The heated Istanbul derby saw three red cards issued in stoppage time before the final whistle. However, the drama didn’t end there.
After the match, Mourinho approached Buruk from behind and appeared to pinch his nose, prompting the Galatasaray boss to fall to the ground. Mourinho was quickly escorted out of the area, while Buruk grabbed at his face before being tended to.
Galatasaray posted a photo on its official X account afterward with the quote, “You should not attack, you should digest!” along with a shushing emoji.
Wednesday’s incident is the latest for Mourinho, a no stranger to controversy, who was handed a four-match ban and fined by the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) following his comments about Turkish referees after a match at Galatasaray in February.
The Portuguese coach was also accused of making “racist statements” by the rival club, which at the time planned to seek criminal charges against the world-renowned coach.
The 62-year-old is considered one of the best coaches of his generation, winning two Champions Leagues, two Europa Leagues, one Conference League and eight league titles after previously managing Real Madrid, Chelsea, Manchester United, Inter Milan and AS Roma, among others.
The four are Barbra Banda, Rachael Kundananji, Prisca Chilufya and Grace Chanda, will not be able to compete at the Yongchuan International Tournament, an invitational women’s event.
“Their failure to owes to additional travel measures introduced by the new administration in the United States”, Zambia Football Association general secretary Reuben Kamanga said in a statement, without specifying the “travel measures” referred to.
Recently, the Trump administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration, stepped-up checks of foreign student visa holders and a potential ban on travel from some countries, has made many foreigners who live in the U.S. question whether they should travel abroad in case they have difficulty re-entering the country.
Banda, the team captain, Chanda and Chilufya play for Orlando Pride, and Kundananji was under contract with San Jose-based Bay FC in the National Women’s Soccer League.
In an executive order signed in January, Trump told his Cabinet members to submit a report within 60 days that identifies countries with vetting so poor that it would “warrant a partial or full suspension” of travelers from those countries to the US.
US State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said last month that the review was continuing and no list had been finalized. It is unclear whether China will be on the list.
The decision was approved during a joint session of the provincial council and the House of Bishops in which the church undertook to increase awareness and adaptation of practices that promote environmental protection and mitigate the evident impacts of climate change.
Tree planting is seen as a lasting tribute that benefits the environment. Trees help absorb carbon dioxide, improve air quality, and provide habitats for wildlife and priests will lead this new practice across the Church of Uganda’s provincial areas.
The CoU believes that planting trees in memory of loved ones is a meaningful way to contribute to the environment and leave a positive legacy for future generations.
The framework is instructive to all the 39 dioceses of the Church of Uganda, to step up responses towards environmental conservation, climate change adaptation and developing church-tailored preparedness and responses to disasters.
Similarly, all priests are instructed to regularly integrate environmental conservation and climate change messages in their sermons, and sensitize Christians on the dangers of polythene bags to the soil and environment.
Each diocese is also required to institute an environmental protection coordination taskforce and appoint focal persons at the diocese and each parish, promote the use of renewable energy and other alternative sources of cooking, to cut down on the use of firewood for cooking.
Part of the obligations of the task force include ensuring that all the idle Church land and institutions are planted with a mix of fruit trees and other indigenous varieties for food and carbon generation.
Reverend Canon William Ongeng, the Church of Uganda Provincial Secretary, indicates that the new strategic planning framework was developed to guide responses to the emerging challenges that communities are facing, due to habits of environmental destruction.
“This framework was informed by the end-line evaluation of the strategic plan for 2016-2025, the process involved wide consultations with all Bishops, the staff and leaders of key ministries of government,” he said.
The other interventions include using the church structures to train farmers on climate-smart agriculture practices such as conservation farming, agroforestry, integrated pest management, promoting the use of simple irrigation technologies and disease management right from household levels.
On the other hand, the Dioceses are also required to link and strengthen farmers’ organizations and cooperatives, as key drivers for supporting climate-smart agriculture adoption, and endeavor to strengthen extension services to provide farmers with regular support and guidance.
While launching the new strategic planning framework, Dr. Stephen Kazimba Mugalu, the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, expressed hope that if well implemented, it will enable the dioceses to adapt to the dynamic changing environment and promptly address emerging issues.
He urged the Bishops to collaborate with government ministries and departments, civil society actors, nongovernment organizations and church structures to achieve the intended strategic objectives.
