In a statement following a conversation with Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, on Friday, Sa’ar said he conveyed support to Rwanda on behalf of the Government and people of Israel during the ongoing commemoration week.
“I expressed solidarity with Rwanda, on behalf of the Government and people of Israel, during the week marking 32 years since the Genocide against the Tutsi,” Sa’ar said.
Rwanda began the annual commemoration period on April 7 and will observe remembrance week through April 13. The Genocide against the Tutsi claimed more than one million lives in 100 days in 1994.
Beyond the commemoration message, the two foreign ministers also discussed security developments in their respective regions.
Sa’ar said he briefed his Rwandan counterpart on the security situation in the Middle East and reiterated Israel’s position that Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons.
“I emphasised that the Iranian terror regime must not obtain nuclear weapons,” he said, adding that the removal of enriched nuclear material from Iran and the cessation of uranium enrichment remain key objectives.
He noted that Israel would welcome the achievement of those goals through diplomatic means.
The remarks come amid heightened tensions in the Middle East following extensive military strikes carried out by the United States and Israel against Iran between February 28 and April 8, 2026. According to officials, the operations targeted Iran’s nuclear programme and long-range missile capabilities.
Iran later launched retaliatory strikes against Israel and several Middle Eastern countries hosting U.S. military installations, including Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Iraq.
Sa’ar also said he invited Nduhungirehe to visit Israel, underscoring the continued strengthening of bilateral relations between the two countries.
“We’ll continue strengthening our friendship with Rwanda,” he said.
Israel’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gideon Sa’ar, reaffirmed his country’s solidarity with Rwanda as the nation marks the 32nd commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi.
He was speaking during the 32nd commemoration held at the Canadian Museum of History.
“We remember the lives that were lost. We honour the dignity that was denied. And we reaffirm the responsibility that history has placed upon all of us. Kwibuka is not only an act of memory. It is an act of truth, an act of resistance, and a call to action,” he said.
Amb. Higiro also emphasized the urgent need to confront genocide denial wherever it appears, warning that indifference is never neutral: “Indifference is not neutral. It never was.”
The commemoration, organized by the High Commission of the Republic of Rwanda in Canada in collaboration with RCA Ottawa-Gatineau, the Humura Association, and PLP Canada, drew approximately 800 participants, including members of the diplomatic corps, Canadian government representatives, Members of Parliament, the Rwandan community, and friends of Rwanda. The event was held under the theme “Remember — Unite — Renew.”
The afternoon began with the Walk to Remember, a symbolic procession led by the Humura Association along the Ottawa River, culminating in a flower release. The formal ceremony followed, featuring a moment of silence, candle lighting, a nondenominational prayer, survivor testimony, artistic performances, and remarks from distinguished speakers.
Canadian government engagement was notable.The Office of the Prime Minister posted on X: “Today, we remember and reflect on the horrific 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. We honour the victims, survivors, and everyone whose lives were changed forever by the atrocities and commit to building a better world where such horrors are never forgotten or repeated.”
Greg Fergus, Member of Parliament, expressed solidarity with the Rwandan people, while Ms. Cheryl Urban, Assistant Deputy Minister, delivered remarks on behalf of the Government of Canada, reaffirming Canada’s commitment to remembrance and genocide prevention.
Arielle Kayabaga, MP for London West, sent a formal message recognizing the Humura Association’s role in fostering community unity and remembrance.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Bojana Coulibaly, PhD, Harvard University, who stressed the importance of confronting revisionist narratives: “Denial is not an opinion, it is part of the genocide process.”
A moving testimony from genocide survivor Diane Muberarugo reminded attendees of the human cost of the tragedy and the enduring resilience of survivors. The event concluded with closing remarks by Ms. Denyse Umutoni, President of the Humura Association, reflecting the strength of community partnership in Canada.
