The commemoration event began at the bank’s head office in Kigali, where management and staff laid wreaths at a memorial bearing the names of the 33 employees who lost their lives in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
After paying tribute to the victims, BPR Bank leadership and employees proceeded to Nyanza Genocide Memorial, where they honoured the victims buried there and received a historical briefing on the events that took place in the area during the genocide.
They were taken through the specific history of Kicukiro in 1994, particularly at the former ETO Kicukiro, where many Tutsi had sought refuge.
On April 11, 1994, United Nations peacekeeping forces (UNAMIR) abandoned more than 3,000 Tutsi who had taken shelter at ETO Kicukiro, withdrawing and leaving them vulnerable to attacks by Interahamwe militias and government forces, who subsequently killed them.
Speaking during the commemoration, BPR Bank Rwanda Managing Director Patience Mutesi said remembering the Genocide against the Tutsi is a responsibility for all employees, as it is a way of honouring the victims.
“Commemoration is our collective duty and a commitment to honour the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi, while continuing to protect the truth so that future generations never forget,” she said.
IBUKA Vice President Blaise Ndizihiwe called on young people, especially artists and workers, to take responsibility in remembering the genocide and to actively confront those who continue to deny or distort its history.
“Young people often remain silent and do not openly acknowledge that the genocide happened, or assume others will speak about it. No one will tell our history for us. Preserving our history is not the responsibility of IBUKA alone, but of all of us,” he said.
Families of BPR employees who were killed during the Genocide against the Tutsi took part in the commemoration event.BPR Bank Rwanda management and staff were briefed on the history preserved at the Nyanza Genocide Memorial.BPR Bank management laid wreaths at the memorial site of former employees who were killed during the Genocide against the Tutsi.BPR Bank staff paid tribute to their colleagues who were killed during the Genocide against the Tutsi.IBUKA Vice President Blaise Ndizihiwe told the youth and artists that commemorating the Genocide against the Tutsi also comes with the responsibility of confronting those who continue to deny or distort its history. BPR Bank Rwanda Managing Director Patience Mutesi said that commemorating the Genocide against the Tutsi is a duty of the bank’s employees, as it is a way of honouring the victims. Artists Marina and Kevin Kade laid wreaths at a memorial bearing the names of former BPR Bank employees who were killed in Genocide against the Tutsi. Relatives of former BPR employees also attended the commemoration event.
The results mark a historic milestone for the Rwanda Development Board, as every club carrying the nation’s flagship tourism brand has converged at the penultimate stage of Europe’s most prestigious competition.
The path to the final four was paved with high-stakes drama as the partner clubs navigated through Europe’s elite. Arsenal FC demonstrated a defensive masterclass to eliminate Sporting CP, holding firm for a goalless draw at the Emirates Stadium following a slim 1-0 victory in Lisbon to secure back-to-back semifinal appearances.
Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain silenced Anfield by overcoming Liverpool FC in a tactical heavyweight clash to continue their pursuit of a maiden Champions League trophy. In an all-Spanish affair, the “Visit Rwanda” newcomer Atlético de Madrid staged a gritty performance to knock out FC Barcelona, proving their mettle under the lights of the Metropolitano.
Finally, in the most explosive tie of the round, FC Bayern Munich dispatched Real Madrid in a 10-goal aggregate thriller, where a 4-3 victory in the second leg cemented the German side’s status as a tournament favourite.
FC Bayern Munich remains a key collaborator of Rwanda through a refined partnership that prioritises football development. This ongoing cooperation focuses on long-term impact, including the FC Bayern Youth Academy in Kigali, coaching exchange programmes, and grassroots initiatives aimed at nurturing Rwandan talent.
President Paul Kagame celebrated the clean sweep on social media, highlighting the synergy between the clubs’ on-field excellence and the nation’s global branding. The President noted that the performances of Atlético de Madrid, Arsenal, and PSG have shown consistency, excellence, and resolve.
He extended specific congratulations to the newest partner, Atlético de Madrid, alongside long-standing collaborators Arsenal and PSG, wishing them success as they head into the home stretch of the tournament.
“Proud to see three Visit Rwanda partners qualifying for the UEFA Champions League semi-finals! The performances of Atlético de Madrid, Arsenal and PSG have shown consistency, excellence and resolve, and we look forward to the games ahead!” President Kagame said in a post on X on Wednesday night.
