The meeting took place on the afternoon of April 20, 2026, according to a statement from the Office of the President.
The statement noted that their discussions centered on strengthening ties between Rwanda and the Ashanti Kingdom, with a particular focus on expanding opportunities in trade, investment and mineral trading.
The Ashanti Kingdom is one of around 16 traditional kingdoms in Ghana and is among the most historically influential in both Ghana and West Africa.
It rose to prominence in the 18th and 19th centuries. Located in central Ghana, the kingdom covers an area of more than 24,000 square kilometers.
The Ashanti people belong to the Akan ethnic group, which established the kingdom around the 1600s under King Osei Tutu.
Kumasi serves as the capital of the Ashanti Kingdom and is widely regarded as a major center of culture and history in Ghana.
Today, the kingdom is led by King Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II, the 16th ruler, known as the Asantehene. He serves as both a political and spiritual leader of the Ashanti people, although he does not hold an official role within Ghana’s government.
King Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II ascended to the throne on April 26, 1999, following the passing of his uncle, Otumfuo Opoku Ware II. He is widely respected in Ghana for his cultural leadership and is seen as a symbol of unity among the Ashanti people.
The Ashanti Kingdom’s economy is largely driven by gold mining, agriculture, trade, and tourism.
Cooperation between Rwanda and the Ashanti Kingdom adds to Rwanda’s already strong bilateral relations with Ghana. The two countries maintain partnerships in areas such as air transport, defense, and security.
They also collaborate in the private sector, tourism, culture, finance, and trade.
Rwanda opened its High Commission in Ghana in 2020, while Ghana established its High Commission in Rwanda in 2024.
President Paul Kagame has received a delegation led by Prince Oheneba Yaw Otchere, Royal Ambassador of the King of the Ashanti Kingdom in Ghana.The meeting took place on April 20, 2026. President Kagame and Prince Oheneba Yaw Otchere held discussions centered on strengthening ties between Rwanda and the Ashanti Kingdom
The substantive hearing of the case was held on Monday, April 20, 2026, after proceedings had earlier been adjourned to allow the accused’s lawyers to be physically present with him at Mageragere Prison, where he is being held.
DJ Toxxyk is facing charges of involuntary manslaughter, engaging in activities related to narcotic drugs or substances treated as such, and fleeing after causing or being involved in an accident.
The charges stem from a road accident that occurred in the early hours of December 20, 2025, in which a traffic police officer died. Investigators also reportedly recovered illegal drugs from his residence during the subsequent investigation.
Prosecutors asked the court to find him guilty on all counts and impose the maximum sentence for involuntary manslaughter, which under Rwandan law carries a prison term of between six months and two years, along with a fine ranging from Rwf 500,000 to Rwf 2 million.
Drug-related offences carry a prison sentence of between one and two years or community service, while fleeing after causing or being involved in an accident is punishable by between three months and one year in prison, depending on the circumstances.
During the hearing, DJ Toxxyk admitted to charges of involuntary manslaughter and fleeing after causing or being involved in an accident, but denied the drug-related allegations.
He also told the court that he had apologised to the family of the deceased police officer and that they had forgiven him.
The court is expected to deliver its verdict on May 4, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.
The Prosecution wants the Nyarugenge Primary Court to convict Shema Arnaud De Bosscher, popularly known as DJ Toxxyk, on charges including involuntary manslaughter and sentence him to two years in prison, along with a fine of Rwf 1 million.
The research, involving over 72,000 adults, found that increasing your daily step count, even by just a few thousand steps, can lead to substantial health benefits.
Those who walked 9,000 to 10,000 steps a day saw a 39% lower risk of death and a 21% lower risk of developing heart disease compared to people who walked fewer steps.
But here’s the good news you don’t have to aim for the perfect 10,000 steps to experience these benefits.
Dr. Matthew Ahmadi, the lead author of the study, points out that even walking 4,000 to 4,500 steps a day could significantly reduce your health risks.
“Half of the total reduction in risk was already achieved by those walking just 4,000 steps a day,” he explained. This shows that small, manageable increases in physical activity can still have a big impact on your health.
The study used wrist-worn step trackers to monitor participants over seven years and found that even people who spent a lot of their day sitting could lower their risk of early death or heart disease simply by adding more walking into their routine.
Dr. Ahmadi stresses that sitting for long periods is still something to avoid. But he also says, “All movement matters,” and encourages people to make small changes to their daily activity. “Even a slight increase in steps can make a big difference for your health,” he added.
