He made the call on April 7, as Rwandans in the Netherlands commemorated the 31st anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The ceremony began with the laying of wreath at the memorial site, located in the Beatrix park in the city of Amsterdam.
It was followed by a commemorative ceremony in which the representative of IBUKA-NL, Mr. Joseph Rutazihana, the Deputy Mayor of Amsterdam, Mrs. Touria Meliani, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Justice and Security, Mrs. Anneke Van Dijk delivered messages of solidarity with the victims and hope for the survivors.
Speaking at the event, Mukama highlighted that the pursuit of justice must continue to ensure that the horrors of the genocide are never repeated.
While the genocide ended long ago, he stressed that its ideology still lingers, with many perpetrators remaining unpunished and called for action to decimate impunity.
“We cannot correct the past but the collective responsibility of ensuring justice remains. At this moment, there are still genocide fugitives freely roaming in European cities and elsewhere in the world.
“Rwanda has issued more than a thousand indictments to 34 countries. I wish to re-iterate our call to the countries that are yet to take action on this matter to help us uphold the principle of justice and accountability,” added Mukama.
The Chargé d’Affaires further acknowledged the significant contributions of the Netherlands, particularly in judicial cooperation and the prosecution of genocide fugitives.
“Your contribution in the building and repair of infrastructure, capacity building as well as in the investigation, the extradition and the prosecution of genocide fugitives residing in the Netherlands, not only demonstrates your commitment to the principle of justice that the Netherlands is renowned for but also cements your position as reliable partner,” he stated.
Mukama also reminded the international community that the genocide ideology still spreads, particularly in Europe, through revisionist narratives and denialist movements.
He urged that efforts to fight this ideology should continue, not only to ensure justice but also to prevent future atrocities.
This warning was part of a statement released on Friday, April 11. The rainfall is mostly anticipated to affect several regions, including Kigali City, the Northern and Western Provinces, and Nyamagabe and Nyaruguru Districts. During this period, rainfall is expected to range from 25 mm to 60 mm per day.
The heavy rainfall is likely to bring about several hazards, including the risk of flooding, particularly in low-lying areas. Additionally, areas with steep slopes and inadequate erosion control measures may experience landslides. Thunderstorms are also expected, adding to the weather-related risks.
In light of these conditions, Meteo Rwanda has advised the general public to take necessary precautions to mitigate the impacts of the heavy rainfall.
Addressing the Senate plenary session on April 2, 2025, the Minister in charge of Emergency Management, Maj Gen (Rtd) Albert Murasira, outlined the country’s preparedness to combat disasters prevalent during the rainy season.
He revealed a recent assessment identifying 522 high-risk areas encompassing 22,000 households and approximately 100,000 people vulnerable to natural disasters.
Minister Murasira emphasized the ongoing continuous monitoring efforts to ensure the safety of residents before disasters strike. The assessment also highlighted the vulnerability of over 25,000 hectares of farmland, around 200 infrastructures, and 23 public buildings, including offices and churches.
Breaking down the at-risk districts, he noted that Rusizi has 88 households at high risk, followed by Rubavu with 452, Rutsiro with 424, Nyabihu with 364, and Nyamasheke with 100.
Furthermore, Minister Murasira confirmed that Rwanda’s overall disaster resilience level currently stands at 46%.
To manage potential displacement, the country has identified 14 designated relocation sites for affected individuals. Statistics indicate the significant impact of natural disasters, causing damages worth over 222.3 billion Rwandan Francs in 2023.
Led by CEO Emmanuel Hamez, the delegation joined the nation in commemoration and reflection at one of the most somber memorial sites in the country. The Ntarama Memorial, once a church, holds the remains and memory of thousands who sought refuge and were brutally killed.
In his address, Hamez underscored the importance of remembrance and truth. “Today, we gather here at the Ntarama Genocide Memorial, a place that holds not only the memory of thousands of lives lost, but also the enduring pain and resilience of a nation,” he said.
He reminded attendees of their shared human responsibility. “I speak to you not only as the CEO of Airtel Rwanda… but as a human being. A husband, a father, a colleague. To the descendants of survivors, many of whom walk with silent grief or inherited trauma, we see you, and we stand beside you,” he said.
He emphasized that remembrance must go beyond ceremony, calling it “a commitment to building a more just, more united, more compassionate society.”
While acknowledging the horrors of the past, Hamez also praised Rwanda’s extraordinary journey. “Rwanda has shown the world that a nation can emerge from its darkest hour with resolve, grace, and a vision for a better future.”
He reaffirmed Airtel Rwanda’s role in fostering empathy and inclusion: “Our role in this society goes beyond technology and service. We believe in connecting hearts and minds, and creating spaces where empathy, diversity, and inclusion are not just words, but values we live by.”
