Baghaei, speaking on state-run IRIB television, said that recent public statements by Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi were made within the framework of the ceasefire between Iran and the United States announced on April 8, not as signals of a new diplomatic opening.
Earlier Friday, Araghchi said the Strait of Hormuz would remain “completely open” to commercial shipping for the duration of the current truce between Iran and the United States.
Baghaei moved to clarify the foreign minister’s position, saying that following a ceasefire in Lebanon on Friday, Tehran chose to apply safe-passage conditions outlined in its agreement with Washington to vessels transiting the strait.
“We have reached no new agreement,” he said. “The ceasefire agreement is the one announced on April 8.”
He accused the United States of failing, from the outset of the truce, to honor a commitment to extend its terms to Lebanon, a provision Iran insists was included in the April 8 agreement. Washington and Jerusalem have rejected that characterization.
Baghaei also warned that Iran would take “countermeasures” if a United States naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz persisted. He said no talks on extending the ceasefire had taken place, and that mediation efforts led by Pakistan remained focused on ending the conflict and protecting Iran’s interests.
Iran tightened its grip on the strait beginning Feb. 28, when it barred safe passage to vessels belonging to or affiliated with Israel and the United States following joint strikes on Iranian territory.
The United States subsequently imposed its own blockade, preventing ships traveling to and from Iranian ports from transiting the waterway after peace negotiations in Islamabad collapsed over the weekend.
Axios reported Friday, citing people familiar with the talks, that a second round of United States-Iran negotiations is expected to take place in Pakistan this weekend, most likely on Sunday.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei speaks at a weekly press conference in Tehran, Iran, April 6, 2026.
The study, conducted by scientists at the University of Oklahoma, revealed that FGF21 operates through a region of the brain known as the hindbrain, a surprising finding since most researchers expected signals to come from another area called the hypothalamus.
The hindbrain is the same part of the brain targeted by some existing weight‑loss medications like GLP‑1 drugs, but FGF21 works in a completely different way.
Instead of suppressing hunger, FGF21 triggers parts of the hindbrain called the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) and the area postrema (AP). These regions then communicate with another brain structure known as the parabrachial nucleus.
This pathway appears to increase metabolic activity meaning the body burns more energy which leads to weight loss.
According to lead researcher Matthew Potthoff, Ph.D., understanding this brain circuit is important because it might help scientists design new weight‑loss therapies that are more effective and have fewer side effects than current options.
While some experimental FGF21‑based drugs are already being tested for a serious liver condition called MASH (metabolic dysfunction‑associated steatohepatitis), this research focuses specifically on how the hormone affects weight and metabolism.
One of the reasons this discovery is so promising is that FGF21 and existing medications target similar brain areas but produce different outcomes. GLP‑1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy reduce appetite, which helps people eat less.
FGF21, on the other hand, appears to increase the body’s natural ability to burn fat and use energy more efficiently, which could lead to powerful new ways to treat obesity.
Although these results are still early and have been observed in mice, the findings offer scientists a valuable new perspective on how the brain controls metabolism and body weight.
If future research confirms similar effects in humans, FGF21‑based therapies could eventually become a part of treatments for obesity and related conditions such as fatty liver disease.
Scientists uncover hormone FGF21 that triggers weight loss in mice, paving the way for new obesity treatments.
The company, which continues to lead Rwanda’s aquaculture sector, held the annual commemoration as part of its ongoing commitment to remembering the past and fostering the values of unity, resilience, and leadership that have shaped the nation’s recovery.
Emmanuel Bahizi, Managing Director of Kivu Choice, underscored the significance of the event, urging the company’s staff both in Rwanda and across the region to understand the importance of this moment in Rwanda’s history.
“Our success, both as a country and as a company, is deeply rooted in the history and culture of Rwanda. It is crucial for every employee to understand and embrace this history,” Bahizi stated.
Kivu Choice’s leadership has made the event an annual tradition, ensuring that each member of the company understands the importance of the genocide commemoration.
With a workforce of nearly 800 employees in Rwanda and 1,500 across the region, Bahizi emphasized that this moment is not only an opportunity to honor those who were lost, but also a reminder of the unity and strength that have enabled Rwanda to rebuild.