The upcoming semifinal fixtures will see Paris Saint-Germain face FC Bayern Munich, while Atlético de Madrid takes on Arsenal. The upcoming semifinal fixtures will see Paris Saint-Germain face FC Bayern Munich, while Atlético de Madrid takes on Arsenal FC. These pairings ensure that “Visit Rwanda” will maintain a strong presence on the Champions League stage, with at least one partner club guaranteed a place in the final in Munich.
Arsenal FC demonstrated a defensive masterclass to eliminate Sporting CP, holding firm for a goalless draw at the Emirates Stadium following a slim 1-0 victory in Lisbon to secure back-to-back semifinal appearances.Paris Saint-Germain silenced Anfield by overcoming Liverpool FC in a tactical heavyweight clash to continue their pursuit of a maiden Champions League trophy.
Reports indicate that residents of Kivoga, a neighborhood in Bujumbura, noticed a car parked off the road in a palm grove at around 8:00 a.m. on Thursday. When they moved closer to check, they found him dead inside the vehicle.
People who recognized him confirmed he was Minister Bugaga and promptly alerted security authorities, who have since opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
The spokesperson for the Burundian government, Jérôme Niyonzima, confirmed Bugaga’s death but told the media that more details would be released later.
Security personnel, including soldiers and police officers, arrived at the scene where Bugaga was found before taking it to hospital.
Preliminary investigation reports indicate that before his death, Bugaga was not accompanied by his security detail, raising concerns about the circumstances surrounding his death.
Bugaga was widely known for his earlier career as a journalist with the national broadcaster, RTNB. He also held various positions, including roles in the Senate and the National Independent Electoral Commission (CENI).
He was appointed Minister of Communication and Media in early August 2025.
Gabby Bugaga had been serving as Burundi’s Minister of Communication and Media since August 2025.His vehicle was found parked in a palm plantation near the roadside, raising suspicion among nearby residents.Security forces have since arrived in the Kivoga area to begin investigations into the circumstances surrounding his death.Bugaga was found dead in his vehicle.
The ruling, delivered on Thursday in KuGompo City (formerly East London), stems from an incident at an Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) rally where Malema was accused of discharging a rifle into the air during celebrations marking the party’s anniversary. Malema, 45, leads the EFF, currently the fourth-largest party in South Africa’s parliament.
Magistrate Twanet Olivier said the court found that Malema’s actions were deliberate and in clear violation of firearm laws.
“It wasn’t… an impulsive act. It was the event of the evening,” Olivier said during sentencing, rejecting arguments that the shots were purely celebratory.
Malema was convicted in October of multiple offences, including unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, discharging a weapon in a public space, and reckless endangerment. Prosecutors said video evidence showed him firing a semi-automatic rifle into the air during the rally.
He pleaded not guilty throughout the proceedings, insisting the firearm did not belong to him and that the shots were fired to energise supporters.
Following the sentencing, Malema’s legal team said they would immediately appeal the decision. His lawyers are expected to challenge both the conviction and the prison term in higher courts.
The politically charged case drew large crowds outside the courthouse, where hundreds of EFF supporters dressed in red gathered in solidarity. Party officials have warned of possible protests should the sentence be enforced.
Analysts say the ruling could have significant political consequences, including potentially disqualifying Malema from serving as a member of parliament, depending on the outcome of his appeal.
During sentencing, the magistrate stressed that the ruling was directed at Malema as an individual and not at his political party.
“It is not a political party that has been convicted here, but an individual,” she said.
Malema, however, has repeatedly claimed the prosecution is politically motivated. He has pointed to Afrikaner lobby group AfriForum as a driving force behind the case. AfriForum has long been critical of Malema, particularly over his use of the anti-apartheid chant “Kill the Boer,” which the group argues constitutes hate speech.
South African courts have previously ruled that the chant does not meet the legal threshold for hate speech and must be understood within the historical context of apartheid and the struggle against white minority rule, which ended in 1994.
The case has also drawn international attention. AfriForum has taken its concerns abroad, including to the United States, where footage of Malema has been discussed by political figures. US President Donald Trump previously raised the issue with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, questioning why Malema had not been arrested.