The 32nd commemoration of Genocide against the Tutsi , known as Kwibuka32, continues over a 100-day period, with commemorative activities taking place across Canada and worldwide, reinforcing the global commitment to remembrance, truth, and the prevention of genocide.
Prosper Higiro, Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Canada, has urged that remembrance of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi must go beyond reflection and become an active commitment to truth and justice. Dr. Bojana Coulibaly, PhD, Harvard University, stressed the importance of confronting revisionist narratives.The afternoon began with the Walk to Remember, a symbolic procession led by the Humura Association along the Ottawa River, culminating in a flower release.Various Canadian officials attended the event. The 32nd commemoration of Genocide against the Tutsi was held at the Canadian Museum of History on April 7, 2026.
This isn’t just any souvenir. The steel spiral staircase, which once connected the second and third floors of the Eiffel Tower when it first opened in 1889, is made of riveted sheet metal and includes 14 steps resting on a cross-shaped base. The section stands 2.75 meters tall and spans nearly 1.75 meters in diameter.
Over 300 million people have climbed the tower since its debut at the Universal Exposition celebrating the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution, but for nearly a century, those steps were part of the journey to the top. In 1983, the tower underwent a massive overhaul, replacing sections of the original staircase with elevators. Most of the dismantled steps ended up in private collections, while a few were placed in museums like the Musée d’Orsay, Cité des Sciences, and even as far afield as Japan and New York.
Now, Section No. 1 is coming back into the spotlight. Artcurial’s Art Deco department in Paris will put it up for auction on May 21, with an expected price tag of €120,000 to €150,000 (approximately 205.4 million to 256.7 million Rwandan francs).
The staircase has been in a private collection for over 40 years and underwent a full restoration for the sale, according to Sabrina Dolla, associate director at Artcurial.
“It’s more than just a piece of history,” Dolla told CNN. “It’s an immersive experience, a stationary journey through time and space. Imagine yourself in 1889, perched hundreds of meters above Paris on this staircase, with a 360-degree view and no safety barriers.”
Artcurial has auctioned other staircase sections before, with one record-setting section selling for €523,800 (approximately Rwf 896.5 million) in 2016 to a determined collector from China. According to Dolla, such sales often come down to “circumstances and opportunities,” making this upcoming auction a rare chance to own a tangible piece of the Eiffel Tower.
So, do you have the space, the money, and a flair for the historic? If yes, this 14-step slice of Paris might just be yours, history included.
Over 300 million people have climbed the tower since its debut at the Universal Exposition celebrating the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution.
The acknowledgment came during the 32nd commemoration of the genocide in remarks by Nick Checker, Senior Bureau Official at the U.S. Bureau of African Affairs.
“As we gather to mark this solemn occasion, let us recognise the unspeakable horrors that befell the Rwandan people during the Genocide against the Tutsi. Today, we remember the nearly one million Tutsi victims, as well as Hutu, Twa, and others who were murdered due to their opposition to a genocidal regime,” Checker said.
Checker recalled his visit to Rwanda and the genocide sites at Nyamata and Ntarama, former churches where tens of thousands of Tutsis were killed. He described the emotional impact of seeing the altars where the massacres occurred:
“Standing before those altars, one cannot escape the visceral reality of what occurred there; I was profoundly moved. The altar, where the holy sacrifice of the Mass is offered, where the blood of Christ is made present for the salvation of the world, was here mingled with the blood of the innocent during the Genocide against the Tutsi.”
He noted that the genocide was the result of deliberate leadership decisions and emphasised the importance of justice:
“A key component of this effort is bringing justice to victims and survivors by holding the perpetrators accountable. The United States helped establish the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and will continue to work with partners to bring those responsible for the genocide to justice.”
Previously, the United States had referred to the events as the “Rwandan Genocide” or noted that “Tutsi, Hutu, Twa, and others” were killed. Observers have said this language was misleading, as 93.7% of the victims were Tutsi, according to Rwanda’s 2004 census.