Veteran Ugandan opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye will remain in custody after the High Court on Friday denied him bail, nearly five months after his arrest.
The 68-year-old medical doctor turned politician and his aide, Hajj Obeid Lutale, have been held on remand for 147 days since their arrest in Nairobi, Kenya, in November last year.
The court acknowledged that both men had presented valid sureties and met formal bail conditions. However, Justice Rosette Comfort Kania, whose ruling was delivered by registrar Ssalamu Ngoobi, ruled against their release, citing the serious nature of the treason charges they face and concerns over potential interference in ongoing investigations.
In her ruling, Justice Kania noted that the allegations span several jurisdictions, both within and outside Uganda, which complicates the investigative process.
“The offences are alleged to have been committed not only in Uganda but also abroad, demanding extensive time and resources,” the court stated.
Highlighting the risk of obstruction, the ruling added that releasing the suspects at this stage could jeopardize the integrity of the investigation.
“Due to the gravity of the accusations and the ongoing inquiries, there is a real risk that the applicants might interfere with the process if released at this time,” the court stated.
Dr. Besigye, a four-time presidential contender, and Hajj Lutale are charged with treason—an offence that carries the possibility of a death sentence.
According to state prosecutors, the alleged conspiracy to overthrow the Ugandan government by force was planned between 2023 and November 2024, spanning multiple international locations including Geneva, Athens, Nairobi, and Kampala.
Two other individuals, including Capt Denis Oola and unnamed co-conspirators still at large, have also been linked to the case.
Following a state visit to Angola, President Suluhu said that her visit was far more than a diplomatic occasion. “It was a declaration of intent, boldly reaffirming our enduring friendship and a commitment to elevate our bilateral relations to new heights,” she said.
Describing it as a “game changer,” she underscored the importance of reinvigorating ties first forged by founding leaders Mwalimu Julius Nyerere and Agostinho Neto.
During her address to the Angolan Parliament, Suluhu evoked the warmth and solidarity between the two countries, likening Angola to “one of the many houses one can have,” where “the warmth and nostalgia keep getting better” with each visit.
Historically united by a shared struggle for liberation and Pan-African ideals, Tanzania and Angola are now pivoting toward mutual economic transformation. The leaders acknowledged that while political solidarity remains strong, economic cooperation has yet to reach its full potential.
Key areas of focus included trade, energy, transport, agriculture, and minerals. Angola’s experience in oil and gas and its robust energy infrastructure complement Tanzania’s growing economy, investment potential, and strategic location as a trade gateway in East, Central, and Southern Africa.
“We have agreed to foster closer cooperation in renewable energy, logistics, the blue economy, and regional trade, especially under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA),” Suluhu said.
Beyond economic priorities, both countries emphasized investing in people, particularly youth. “We must empower our youth, who are brimming with talent, creativity, and ambition,” she stated, highlighting the need for education, technology, and entrepreneurship to drive inclusive development.
Gender parity, healthcare, education, and infrastructure were also celebrated as shared progress points, with both leaders vowing to strengthen people-to-people connections through cultural exchanges, tourism, and professional collaboration.
Suluhu reiterated the shared responsibility in ensuring regional peace, unity, and security through the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
“We will continue to support African solutions to African problems while constructively engaging global partners,” she said.
Quoting Mwalimu Nyerere, she reminded both nations that, “Unity will not make us rich, but it can make it difficult for Africa and the African peoples to be disregarded and humiliated.”
At the summit of her visit, Suluhu called for the transformation of a shared history into a future of promise and innovation. “Together we rise. Together, we shape Africa’s tomorrow,” she said.
The tit-for-tat exchange marks a major escalation in the ongoing trade war, raising fears of deeper disruption to global supply chains and markets.
In a strongly worded statement, China’s Ministry of Finance blasted the U.S. tariff hike as “unilateral bullying and coercion,” accusing Washington of violating international trade norms and disregarding basic economic principles.
“The U.S. imposition of abnormally high tariffs on China seriously violates international economic and trade rules, disregards the post-World War II global economic order built by the U.S. itself, and defies common sense,” the ministry said.
Beijing made clear that its new tariffs would take effect on Saturday, while warning that it would not play along with what it called a “numbers game” of ever-rising duties.
“At the current tariff level, there is no market acceptance for U.S. goods exported to China,” the statement continued.
“If the U.S. continues to impose higher tariffs, it will no longer make economic sense and will become a joke in the history of world economy.”
President Trump’s move to raise tariffs to 145% included all major categories of Chinese imports, although it excluded a separate 20% duty tied to China’s role in the global fentanyl trade, according to the Associated Press.