Malema, once the leader of the youth wing of the African National Congress, was expelled from the ruling party following internal disputes and later founded the EFF. Known for his radical left-wing platform, he has called for the redistribution of land and wealth in South Africa.
After his conviction, Malema told supporters that “going to prison or death is a badge of honour,” vowing to continue his political struggle and appealing the ruling to the Constitutional Court.
The EFF leader now awaits the outcome of his appeal, which will determine whether he begins serving the prison sentence or remains free pending further legal proceedings.
Julius Malema was convicted in October of multiple offences, including unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, discharging a weapon in a public space, and reckless endangerment.
Speaking at a Council briefing on the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the DRC and the Great Lakes region on Wednesday, Rwanda’s Deputy Permanent Representative, Robert Kayinamura, said the continued presence of the FDLR in eastern DRC constitutes an “existential threat” to Rwanda and a major obstacle to peace efforts in the region.
“There can be no credible path to peace without its effective and irreversible neutralisation,” he told Council members, reiterating Kigali’s long-standing position on the armed group.
The meeting came a week after Rwanda commemorated the 32nd anniversary of the Genocide against the Tutsi at the UN General Assembly Hall. Kayinamura noted that some of those responsible for the genocide fled into the DRC and remain active today, a factor he said partly motivated the establishment of the regional Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework in 2013.
Rwanda maintained that it has consistently upheld its commitments under the Framework over the past decade, but argued that key drivers of instability have not been addressed. According to Kayinamura, this reflects “a failure of implementation” rather than a weakness in the agreement itself.
He stressed that the FDLR issue has remained unresolved despite repeated engagement with UN officials, regional mediators, and successive Special Envoys.
Rwanda also expressed concern over what it described as escalating hate speech, ethnic targeting, and violence against Rwandophone communities in eastern DRC, including the Banyamulenge. Kayinamura said the continued portrayal of these communities as foreigners undermines the objectives of the Framework.
“These realities point to deep-rooted challenges that must be addressed directly. Sustainable peace cannot be built on avoidance,” he said.
The Rwandan envoy emphasised that peace in the DRC and stability in the broader Great Lakes region are inseparable, warning that selective implementation and accountability would not produce meaningful results.
While reaffirming support for ongoing diplomatic efforts, including ceasefire arrangements and processes in Washington and Doha, Rwanda also backed interim security measures such as a buffer or interposition force to help stabilise the situation as political negotiations continue.
Kayinamura posed two recurring questions Rwanda has raised in implementation discussions: how the root causes of the conflict remain unresolved after 13 years of the Framework’s existence, and why hate speech and persecution of communities continue unabated.
“If these issues remain unresolved, what basis do we have to expect a different outcome?” he asked Council members.
He concluded that after more than a decade, the path forward is clear and requires full and consistent implementation of agreed commitments. Rwanda, he said, remains engaged in good faith but stressed that success depends on all parties meeting their obligations.
“There is no military solution to this crisis,” he said. “Only a genuine return to the principles of accountability, cooperation, and mutual respect will deliver sustainable peace for our region.”
Speaking at a Council briefing on the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the DRC and the Great Lakes region on Wednesday, Rwanda’s Deputy Permanent Representative, Ambassador Robert Kayinamura, said the continued presence of the FDLR in eastern DRC constitutes an “existential threat” to Rwanda and a major obstacle to peace efforts in the region.
The commemoration began on April 9 at the United Nations Office at Vienna, where the message of the UN Secretary-General was delivered, emphasizing the need to strengthen shared values and institutions to prevent future atrocities.
A key moment of the ceremony was the testimony of genocide survivor Yvonne Buhikare, whose account drawn from her book “Ils vont nous tuer” highlighted the importance of preserving memory and confronting historical truth.
Rwanda’s Ambassador to Austria, Urujeni Bakuramutsa, stressed that the genocide was not spontaneous but carefully planned, warning that such crimes begin with hate speech, dehumanization and the normalization of violence.
The commemoration continued on April 11 in Innsbruck, Tyrol, in an event organized by the Rwandan community in Austria, with participation from local authorities and residents.
The event featured remarks from community leaders, representatives of survivors and local officials, reaffirming a shared commitment to remembrance and prevention.
