“By the decision of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, a ceasefire has been declared in view of the upcoming Orthodox holiday of Easter, from 16:00 on April 11 until the end of the day on April 12, 2026,” the Kremlin said in a statement.
According to the statement, Russia’s Defense Minister Andrei Belousov and Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov have been instructed to cease combat operations along all fronts during this period.
“Troops must be prepared to thwart any possible provocations by the enemy, as well as any aggressive actions,” the Kremlin said, adding that it expects that the Ukrainian side will follow Russia’s lead.
Russian President Vladimir Putin listens to Deputy Prime Minister, Chief of the Government Staff Dmitry Grigorenko during their meeting at the Kremlin, in Moscow, Thursday, April 9, 2026. (Alexander Kazakov/Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)
The trials utilise the Volkswagen ID. Buzz AD, an all-electric, autonomous version of the iconic microbus. The initial test fleet consists of roughly 10 vehicles, specifically configured to seat four passengers to maximise comfort during the pilot phase.
The companies have already opened a joint operations facility in Los Angeles to manage the fleet, which they plan to scale to more than 100 vehicles for real-world validation before the public launch.
Throughout the current testing phase, a human safety operator remains behind the wheel of every vehicle to supervise the technology. If these validation milestones are met and the necessary permits from California regulators are secured, the companies expect to offer commercial rides on the Uber app by late 2026, transitioning to fully driverless operations in 2027.
The project is led by MOIA America, which was rebranded from Volkswagen ADMT (Autonomous Driving, Mobility and Transport) in early 2026 to align with Volkswagen’s established European mobility brand. The ID. Buzz vehicles are equipped with a Level 4 autonomous stack developed in collaboration with Mobileye, featuring a suite of 13 cameras, nine LiDAR units, and five radar sensors.
Beyond its work with Volkswagen, Uber continues to expand its “platform for partners” strategy. In March 2026, the ride-hailing giant announced a major investment of up to $1.25 billion in Rivian (with an initial $300 million commitment) to deploy 10,000 autonomous R2 robotaxis. Those vehicles are slated to begin operations in San Francisco and Miami starting in 2028.
The companies have already opened a joint operations facility in Los Angeles to manage the fleet, which they plan to scale to more than 100 vehicles for real-world validation before the public launch.
The visit, which took place at the Gisozi memorial site, provided the employees with an in-depth understanding of the history of the Genocide against the Tutsi from its planning and execution to its cessation and the nation’s journey of recovery and rebuilding.
Andy, the General Manager of Hunan Road & Bridge, expressed his admiration for the resilience and strength of the Rwandan people, noting that the experience at the memorial was deeply moving.
“As we work in Rwanda, we are part of this memory. Understanding the country’s history is essential. What we witnessed here demonstrates the strength and love Rwandans have for their nation. They were the ones who stood by each other during the most difficult times,” he stated.
Wang Jing, the Human Resources Manager at Hunan Road & Bridge, emphasised the importance of advocating for peace and ensuring that such tragic events are never repeated. He called on those who deny or downplay the genocide to visit the memorial and witness the reality of what happened.
“Denying what you haven’t seen is not the right approach. Those who question or deny the events of the past should come and see the truth, as we have. People, including children and women, lost their lives. Let them see the reality of what occurred,” Wang Jing remarked.
Hunan Road & Bridge is currently involved in the construction of the Prince House Masaka Road, a key infrastructure project that began in February 2026. The 10.3-kilometre road will consist of four lanes, expanding from the previous two-lane design to accommodate increased traffic and improve flow.
To ease congestion, an overhead section will be constructed, covering a distance of 1.3 kilometres. This section will connect the Prince House area in Remera to the Mutzig intersection in the Gasabo District. It will provide direct access to roads leading to Kigali International Airport and the Masaka region.
The new road design will include four lanes, two on the ground and two overhead, each with two directional lanes.
Additionally, the project includes a nine-kilometre stretch of road with four lanes, two in each direction, extending from Mutzig to Masaka Hospital.
The overall cost of expanding this road is projected to exceed 86 billion Rwandan francs upon completion.