The latest increase follows a pause on reciprocal tariffs for several other trading partners, singling China out as the primary target of the White House’s aggressive trade strategy.
In response, China’s Commerce Ministry confirmed that it had filed an additional complaint with the World Trade Organization, escalating the dispute to a formal global forum.
China’s retaliation has started to take effect, with major European stock indexes—which initially posted minor gains on Friday—falling sharply after news of the retaliatory tariffs broke.
This marks a slight increase from the 6.3 percent annual inflation recorded in February.
The monthly inflation rate, comparing March to February 2025, stood at 1.3 percent in urban areas, which serve as the benchmark for headline inflation in the country. The annual average inflation rate over the past 12 months was reported at 5.3 percent.
Food and non-alcoholic beverages, which make up the largest share of consumer spending at 27%, contributed significantly to the rise, recording a 6.4 percent increase year-on-year and a 2.4 percent rise compared to February. Meat prices surged the most within this category, climbing 34.4 percent from March 2024.
Transport costs also played a substantial role, rising by 12 percent year-on-year, while restaurant and hotel services saw a sharp 14.1 percent jump, reflecting ongoing pressures in service and logistics sectors.
Core inflation, which excludes fresh food and energy to provide a clearer view of underlying trends, rose by 5.8 percent year-on-year and by 0.7 percent on a monthly basis. Meanwhile, the index for fresh products increased by 11.3 percent annually, while energy prices declined slightly by 1.1 percent.
In rural areas, the inflation rate was lower, at 3.9 percent annually, although monthly inflation rose by 2.2 percent—faster than in urban areas.
Nationally, the overall CPI for Rwanda increased by 4.9 percent year-on-year and 1.9 percent from the previous month.
The CPI is a key measure used for monetary policy decision-making in Rwanda and tracks price changes across a basket of 1,622 goods and services in both urban and rural settings.
In a statement released on Thursday, AFC/M23 expressed “profound concern” over what it described as deliberate attacks by the Kinshasa regime, singling out the occupation of Walikale town by coalition forces as a breach of goodwill and a direct violation of the truce.
According to the rebel group, forces affiliated with the DRC government, including the FARDC, FDLR, Mai-Mai/Wazalendo militia, and Burundi’s National Defense Forces, looted Walikale after AFC/M23 repositioned its troops as a gesture of commitment to the ceasefire.
“This occupation was not only an act of aggression but a betrayal of our efforts to de-escalate the situation,” the statement read.
The rebel alliance added that heavy attacks were also launched in other areas of North and South Kivu, including Masisi, Walungu, and surrounding regions.
The communiqué further alleged a targeted campaign against Banyamulenge civilians in Minembwe, reporting that between April 8 and 10, coordinated attacks from areas known as “Point Zero” and “Bilalombili” endangered the local population in Mikenke.
“These were not random skirmishes,” AFC/M23 claimed, describing them as attacks “of genocidal character” allegedly launched from Rugezi and involving mass destruction, looting, and violence against unarmed civilians in areas such as Kivumu and Gahwera.
Despite these accusations, the group reaffirmed its commitment to a peaceful resolution of the ongoing conflict, stating that it remains determined to “protect civilians and neutralise any threat at its source.”
AFC/M23, which controls large swathes of eastern DRC, announced last month that it would withdraw from the town of Walikale to facilitate the implementation of a ceasefire aimed at paving the way for direct talks with President Felix Tshisekedi’s administration.
Direct talks between the two sides, which had been scheduled for Wednesday, April 9, were postponed indefinitely amid rebel pressure for Kinshasa to agree to six preconditions before any meaningful negotiations could proceed.
The demands include a public declaration from President Tshisekedi affirming his commitment to direct talks, the repeal of restrictive parliamentary resolutions, the cancellation of death sentences and arrest warrants for AFC/M23 leaders, the release of alleged sympathisers detained based on ethnicity or association, and an end to hate speech and discriminatory practices targeting Swahili and Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese.
The rebels also insist on a formal bilateral ceasefire agreement being signed before any negotiations proceed.
Speaking candidly on the Work in Progress podcast hosted by actress Sophia Bush, the former First Lady addressed why her absence from certain high-profile events—including Donald Trump’s inauguration and the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter—sparked whispers of a possible split from her husband of 32 years.
Without directly naming the events or explicitly denying the divorce speculation, Mrs Obama dismissed the narrative, saying: “This couldn’t be a grown woman just making a set of decisions for herself, right? But that’s what society does to us.”
She reflected on the public’s reaction to her stepping back from some traditional roles, saying it revealed a broader issue about expectations placed on women.