A powerful testimony by survivor Marie Kresbach Kabera, underscored resilience and the importance of ensuring that such atrocities never happen again.
The programme also included performances by children, poetry and musical tributes, reflecting intergenerational engagement in preserving memory.
Amb. Bakuramutsa welcomed the first-ever commemoration of Genocide against the Tutsi in Tyrol and commended the City of Innsbruck’s initiative to establish a memorial in honour of the victims.
Kagame was received at Maya-Maya International Airport by Republic of the Congo Prime Minister Anatole Collinet Makosso.
The inauguration ceremony is scheduled for Thursday at Unity Stadium, also known as the La Concorde Multipurpose Sports Complex, in Kintélé. The event is expected to bring together heads of state and senior government officials from across Africa.
President Sassou Nguesso was re-elected in mid-March for a five-year term, winning 94.82 percent of the vote according to the Interior Ministry. The election recorded an 84.64 percent turnout, with seven candidates contesting the presidency.
Following the results, President Kagame congratulated Sassou Nguesso on his re-election, reaffirming Rwanda’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries.
“Rwanda welcomes the strong quality of our bilateral relations and looks forward to continuing close cooperation in support of our shared priorities and the prosperity of our peoples,” Kagame said in a message posted on X.
Rwanda and the Republic of the Congo have maintained a longstanding partnership marked by cooperation across multiple sectors, including diplomacy, trade, and security. In August 2016, Rwanda opened its embassy in Brazzaville, further strengthening diplomatic engagement.
The two countries signed a series of agreements in 2011 covering trade, air transport, tourism promotion, energy, security, environmental protection, and fisheries. Air connectivity has also been reinforced, with RwandAir operating flights between Kigali and Brazzaville since that year.
Cooperation expanded further in November 2021, when both nations signed agreements on military collaboration, higher education, land management, sustainable development, and trade promotion. Additional deals focused on environmental protection and expanding air transport links.
In the same year, Rwanda’s Housing Authority and Congo-Brazzaville’s SOPRIM entered into a partnership to promote housing development and the construction of affordable, modern homes.
Relations between the two leaders have remained cordial over the years. During a visit to Rwanda in 2023, Sassou Nguesso was awarded the Agaciro Medal by President Kagame in recognition of his contribution to Africa’s development.
President Kagame was received at Maya-Maya International Airport by Republic of the Congo Prime Minister Anatole Collinet Makosso.Rwanda and the Republic of the Congo have maintained a longstanding partnership marked by cooperation across multiple sectors, including diplomacy, trade, and security.
The law provides that the President of the Republic, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Rwanda Defence Force, is the Chancellor of the university.
NDU-R brings together military colleges, police training institutions, and academies of the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) under one integrated system. The university is jointly overseen by the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Education.
It is headquartered in Kigali, although a presidential order may relocate it elsewhere in the country if necessary.
Integrated defence and security institution
The National Defence University–Rwanda includes several constituent institutions such as the National Defence College–Rwanda (NDC-R), Defence College of Health Sciences (DCHS), Defence Institute of Sciences and Technology (DIST), and the Institute for Defence and Strategic Studies (IDSS), all based in Kigali.
Other institutions include the National Intelligence Academy (NIA) in Bugesera District, the Rwanda Defence Force Command and Staff College (RDFCSC) in Musanze District, the National Police College (NPC) in Musanze, and the Rwanda Military Academy (RMA) in Bugesera.
The university is mandated to provide advanced education, training, and research for personnel in defence and security organs, senior government officials involved in national security, and international partners, with the aim of strengthening strategic thinking through high-level academic instruction and research.
Governance structure
The law states that the Chancellor of NDU-R is the President of the Republic and Commander-in-Chief of the Rwanda Defence Force. In this role, the Chancellor provides broad strategic guidance to ensure the university fulfills its mission and presides over graduation ceremonies for the conferment of degrees, certificates, medals, and honorary distinctions, or may designate a representative to perform these duties.
The governance structure also includes a Board of Governors composed of seven external members appointed by presidential order, including a Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson. Members are required to have expertise in national defence and security, higher education teaching and management, institutional administration, research and innovation, or other fields relevant to national development.