Employees of Hunan Road & Bridges place wreaths on the graves of over 250,000 Tutsi victims killed in different parts of Kigali during the 1994 genocide.Employees of Hunan Road & Bridges pay their respects to Tutsi victims at the Kigali Genocide Memorial.Employees of Hunan Road & Bridges were educated on the history of the Genocide against the Tutsi, from its preparation and execution to the post-genocide journey of rebuilding.Employees of Hunan Road & Bridges at the Kigali Genocide Memorial.The Human Resources manager at Hunan Road & Bridges, Wang Jing, stated that genocide deniers should visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial to witness the history firsthand.
The agreement, signed in N’Djamena on Wednesday by Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, and his Chadian counterpart, Dr. Abdoulaye Sabre Fadoul, aims to deepen cooperation in areas of common interest and create a formal framework for enhanced collaboration.
During his visit, Minister Nduhungirehe, who is also a Special Envoy of President Paul Kagame, held an audience with Marshal President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno.
On this occasion, he handed a letter from President Kagame requesting Chad’s support for Rwanda’s nomination of Louise Mushikiwabo for a third term as Secretary-General of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF).
Rwanda has officially nominated Mushikiwabo ahead of the 20th Francophonie Summit, scheduled for November in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Having led the international Francophone network since 2019, Mushikiwabo has advanced initiatives promoting language, culture, and cooperation. If re-elected, she would become only the second Secretary-General, after former Senegalese President Abdou Diouf, to serve three terms.
The establishment of the Great Joint Cooperation Commission and the diplomatic engagement surrounding Mushikiwabo’s candidacy highlight Rwanda and Chad’s shared commitment to regional cooperation and international diplomacy.
Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, signs the new agreemeent.The agreement signed by Nduhungirehe, and his Chadian counterpart, Dr. Abdoulaye Sabre Fadoul, aims to deepen cooperation in areas of common interest and create a formal framework for enhanced collaboration.
Facing rising fuel prices driven by international disruptions in oil supply, President Samia directed that government institutions immediately cut down on fuel use and unnecessary travel. At a ceremony for newly appointed officials in Dodoma, she said the government must act responsibly and lead by example.
Under her directive, the size of the presidential motorcade will be dramatically reduced. Instead of dozens of vehicles that previously traveled together, she will now be accompanied by a maximum of four cars: her official vehicle, security escort, police detail, and a backup car while the rest of the delegation will travel together on a single bus to further save fuel.
“From today, whenever I travel, the officers accompanying me will use consolidated transport in small buses to reduce fuel consumption and operational costs during this period,” President Samia said on Wednesday, stressing that the government must adapt its operations to the current economic pressures.
The decision also aims to reduce operational costs and demonstrate effective use of public resources at a time when many citizens are already experiencing higher prices for basic goods and services. Tanzania’s Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA) recently confirmed that petrol and diesel prices have risen significantly, influenced by global market volatility.
President Samia warned traders against taking advantage of the fuel situation by inflating prices on existing stocks. She said that while some price increases are unavoidable due to increased costs for imported goods, fairness is essential so that everyday citizens are not unfairly burdened.
The fuel cost increases come at a time of geopolitical uncertainty, including disruptions near the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for global oil supplies. Tanzania is not alone in facing these challenges, as several other African countries including Madagascar, South Africa, Ethiopia, and Senegal have also taken measures to manage fuel scarcity and rising prices.
Tanzanian leader orders smaller convoys and shared buses to cut fuel use as prices rise.
He made the remarks on Wednesday, April 8, during the International Conference on Genocide Prevention held at Intare Conference Arena, part of Rwanda’s 32nd commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
“It is with profound honour to be here in Kigali, speaking for the first time since my appointment in September last year,” Beyani said. “Genocide is the most heinous crime against humanity. Its essence is the extermination of people based on their identity.”
Beyani recounted his personal experience during the 1994 genocide. As an academic at the University of Oxford and a trustee at Oxfam, he received early reports of mass killings of Tutsis in Rwanda.
“Oxfam was among the first humanitarian organisations to acknowledge and denounce genocide against Tutsis,” he said.
During a July 1994 visit to Rwanda, he witnessed the aftermath firsthand, describing the sight of victims’ bodies in public spaces in Kigali as an experience that “shocked the core of my conscience as a human being.”
Drawing lessons from the tragedy, Beyani outlined the creation of his office as an early-warning mechanism within the UN, a direct response to the international community’s failure to prevent the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
He emphasised that prevention requires both effective early-warning mechanisms and early action to protect civilians.