“People couldn’t even fathom that I was making a choice for myself—they had to assume that my husband and I are divorcing.”
Mrs Obama, who has continued to speak at major events like the Democratic National Convention and remains engaged in advocacy, including girls’ education, explained that she’s simply choosing what’s best for her.
“I chose to do what was best for me. Not what I had to do. Not what I thought other people wanted me to do,” she said.
The Obamas, who marked their 32nd wedding anniversary in October last year, have long been admired for their relationship.
In her memoir Becoming, Mrs Obama has previously acknowledged the challenges they faced, particularly during their time in the White House.
Scientists and researchers claim to have discovered the location of the famous Noah’s Ark in Turkey, just 30 kilometres south of the summit of Mount Ararat.
Experts are yet to officially confirm the ark’s existence but many have speculated around the spot due to the legendary Durupinar formation.
A 538ft geological structure made of limonite can be seen lying by the mountain which closely resembles the exact dimensions of the ark, according to the Bible. The scientists have expresses confidence of uncovering the truth in the coming years and have already laid out their excavation plans.
Operations at what they label the “boat site” haven’t started yet with dozens of geophysical surveys, core drilling, and careful planning still to take place.
Top researcher Andrew Jones said the location lies in an active earth flow with harsh winters, so protecting the area is a top priority.
“Over the next few years, our Turkish university partners will conduct non-destructive tests like soil sampling, radar scans, and other methods to determine if the structures we’ve detected are truly man-made or simply natural formations,” he said.
“Only after we gather enough evidence and have a proper preservation plan in place will we consider excavating,” he explained.
The team have already had several positive results back from testing the land which has only increased their excitement over a match. Turkish geologist Doctor Memet Salih Bayraktutan collected 22 soil samples from inside and just outside of the “boat shape” last year.
These were shipped off to be analyzed at Ataturk University in Erzurum and came back with some remarkable results.
It was found that there was a lower pH inside the suspected ark structure as well as having a higher organic matter. More potassium was also clearly see inside compared to outside. “These changes are consistent with rotting wood,” the research team say.
It was also discovered was that the grass inside actually turns lighter and more yellow in the autumn. This has made them believe that the structure is an ancient creation made by man rather than an ecological change to the landscape overtime.
In October 2019, a full ground-penetrating radar (GPR) scan was also carried out at the site using two antenna frequencies. The goal was to explore different depths through the radar pulses from the machinery which go on to create images of what’s beneath the ground without digging.
It sends electromagnetic waves into the soil which when hit objects, potentially buried artefacts, walls, or graves, they bounce back to a receiver. Jones described the GPR as “a non-invasive peek into the past”.
It is mainly used to save time, reduces costs, and preserve dig sites. Initial scans of the site showed rectangular shapes were sat around 22ft down within the boat-shaped formation.
Another American geophysicist re-examined the data and claimed to find a long hallway which opened up into a large central space. This has led researchers to believe there are still open cavities inside the formation which Noah’s Ark Scans hope to soon drill into.
{{Why is locating Noah’s ark important?}}
For those involved in the research, the importance of the discovery is not just limited to its religious implications.
While Noah’s ark is a key element in Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, the story also speaks to larger human questions about survival, faith, and the fragility of life in the face of natural disasters.
The team’s findings, particularly the materials embedded in the formation’s soil, suggest that the area may have been submerged in a vast body of water at some point, potential signs suggesting evidence of the great flood
While the theory remains highly speculative, the notion that ancient humans witnessed and survived such a cataclysm has captivated scholars and theologians alike for centuries.
For scientists and archaeologists alike, the potential to link these scientific findings with one of history’s most famous legends is as daunting as it is crucial.
The story is also a key part of the Abrahamic religious traditions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam) and is often interpreted as a message of faith, obedience, and God’s promise to never destroy the Earth with a flood again.
According to the Book of Genesis, chapters 6 to 9, God decided to flood the Earth because of humanity’s widespread wickedness.
But he chose to spare Noah because of his righteousness and tasked him with building a large ark to save himself, his family, and a pair of every animal. The team are looking to create a gap and use a camera to see inside without damaging the site.
“We also plan to take core samples from across the formation, which should help us confirm whether the right angles and geometric patterns we see on the GPR scans are man-made structures or just natural formations,” Jones said.
So far, results support the existing theories. The soil tests suggest this formation isn’t simply part of the surrounding mud flow, it’s a distinct object. This comes as startling new archaeological evidence could finally solve another religious mystery.
New clues are emerging from the dust of one of the world’s most historic sites which could finally settle a long-standing debate over the death of Jesus and where he was buried.