The Board further includes the Vice-Chancellor of NDU-R, who serves as rapporteur; the Commandant of the National Defence College–Rwanda; one representative of teaching and research staff elected by peers; one dean elected by peers; the head of quality assurance; and one student representative from the National Defence College–Rwanda.
At least 30% of the Board members must be women, and except for ex officio members, others serve a four-year term renewable once.
Executive and academic leadership
The Executive Organ responsible for daily operations is led by the Vice-Chancellor, assisted by deputy vice-chancellors in charge of academic affairs and research, as well as planning, administration, and finance. A further deputy vice-chancellor may be appointed by presidential order if necessary. Members of the Executive Organ serve five-year renewable terms, with at least 30% female representation.
The university also has an academic governance structure that includes institutional leaders, deans, heads of departments, research and innovation coordinators, quality assurance officers, and student representatives.
Except for ex officio members, other members serve renewable two-year terms, while student representatives serve one academic year.
A student of NDU-R is defined as any person formally admitted and registered to pursue studies under regular or specialized programmes offered by the university, with admission requirements determined by internal regulations.
The university is mandated to provide advanced education, training, and research for personnel in defence and security organs.The law provides that the President of the Republic, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Rwanda Defence Force, is the Chancellor of the National Defence University–Rwanda (NDU-R).
According to SOS Médias, on the evening of April 14, 2026, a large Burundian military vessel was seen at Rumonge port on Lake Tanganyika, carrying soldiers and military equipment.
The vessel continued its journey to the town of Baraka in Fizi Territory, South Kivu. The deployed troops are expected to be sent to frontline areas including Gakenke, Mikenke, Kalingi, and Mulima.
Reports indicate that Burundian forces, together with DRC government troops and Wazalendo militia groups, are planning an offensive aimed at capturing Minembwe commune, a strategic area currently controlled by Twirwaneho, a group formed to protect the Banyamulenge community.
By early December 2025, Burundi reportedly had more than 20,000 troops in South Kivu. Some of these forces were withdrawn after the AFC/M23 coalition took control of several areas in Uvira Territory, including Uvira town.
Sources in South Kivu say that after months of regrouping, the Burundian government has recently resumed military deployments to the front lines in an effort to retake previously lost positions and capture new areas.
The AFC/M23 alliance has claimed that DRC forces, Burundian troops, Wazalendo fighters, FDLR elements, and mercenaries have continued launching attacks in several parts of South Kivu, including Gakenke, Kalingi, and Bidegu.
The group says these operations are aimed at disrupting ongoing peace talks taking place in Switzerland since April 13, accusing the DRC government of preferring military escalation over dialogue.
AFC/M23 maintains that it seeks a political solution to its conflict with the DRC government, but insists it will continue to defend itself and protect civilians if attacks persist.
According to SOS Médias, on the evening of April 14, 2026, a large Burundian military vessel was seen at Rumonge port on Lake Tanganyika, carrying soldiers and military equipment. Sources in South Kivu say that after months of regrouping, the Burundian government has recently resumed military deployments to the front lines in an effort to retake previously lost positions and capture new areas.
Pope Leo XIV began his African tour on April 13, starting in Algeria before concluding his visit there on April 14, 2026.
In Cameroon, the Pope is expected to focus on key themes including peace, coexistence, youth development, and holistic human development—covering economic, social, spiritual, and physical dimensions of life.
Antoine Kambanda was elevated to Cardinal on November 28, 2020, by Pope Francis.
Since then, the Vatican has appointed him as a member of the Dicastery for Evangelization and the Dicastery for Culture and Education in the Catholic Church.
Cardinals who accompany the Pope on his apostolic journeys are often those whose responsibilities align with the main themes of the visit.
During the wider African tour, Pope Leo XIV is also expected to focus on youth development, human progress, and the impact of corruption and colonial legacy in Angola.
In Equatorial Guinea, the Pope will emphasize education, culture, and the role of the Church in promoting peace.
A significant number of African Cardinals are part of the delegation accompanying Pope Leo XIV on this tour.
The Catholic Church has increasingly appointed African Cardinals to senior global roles, as part of efforts to strengthen the Church’s presence on a continent where more than 20% of its faithful live.
Cardinal Kambanda is among clergy accompanying Pope Leo XIV in Cameroon.
