Liège authorities have traditionally joined Rwandans in commemorating the genocide and had scheduled the event for April 12, 2025. However, they have now decided to withdraw from the event.
According to state broadcaster RTBF, the city’s decision was based on a warning from the Liège police.
The police cited tensions between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, suggesting that individuals from the two countries residing in the city could clash during the event.
“An analysis of the potential issue was conducted. The Liège police provided an unfavourable recommendation. The international political climate is unstable,” Jadranka Lozina, the spokesperson for the Liège police, was quoted as saying.
While Rwandans will still be allowed to gather privately for the commemoration, Liège Mayor Willy Demeyer will not attend. Authorities have also warned that if public order is threatened, the gathering will not be permitted.
The decision comes amid strained diplomatic relations between Rwanda and Belgium. Rwanda recently cut ties with Belgium due to the latter’s alignment with the DRC in calling for sanctions against Rwanda, accusing it of supporting the M23 rebel group—an allegation Rwanda has strongly denied.
Minister Nduhungirehe condemned the move, arguing that it demonstrates how the genocide denial narrative, propagated by DRC authorities and their Belgian supporters, is rapidly spreading within Belgium.
“It is evident that the denial virus, spread by the Congolese government and its supporters in Belgium, is rapidly taking hold in the Kingdom of Léopold!” the minister wrote on X.
Nduhungirehe further pointed out that Liège is governed by the Socialist Party (PS), which includes Lydia Mutyebele, a DRC-born MP known for her hostility towards Rwanda and genocide denial, as well as André Flahaut, who has recently shown support for Kinshasa’s leadership in the ongoing regional tensions.
He also reminded that April 7 is an internationally recognised day, designated by the United Nations General Assembly, for the world to join Rwandans in commemorating the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
With five out of seven people lacking access to safe surgery and 4.2 million dying within 30 days of operations each year, experts at the inaugural Advancing Medical Education in Africa Conference (MedEdAfrica 2025) this week highlighted how these interventions, paired with innovative training, are reducing risks and reshaping healthcare education.
“When the lights go off mid-operation, our headlamp comes on, and we continue,” said Professor Nobhojit Roy, a Lifebox governing board member and surgery professor at the University of Global Health Equity (UGHE).
Lifebox’s headlamps, distributed across 116 countries, tackle a universal hurdle: power interruptions.
In Rwanda, like many other countries in the region, they have illuminated operating theaters, with Prof. Roy describing them as a “practical fix” in cases of power hitches, ensuring surgeries can continue uninterrupted even with the slightest interruption.
Senait Bitew Alemu, Lifebox’s Chief Programme Officer, highlighted the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist as a cornerstone of their Clean Cut project, which includes components such as proper hand hygiene, skin antisepsis, sterile equipment and environment, and timely antibiotic prophylaxis.
In Rwanda, the non-profit organization focused on improving the safety of surgery in low-income countries has been implementing the Clean Cut program in four facilities, including CHUK, Kabgayi, Kigeme, and Kirehe. According to the organization, globally, Clean Cut has demonstrated a 35% reduction in infections among all patients.
“A patient shouldn’t return with an infection,” Alemu said, emphasizing the importance of safer recoveries for mothers post-cesarean.
Pulse oximeters, which monitor oxygen levels, have also played an important role in safer surgeries.
“It’s a device you saw during COVID,” Prof. Roy noted.
A pulse oximeter is the only piece of equipment included on the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist and is a minimum standard for safe anesthesia. Yet, operating rooms across the world still lack this essential device, putting millions of lives at risk, according to Lifebox experts.
Since 2011, Lifebox has distributed more than 35,000 pulse oximeters in 116 countries. Coupled with the training of more than 14,000 healthcare providers on safe surgeries, these efforts are making surgery safer for more than 200 million patients.