During the 30th commemoration, President Paul Kagame addressed past international reluctance to clearly identify the victims, saying:
“Rwandans will never understand why any country would remain intentionally vague about who was targeted in the genocide. I don’t understand that. Such ambiguity is, in fact, a form of denial, which is a crime in and of itself, and Rwanda will always challenge it.”
Historians often compare the Genocide against the Tutsi with other large-scale atrocities to highlight the deliberate targeting of specific groups. During World War II, the Nazis killed six million Jews in the Holocaust. In total, roughly 75 million people died as a result of the war.
While tens of millions of others, including Slavs, Roma, political dissidents, and Jehovah’s Witnesses, also lost their lives, they are not counted as victims of the Holocaust. This is because the term is defined specifically by the Nazis’ plan to exterminate the Jewish people.
Experts say the same principle applies to Rwanda. The killings in 1994 specifically targeted the Tutsi population. Using the term “Genocide against the Tutsi” reflects this deliberate targeting and ensures the historical record is not distorted.
The U.N. General Assembly has designated April 7 as the annual commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi. Rwanda has consistently emphasised that correct terminology is essential to honour victims and prevent denial or minimisation of the 1994 atrocities.
Previously, the United States had referred to the events as the “Rwandan Genocide” or noted that “Tutsi, Hutu, Twa, and others” were killed. Observers have said this language was misleading, as 93.7% of the victims were Tutsi, according to Rwanda’s 2004 census.
Having joined APR FC in January 2025 after moving from JS Kabylie in Algeria, Ouattara had spent nine months in Rwanda before he decided to pay his respects at the memorial in October.
The visit was not just a routine tour but a profound, personal journey to understand the painful history that Rwanda went through in 1994, a history that saw the loss of over a million Tutsi lives during the genocide.
Speaking to IGIHE in an exclusive interview, Ouattara said that the visit was a moment of reflection and a way to honor the victims of this devastating period in Rwanda’s history.
“I visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial to better understand the history of Rwanda, to pay tribute to the victims, and to take a moment of reflection,” Ouattara shared.
The memorial, with its heart-wrenching exhibits and solemn atmosphere, gave him the opportunity to grasp the depth of Rwanda’s suffering during the genocide and to appreciate the resilience of its people.
Ouattara was visibly moved by what he encountered at the memorial. At Gisozi, he saw exhibits, testimonies, and photos of victims, as well as the graves where thousands of Tutsi victims are buried.
He described the experience, saying, “At Gisozi, I discovered a place full of history, pain, and dignity. I saw exhibits on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, testimonies, photos of victims, and the graves where thousands of people rest. It is a very striking and deeply moving place.”
The powerful imagery and personal stories he witnessed at the memorial left a lasting impression on him.
After his visit, Ouattara shared the experience with friends and family, emphasizing the importance of remembering the past and learning from it.
“Yes, I talked about it with some of my friends because I think this kind of visit is important to share. It’s a way to raise awareness, transmit the memory, and encourage everyone to reflect on the consequences of hatred and division,” he explained.
For Ouattara, it is crucial that people understand the tragic history of Rwanda to prevent similar atrocities from happening again.
The striker was also inspired by Rwanda’s remarkable recovery and unity. He admired how the country, despite its painful history, has rebuilt itself, creating a sense of national unity and hope for the future.
“I felt deeply moved by the pain of this place, but also inspired by the strength of Rwanda. Despite a very painful history, the country was able to rise again, rebuild its unity, and move forward with hope,” Ouattara reflected, noting that the strength of the Rwandan people is something that continues to inspire him.
For Ouattara, the most important takeaway from his visit was a message of memory, unity, and collective responsibility.
He emphasized the importance of peace, cohesion, and the need to protect these values every day.
“The main message I take away is the importance of memory, unity, and collective responsibility. This visit reminded me that peace, cohesion, and living together are precious values that must be protected every day,” he said.
