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.
He explained that these measures were necessary due to ongoing security threats posed by the FDLR, a terrorist group formed by individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Amb. Nkulikiyimfura illustrated the severity of the threat by comparing the distance between Kigali and FDLR’s bases, 170 kilometers, to the distance between Paris and Reims. For three decades, he noted, Rwanda has faced a persistent security challenge along its border, necessitating strong defensive actions to protect its sovereignty.
Despite sanctions imposed by the U.S., the United Nations, and the European Union, FDLR continues to operate freely with the support of the Congolese government.
Amb. Nkulikiyimfura emphasized that instead of dismantling the group, the Congolese army (FARDC) collaborates with it, further endangering Rwanda’s security.
He also criticized MONUSCO, the UN peacekeeping mission in DRC, for failing to neutralize FDLR despite its decades-long presence in the region.
Referring to recent security incidents, he highlighted that after the M23 rebels took control of Goma on January 27, 2025, FARDC forces launched artillery strikes into Rwanda’s Rubavu district, killing 16 civilians.
He revealed that intelligence reports confirmed a coordinated plan involving FDLR, FARDC, Burundian forces, SAMIDRC troops, and European mercenaries to carry out a large-scale attack against Rwanda.
Additionally, weapons—including missiles, drones, and heavy artillery—were discovered less than five kilometers from Rwanda’s border, indicating an imminent threat.
In light of these developments, the ambassador reaffirmed that Rwanda’s defensive measures are necessary and justified to ensure national security.
Rubavu Port was inaugurated on December 6, 2024, with a total construction cost of $9.17 million. It is the largest port in Rwanda and will be connected to other ports, including the nearly completed Rusizi Port and future ports planned for Karongi and Nkora in Rutsiro District.
The port was built on a two-hectare area and has the capacity to accommodate two large boats, each measuring 60 meters in length and capable of carrying 500 tons of cargo. It also features 12 docking pillars for large cargo boats and a dedicated docking area for passenger boats.
The port facilitates the transportation of various goods, including cement produced in Rwanda, food products from Kenya and Tanzania destined for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and other commodities.
Nzabonimpa Deogratias, the Vice Mayor of Rubavu District in charge of economic development, told IGIHE that Lake Kivu was like an untapped goldmine for the region.
“Rubavu Port, built on Lake Kivu, has enabled our residents to trade more efficiently with neighboring districts and the DRC. Currently, it handles 1,400 tons of goods daily, meaning it is operating at 70% of its full capacity,” he stated.
He added that many traders are utilizing the port, and they expect to reach the full capacity of 2,000 tons per day soon.
Nzabonimpa sees the port as a major business opportunity for Rwanda and urged the private sector to maximize its potential. Currently, the port facilitates the movement of 40 trucks daily, each carrying 35 tons of goods, and employs 200 permanent workers engaged in loading and unloading activities through five cooperatives.
“This efficiency ensures that traders can quickly offload their goods and return for more shipments without delays, which is why they should take full advantage of this infrastructure,” Nzabonimpa said.
He also encouraged investors to purchase modern boats for tourism purposes, allowing visitors to explore Rwanda’s scenic beauty.
Discussing the port’s economic impact on Rubavu District, Nzabonimpa highlighted the significant increase in tax revenue and the growth of private sector investments in Nyamyumba Sector, where the port is located.
He revealed plans to develop additional infrastructure, including a cross-border market near the port.
Dieudonné Mabete Niyonsaba, Chairman of the Private Sector Federation in Rubavu District, stated that the port has eased business operations by reducing transportation costs.
“Water transport is cheaper and can carry more goods, which has significantly lowered expenses for traders who previously relied on land transport. Rubavu District has become more accessible, as the port connects us to other areas along Lake Kivu and facilitates trade with the DRC,” he said.
He emphasized that stakeholders are committed to fully utilizing the port’s capacity and maximizing its economic benefits. He also encouraged users to improve their operations and cooperation to ensure mutual profitability.
Rubavu Port, located in Nyamyumba Sector on Lake Kivu, has a total capacity of handling 700,000 tons of goods and 2.7 million passengers annually.
The port comprises key facilities, including a cargo terminal, a tourism section, immigration offices, a police station, a vehicle repair area, and restaurants.
It also hosts services from the Rwanda Transport Development Agency (RTDA), immigration and security authorities, and institutions typically found at land border crossings, such as MAGERWA and the Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA).
Additionally, the port features designated areas for tourists visiting Rwanda’s Western Province attractions, as well as storage facilities where traders can temporarily keep their goods after unloading.
The year-on-year increase is a result of the identification of additional assets that were subsequently frozen, local media Swissinfo cited the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) as saying.
In addition, 14 real estate assets of individuals, companies or entities targeted by the European Union’s (EU) sanctions against Russia have been taken over by Switzerland.
