments, this season is perfect for anyone craving a mix of intense drama and superhero excitement.
4. Primal: Season 3
The third season of Primal takes us back to the brutal stone-age saga filled with minimal dialogue and raw action.
This series, known for its powerful animation and emotionally charged visuals, continues the journey of its two primal heroes as they navigate a dangerous and untamed world.
If you’re a fan of Genndy Tartakovsky’s distinctive style, this action-packed, visually stunning series will definitely keep you hooked.
5. KPop Demon Hunters
KPop Demon Hunters follows Rumi, Mira, and Zoey, three K-pop idols who secretly fight supernatural forces to protect their fans. Their biggest challenge comes when a rival boy band of demons in disguise threatens the safety of their world.
The film has been a massive success, winning Best Animated Feature at both the 98th Academy Awards and the Golden Globes. Its breakout song, “Golden,” made history by becoming the first K-pop track to win Best Original Song at the Oscars and Best Song Written for Visual Media at the Grammys.
With over 500 million views on Netflix, it has become the platform’s most-watched animated original.
These five animated films are the perfect way to spend your weekend, whether you’re looking for high-energy action, heartfelt storytelling, or pure entertainment. From thrilling space adventures to stunning visual masterpieces, these films will keep you entertained and engaged throughout the weekend.
The visit aimed to deepen their understanding of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, reflect on the importance of learning from history, and honor genocide victims.
The team was joined by Tito Rutaremara, Chairperson of the Rwanda Elders Advisory Forum who gave an insightful talk on the causes of genocide, the ideology behind it, and the calculated planning that led to one of Africa’s darkest chapters.
Rutaremara, who has played an instrumental role in Rwanda’s recovery and served as a long-standing senator and Chief Ombudsman, stressed the importance of learning from Rwanda’s tragic history.
“We all have the responsibility to understand our history, as it is through learning from the past that we can create a future of peace and unity,” Rutaremara emphasized.
He highlighted the need for both Rwanda and the broader African continent to recognize the painful past and use it as a foundation for reconciliation and long-term peace.
Rutaremara’s call resonated deeply with the employees as he reminded them that the responsibility to ensure such atrocities are never repeated rests with all of us.
The team also heard a moving firsthand testimony from Maurice Gasasira, who recounted his ordeal, from facing persecution during his school years to the devastating moment, where he witnessed the murder of his parents during the Genocide.
His story offered a personal lens into how the atrocities unfolded, leaving the team with an understanding of the tragedy and the enduring lessons it holds for humanity.
Gasasira highlighted the deep emotional scars left by the genocide. “It was a moment of unimaginable loss,” he said, reflecting on the trauma he endured.
His testimony served as a poignant reminder to the Smart Africa team that the impact of the genocide is still felt today, and the lessons of pain, courage, and healing must not be forgotten.
The Genocide against the Tutsi claimed lives of over one million victims in just 100 days, a tragedy that was halted by the Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA).
The employees, having visited the memorial’s various exhibitions, also laid wreaths at mass graves where over 250,000 victims are buried.
Mr. Lacina Koné, the Director-General and CEO of Smart Africa, offered a heartfelt message of solidarity and called for collective efforts to prevent recurrence.
“The Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda is a crime against humanity and we should never, ever allow this to happen anywhere around the world. If you look at what happened, it’s completely inhumane and beyond imagination. We should all fight it with all our strength,” he said underscoring the universal responsibility to prevent such tragedies.
The visit to the memorial served as a powerful reminder for Smart Africa’s employees of the importance of understanding history and the shared responsibility in Africa and beyond to promote peace, unity, and reconciliation.
Smart Africa employees pay tribute to the victims of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi by laying wreaths at the Kigali Genocide Memorial.Tito Rutaremara, Rwandan political figure, speaks to Smart Africa employees about the importance of understanding Rwanda’s history and the lessons it holds.Jean Maurice Gasasira, a genocide survivor, recounts burying his mother at 16, emphasizing the lasting emotional scars and the importance of preserving these memories to prevent future atrocities.
He made the remarks on April 30, 2026, at the Kanombe training centre in Rutshuru Territory during the closing of the second phase of training for local administrative leaders operating in areas under AFC/M23 control.
Maj. Gen. Makenga said the DRC has long suffered from mismanagement, blaming successive governments in Kinshasa for what he described as governance failures, corruption, and divisions that have displaced communities.
“Our country has been destroyed for a long time by the government in Kinshasa and politicians who put their own interests first, driven by divisionism, and who have ruined our country. You fled because of these people in Kinshasa,” he said.