To actualize the developed planning framework, the Church instituted a 24-member steering committee to oversee its effective implementation across all dioceses.
According to Kazimba, they have also developed a monitoring and evaluation tool and templates that will guide the performance assessment in each diocese.
The other areas of focus in the approved strategic planning framework include mission and evangelism to bring salvation and spiritual transformation, promoting socio-economic development, focusing on institutional development and community engagement.
A report from MINEMA indicates that the Northern and Western provinces are the most prone to disasters. Available data shows that 522 areas, home to approximately 22,000 households, are particularly vulnerable to disasters, especially during the rainy season.
In specific districts, the number of households at high risk includes 88 in Rusizi, 452 in Rubavu, 424 in Rutsiro, 364 in Nyabihu, and 100 in Nyamasheke.
During a discussion with members of the Senate on April 2, 2025, Murasira emphasized that the government closely monitors these areas to warn residents in advance and respond swiftly in case of emergencies.
Senator Marie Rose Mureshyankwano inquired whether research is conducted to determine the type of soil in different regions to help guide land use planning.
“For example, Nyabihu district frequently experiences natural disasters, and researchers have indicated that its soil is shallow, with rocky layers underneath, steep slopes, and fragile composition. Sometimes, areas are settled or cultivated when they would be better suited for pasture or forests. What measures are in place to conduct thorough research and ensure appropriate land use?” she asked.
In response Murasira responded by informing the house that each district has a land use master plan outlining what activities should be carried out on different types of land.
He stated that while the government collaborates with universities for research, they aim to integrate technology for better land analysis and disaster preparedness.
“We want to use drones to assess land conditions because there are areas like Shyira where the soil frequently shifts, and we currently lack the capability to determine the exact cause. If we had satellite imaging, we could receive detailed insights into the soil’s structure,” he explained.
MINEMA reports that Rwanda’s disaster resilience level stands at 46%, partly due to the slow reconstruction of infrastructure affected by disasters. The country has 14 designated relocation sites for people displaced by natural disasters.
In 2023 alone, disasters in Rwanda caused damages worth over Frw222.3 billion.
The Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, Dr. Jean Damascène Bizimana shared this update during a press conference ahead of the 31st Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
While he acknowledged that some individuals exploit hate speech and genocide denial for personal gain, Dr. Bizimana emphasized the challenge of monitoring such content, as many platforms cite difficulties in interpreting messages written in Kinyarwanda.
To counter this, Minister Bizimana said, requires translating and reporting such content, despite the complexity of the task.
“We will continue working with the owners of these platforms to ensure that those individuals are held accountable, without restricting people’s right to express their opinions,” he noted.
The minister reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to freedom of expression, as enshrined in the Constitution, but emphasized that hate speech and genocide denial constitute crimes that will not be tolerated.
Dr. Bizimana urged social media users to engage in respectful discussions and refrain from insults or misinformation. He also stressed the importance of educating younger generations to resist genocide ideology, noting that many young people are misled by distorted historical narratives.
The minister linked genocide ideology to Rwanda’s colonial past, where divisive teachings fueled ethnic tensions.
He also pointed out that over 60,000 genocide perpetrators have been reintegrated into society, contributing to national development, and warned against repeat offenses, which would be met with severe consequences.
As Rwanda continues to promote unity, social media accountability remains a crucial tool in preventing the spread of harmful rhetoric.
According to AP, the 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, causing widespread destruction of buildings, roads, and bridges across multiple regions.
Hospitals and health centers were severely damaged, leaving thousands in urgent need of medical care.
The World Health Organization reported that four hospitals were completely destroyed, with 32 more partially damaged. Mobile hospitals from India and a Russian-Belarusian medical unit have been deployed to assist.
With many survivors left homeless or avoiding unsafe buildings, temporary shelters are being set up in open fields under extreme heat. More than 1,550 international rescuers from 17 countries are working alongside local teams to provide aid.
The disaster has worsened Myanmar’s already dire humanitarian crisis. Even before the quake, over 3 million people were displaced, and nearly 20 million were in need of assistance due to ongoing conflict. In response, the military declared a temporary ceasefire until April 22, though reports indicate continued fighting in some areas.
Meanwhile, in Bangkok, where the earthquake caused the collapse of a high-rise under construction, the death toll has reached 22, with 35 others injured. Rescue teams continue searching for possible survivors.