Additionally, as part of efforts for safer surgeries, Lifebox, in partnership with Smile Train, is equipping 650 operating rooms with Smile Train-Lifebox Capnographs. These essential monitors ensure patients receive adequate oxygen during anesthesia. While they have been used universally in high-income countries for decades, they remain absent in many low-resource operating rooms.
The MedEdAfrica conference, launched Monday at the Kigali Convention Centre, drew over 600 medical educators, students, healthcare leaders, and policymakers from Africa and beyond.
Hosted by UGHE, the Ministry of Health, and partners, it birthed the Consortium of Medical Schools in Africa (COMSA) to foster collaboration.
Speaking during the opening of the conference, Health Minister Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana stressed the importance of evolving education to meet a shifting health landscape.
“Diseases have moved from malaria to cancer as life expectancy rises,” he said. “We need specialists, and fast.”
Lifebox supports the ministry through a nine-month nursing fellowship at Butaro Teaching Hospital, which began two months ago and is ongoing.
“Nurses are the backbone,” Alemu affirmed. “We’re training them in safety, leadership, and sterilization,” she added.
The Lifebox training program, targeting general nurses in perioperative roles, aims to cascade training across Rwanda, with five initial trainees set to mentor others.
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Professor Abebe Bekele, UGHE’s Dean and COMSA co-chair, emphasized the need for education reform across Africa to address existing gaps.
“Africa can’t afford 15-20-year training timelines,” he said, advocating for shorter, intensive programs and multi-level training to meet rural healthcare demands.
He termed the reforms as crucial to supporting initiatives such as the 4×4 program launched in July 2023, which aims to quadruple the number of healthcare workers in the country within four years, with a target to achieve this by 2027.
Thomas Weiser, a Stanford surgeon and Lifebox collaborator, echoed this call for change: “We’ve trained doctors the same way for 120 years—it’s too slow.” He proposed simulation and task-sharing with non-medical doctors, noting, “Nurse anesthetists handle 80% of rural US anesthetics.”
Minister Nsanzimana pushed for a tech-driven overhaul, stating, “The demand is growing, and we must respond by aligning medical education with healthcare needs. There is no debate—medical education is crucial. The burden of disease is increasing and evolving. We have moved from primarily dealing with malaria, HIV, and tuberculosis to addressing chronic illnesses like cancer and organ failure. These shifts are recent—perhaps in the past decade—but they are significant.”
He added, “AI is already transforming fields like radiology and pathology. Should we continue training the same number of specialists in these fields, or should we adapt to the changing landscape? Technology is not replacing healthcare professionals, but it is shifting how we work. We must integrate these advancements into medical education.”
Prof. Roy reinforced this urgency: “With population growth, we need faster training—15 years won’t cut it.”
Speaking at the seminar, Thapelo Tsheole, Chief Executive Officer of the Capital Market Authority, stressed the country’s growing achievements in green finance.
“Rwanda’s commitment to green finance is evident through its Sustainable Finance Roadmap, which provides strategic direction for scaling up sustainable investments while ensuring the resilience of the financial system,” he said.
A significant milestone in Rwanda’s financial sector has been the introduction of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Reporting Guidelines for the Rwanda Stock Exchange (RSE).
“These guidelines align Rwanda’s financial markets with international sustainability standards, enhancing transparency, accountability, and responsible investing,” Tsheole noted. He added that the move has significantly boosted investor confidence and improved market efficiency through adherence to global best practices.
Among other notable developments is the launch of Green, Social, and Sustainability (GSS+) Bonds, structured in line with standards set by the International Capital Market Association (ICMA) and the Climate Bonds Initiative (CBI).
“The successful issuance of these bonds affirms Rwanda’s commitment to creating credible and attractive green investment opportunities, ensuring our financial markets remain globally competitive,” said Tsheole.
In addition to GSS+ Bonds, the Rwanda Development Bank (BRD) has issued two Sustainability-Linked Bonds, while Prime Energy Plc launched a Green Bond to finance environmentally sustainable projects.
“These issuances highlight our dedication to leveraging capital markets to support climate-resilient development while enhancing investor confidence,” Tsheole added.