This year’s event at the Rebero Genocide Memorial had special significance as the memorial pays tribute not only to the victims of the genocide against the Tutsi but also to political leaders and figures who stood for peace and unity during the darkest moments in the country’s history.
Bahizi reflected on the responsibility of Kivu Choice, a pioneer in Rwanda’s aquaculture industry, to set an example for the rest of the country and beyond.
“We are pioneers in our industry, and we have a responsibility to lead by example,” Bahizi explained. “It is essential for us to live by the core values of Rwanda, demonstrating unity and commitment to the values that have shaped the country’s recovery. We hope to set an example for the rest of the industry.”
Addressing employees, Bahizi delivered a powerful message of unity.
“The message is one of remembrance, paying our respects to those we lost during the Genocide against the Tutsi, but also remembering that we must live with unity. By continuing to live in unity every day, we ensure that such a tragedy never happens again,” he said.
Bahizi also encouraged employees to honour the memory of the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi by working hard and striving to build a brighter future
“The people we lost would want us to live for them and to achieve things that would make them proud. This is what we strive for every day, committing ourselves to a future that honours their memory,” he noted.
Kivu Choice’s visit to the Rebero Genocide Memorial was a poignant reminder of the ongoing importance of remembrance, unity, and collective responsibility in building a future that that honours the past.
Emmanuel Bahizi, Managing Director of Kivu Choice, delivered a heartfelt at Rebero Genocide Memorial.Managing Director of Kivu Choice, led his employees in a solemn tribute at Rebero Genocide Memorial, as they respectfully lay flowers on the graves of the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.Kivu Choice employees gained valuable insight into the history of the Genocide against the Tutsi, deepening their understanding of the nation’s journey of remembrance and healing at Rebero Genocide Memorial.Kivu Choice employees honoring the memory of those who lost their lives during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.Kivu Choice made a donation to Rebero Genocide Memorial, as a gesture of respect and remembrance for the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
According to the Rwanda Vital Statistics Report 2025, released on April 15, 2026, the recorded divorce cases include separations that occurred over the past three years but were officially entered into the system in 2025.
Out of the 4,479 recorded cases, 2,629 divorces were granted through courts of law.
The highest number of divorce cases was recorded in Kigali City, with 1,199 households, followed by the Eastern Province with 1,011 cases. The Southern Province recorded 976 divorces, while the Western Province had 669, and the Northern Province registered 592 cases.
Data further shows that courts granted 1,068 divorces in 2024, up from 782 cases in 2023, indicating a steady increase in legal separations over recent years.
An analysis of the 2025 figures indicates that in 3,936 of the divorced households, both partners remained in the same province after separation, while in 543 cases, each partner relocated to a different province.
Under Rwanda’s law governing persons and family, divorce may be requested on various grounds, including adultery, conviction for a serious offense, failure to provide for the family, physical or psychological abuse, emotional distress, economic abuse, or other behaviors that seriously harm a spouse, a shared child, or either party individually. Couples may also separate when cohabitation becomes intolerable for one or both partners.
Decline in legal marriages
The report also highlights a decline in legally registered marriages. In 2025, a total of 50,256 marriages were recorded, down from 52,878 in 2024.
Men entering marriage were predominantly aged between 25 and 29, while most women were between 21 and 24 years old.
Districts with the highest number of marriages exceeding 2,000, include; Gasabo District, Gicumbi District, Nyarugenge District, Kicukiro District, Musanze District, Muhanga District, Rubavu District, and Nyamasheke District.
On the other hand, districts with fewer than 1,000 registered marriages include Nyanza District, Gisagara District, and Ngoma District.
In 2025, a total of 50,256 marriages were recorded, down from 52,878 in 2024.
In an atmosphere of solemn reflection, his words rang out with striking clarity: “We are gathered to remember. We are gathered not to forget.” From the outset, the tone was unmistakable. This was not merely about commemoration, it was about commitment.
Speaking on behalf of survivors, Murangira César emphasized the symbolic weight of every presence: an act, a stance, a refusal to accept erasure.