Ouattara also had a message for the sports community, urging athletes to contribute to building a united society.
“My message to the sports community is one of unity, respect, and peace. Sport must be a space for brotherhood, discipline, and reconciliation. During this time of commemoration, I invite all actors in the sports world to remember, honor the victims, and contribute to building a united society,” he said.
He believes that sport has a vital role in promoting the values of peace and solidarity, and every athlete should be part of this mission.
As one of the top players in the Rwandan Premier League this season, Ouattara has scored 11 goals in 18 games, placing third on the top scorers’ list.
His impressive performance comes after playing a crucial role in helping APR FC win the league title, the Peace Cup, and the Heroes Cup in the previous season.
His commitment on and off the field reflects his dedication not only to football but also to spreading positive values and contributing to the well-being of society.
Djibril Ouattara of APR FC visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial at Gisozi in October 2025.Ouattara said that what he saw at the Kigali Genocide Memorial deeply moved him.This striker from Burkina Faso has been playing for APR FC since January 2025. In the 13 months he has spent at APR FC, Ouattara has won four trophies.
He made the remarks during the 32nd commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, held in Berlin under the theme “Remember – Unite – Renew,” where government officials, representatives of IBUKA Germany, members of the Rwandan community, friends of Rwanda, and other distinguished guests gathered in solidarity.
After a Walk to Remember, the commemoration continued with commemoration talks held at the Westin Grand Hotel, featuring a testimony by Umubyeyi Constantine, a poem recited by Sugira Hubert, and a theatrical performance by youth from Germany, all centered on the history of the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
The representative of IBUKA in Germany, Philbert Gakuba, expressed gratitude to friends of Rwanda who attended.
He reflected on the history of the Genocide against the Tutsi, which left him orphaned, noting that today he has rebuilt his life, become a father, and moved forward with resilience.
Gakuba encouraged survivors to remain strong during this period of commemoration, acknowledging that it is a particularly difficult time, even though remembrance is something they live with every day.
He also addressed the youth, emphasizing that they are the ones who will carry forward the responsibility of remembrance. He noted that the commitment and actions already demonstrated by young people show that they are capable of sustaining this duty in the future.
Gakuba further reminded the international community of its inaction during the Genocide, stating: “This is why we remember, so that it never happens again.”
He also expressed sincere appreciation to Lise Nirk, a resident of Lauchringen, who played a significant role in supporting the establishment of the first genocide memorial in Germany.
Dr. Charity Wibabara also delivered a presentation addressing genocide denial and minimization, and the ongoing efforts to combat them.
In his speech, Ambassador Igor César expressed sincere gratitude to participants for honoring the occasion, noting that their presence reflected a shared commitment to preserving memory and strengthening the global fight against genocide and hate speech.
He warned that genocide ideology, denial, and distortion are not only persisting but spreading rapidly across borders, often amplified by digital platforms and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
“This makes our shared responsibility to remember, to educate, and to act more urgent than ever,” he stated.
Reflecting on the events of 1994, the Ambassador emphasized that the Genocide against the Tutsi was not spontaneous, but the result of a carefully orchestrated plan rooted in decades of division, discrimination, and dehumanization.
Long before 1994, Tutsis faced repeated persecution, exclusion, and violence, forcing many into exile. These injustices culminated in April 1994, when roadblocks were erected, lists of victims were used, and militias carried out killings with brutality.
In just one hundred days, more than one million people were killed, leaving behind devastating consequences. Approximately 250,000 women were widowed and around 300,000 children were orphaned, many forced to survive under unimaginable conditions.
Despite clear warning signs, the international community failed to act decisively, with the crimes denied, minimized, or mischaracterized.
“History will forever bear witness to that failure,” the Ambassador noted.
Ambassador Igor César explained that Kwibuka, meaning “to remember” in Kinyarwanda, reflects Rwanda’s commitment to honoring victims while firmly confronting denial. However, he cautioned that the ideologies that led to the genocide have not disappeared.