According to the SECO, the Swiss authority has expanded its list of sanctions against Russia as it adopts the additional measures decided by the EU against Russia.
On Feb. 24, the EU adopted further measures against Russia as part of its 16th package of sanctions, which includes measures in the areas of goods, finance and services. (1 Swiss franc = 1.13 U.S. dollar)
The global health body now faces a $2.5 billion budget deficit, including a $1.9 billion gap in its planned $4.2 billion budget for 2026-27 and an additional $600 million deficit through the end of 2025, according to senior WHO officials who spoke at a recent global staff ‘Town Hall’ meeting.
Health Policy Watch, a nonprofit global health news outlet, reports that the U.S.—historically the WHO’s largest donor—has yet to pay its 2024 dues of $130 million, further deepening the organization’s financial crisis.
In total, the country owes WHO $260 million for the 2024-25 period, funds that are unlikely to be paid following newly elected President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw from the organization.
While the U.S. withdrawal will only take effect in January 2026 due to a required one-year notice period, the financial repercussions are already being felt.
Raul Thomas, WHO’s Assistant Director General of Business Operations, highlighted that the withdrawal of U.S. funding has played a key role in the crisis. The country contributed nearly $1 billion in both fixed and voluntary payments in 2022-23. The loss of these funds means WHO must now make significant budgetary adjustments to continue its core operations.
In response, WHO Director General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has announced strategic reductions across all levels of the organization, beginning with senior leadership.
Speaking to WHO staff via Zoom, he emphasized that the organization will undergo a prioritization exercise to focus on its core functions and maximize its impact despite reduced resources.
“Everything is on the table, including merging divisions, departments, and units, and relocating functions,” Tedros stated, adding that the prioritization process will be completed by the second half of the month.
He assured that the cuts will be guided by strategic need rather than contract type or grade level.
A newly formed “prioritization working group” led by Deputy Director General Dr. Mike Ryan, alongside Regional Directors Hans Kluge (Europe) and Hanan Balkhy (Eastern Mediterranean), will oversee the restructuring efforts. Thomas and WHO Chief Scientist Jeremy Farrar are also part of this team.
President Trump’s decision to pull the U.S. from WHO marks the second time he has pursued such action. During his first term, he initiated the withdrawal in response to what he claimed was WHO’s mismanagement of the COVID-19 pandemic. His successor, President Joe Biden, reversed that decision upon taking office. However, upon his return to the White House in January 2025, Trump swiftly signed an executive order to withdraw again.
While the full impact of the U.S. withdrawal will only take shape in 2026, WHO officials are already bracing for the financial and operational consequences of losing its largest donor. The organization now faces tough choices to ensure that it continues its global health initiatives with significantly reduced funding.
The program, designed to bolster youth capabilities, combined cutting-edge AI education with peace leadership training, equipping participants with tools to foster community development and promote peace.
IPYG, a global youth organization active in 128 countries, launched the YEPC in 2020. Since then, it has engaged over 3,000 participants from approximately 60 nations, offering annual peace education on topics relevant to youth.
This year’s sessions, held in March, included an AI Practical Training on March 15, where participants explored the significance of artificial intelligence and learned to use tools like ChatGPT in various fields.
A week later, on March 22, the Youth Leadership Training highlighted historical youth-led peace movements, emphasizing the pivotal role young people have played in social transformation and peacebuilding.
Rwandan youth were among those who benefited from these initiatives, joining peers from South Sudan, Timor-Leste, and beyond in gaining skills to become future “peace leaders.”
The program aims to inspire sustainable progress in their regions, with participants encouraged to extend their learning through educational outreach and peace campaigns that ripple from local communities to a global stage.
The YEPC aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal of Quality Education and supports UNESCO’s lifelong learning objectives, offering valuable opportunities to youth worldwide.
Stories of young leaders who sparked change during times of war and conflict were shared during the training, underscoring their contributions to civil rights and democratization movements.
A key influence in the program was Chairman Lee of HWPL, IPYG’s partner organization, whose belief that “the voice of one person who has experienced war can change the world” left a lasting impression. His wartime experiences reinforced the urgency of peace, a message that resonated with attendees.
Kuir Michael Riak, a participant from South Sudan and National Coordinator of South Sudan Students for Liberty, praised the training’s impact.
“Attending the YEPC has been an incredibly enriching experience,” he said.
“The peace leadership session directly addressed the challenges faced by my community. It reinforced the crucial role of youth networks in uniting citizens for grassroots peace initiatives and inspired me to drive meaningful change.”
For Rwandan youth and others, the program shifted perspectives, positioning them as active agents of peacebuilding rather than passive societal members.
With the mantra “the future of peace starts with today’s youth” echoing throughout, IPYG’s efforts are planting seeds for a more peaceful world, one empowered young leader at a time.