Rwanda’s robust green finance agenda is designed to attract private sector investment into climate-related initiatives, deepen capital market development, and align national policies with international frameworks such as the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
These efforts also contribute to fostering responsible investing and strengthening the overall credibility of Rwanda’s financial sector. With progressive policies and ongoing innovation in green finance, Rwanda is well on its way to becoming a continental leader in sustainable financial development.
In a recent interview with the BBC, President Ndayishimiye claimed he had credible information indicating that Rwanda plans to invade Bujumbura using RED Tabara, which he says is based in South Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo).
“We know that Rwanda is trying to attack us through the Democratic Republic of Congo, using RED Tabara. But we are telling them that if they want to attack Bujumbura via Congo, Kigali is also not far if we go through Kirundo.”
Ndayishimiye began accusing Rwanda of backing RED Tabara in December 2023, following the group’s attack on the Gatumba area near Bujumbura. Rwanda denied the accusations, stating it does not support any group opposing the Burundian government.
On March 26, 2025, RED Tabara’s military spokesperson, Patrick Nahimana, released a statement dismissing Ndayishimiye’s claims as baseless. He emphasized that the group is solely supported by Burundians.
“RED Tabara strongly denies being supported by Rwanda or any other entity. Our struggle is solely backed by Burundians who understand that our existence is rooted in the need to restore the rule of law and the Arusha Peace Agreement, which the CNDD-FDD-led government has violated—leading to Burundi’s political crisis since 2015,” Nahimana said.
The group pointed out that Rwanda previously handed over captured RED Tabara fighters to Burundi in July 2021. These individuals were arrested in Nyungwe Forest in September 2020 after crossing from Kibira Forest.
RED Tabara argued that it is illogical to accuse Rwanda of supporting them while it is actively participating in peace talks with Burundi aimed at restoring diplomatic ties strained since the 2023 Gatumba incident.
“How could Rwanda be supporting RED Tabara while it is simultaneously in dialogue with Burundi to resolve their differences?” the group questioned.
They further accused President Ndayishimiye of using Rwanda as a scapegoat to deflect attention from Burundi’s worsening economic conditions.
The group invited international observers to visit their bases and investigate any claims of external support, urging transparency.
Meanwhile, President Ndayishimiye has firmly stated that his government will not negotiate with RED Tabara, insisting that the group’s fighters must be brought to justice.
In response, RED Tabara called on international organizations that supported the Arusha Peace Agreement to pressure the Burundian government into engaging in dialogue with political and armed opposition groups.
They argued that, had such pressure been applied earlier, the ongoing conflict might have been resolved.
He was addressing youth representatives from Kigali and nearby districts on March 25, 2025, after raising concerns about the potential impact of the sanctions on Rwanda.
Dr. Bizimana clarified that the countries that imposed the sanctions were more focused on the stability of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), which they see as a loss. He emphasized that although these countries criticize Rwanda, they are fully aware of the true situation.
He pointed out that many countries impose sanctions primarily for their own national interests, often under the pretext of human rights, while pursuing their own agendas.
The minister highlighted Canada’s position, stating that although Canada has not been traditionally supportive of Rwanda, it imposed sanctions under the guise of protecting Congolese interests.
However, he pointed out that Canada’s real motivation was safeguarding its economic interests in the DRC.
“Canada does not support Rwanda, but it imposed sanctions restricting Canadians from attending conferences in Rwanda and preventing Rwandans from participating in events in Canada,” Dr. Bizimana noted, emphasizing Canada’s mining interests in the DRC.
Dr. Bizimana further explained that Western countries with no direct interests in the DRC did not engage in imposing sanctions on Rwanda.
He referenced Luxembourg, which opposed the sanctions, stating that it found no reason to penalize Rwanda, as it saw no fault with the country.
Luxembourg instead highlighted that the real issue was the governance and security situation in the DRC, where armed groups operate unchecked.