Behind the numbers, he reminded the audience, are human lives. More than one million Tutsi were killed during the Genocide against the Tutsi, a tragedy he evoked with force: “One million broken destinies. One million silenced voices. And yet, those silences still speak.”
Memory as a living responsibility
At the heart of his message was a central truth: for survivors, time does not erase, it intensifies absence and reinforces the duty to remember. “We are the voices of the departed,” he stated, underscoring a responsibility that is both heavy and unrelenting.
But remembrance alone, he insisted, is not enough. It must be accompanied by understanding, explanation, and transmission.
Forgetting, he warned, is never neutral. Denial and distortion of history are never harmless, they always lay the groundwork for future atrocities.
In a clear and uncompromising analysis, he stressed that the genocide was neither accidental nor spontaneous. It was conceived, planned, and executed. It was driven by a racist ideology, Hutu Power, whose roots trace back to the colonial era and decades of recurring violence.
One of the most striking moments of his address focused on the role of the international community. “The world knew. And it did not act.” A heavy indictment, pointing to the inaction of major powers and international institutions as Rwanda descended into horror.
Embassies closed. Foreign nationals were evacuated. Diplomatic hesitation prevailed. Meanwhile, thousands were being killed every single day. “This indifference killed. This silence killed,” he stressed.
Murangira also highlighted the decisive role played by the Rwandan Patriotic Front in bringing the genocide to an end.
“We must have the courage to acknowledge it,” he said, noting that this intervention saved lives and ensured the survival of Tutsi in Rwanda.
Today, survivor testimonies remain essential. They challenge, they confront, and they prevent falsehoods from taking root.
Beyond remembrance, such commemorations stand as acts of resistance, against forgetting, against denial, against indifference. They restore dignity and humanity to those the genocide sought to erase.
But they also raise an urgent and universal question: what do we do with this memory?
In a world where hate speech and exclusionary ideologies are re-emerging, Murangira César called for constant vigilance. “We do not have the right to remain bystanders,” he warned.
In Geneva, his message transcended commemoration. It stood as a call to collective conscience: to remember, yes, but above all, to act, so that history never repeats itself.
Ibuka Switzerland president Murangira César has delivered a deeply powerful address at the headquarters of the United Nations.
The incident occurred just days after official commemoration ceremonies, intensifying the sense of indignation.
“Shock and dismay” have been widely expressed in reaction to the damage. Beyond the material destruction, this act represents a serious desecration of a site of remembrance, undermining the dignity of the victims, the respect owed to survivors, and the fundamental principles of truth and justice.
The message of shock was also delivered by Rouen’s Mayor, Nicolas Mayer-Rossignol, who strongly condemned the act and reaffirmed the city’s support for the Rwandan community. He described the vandalism as unacceptable and confirmed that the city would file a formal complaint to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
In a statement released on April 16, 2026, the Rwandan Community of France (CRF) strongly condemned the act. The organization also raised concerns about a troubling context marked by repeated attacks on memorial sites, as well as the spread of denialist and hateful discourse, particularly online.
The CRF further called on French authorities to address the actions of individuals known for publicly and repeatedly promoting such narratives, urging a firm judicial response commensurate with the gravity of the situation.
The memorial to victims of Genocide against the Tutsu has been vandalized. The memorial serves as a place for remembrance of victims of Genocide against the Tutsi. Col. Karara represented the ambassador at the commemoration eventRouen’s Mayor, Nicolas Mayer-Rossignol strongly condemned the act and reaffirmed the city’s support for the Rwandan community.
In exercising its veto on April 7 on the draft resolution submitted by Bahrain on behalf of Gulf states, China upheld international fairness and justice, defended the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and prevented the conflict from expanding further. The veto also created favorable conditions for achieving a temporary ceasefire and launching dialogue and negotiations, said Fu Cong, China’s permanent representative to the United Nations.
“China’s vote represents a choice responsible for peace and for the people of the region. It stands on the right side of history and will stand the test of history,” he told a UN General Assembly meeting on the use of veto in the Security Council.