In some regions, particularly in the Great Lakes region, such narratives continue to fuel violence, persecution, and displacement, underscoring the need for constant vigilance.
“Silence in the face of such warning signs is complicity.”
He also urged governments to strengthen legal frameworks against genocide denial and revisionism, while highlighting the crucial role of education in ensuring younger generations safeguard the truth.
The Ambassador further highlighted Rwanda’s recovery since 1994, noting that the country emerged from devastation marked by collapsed institutions, a crippled economy, destroyed infrastructure, and a deeply traumatized population.
Rebuilding required restoring trust, delivering justice while fostering reconciliation, and reconstructing a fractured society. Through strong leadership, inclusive governance, and homegrown solutions, Rwanda chose a path of unity and nation-building.
Today, Rwanda stands as a testament to resilience, determination, and transformation.
Ambassador Igor also expressed gratitude to those who supported Rwanda’s reconstruction and continue to stand in solidarity, stressing that remembrance must be matched with action.
“‘Never Again’ must be a lived reality, not just a slogan.”
Additional remarks were given by invited guests, including German national Lise Nirk, a resident of Lauchringen, who was recognized for her key role as a friend of Rwanda in the establishment of the country’s first genocide memorial.
The discussions were moderated by Ngarambe Rwema and Samantha Umurera Kayitete.
The representative of IBUKA in Germany, Gakuba Philbert, expressed gratitude to friends of Rwanda who attended and reflected on the history of the Genocide against the Tutsi.Ambassador Igor César addresses attendees during the 32nd commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi in Berlin.Rwanda’s Ambassador to Germany, Igor César, has called for renewed global commitment to confronting genocide ideology.Attendees gather in Berlin for the 32nd commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi under the theme “Remember – Unite – Renew.”A walk to remember preceded commemoration talks.
Issued by Mayor Stephen C. N. Kepley, the proclamation commemorates the lives lost during the 1994 atrocities in Rwanda and calls on residents of Kentwood and the wider West Michigan community to reflect on the lessons of the past.
“I urge all citizens of Kentwood and West Michigan to learn from the past so that these types of atrocities may never take place in the world again,” the mayor stated.
The proclamation recalls that between April 7 and July 19, 1994, Rwanda experienced a coordinated campaign of mass violence in which more than a million Tutsi men, women, and children were killed in approximately 100 days. It also highlights the widespread sexual violence committed against Tutsi women during the genocide.
Recognised by the United Nations as the Genocide Against the Tutsi, the atrocity remains one of the most devastating chapters in modern history. The proclamation further acknowledges that the United States, and Kentwood in particular, has become home to survivors who have since rebuilt their lives as American citizens.
By designating April 7 as the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda, the city aims to honour victims and encourage education to prevent future atrocities.
Community leaders and genocide survivors welcomed the move as an important step in preserving historical truth and promoting awareness.
Marcel Mushyindashyaka, President of IBUKA USA, emphasised the broader significance of such recognition.
“This proclamation is deeply significant,” he said. “It affirms the truth of our history and honours the dignity of the victims. Public recognition by local and state institutions strengthens remembrance, counters genocide denial, and reinforces our collective responsibility to ensure that such crimes never happen again, anywhere in the world.”
Similarly, Caleb Uwagaba, President of the Rwandan community in Kentwood, said the proclamation reflects values that go beyond a single city.
“It shows solidarity with those who lost their lives and with survivors who continue to heal,” he said. “It also reminds us that remembrance must go hand in hand with unity, reconciliation, and advocacy for humanity. The lessons of 1994 are not only for Rwanda, they are for the world.”
Kentwood’s recognition follows similar actions in other parts of the United States. In 2025, Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas, issued a proclamation recognising the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi, signalling growing awareness and acknowledgement at the state and local levels.