“Genocide is deliberately designed to effect mass execution. It takes systematic planning to execute it. It cannot occur without state failure or complicity,” Beyani said. “In 1994, the international community, including the United Nations, failed Rwanda. The early warning signs were there.”
“All these remind us that we must do more to protect people’s lives and reinforce preventive engagements and actions. The commitments to prevent that echo in the halls of international institutions must translate into effective prevention in the spaces where this is most needed. From the onset, we are required to set up not only effective early warning mechanisms, but also early action to save lives.
Beyani warned that rising xenophobia, hate speech, and the erosion of multilateral norms continue to threaten global peace. He called for coordinated efforts between the UN, regional organisations such as the African Union, the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, IGAD, the East African Community, ECOWAS, and national institutions, as well as civil society, media, youth, and religious leaders.
“The genocide against the Tutsi started with words — the demonisation of an entire community group. We must put in place concrete measures to address and counter hate speech, because in its worst form, it is an indicator and trigger of the risk of genocide and other atrocious crimes,” he stated.
The conference also highlighted ongoing risks in the Great Lakes region, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Senegalese General Babacar Faye, a former UNAMIR officer, compared the current situation in eastern DR Congo to pre-genocide Rwanda, noting continued ethnic targeting, militia activity, and insufficient international intervention.
Lawyer Innocent Nteziryayo and other experts cited massacres against the Banyamulenge community in DR Congo, tracing a pattern of discrimination and violence that persists decades after the Rwandan genocide. They warned that genocide ideology continues to spread, and that international silence risks repeating past failures.
“Reports are written, but followed by silence,” said Faye. “The international community had information about an imminent genocide, but lacked political will. Genocide does not wait. Impunity is the fertiliser of genocide. Hate speech must be punished.”
Survivors and researchers at the conference emphasised the need to translate lessons from Rwanda into action, ensuring accountability for perpetrators and protection for at-risk communities.
Yolande Mukagasana, a survivor and author, recalled decades of persecution against Tutsi and called out the UN’s inaction.
“The UN existed even in 1972, but it did not act. Today, Tutsi are being killed and persecuted in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Urgent action is needed.”
Beyani concluded with a call for sustained global commitment: “As we remember the horrors of 32 years ago, let us redouble our efforts to build resilient societies by guaranteeing fundamental rights and freedoms. The best way to honour the victims and survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi is to ensure that no one else endures this most heinous of crimes. This is both a call and an obligation for all of us.”
Chaloka Beyani, United Nations Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, made the remarks during the International Conference on Genocide Prevention held at Intare Conference Arena, part of Rwanda’s 32nd commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Recently, a team of researchers from Cornell University discovered that a compound called JQ1 could stop sperm production in male mice by targeting the sperm‑making process, known as meiosis.
This process is crucial for the development of sperm, and by interfering with it, the compound essentially stops the production of sperm. The most remarkable aspect of this discovery is that it’s reversible. Once the treatment was stopped, the mice were able to resume normal sperm production and even successfully father offspring.
This method represents a major step forward because it focuses on stopping sperm development without harming the stem cells responsible for future sperm production. This is critical because it means that the treatment doesn’t lead to permanent infertility, and sperm production can return to normal once the compound is no longer used.
“We’re practically the only the group that’s pushing the idea that contraception targets in the testis are a feasible way to stop sperm production,” said Paula Cohen, professor of genetics and director of the Cornell Reproductive Sciences Center.
“Our study shows that mostly we recover normal meiosis and complete sperm function, and more importantly, that the offspring are completely normal,” Cohen said.
The findings were published on April 7 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
If successful in human trials, this research could lead to the development of a male contraceptive that’s easy to use and non-hormonal. Unlike hormonal birth control methods, which can cause side effects like mood changes, weight gain, or decreased libido, this non-hormonal approach could offer a safer and more comfortable alternative for men who wish to take control of their reproductive health.
The potential for a reversible male contraceptive is immense. It could provide an option for men who want to delay or avoid fatherhood without relying on traditional methods like condoms or vasectomy. Moreover, this method could be delivered through simple, non-invasive treatments, such as an injection or a patch that needs to be reapplied every few months. This would make it incredibly convenient and accessible.
While this research is still in its early stages and has only been tested in mice, the success of this study represents a significant milestone in the quest for male birth control. As scientists continue to refine this approach and move toward human trials, the future of reproductive health may become more balanced, allowing both men and women to share responsibility for family planning.