Professor Emmanuel Stamatakis, a senior researcher in the study, also highlighted how easy it is for people to track their progress.
“Step count is a simple and accessible way for everyone from the public to health professionals to monitor physical activity,” he said.
With this study, researchers hope to create better guidelines for daily movement, making it easier for people to stay active.
So, the takeaway is clear: no matter how busy or sedentary your day is, adding a few extra steps could lead to longer, healthier years. And remember, you don’t need to run a marathon, just a few thousand steps could be the boost your heart needs.
Regardless of how much you sit, increasing your walking can reduce your risk of death and disease.
The Joint ICAO–EASA Regional Environmental Workshop, hosted by the Government of Rwanda in collaboration with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), brings together stakeholders from Eastern, Western and Central Africa under the ICAO–EU ACT-SAF Assistance Project.
The meeting follows key environmental resolutions adopted at the 42nd ICAO Assembly in Montréal, Canada, in October 2025 and is expected to translate global aviation climate commitments into regional implementation pathways.
Opening the workshop, officials underscored the urgency of decoupling aviation growth from rising greenhouse gas emissions, while maintaining the sector’s critical role in connectivity and economic development across Africa.
Speaking on behalf of the European Union Delegation to Rwanda, the Head of Section for Green and Digital Transition, Helena Guarin, said sustainable aviation fuels present a key opportunity for African countries to reduce emissions while strengthening energy independence.
“Decoupling air traffic growth from greenhouse gas emissions is one of the key challenges. Sustainable aviation fuels could offer possibilities for African countries to achieve this while also enhancing energy independence,” she said, noting that scaling SAF will require strong technical capacity, long-term planning and significant investment.
ICAO Deputy Regional Director for the Eastern and Southern Africa Office, Richard Gatete, highlighted the importance of collaboration in achieving aviation decarbonisation, noting progress already made across the continent.
He said about 81 percent of Eastern and Western/Central African states have taken steps toward CORSIA readiness, while 75 percent have joined the ACT-SAF programme, which supports the development of sustainable aviation fuel projects.
“Aviation stands at a defining moment. As global air traffic continues to grow, our shared responsibility to ensure that growth is sustainable, inclusive and environmentally responsible has never been greater,” Gatete said.
He added that while momentum is building around SAF feasibility and implementation projects, access to finance remains a major challenge requiring coordinated action between governments, industry and development partners.
Rwanda’s Ministry of Environment said the aviation sector must be integrated into broader national climate strategies, noting that energy-related emissions remain a major contributor to greenhouse gases and are expected to rise significantly in the coming decades.
Representing the Minister of Environment, Acting Director General for Environment and Climate Change, Thadée Twagirimana, said Rwanda is committed to supporting initiatives such as CORSIA and SAF development under the ACT-SAF programme.
“The aviation sector plays a vital role in regional development and connectivity. However, it also presents notable challenges in balancing growth with sustainability,” he said, calling for stronger cooperation between governments and industry stakeholders.
Over the four-day workshop, participants will focus on the implementation of CORSIA, the expansion of SAF production and supply chains, emissions reduction strategies, and financing mechanisms to support large-scale deployment of green aviation technologies.
Key sessions include discussions on States’ Action Plans for emissions reduction, SAF certification and deployment, feedstock sustainability, airport infrastructure roles, and investment frameworks for aviation decarbonisation.
The workshop also provides a platform for African states to share experiences and best practices, as well as to explore regional solutions for scaling sustainable aviation fuels and improving operational efficiency through initiatives such as free route airspace.
ICAO said the outcomes of the Kigali meeting are expected to contribute directly to advancing the Long-Term Aspirational Goal (LTAG) of achieving net-zero carbon emissions from international aviation by 2050.
The workshop continues through April 23, 2026, bringing together governments, international organisations and private sector actors in what officials describe as a critical step toward building a more sustainable aviation future for Africa.