City officials say the Kentwood proclamation serves not only as a tribute to victims and survivors but also as a call to action, urging continued education, remembrance, and a shared commitment to ensuring that such atrocities are never repeated.
The proclamation was issued by Mayor Stephen C. N. Kepley.The proclamation commemorates the lives lost during the 1994 atrocities in Rwanda and calls on residents of Kentwood and the wider West Michigan community to reflect on the lessons of the past.
The agreement, signed on March 26, 2026, in Kigali, marks a strategic partnership that brings together EADB’s financial expertise and the UN’s technical capacity and convening power to support the growth and development of SMEs in Rwanda.
The two institutions said the collaboration seeks to strengthen support for SMEs, which are widely regarded as the backbone of Rwanda’s economy, driving job creation, innovation and inclusive growth.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, EADB Acting Director General Benard Mono said the partnership is designed to provide a more coordinated and impactful response to barriers affecting SMEs.
“By combining the UN’s strength in technical expertise, capacity building, and social development with EADB’s role as a development finance institution, we are working to expand access to tailored financing, strengthen entrepreneurial skills, and support innovation, especially among youth and women-led enterprises. It will also address challenges faced by SMEs such as access to finance and capacity building,” he said.
Mono noted that the initiative will also help SMEs integrate into value chains, enabling them to scale and compete more effectively both regionally and globally.
EADB Director General Mr. Benard Mono and UN Rwanda Resident Coordinator Dr. Fatmata Lovetta Sesay shake hands at the signing ceremony.
The partnership aligns with Rwanda’s broader national priorities of promoting private sector growth and building a resilient economy.
On her part, Fatmata Lovetta Sesay, the UN Resident Coordinator, described the MoU as a shared commitment to unlocking the full potential of SMEs and entrepreneurs across the country.
“Ultimately, this collaboration will contribute to job creation, strengthen SME growth and sustainability, and expand economic opportunities on a larger scale,” Sesay said.
Sesay noted that the partnership builds on engagements between the two institutions since 2024, anchored on EADB programmes that already support over 500 SMEs across sectors such as agriculture, commerce, transport and manufacturing.
She added that the partnership will be implemented through a clear plan, with a steering committee providing strategic guidance and a technical working group managing day-to-day activities.
Under the agreement, the partners will co-develop tailored financial solutions such as concessional loans, blended finance, guarantees and equity instruments, alongside targeted technical support and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
SMEs remain central to Rwanda’s economic transformation, and this partnership is expected to unlock new opportunities, strengthen their growth, and accelerate inclusive development across the country.
Established in 1967, the East African Development Bank is owned by its four member states including, Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, as well as other development and commercial financial institutions. The Bank provides financial and technical support to projects that contribute to socio-economic development and regional integration across the region.
EADB Acting Director General Benard Mono said the partnership is designed to provide a more coordinated and impactful response to barriers affecting SMEs.EADB Director General Mr. Benard Mono (left) and UN Rwanda Resident Coordinator Dr. Fatmata Lovetta Sesay display their copies of the signed agreement.
He made these remarks on March 31, 2026, during his visit to Rwandan exhibitors participating in a food and beverage trade fair taking place in the United Kingdom.
This year’s edition of the exhibition, known as the International Food and Drink Event (IFE), ran from March 30 to April 1, 2026 at ExCeL London.
Rwanda is represented by around 20 participants from the agriculture and agro-processing sectors.
In an interview with IGIHE, Amb. Busingye noted that participation in such exhibitions has helped Rwandans build confidence and gain visibility.
“Since Rwandans started participating, there are clear achievements. The first is confidence, coming to showcase the food and beverage products made in Rwanda.
“This is very significant because historically we were not present in these markets. Today, especially young people, have stepped up and are actively engaged with strong expertise,” he said.
He added that the exhibition has also highlighted the strong demand for Rwandan products in the UK, which is difficult to meet.