With communication down and some areas still inaccessible, authorities fear the death toll could rise further as more information emerges.
Speaking at the Global AI Summit on Africa in Kigali on Thursday, April 3, Kagame underscored the transformative potential of AI but warned that its unchecked involvement in political processes could lead to unintended consequences.
“Certainly, it would be a dangerous place if we involved artificial intelligence too much in our politics. We may have something good come out of it, but I think we might also experience terrible things happening to us,” Kagame said.
He stressed the need for Africa to actively participate in AI development rather than remain on the sidelines, playing catch-up to global technological advancements.
Kagame noted that AI is currently dominated by a few countries, a situation he believes Africa must address by promoting cooperation, investment in digital infrastructure, and workforce development.
“Artificial intelligence is driving some of the most groundbreaking innovations of our time and accelerating the pace of digital transformation across industries,” he stated. “However, it’s unfortunate that the rise of this new technology is being overshadowed by geopolitical competition.”
To ensure Africa is not left behind, Kagame outlined three key areas of focus: enhancing digital infrastructure, strengthening the continent’s skilled workforce, and expediting regional integration.
He highlighted Rwanda’s investment in centers of excellence to equip young people with AI-related skills, emphasizing that Africa’s growing workforce presents a unique opportunity for innovation.
Furthermore, Kagame called for harmonization of AI governance frameworks across Africa, warning that regulatory fragmentation is stifling entrepreneurship and technological growth.
He urged policymakers to work together to address concerns over privacy and security while leveraging AI to reduce inequality and promote shared prosperity.
“Technology is supposed to be a force for good, and we have a responsibility to use it accordingly,” he remarked.
Togo’s President Faure Gnassingbé also weighed in on the discourse, emphasising the need for Africa to safeguard its strategic assets in the AI era. He highlighted the continent’s wealth of resources, including a youthful population, rich genomic and cultural data, and critical rare minerals essential for AI development.
Gnassingbé warned that these assets would become highly sought after by external entities, underscoring the importance of ethical governance and inclusion. He urged African nations to take proactive steps in structuring, valuing, and protecting their data to prevent exploitation.
“The temptation for external entities to exploit these resources without ethics and inclusion will be immense,” he said, calling for a concerted effort to ensure Africa maximises the benefits of its unique advantages in the global AI landscape.
The two-day summit brings together African and global leaders, tech experts, and policymakers to discuss AI’s role in shaping the continent’s future.
Other high-ranking leaders who graced the opening ceremony included Mahamat Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), and Musalia Mudavadi, Prime Cabinet Secretary of Kenya.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the inaugural Global AI Summit on Africa in Kigali on Thursday, April 3, 2025, President Kagame called for bold investments in digital infrastructure, workforce development, and continental integration to position Africa as a key player in AI innovation.
“We have to adapt, cooperate, and compete—because it is in our best interest to do so. That’s why we are here,” Kagame said.
“Technological development is concentrated in a few countries, and Africa cannot afford to be left behind, once again playing catch-up,” he added.
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While acknowledging AI’s transformative potential, Kagame cautioned against the risks of allowing AI to influence political and diplomatic affairs.
“If we work together—even in what was stated as geopolitics, diplomacy, and politics—we may drive AI to serve us well, rather than allowing AI to drive our politics, diplomacy, and cooperation,” he stated.
“Certainly, it would be a dangerous place if we involved artificial intelligence too much in our politics. We may have something good come out of it, but we might also experience terrible consequences.”
Instead, Kagame urged African leaders and innovators to leverage AI for economic growth, social progress, and reducing inequalities across the continent.
The Head of State outlined three priority areas that Africa must focus on to ensure that artificial intelligence drives meaningful progress across the continent.
First, Kagame emphasized the need to strengthen digital infrastructure, highlighting that reliable high-speed internet and stable power are essential for AI deployment. He urged governments and the private sector to invest in modernizing these systems to support technological growth.
Second, Kagame highlighted the importance of building a skilled workforce to meet the demands of the AI-driven economy.
“Africa needs its own data scientists, engineers, and cybersecurity experts,” he stated.
President Kagame pointed to Rwanda’s efforts in establishing centers of excellence designed to equip young people with the necessary skills to participate in and shape the future of AI.
He emphasized that empowering the next generation with digital expertise is key to ensuring that Africa remains competitive in the evolving technological landscape.