China attached great importance to the draft resolution and fully understood the Gulf states’ major concerns. At the same time, Security Council actions should be aimed at de-escalation. They must not provide a veneer of legitimacy for unauthorized military operations or authorize the use of force, let alone further exacerbate tensions and add fuel to the fire, thereby leading to an escalation of the conflict, said Fu.
“China does not go along with Iran’s attacks on Gulf states. China believes that the passage and safety of a strait used for international navigation should be safeguarded. We call on Iran to take proactive measures to restore normal navigation in the Strait of Hormuz at an early date,” said Fu.
“Meanwhile, the ramped-up military deployment and targeted blockade by the United States constitute a dangerous and irresponsible move. The issue of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz is a spillover effect of the conflict in Iran. Only a complete ceasefire can fundamentally create conditions for easing the situation,” he said.
China welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire agreement by the relevant parties and supports all efforts conducive to ending the conflict. The U.S.-Iran negotiations in Pakistan mark a step in the right direction toward de-escalation, Fu said.
“The relevant parties should adhere to the ceasefire agreement, stick to the direction of dialogue and peace talks, stay committed to resolving disputes through political and diplomatic means, and take concrete actions to de-escalate regional tensions,” he said.
The international community, he said, should continue to intensify efforts to promote peace talks and unequivocally oppose any actions that undermine the ceasefire or escalate confrontation.
All parties should also earnestly respect Lebanon’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, and prevent the escalation of the situation in Lebanon from undermining the ceasefire arrangement, Fu said.
As a sincere friend and strategic partner of countries in the Middle East, China is closely following the regional situation, maintaining an objective and impartial position, and has been engaged in intensive mediation with all parties to actively promote peace talks, he said.
China stands ready to continue facilitating de-escalation, promoting the improvement of relations between regional countries, and playing a constructive role in ultimately achieving enduring peace and stability in the Middle East, he said.
China has called on Iran to take proactive measures to restore normal navigation in the Strait of Hormuz at an early date.
Wadagni secured victory in the first round of voting held on April 12, defeating his moderate opposition rival, former culture minister Paul Hounkpe, who obtained 5.73 percent of the vote.
The Constitutional Court, Benin’s highest authority on electoral disputes, said Wadagni and his running mate Mariam Chabi Talata won 4,575,449 votes, while Hounkpe and Rock Judicael Hounwanou received 278,297 votes. Talata will serve as vice president.
The court said that more than 7.89 million voters were registered nationwide, with over 4.85 million casting ballots, representing a turnout rate of 63.57 percent.
Preliminary results released on Monday by the Autonomous National Electoral Commission had already indicated a decisive lead for Wadagni, who secured 94.05 percent of the vote.
Wadagni, 49, previously worked at Deloitte before entering government after Patrice Talon’s election in 2016. He has since served as minister of economy and finance, was reappointed in 2021, and later promoted to senior minister, playing a central role in implementing Talon’s economic policies.
Under Benin’s electoral code, the president and vice president are elected by direct universal suffrage for a seven-year term.
Romuald Wadagni has won Benin’s presidential election with 94.27 percent of valid votes.
In a communiqué issued on Thursday night, the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA) said the revised prices will take effect on April 17 at 6:00 a.m., with all rates inclusive of Value Added Tax (VAT).
The latest adjustment reflects rising international oil prices and tightening supply conditions, which have been exacerbated by ongoing tensions in the Middle East. The conflict has led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime corridor through which roughly a fifth of the world’s oil supply passes, significantly disrupting global energy flows and pushing prices upward.
While petrol prices have been increased to align more closely with these global trends, the government has opted to hold diesel prices steady through targeted interventions. Diesel is a key input in Rwanda’s transport and logistics sectors, and keeping its price unchanged is aimed at limiting knock-on effects on public transport fares, goods movement, and overall inflation.
“The price of diesel remains unchanged in order to maintain support of public transport of persons and goods, as well as overall economic activities,” the statement noted.
RURA said the pricing decision balances market realities with the need to protect economic activity, particularly in sectors that rely heavily on diesel.
The move comes just weeks after the previous price revision in early April, when both petrol and diesel saw notable increases. Petrol rose to Rwf 2,303 per litre at the time, while diesel climbed to its current level of Rwf 2,205 per litre.