“The second is the market. Everyone I visited told me the same thing: demand here exceeds supply. This is a country that relies heavily on imported food. Everywhere I went, whether in food, beverages, or coffee, what they showed me is that there is a market they cannot satisfy,” he explained.
Amb. Busingye also pointed out that the UK offers a favorable environment for international trade, making it easier for Rwandan products to access the market.
He emphasized the importance for Rwandan producers to improve packaging and preservation to maintain product quality and appeal.
“What Rwandans need to learn is how to add value to their agricultural products, preserve them properly, and package them well so they can withstand transport, whether by air or sea, and remain attractive on shelves. Packaging is as important as the product itself, sometimes even more important,” he stressed.
UK as an alternative
The Ambassador also addressed the challenges exporters are facing due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
This situation has significantly affected Rwandans who export fruits and vegetables to the United Arab Emirates and other countries in the region.
According to him, the UK can serve as a viable alternative while the situation remains unresolved.
“You can see that trade routes to the Middle East are currently disrupted, but here there is a very quick solution. Some have even told me they are ready to buy immediately if products are available.
“Among those here, some were already exporting to the Middle East. If we coordinate our efforts, the UK market can provide a short-term solution, because demand for food and agricultural products here cannot be fully met,” he said.
Amb. Busingye also noted, as per information from NAEB, discussions are ongoing to encourage Rwandan exporters to explore this market while awaiting stability in the Middle East.
Amb. Busingye also visited the youth showcasing agricultural products at the exhibition. Ambassador Busingye interacted with women showcasing Rwandan coffee in the United Kingdom.Janet Basiima, Export Market Development and Innovation Division Manager at NAEB in a conversation with Ambassador Busingye. Amb. Busingye in an interview with IGIHE
He made the remarks following an announcement by the Congolese armed forces (FARDC) on March 29, 2026 that it had sent its deputy chief of staff, Lt Gen Nduru Jacques Ychaligonza to Kisangani to initiate operations to disarm FDLR fighters.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has often claimed that the FDLR, terrorist group which Rwanda accuses of collaboration in destabilizing the region, is being used as a pretext.
Rwanda has shown that its fighters are already integrated into FARDC forces, both in combat operations in eastern Congo and in Kinshasa, and have long been involved in teaching genocidal ideology.
Lt Gen Nduru told the media on March 29, 2026 that he had been sent to eastern DRC, in the Kisangani area, to prepare operations against the FDLR. He stated: “They must surrender their weapons voluntarily or by force.”
Minister Nduhungirehe, commenting on a report by RFI about FARDC’s push for FDLR disarmament, emphasized that agreements cannot be implemented through words alone.
“The implementation of the Washington Peace and Prosperity Agreements requires concrete actions on the ground, not empty words, unfulfilled promises, endless awareness campaigns, or a government cacophony over the existence or threat posed by the FDLR genocidaires,” he said.
The Concept of Operations (CONOPS) under the peace agreement signed by Rwanda and DRC in Washington, with support from the United States, indicates that the removal of Rwanda’s security measures will be preceded by actions by the DRC to dismantle the FDLR terrorist group.
Col (Rtd) Augustin Nshimiyimana, also known as Col Bora, a former FDLR combatant, recently told IGIHE that FARDC’s statements about dismantling the FDLR would be hardly achieved, given the ongoing collaboration.
“If they truly intended to act, they should start in Kinshasa, because the FDLR is there, and there are FDLR members within FARDC even today. These statements are deceptive—they plan the operation secretly, but instead of announcing it, they should act immediately because the FDLR is already within FARDC ranks. Where would they even pursue them when they are already integrated?” he wondered.
Previously, the number of FDLR combatants was estimated between 7,000 and 10,000 fighters.
Rwanda continues to emphasize its commitment to the Washington Peace Agreement signed on December 4, 2025 and supports the Doha process.
Minister Nduhungirehe has called for concrete actions to dismantle the FDLR.