The minister also discussed Belgium’s position, explaining that the country’s interest in DRC’s minerals influenced its advocacy for sanctions against Rwanda.
He clarified that these sanctions serving as tools for Western powers to exert their influence, will not have permanent effect.
Dr. Bizimana encouraged the youth to remain resilient and seek solutions within their own country, asserting that Rwanda has the capacity to overcome these sanctions.
“We can thrive without them. If they say we cannot go to the U.S., we will reach a level where we no longer need to go there,” he said.
He urged the youth to focus on unity, hard work, and self-reliance as the path to a prosperous future for Rwanda.
Dr. Bizimana also dismissed the sanctions as misguided, particularly pointing out the threat to confiscate assets of individuals like General (Rtd) James Kabarebe, which they do not have in those countries.
The minister concluded by emphasizing that Rwanda’s strength lies in its unity and continued hard work, ensuring that essential services and development goals are achieved for the benefit of all citizens.
Scholz will remain as caretaker chancellor until a new government takes office.
The negotiation to build a ruling coalition is underway. Germany’s conservative bloc, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Christian Social Union (CSU), took the lead in the country’s 2025 federal election, followed by the Social Democratic Party (SPD). The results have paved the way for a CDU/CSU and SPD coalition.
CDU leader Friedrich Merz is expected to head the new government. He has voiced the willingness to put the government in place by Easter.
Also on Tuesday, CDU’s Julia Kloeckner was elected as the new president of the Bundestag, the lower house of parliament.
Born in 1972, Kloeckner served as a Bundestag member from 2002 to 2011. She held the position of Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection from 2009 to 2011. From 2018 to 2021, she served as minister of food and agriculture and again a member of the Bundestag from 2021.
The election took place during the first gathering of the 21st Bundestag following February’s election. The first sitting marks the end of the previous electoral term and the Bundestag adopted its rules of procedure.
The term of the current federal government concludes with the constitution of the new Bundestag.
Waltz’s statement followed Goldberg’s revelation that he had been inadvertently added to the group, which included high-profile officials such as Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Goldberg’s report in The Atlantic exposed the breach, which critics argue compromised national security by allowing a journalist to overhear classified discussions about military operations.
In a Fox News interview, Waltz acknowledged his role in creating the group but struggled to explain how Goldberg was added.
He blamed a “technical mistake,” saying that Goldberg’s name appeared similar to another person’s contact. Waltz further criticized Goldberg, calling him “the bottom scum of journalists” and suggesting that the incident was a result of a mix-up rather than any deliberate action.
While Waltz claimed no staffer was to blame, President Trump seemed to offer a contradictory explanation, suggesting that a lower-level staff member may have inadvertently shared Goldberg’s contact information.
According to The Guardian, Trump defended Waltz, dismissing the leak as a minor issue. However, the incident has drawn widespread condemnation from lawmakers, with Senator Mark Warner calling it an example of “sloppy, careless” handling of classified information.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Chris Coons also expressed concern, with Coons stating that the breach could constitute criminal behavior, even if accidental.
The leak raises questions about the use of Signal for sensitive communications, with some arguing that it may have violated provisions of the Espionage Act, as Signal is not approved for sharing classified information. The controversy continues to stir criticism over the handling of U.S. military secrets.
The delegation was received by the RDF Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General MK Mubarakh.
In his welcome address, General Mubarakh highlighted the longstanding and strong relationship between the RDF and the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), especially in terms of force development.
“The RDF and UPDF have enjoyed strong, cordial relations for many years, dating back to our liberation struggles. We are pleased that our Armed Forces continue to strengthen the existing special bond through various programmes, including the exchange of student officers and Directing Staff between the UPDF Command and Staff College and the RDF Command and Staff College.
“This initiative plays a critical role in the professional development of our forces. It contributes to the growth of our military leaders who are trained to effectively address prevailing security challenges, including cross-border crimes, in diverse operational environments,” the CDS emphasised.