The Joint ICAO–EASA Regional Environmental Workshop, hosted by the Government of Rwanda in collaboration with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), brings together stakeholders from Eastern, Western and Central Africa under the ICAO–EU ACT-SAF Assistance Project.The workshop is expected to translate global aviation climate commitments into regional implementation pathways.Speaking on behalf of the European Union Delegation to Rwanda, the Head of Section for Green and Digital Transition, Helena Guarin, said sustainable aviation fuels present a key opportunity for African countries to reduce emissions while strengthening energy independence.ICAO Deputy Regional Director for the Eastern and Southern Africa Office, Richard Gatete, highlighted the importance of collaboration in achieving aviation decarbonisation, noting progress already made across the continent.Representing the Minister of Environment, Acting Director General for Environment and Climate Change, Thadée Twagirimana, said Rwanda is committed to supporting initiatives such as CORSIA and SAF development under the ACT-SAF programme.Different countries from across the region are represented at the workshop,Key sessions include discussions on States’ Action Plans for emissions reduction, SAF certification and deployment, feedstock sustainability, airport infrastructure roles, and investment frameworks for aviation decarbonisation.The workshop also provides a platform for stakeholders to share experiences and best practices.The four-day workshop will close on Thursday, April 23, 2026.
They identified Augustin Bizimungu, who had led the Ex-FAR before the country’s liberation, as the most capable figure to command their military efforts. Meanwhile, Agathe Kanziga, the wife of Habyarimana, continued leading diplomatic efforts to secure external support.
Many members of the inner circle known as “Akazu” were based in Kenya, where numerous meetings were held to plan their return, especially focusing on acquiring weapons for Ex-FAR and Interahamwe forces based in then Zaïre.
However, heavy pressure from the United Nations on Mobutu Sese Seko, who had been supporting these forces, forced him to expel some Rwandan refugees in a move seen as a diversion tactic.
Fearing that Ex-FAR and Interahamwe fighters might be disarmed or repatriated to Rwanda, thus collapsing their plan, members of the Akazu decided to bribe Zaïrean soldiers to allow their fighters to remain in camps with their weapons intact.
According to Andrew Wallis in his book Stepp’d in Blood: Akazu and the Architects of the Rwandan Genocide Against the Tutsi, Félicien Kabuga sent $35,000 to Gen Bizimungu to bribe Zaïrean troops so they would allow Ex-FAR and Interahamwe fighters to keep their weapons in camps near the border.
At one point, a Zaïrean officer demanded $60,000 to ignore continued arms deliveries to camps such as Mugunga, near Goma. Kabuga and his associates in Nairobi mobilized additional funds to meet these demands.
On November 4, 1995, several Akazu members met at the home of Gratien Kabiligi in Nairobi to raise more funds. Contributions included a cheque from Kabuga, $340 from Protais Zigiranyirazo (Habyarimana’s brother-in-law), and $1,500 from Aloys Ntabakuze, a former commando leader. A total of $17,000 was collected that day.
Despite continued fundraising efforts, morale declined among Akazu members, who grew frustrated with Bizimungu’s delay in launching military operations despite the availability of resources. Contributions dropped sharply—from $20 to as little as $1.
Kabuga, however, insisted he would continue giving everything he had to restore their power, even declaring he would return to Kigali “with nothing,” if necessary.
Internal mistrust deepened within the group. Some members suspected others of prioritizing personal interests, such as securing visas to Europe or starting businesses in Nairobi, while others struggled with financial hardship.
Criticism also mounted against Bizimungu, with accusations that he spent time socializing with Kabuga in Kenya rather than advancing their military plans.
Despite these divisions, the government of Jacques Chirac, which came to power in May 1995, reportedly supported efforts to arm and train Ex-FAR and Interahamwe forces.
In early December 1995, a high-level meeting was held in Zaïre involving Kanziga, Mobutu, senior Zaïrean generals, Bizimungu, Kabiligi, Seraphin Bararengana (a relative of Habyarimana), and Augustin Ngirabatware.
Senior French officers, led by Gilbert Canovas, also attended, alongside Christian Refalo, who had previously trained Ex-FAR troops in the 1990s. The meeting focused on refining plans to attack Rwanda.
They agreed on a military route entering through Gisenyi, advancing through Kibuye and Gikongoro, with support from French mercenaries using British passports.
Mobutu reportedly promised Kanziga $6 million if they succeeded in capturing Cyangugu Airport.
Meanwhile, Théoneste Bagosora, despite disagreements with Bizimungu, independently sought weapons from South Africa and Seychelles, reportedly acquiring 360 tonnes of arms, many originating from Bulgaria, with travel expenses allegedly covered by the Chirac administration.
Muammar Gaddafi’s Libya was also said to have pledged weapons, including AK-47 rifles, ammunition, mortars, rockets, and grenades.
Additional expected support included modern rifles and landmines from South Africa, and mortars from Hosni Mubarak’s Egypt.