He added that the situation necessitates continued resistance, insisting that AFC/M23 will not withdraw from its objectives.
“The journey to liberate our country will not go backwards. As leaders of this movement, we assure you that we will not retreat; we will continue moving forward,” he said. “You, local leaders, should go and tell the population to remain calm, to farm, to raise livestock, to trade, and not to worry.”
Makenga also called on those collaborating with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) to abandon the group, saying they should instead reconcile and return to their communities.
“Those Interahamwe should go back home. Congolese should return home and work with others to build the country. They are brothers, they are your children, they are your companions. Go and tell them to come back. Those who want to join the army should be trained and integrated; those who want to return home should do so,” he said.
He further stated that President Félix Tshisekedi’s government relies on force rather than dialogue, saying AFC/M23 will continue its armed struggle until it achieves its stated objectives in the DRC.
Maj. Gen. Makenga said the DRC has long suffered from mismanagement, blaming successive governments in Kinshasa for what he described as governance failures, corruption, and divisions that have displaced communities.
He made the remarks on April 30, 2026, during a commemoration event marking the 32nd anniversary of the Genocide against the Tutsi. The event was organised by the Ministry of Local Government, Ministry of Internal Security, Ministry of Public Service and Labour, CHENO, Directorate-General of Immigration and Emigration, the National Electoral Commission, and RALGA.
Gen (Rtd) Ibingira, who presented an overview of Rwanda’s liberation struggle, said the Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA) took up arms in 1990 after peaceful efforts to resolve the country’s crisis failed, as Tutsi citizens were being persecuted, killed, and stripped of their rights.
He noted that for him, having been born outside Rwanda, the country was initially only known as a point on the map until the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF-Inkotanyi) made the decision to return and liberate it.
He explained that the liberation struggle and the effort to stop the genocide were extremely difficult, as they involved both combat operations and rescuing civilians who were being killed.
He further stated that some Congolese fighters initially opposed the return of the Rwandan Patriotic Army, as they supported the forces of the former regime.
After the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Interahamwe militia members and former soldiers of the defeated regime fled to then Zaire (now the DRC), where they were granted refuge and reorganised with the intention of launching attacks against Rwanda.
These groups later carried out cross-border attacks into Rwanda. When their efforts failed, they formed armed movements such as ALIR and PALIR, taking advantage of the fact that they had fled with military equipment that was not confiscated in line with international law.
The FDLR was later formed through the merger of these groups, built on an ideology that labels the Tutsi as enemies and seeks to overthrow the Rwandan government.
Gen Ibingira said that more than 30 years later, the FDLR continues to operate, claiming that it is being supported by the government of Félix Tshisekedi, which he alleged has pledged cooperation with the group against Rwanda.
He argued that this support has strengthened the FDLR and contributed to the spread of genocide ideology in eastern DRC and the wider Great Lakes region, resulting in continued violence against Congolese Tutsi communities.
“Genocide was carried out openly by the government of Habyarimana and Sindikubwabo. It was stopped openly by the RPA in broad daylight. No one else stopped it,” he said.
He added: “Anyone backing the Interahamwe will face consequences. Those who support them and shelter them today will face the consequences of their actions.”
Gen Ibingira further said that those supporting the FDLR are openly aligned with its agenda of destabilising Rwanda.
He stressed that Rwanda will not accept insecurity imposed from outside, even if it faces sanctions.
“If the world says it is sanctioning us, we will not fold our arms and allow Interahamwe to attack us,” he said.
He urged Rwandans to remain vigilant, saying the country’s security depends on collective responsibility.
“The life of this country is in your hands, both young and old,” he said.
He also reflected on the 32 years since the genocide, saying Rwanda has made significant progress in rebuilding unity and ensuring citizens are no longer persecuted based on identity, crediting strong leadership and national resilience.
Minister of Local Government Habimana Dominique said the Genocide against the Tutsi was stopped by Rwandans themselves, and that their bravery remains a national responsibility.
He emphasised that fighting genocide ideology remains a duty for all citizens, warning that some perpetrators continue to deny the genocide and pass on its ideology to younger generations.
The commemoration event took place on April 30. Gen (Rtd) Ibingira said Rwanda will not accept insecurity imposed from outside, even under threat of sanctions.
The airline announced that operations are scheduled to begin on July 21, 2026, subject to regulatory approvals. The route will run twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with one-way Lite fares starting from OMR 69.99 (approximately Rwf 260,000).