The delegation received a comprehensive briefing on RDF’s transformation and its contributions to continental security from Brig Gen Ronald Rwivanga, the Defence Spokesperson.
Col Martin Sunday Byegarazo, head of the delegation, explained that the purpose of the visit was to expand the students’ understanding and gain valuable insights into national and international affairs, global politics, security studies, and international relations.
As part of their seven-day official visit to Rwanda, the delegation also paid tribute to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi at the Kigali Genocide Memorial and later visited the Campaign Against Genocide Museum.
Their itinerary includes visits to the Rwanda Defence Force Command and Staff College (RDFCSC) in Nyakinama, Zigama CSS and several other key government institutions.
The two entities signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at providing financial solutions that will enhance access to electric mobility while promoting climate-smart technologies.
The partnership aligns with Rwanda’s broader sustainability agenda, which prioritizes clean energy and environmental conservation. By supporting businesses and individuals in adopting electric mobility, the collaboration is expected to drive financial inclusion while significantly reducing carbon emissions in the transport sector.
Hannington Namara, CEO of Equity Bank Rwanda, emphasized that the bank is committed to fostering financial solutions that encourage sustainable development.
“We found SPIRO relevant to partner with because we do a lot of work with the community that we serve on this journey of sustainability, where adopting green technologies becomes very important. They are the suppliers of these products, and we’re interested in financing those products so that we can serve our end users, who are the communities,” he said.
Namara highlighted the key benefits of the partnership, which include green investment financing, financial inclusion for marginalized groups, climate risk insurance, and technical training programs. He also noted that customers will gain access to top-tier, effective electric mobility technologies that help reduce operational costs.
“The two of us tick the box of sustainability, going green, and protecting the environment. By deploying climate-smart technologies, we aim to provide our customers with state-of-the-art solutions in their mobility work,” he added.
“E-mobility saves at least $1 per kilometer. We believe in technology that allows them to do this cost-effectively, helping them save money while contributing to Rwanda’s sustainability journey. This aligns with our mission and vision.”
Namara further explained that SPIRO’s technology platform collects geographical data, allowing for insights into community needs and the impact of innovative solutions. This data-driven approach will help refine e-mobility services and optimize their benefits for end users.
Kaushik Burman, CEO of SPIRO, underscored the importance of strong partnerships in achieving sustainable mobility goals. “E-mobility transformation requires strong partnerships. We are excited to work with Equity Bank to scale electric mobility in Rwanda,” he stated.
“The government has been very progressive in terms of making policies that favor electric mobility adoption. This transformation journey cannot be done by one entity alone, it requires a coalition of partners, each bringing a unique strength to achieve the goal of deploying more e-bikes,” he added.
Burman also noted that SPIRO is making significant investments in Rwanda to enhance its e-mobility infrastructure.
“Spiro will continue investing heavily in Rwanda by bringing manufacturing capabilities for electric motorbike batteries, training staff, upskilling people, and creating the infrastructure, including automated swapping stations across the country,” he noted.
Since its launch in 2023, SPIRO has deployed approximately 2,000 electric vehicles and e-bikes in Rwanda. The company continues to raise awareness about the benefits of electric mobility and its role in reducing carbon footprints.
This partnership between Equity Bank and SPIRO is a major step toward making e-mobility more accessible and financially viable. By integrating financial solutions with sustainable transportation, the initiative will play a crucial role in Rwanda’s transition to a greener and more resilient economy.
According to AP, a local pilot identified as Terry Godes, saw a social media post Sunday night asking for help locating the missing plane.
Early Monday, he joined a search team and spotted what appeared to be wreckage near the lake. As he got closer, Godes was relieved to see the survivors waving from the wing.
“They were alive and responsive,” Godes told The Associated Press.
The plane was reported missing after it failed to return from its flight. John Morris, the pilot’s father, made a public plea for help on social media, which led to the search effort.
Once Godes located the crash site, other pilots helped relay information to authorities, leading to a rescue by the Alaska Army National Guard.