By late December 1995, Ex-FAR and Interahamwe forces were estimated at around 49,000 fighters, many of them newly recruited. However, indiscipline became a major issue—some soldiers sold weapons to locals, while others engaged in misconduct, including activities that led to the spread of HIV/AIDS.
Wallis notes that Akazu leaders had planned for an attack on Rwanda by the end of December 1995. However, growing divisions within both military and political ranks ultimately derailed the plan.
At one point, Bizimungu informed Kanziga by phone that he had told Mobutu he could not proceed with the invasion to overthrow Rwanda’s government. He indicated he would soon appoint a replacement to lead their forces, referring vaguely to “resolving the Rwanda problem.”
Ultimately, internal conflicts within the Akazu network, divisions within Ex-FAR, and international pressure against arms proliferation led to the collapse of the plan to regain power.
Instead, Ex-FAR and Interahamwe shifted to launching cross-border insurgent attacks, particularly in border regions, resulting in the deaths of many Rwandan civilians.
Agathe Kanziga and other Akazu members attempted to return to power, but were foild by internal divisions.Augustin Bizimungu openly told Mobutu Sese Seko that he was unable to overthrow Rwanda’s government.
On this occasion, they reaffirmed their commitment to combating genocide denial and minimization, which still persist in Belgium and in other parts of the world.
The event included a commemorative walk through the city of Bruges, followed by commemoration talks.
Commemorative walks held abroad represent an important contribution to raising awareness about the history of the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, while conveying a strong message: “Never again.”
Yvette Umutangana, coordinator of the event in Bruges, called for strengthened efforts to combat genocide ideology, which remains visible in various places, including Belgium. She also emphasized the importance of continued remembrance.
She stated: “Let us continue to remember and remain united. Let us stay committed to rebuilding our country. We are fortunate to benefit from good leadership. We must honor the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi while also confronting its denial, which persists here in Belgium and elsewhere in the world.”
Umutangana also stressed that telling Rwanda’s history truthfully is essential to counter those who distort it for their own interests. She paid tribute to the FPR-Inkotanyi for stopping the genocide.
“We must remember that it took courage and sacrifice for the FPR to stop the genocide. Without that, we would not be here today,” she added.
The event was also attended by the Mayor of Bruges, Dirk De fauw, who highlighted the importance of remembrance in preventing such tragedies from happening again. He also praised the unity and commitment of the local Rwandan community in organizing the event.
The President of Ibuka Memory and Justice – Belgium, Mutabazi Twagira Eugène, spoke about the establishment of the organization in Belgium and shared a personal testimony about members of his family who were killed.
Artists Mariya Yohani and Nyiranyamibwa Suzanne also contributed through songs dedicated to remembrance during the ceremony.
The commemoration concluded with an evening vigil marked by testimonies and the display of photos of victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi. Participants honored them by speaking their names and recalling their lives.
The day also featured a testimony from Yves Kamurase, a survivor of the Genocide against the Tutsi.
The commemoration in Bruges began with a remembrance walk through the city where Mayor Dirk De fauw emphasized the importance of remembrance in preventing recurrence of the Genocide against the Tutsi.Survivor Yves Kamurase shared his testimony of survival during the Genocide against the Tutsi.Artist Mariya Yohani performed reflective songs inspired by personal research and memories of the Genocide against the Tutsi, offering comfort to survivors.Claudine Mukakinani facilitated discussions at the event. The event concluded with an evening vigil led by Miheto Tatien, featuring testimonies and the display of photos of genocide victims, as participants paid tribute and honored their memory.Eugène Mutabazi, President of IBUKA Mémoire et Justice in Belgium, reflected on the organization’s history and shared a personal testimony about family members lost in the genocide.The event concluded with an evening vigil led by Miheto Tatien, featuring testimonies and the display of photos of genocide victims, as participants paid tribute and honored their memory.Nyiranyamibwa Suzanne joined children in performing the song “Ibuka” and led the lighting of the flame of hope.
In a statement issued on April 20, 2026, QCAA said it had released a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) authorising the phased restart of international airline services.
The authority said the decision followed a comprehensive assessment of the prevailing situation, conducted in coordination with all relevant national entities, to ensure the highest levels of readiness and operational efficiency.
QCAA emphasised that all flights and related airport operations would be conducted in line with internationally recognised safety and security standards, with all necessary precautions in place to protect passengers, crew, and aviation personnel.
“The safety and security of all remain our top priority,” the authority said.