Since then, global oil markets have remained volatile, with supply disruptions and uncertainty continuing to shape pricing trends. The blockage of key shipping routes has compounded existing pressures, contributing to higher import costs for fuel-dependent economies such as Rwanda.
RURA has advised consumers and businesses to optimise fuel usage, including through efficient travel planning and greater reliance on public or shared transport.
The regulator said it will continue to monitor developments in global and regional petroleum markets and adjust pricing policies as necessary to ensure market stability, fair pricing, and reliable supply across the country.
Petrol prices on the pump have been increased to Rwf 2,938 per litre, up from Rwf 2,303, while diesel remains unchanged at Rwf 2,205.
On April 9, 1994, three days after the start of the Genocide against the Tutsi, Grégoire de Saint Quentin, a technical advisor to the commander of the Para-Commando battalion, Maj. Aloys Ntabakuze, visited Kanziga’s residence in Kanombe. He reportedly informed her that French President François Mitterrand had requested that she and her family be evacuated to France immediately.
Kanziga, whose husband had been killed on April 6, 1994, when the presidential aircraft was shot down near Kigali, was instructed to prepare for immediate departure. She and her entourage were given little time to gather their belongings, with each person allowed only one bag and approximately 30 minutes to get ready.
At around 3 p.m. that day, French soldiers escorted Kanziga and 11 members of her family and friends to Kigali International Airport.
Among those with Kanziga were her three children, her younger sister Catherine Mukamusoni and her four children, as well as her son-in-law Alphonse Ntirivamunda. They were transported on a C-130 military transport aircraft.
The aircraft also carried Kanziga’s cousin, Twahirwa Séraphin, who had insisted on being evacuated, claiming he was seriously ill. It also carried two other families.
Reports indicate that Twahirwa had made prior financial arrangements to leave the country, including the conversion of Rwandan francs and the deposit of approximately 1 million USD into an account at Belgolaise Bank.
All of them departed Kigali at 7 p.m., heading to Bangui in the Central African Republic.
Agathe Kanziga chose to flee, leaving the country in the hands of Col. Théoneste Bagosora and her brother, Protais Zigiranyirazo. Members of the “Akazu” reportedly agreed to her departure, believing she would return soon once the country was “restored to peace.”
They also asked her to continue using her name in politics and her network of friends to help those who remained obtain military, political, and diplomatic support.
It is reported that French forces refused to transport President Habyarimana’s body, instead ordering that it remain in the mortuary of the military hospital in Kanombe.
In Bangui, Kanziga met a Polish nun named Editha, who ran her orphanage called Sainte Agathe, located in Masaka.
In deep sorrow, the nun told Kanziga that the Tutsi children in the orphanage had been killed on 7 April 1994, and asked her: “How could you allow such things to happen? The soldiers at least should not have done this.”
Kanziga told the nun not to blame the soldiers, saying they acted out of anger. She then asked her to remain silent and not speak further on the matter.
In the Central African Republic, Agathe Kanziga’s family was later flown out by an Air France aircraft. Upon arrival, she was welcomed with a bouquet sent by Mitterrand and a $35,000 financial support to help her start a new life.
She was also received by her two children, Jean-Pierre and Bernard, who were studying in France, as well as Marie Rose and Jean Claude, who were studying in Canada.
The family first stayed at the Forest Hill Hotel in Paris before moving into an apartment that Habyarimana had recently purchased in the city.
Kanziga’s reception in France was controversial, and every French official questioned about it reacted angrily to journalists.
Michel Roussin, then French Minister for Cooperation, once responded: “We had relations with a president who was elected legally; we evacuated his family because they requested assistance. It is not normal to blame France for acting this way. Other countries abandon leaders they had good relations with. What we did could have placed them in danger of death.”
Kanziga fled to France, believing she would return within days, expecting a swift military resolution. However, the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA) continued its advance, and the interim government eventually fled Kigali, relocating to Gitarama before crossing into what was then Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo) following its defeat.
Agathe Kanziga, wife of then-Rwandan President Juvénal Habyarimana, fled Rwanda for France together with her children and close relatives three days after the Genocide against the Tutsi began.