The new connection is expected to support growing business and trade links between Oman and East Africa. By offering direct and lower-cost travel, SalamAir aims to tap into demand from business travellers, investors, and the tourism sector.
“Kigali is a natural addition to our growing African network, offering strong fundamentals across business and leisure travel,” said Steven Allen, Chief Commercial Officer at SalamAir.
Allen pointed to Rwanda’s steady growth in tourism and corporate travel, as well as Kigali’s role as a gateway to regional markets.
“Kigali itself is a vibrant, modern gateway, known for its culture, markets, and historical landmarks, and it opens the door to some of Africa’s most compelling nature and eco tourism attractions. As part of our wider network strategy, we remain focused on linking Oman with high-growth markets through affordable, reliable, and direct connectivity,” he added.
Kigali has positioned itself as a hub for conferences, investment, and innovation, supported by infrastructure such as the Kigali Convention Centre and ongoing developments in the aviation sector, including the new Bugesera International Airport.
The new airport is scheduled for completion in 2027. Upon completion of the first phase, it will have the capacity to handle seven million passengers annually. A second phase, planned for completion in 2032, is expected to expand capacity to 14 million passengers per year. It is expected to play a central role in boosting economic growth and positioning the country as a regional and continental aviation hub.
Meanwhile, the new Muscat and Kigali route comes as Rwanda and Oman continue to deepen economic ties, with air connectivity seen as a key driver of trade, tourism, and investment flows between the two countries.
SalamAir’s move follows a similar plan by Oman Air, which is also preparing to launch direct flights between Muscat and Kigali in June 2026. The development is linked to broader agreements between the two countries covering areas such as logistics, infrastructure, and digital services.
For SalamAir, the Kigali route forms part of its wider expansion strategy. The airline currently operates a fleet of Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, serving 38 destinations with more than 80 daily flights. Additional aircraft are expected to join its fleet from mid-2026 as it increases capacity.
The entry of new carriers on the Muscat–Kigali route is likely to improve connectivity and offer more travel options for businesses and passengers moving between East Africa and the Middle East.
Oman’s low-cost carrier SalamAir announced that operations are scheduled to begin on July 21, 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.
For many people, getting a job often comes with immediate plans for how to spend their first salary—whether it is buying a new smartphone, going out to unwind, or simply making up for the hardships of unemployment.
According to the 2025 data, Rwanda had about 8.5 million people aged 16 and above eligible to work. Of these, 4.8 million were employed, while around 676,000 were unemployed. More than 3.1 million were outside the labour force, including students, the elderly, people with severe disabilities, and those who have stopped seeking work.
Unemployment in Rwanda declined by 2.5 percentage points, dropping to 12.4% in 2025 from 14.9% in 2024.
Income remains a sensitive topic that many people are reluctant to discuss openly. However, the survey reveals that 36% of workers earned less than Rwf 30,000 per month, a decrease of 4.5 percentage points compared to 2024. Meanwhile, those earning Rwf 100,000 or more rose to 20.8%, up from 19% the previous year.
On average, workers in Rwanda earned Rwf 723 per hour in 2025, an increase of Rwf 114 compared to 2024. Agricultural workers, however, earned much less, at about Rwf 408 per hour.
In many parts of the country, a typical farm labourer starts work around 6:00 a.m. or 7:00a.m and finishes between 11:00 a.m ad p.m. noon, working roughly five hours a day. Based on average earnings, this translates to about Rwf 2,000 per day.
Workers in the industrial sector earned an average of Rwf 849 per hour. This category includes a wide range of jobs, from manual labourers handling heavy loads to workers involved in different stages of production.
While casual labourers are often paid daily, permanent employees typically receive monthly salaries.
The services sector remains the largest employer and the highest-paying in terms of hourly wages. By 2025, it accounted for 44.4% of total employment, followed by agriculture at 39.1%, and industry at 16.5%.
Rwanda’s growing services sector is closely linked to the country’s expanding tourism and events industry. In 2025, Rwanda welcomed 1.49 million tourists, generating more than $685 million in revenue. Meetings, conferences, concerts, and exhibitions contributed an additional $93.7 million.
Overall, Rwanda hosted 165 major regional, continental, and global events during the year. These included the UCI Road World Championships held in Kigali in September, the Move Afrika concert featuring John Legend, the Basketball Africa League (BAL), and the Mobile World Congress.
The services sector remains the largest employer and the highest-paying in terms of hourly wages.