The development of a reversible male contraceptive offers a glimpse into a more equitable and flexible approach to reproductive choices, which could revolutionise how we think about contraception in the years to come.
A team of researchers from Cornell University has discover reversible male birth control that stops sperm production.
Both individuals shared a common disdain for the Tutsi, which they publicly demonstrated in speeches, writings, and actions.
On October 17, 1990, Mitterrand chaired a Cabinet meeting in his government, discussing issues related to France, such as trips made by certain leaders to Saudi Arabia, Japan, the plan to extract Uranium from Niger, France’s interests in Madagascar, and other matters.
The subject that took up the majority of the discussion was Rwanda. At that time, the Minister of Security was Pierre Joxe. Mitterrand expressed that the Tutsi were of no concern to him and that, even if they achieved their objectives, the Hutu would once again oppress them.
The minutes of the meeting state: “The President of the Republic emphasised that the purpose of our military mission in Rwanda is solely to protect our citizens [the French].”
“France does not wish to involve itself in the ethnic conflicts occurring within the country. However, there is no interest in seeing a small group of Tutsi overpower the majority Hutu population.”
During the meeting, Mitterrand further stated that even though the Tutsi had endured prolonged oppression, it would ultimately lead to nothing. The Hutu, he predicted, would unite and defeat them.
He remarked, “Even if the rebels prevail, the Hutu of Rwanda and neighbouring countries will soon unite and overthrow the government. We will continue to maintain good relations with the Rwandan government, which has grown closer to France after developing disagreements with Belgium, its former coloniser.”
These statements were made shortly after France deployed troops to Rwanda as part of Operation Noroît, an operation intended to protect French interests.
A report by the Duclert Commission revealed that these French soldiers went beyond their mission by providing training and equipment to the government forces of Habyarimana. The report indicates that, in the years that followed, France was well aware of the killings being perpetrated against the Tutsi but failed to take any action.
The relationship between former French President François Mitterrand and Rwanda’s then-President Juvénal Habyarimana has often been described as akin to that of a father and son, with their close political alliance widely viewed as one of the factors that shaped Rwanda’s path toward the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
At the senior level, five officers have been promoted from Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) to Commissioner of Police (CP). These are Emmanuel Karasi, Bertin Mutezintare, Jean Népomuscène Mbonyumuvunyi, Barthélemy Rugwizangoga, and Fidèle Mugengana.
Ten officers were promoted from Commissioner of Police (CSP) to Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP). They include Claude Bizimana, Adolphe Nyagatare, Rango Ndoli, Callixte Kalisa, Vincent Habintwari Bihigi, Antoine Munyampundu, Faustin Kalimba, Hodali Rwanyindo, Christian Safari, and Alexis Nyamwasa.
In the broader category of senior and junior officers, five personnel were elevated from Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) to Commissioner of Police (CSP), while 94 moved from Superintendent of Police (SP) to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP). A further 161 officers were promoted from Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) to Superintendent of Police (SP).
Additionally, 574 officers advanced from Inspector of Police (IP) to Chief Inspector of Police (CIP), and 17 were promoted from Assistant Inspector of Police (AIP) to Inspector of Police (IP).
Among non-commissioned officers and other ranks, 282 personnel were promoted from Staff Sergeant (S/SGT) to Chief Sergeant (C/SGT), while 763 moved from Sergeant (SGT) to Staff Sergeant (S/SGT). At the lower levels, 1,886 officers were elevated from Corporal (CPL) to Sergeant (SGT), and 1,949 from Police Constable (PC) to Corporal (CPL).
The promotions span all levels of the force and reflect ongoing efforts to strengthen capacity and leadership within the Rwanda National Police.
The long-awaited truce was struck in the nick of time, coming shortly before U.S. President Donald Trump’s deadline for Iran to agree to a deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, or the “whole civilization will die.”
While the ceasefire has pressed pause on a conflict whose shockwaves have been felt across the globe, experts warn that deep-seated disputes between Washington and Tehran remain unresolved, leaving the prospects for lasting peace far from certain.
Last-ditch breakthrough
The ceasefire was reached amid repeated threats from Trump, which culminated on Tuesday when he warned that Iran’s “whole civilization will die” if Tehran failed to meet his latest deadline for a deal by Tuesday, 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time (0000 GMT Wednesday), a statement that drew widespread criticism.