Several international carriers had suspended or adjusted their services to Qatar as regional instability intensified, including RwandAir, which was among the airlines affected by the disruptions.
The ongoing Middle East conflict began in late February 2026, when coordinated US and Israeli strikes on Iranian military targets significantly heightened tensions across the region. Iran responded with retaliatory actions that quickly transformed the situation into a broader multi-front regional conflict.
The escalation severely disrupted global travel routes, trade flows, and energy markets, with airlines forced to reroute, delay, or suspend operations due to security concerns and airspace restrictions across parts of the Gulf and wider Middle East.
Qatar’s decision to gradually reopen operations for foreign carriers is expected to ease pressure on regional aviation and restore confidence among international airlines and travellers using Doha as a major transit hub.
The gradual resumption of operations for foreign airlines in Qatar through Hamad International Airport signals a cautious return to normalcy after months of disruption caused by the escalating Middle East conflict.
The recognition followed a viral video shared on X, showing Ngabo confidently interacting with cows in Switzerland, an encounter that highlighted his deep-rooted connection with livestock.
Responding to the post, Dr. Tedros wrote: “Nkunda u Rwanda! Thank you for sharing your story, dear Ngabo. The love and connection you have with your cows and your village is truly special. It’s beautiful that you turned your childhood into a welcoming experience for others. Keep being that caring person. Wishing you and @Visit_Bigogwe all the best.”
Ngabo, widely known locally as “Umushumba” (herdsman), replied by sharing his personal story and identity: “Hello, I am called Ngabo, but in my country, Rwanda, they call me ‘Umushumba,’ which means a herdsman or cowboy depending on where you’re from. I am the guy in the video. I was raised with cows, and they are like family to me—but sometimes my parents would help take care of them.”
Reflecting on his childhood with a touch of humor, he added: “Young me loved cows more than my parents because they used to beat me, but the cows didn’t. Thank you for your love and kind words. I didn’t know I was going to go viral.”
Ngabo also used the moment to highlight his growing tourism initiative in Bigogwe: “I created tourism in my green village, Bigogwe, where I host people and make them cowboys like me. Check @Visit_Bigogwe. Be blessed.”
His efforts have not only attracted global attention online but also institutional backing. In 2023, the Government of Rwanda allocated public land to Ibere rya Bigogwe Tourism Company Ltd, a venture focused on promoting cattle-based tourism experiences.
The decision was approved during a Cabinet meeting held on January 30, 2023, chaired by President Paul Kagame.
Today, Bigogwe is emerging as a distinctive tourism destination, drawing visitors ranging from senior officials to everyday travelers both Rwandan and international eager to experience its authentic blend of culture, agriculture, and hospitality.
Ngabo Karegeya Steps Up Efforts to Develop Cattle-Based Tourism Hub.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the 55-member continental organization expressed “deep concern” regarding recent developments on Israel’s reported decision to appoint a diplomatic envoy to Somaliland, a self-declared region of Somalia.
The AU reaffirmed its “unwavering respect for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Somalia” in accordance with the Constitutive Act of the African Union and international law.
“The African Union does not recognize Somaliland as an independent state,” the statement read. “The AU remains committed to supporting Somalia’s peace, governance, and national cohesion.”
Recalling an AU Peace and Security Council communique that was issued in January, it underscored that “any unilateral recognition of Somaliland is null and void.” It warned that such actions risk undermining regional stability.
On Dec. 26, 2025, Israel became the first country in the world to formally recognize Somaliland as a sovereign state, prompting immediate condemnation from Somalia and the international community.
In a ministerial-level meeting held on Jan. 6, the AU Peace and Security Council rejected the unilateral recognition of Somaliland by Israel and called for its immediate revocation.
A demining operation combining manned and unmanned systems is adopted by the U.S. military to remove the mines laid by Iran, using both surface and underwater drones equipped with sonar detectors, a U.S. defense official was quoted as saying.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday on his Truth Social platform that “Iran, with the help of the U.S.A., has removed, or is removing, all sea mines!” Iran did not respond to the claim.
After Iran re-closed the strait following a brief opening, 35 outbound vessels have turned back over 36 hours, according to a report by Britain-headquartered maritime analytics company Windward.
Iran tightened control over the strait after the United States and Israel launched joint attacks on the country on Feb. 28. The United States also imposed a naval blockade on the strait following its failed negotiations with Iran in Islamabad, Pakistan.
US Navy deploys unmanned robots and underwater drones to clear sea mines in Strait of Hormuz