Finally, he called for fast-tracking continental integration to facilitate AI development. Kagame underscored the need for harmonized AI governance frameworks that would enable African countries to work together in shaping policies and regulations.
He also stressed the importance of stronger collaboration among nations to accelerate innovation and investment in AI, ensuring that African entrepreneurs and businesses can scale their solutions beyond national borders.
Kagame commended the African Union, Smart Africa, and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) for their efforts in championing AI development on the continent. He specifically praised the establishment of the Africa AI Council, which aims to guide the continent’s AI policies and strategies.
Kagame noted that Africa’s young population is a major advantage in the global AI revolution.
“Africans will soon represent the majority of the growth in the global workforce,” he said, stressing the importance of equipping them with the right skills to harness AI for economic transformation.
In closing, President Kagame called for unity in ensuring AI becomes a tool for development rather than division.
“Let’s remain committed to working together and driving AI to reduce inequality and allow more of our citizens to benefit from the good AI can deliver,” he urged.
The two-day summit brings together African and global leaders, tech experts, and policymakers to discuss AI’s role in shaping the continent’s future.
Some of the high-ranking leaders who graced the opening ceremony included Faure Gnassingbé, President of Togo; Mahamat Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC); and Musalia Mudavadi, Prime Cabinet Secretary of Kenya, among others.
Last month, media outlets began circulating reports that Belgium had deployed between 300 and 400 troops to Maniema Province to support the DRC’s forces in battling M23.
It has now been revealed that these soldiers were stationed at the Lwama military base in the city of Kindu, Maniema, and were accompanied by weaponry, including tanks and combat drones, to assist in the fight against M23.
Belgium’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maxime Prévot, dismissed these claims as false, stating that his country had only six soldiers in Kindu, whose role was limited to training activities under a European Union (EU) mission.
Despite Minister Prévot’s denial, Belgium has already suffered the loss of eight soldiers who were fighting alongside the DRC army in operations against M23 in Walikale Territory, North Kivu Province, near the Maniema border, according to The Great Lakes Eye newspaper.
Among the fallen Belgian troops was Sgt. Jimmy Luis Flander, who was shot while operating a drone to launch an attack on M23 positions. The armored vehicle he was in was also destroyed.
M23 fighters stationed in Walikale have been facing repeated drone attacks. One such drone recently set fire to a civilian aircraft at Kigoma Airstrip near Walikale Center last week.
Reports from Walikale confirm that Belgian soldiers have been operating these drones with the goal of dislodging M23 fighters from the mineral-rich territory, which contains valuable resources like cassiterite. M23 has reportedly shot down two of these drones.
Even as Minister Prévot denied Belgium’s involvement in this conflict, there appeared to be an underlying military strategy by his country in the region, particularly in eastern DRC.
On March 17, 2025, a Belgian military aircraft, the Falcon 8x, departed from Brussels for Kinshasa, continuing to Kindu the next day before returning to Kinshasa on March 20.
On March 21, the 16-passenger aircraft returned to the Great Lakes region, landing in Bujumbura. It is well known that Belgium, Burundi, and the DRC are collectively opposing M23, either directly or indirectly.
On Thursday, April 3, 2025, FIFA released its updated rankings for the month, showing Rwanda’s decline from 124th to 130th place.
In the previous rankings published in December 2024, Amavubi was ranked 124th. However, the team struggled in its two March 2025 World Cup qualifying matches, losing 2-0 to Nigeria and drawing 1-1 against Lesotho.
Additionally, Rwanda had played two matches in the qualifiers for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN), securing a 2-1 victory over South Sudan but suffering a 3-2 defeat in the second leg. These results led to an 8.7-point loss, contributing to the team’s six-place drop. This is the lowest ranking for Amavubi since September 2024.
At the top of the rankings, Argentina remains the world’s number one team, while Spain has moved up to second place, overtaking France.
In Africa, Morocco now leads the continent, climbing from third to 12th place globally, followed by Senegal, Egypt, Algeria, and Côte d’Ivoire.
Myanmar recorded the biggest jump, climbing seven spots to 162nd, while Guinea-Bissau suffered the biggest drop, falling to 128th place.
These rankings were based on 245 matches played by FIFA teams, including 58 games held in late 2024. Vietnam and Thailand played the highest number of matches during this period.