Late Tuesday night, as the world braced for possible U.S. strikes, Trump announced a two-week “double sided ceasefire,” as Tehran agreed to “the complete, immediate and safe opening” of the Strait of Hormuz.
In an interview with the media, Trump hailed the agreement as a “total and complete victory,” adding that Iran’s uranium would be “perfectly taken care of” under the ceasefire deal.
Following Trump’s announcement, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council quickly issued a statement confirming the ceasefire.
Iran has achieved a “great victory” and “forced” the United States to accept its 10-point plan, which includes controlled passage through the Strait of Hormuz and the necessity of ending the war against all elements of the “axis of resistance,” said the statement.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said that Iran will cease “defensive operations” if attacks against it stop. Araghchi also promised safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz during the two-week ceasefire under “coordination” with Iranian armed forces.
For its part, Israel said it supports the temporary truce, noting that Lebanon is excluded from the deal.
Entrenched differences
The ceasefire has, to some extent, revived hopes that negotiations might settle the conflict, but responses from key stakeholders suggest that deep divisions and mutual distrust remain firmly in place.
In the statement confirming the ceasefire, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council stressed that the negotiations will be conducted on Friday in Islamabad “with complete distrust of the American side.”
“Our hands are on the trigger, and as soon as the slightest mistake by the enemy is made, it will be responded to with full force,” the security council warned.
Hamad Alhosani, a researcher at TRENDS Research and Advisory in the United Arab Emirates, said that the statements from the United States and Iran also reveal “a wide chasm.”
On the Strait of Hormuz, Washington demands “complete, immediate, and safe opening,” while Tehran insists on “continued Iranian control,” Alhosani said. On the nuclear program, Iran demands acceptance of its enrichment rights, while the United States has told Israel it is committed to removing all of Iran’s nuclear material, he added.
Similarly, Mohamed Benaya, an expert on Iranian and Gulf affairs at Al-Azhar University in Egypt, said, “The main points of difference are structural, the nuclear issues and the levels of enrichment and timelines.”
“There is a problem of trust between the two sides, driven by both ideological concepts,” Benaya added. “Bridging these gaps will be difficult without phased, reciprocal concessions.”
Analysts also noted that the disagreements between Washington and Tehran are not new: They stem from decades of political, ideological and strategic rivalry, and are unlikely to be resolved through either war or negotiations alone.
Akram Atallah, a Palestinian political analyst, said differences over Iran’s nuclear program, concerns about its regional influence, and the weight of economic sanctions have left fundamental disputes between Tehran and Washington unresolved.
“The current agreement should be understood primarily as an attempt to contain escalation rather than resolve the underlying conflict. It opens a diplomatic window, but the structural issues between the two sides remain unresolved,” Atallah said.
Dim prospects
Given these entrenched divisions, experts said the prospects for lasting peace in the Middle East remain shrouded in uncertainty.
“Over the next two weeks, we may see limited confidence-building steps, but the talks will likely focus on preventing further escalation rather than resolving all underlying disputes,” Oytun Orhan, a senior researcher at the Ankara-based Center for Middle Eastern Studies, told Xinhua.
Salah Ali Salah, a project officer at the Sanaa Center for Strategic Studies, said the ceasefire reflects a reluctant compromise by both sides rather than a genuine consensus.
“What we are witnessing is a forced and temporary truce between two sides that have exhausted their escalation options without achieving decisive outcomes,” he said. “With many critical issues still unresolved, the chances of renewed tensions outweigh the prospects for a real diplomatic breakthrough in the coming weeks.”
Jumaa Mohammed, a politics professor at Iraq’s Tikrit University, also voiced doubts about the prospects for lasting peace.
Both sides have lost enough to realize that a quick return to war would be more costly, but they do not yet trust each other enough to make major concessions, Mohammed said.
Mohammed Zakaria Aboudahab, a professor of public law and political science at Morocco’s Mohammed V University, also warned that the ceasefire is no guarantee of lasting peace.
“The fundamental drivers of conflict – Iran’s nuclear status, the reconfiguration of Gulf security architecture, and the persistent risk of escalation within the Israel-Hezbollah-Iran triangle – remain unresolved,” Aboudahab said. “What we are witnessing is more likely an intermission than a conclusion.”
A man attends a rally in Tehran, Iran, April 8, 2026. After some 40 days of deadly clashes, the United States and Iran on Wednesday reached a two-week ceasefire
