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Their reaction came after the Burundi Youth Forum in the Diaspora, Rwanda chapter, visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial.

The youth leaders explained that the visit aimed at learning from Rwanda’s history, which culminated in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, to ensure such atrocities never happen again either in Rwanda or across the region.

After learning how the genocide unfolded with neighbors killing neighbors, and Christians murdering fellow worshippers because they were Tutsi — the Forum’s president, Bizoza Deo, said they are committed to fighting against ethnic division and hatred.

“Looking at what happened in our country and the Genocide against the Tutsi, we saw that it all begins with ideology. To heal from these problems, we must first cure the minds — change the dangerous thinking that leads to division and ultimately genocide. That is why we came here to learn more,” he said.

He emphasized that the current crisis in eastern DRC proves that genocide ideology is still alive in the region, even 31 years after the Genocide against the Tutsi.

What he found most troubling, he said, is that some heads of state openly support armed campaigns aimed at killing their own citizens simply because they are Tutsi.

He stressed that the deployment of Burundian troops alongside the FDLR in eastern DRC is evidence that genocide ideology persists even within Burundi’s top leadership.

“Looking at what is happening in Congo, you can see that Burundi is actively involved. Sometimes they do not even hide it — they publicly support killings. The victims are once again targeted because they are Tutsi. The real problem is the ideology of discrimination and division that lives in the minds of leaders. This ideology is also in DRC and Burundi,” he added.

His colleague, Nsabyumuremyi Oscar, said the collaboration between Burundi’s army and the FDLR shows that ethnic discrimination continues to be nurtured in Burundi.

“This shows that Burundi is siding with the perpetrators of the Genocide. That is unacceptable because they know exactly where ethnic division leads a country. Aligning with those who practice ethnic hatred is very dangerous and puts our country at risk,” he said.

He called for unity, saying that no one chooses their ethnicity, place of birth, or community, and that all citizens should live together peacefully.

Havyarimana Audace also raised alarm over the spread of genocide ideology in the region.

“This is deeply frightening. It means genocide ideology is crossing borders. From what we’ve seen here, the Genocide against the Tutsi was planned by governments. Now, Congolese Tutsi are being killed because they are considered Rwandans, which makes it clear that genocide is being carried out there,” he said.

He added that it is disturbing to see countries like Burundi working with the DRC to exterminate their own citizens under the pretext of fighting the AFC/M23 movement — a Congolese coalition that has been demanding an end to discrimination and seeking to restore peace and stability.

He lamented that Burundi’s army is siding with the FDLR, a group responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, thus helping to spread and implement genocide ideology in eastern DRC.

“What is most alarming is that those leading this campaign are genocide perpetrators who crossed into Congo with the same ideology and are now spreading it to Congolese Tutsi — with Burundians helping them. It is shameful and incomprehensible to see Burundi supporting such actions, even to the point of backing another country in killing its own citizens,” he said.

The Burundians called on President Évariste Ndayishimiye to change course, prioritize the interests of his nation over personal ambitions, and withdraw Burundian troops from DRC.

The designated humanitarian zone was set in Khan Younis, “in light of the expansion of the ground operation in Gaza City and the takeover of Hamas strongholds as part of Operation Gideon’s Chariots II,” an IDF statement read.

The IDF said that the newly designated area contains key humanitarian infrastructure, including field hospitals, water pipelines and desalination facilities, while also ensuring the continued delivery of food, tents, medicines and medical equipment.

IDF Arabic-language spokesperson Avichay Adraee called on Gaza City residents in a social media post to seize the opportunity and move to the humanitarian zone early.

The Israeli army emphasized that humanitarian aid to the area and adjustments to its infrastructure will continue on an ongoing basis in coordination with the United Nations and international organizations, alongside the expansion of the ground operation.

Since the 2023 Hamas attack on southern Israel, which killed more than 1,200 people and led to about 250 hostages being taken, Israel’s offensive in Gaza has killed more than 64,000 Palestinians and wounded 161,000, according to Gaza health authorities.

From Monday to Friday, courts publicly display the names of defendants scheduled to appear, whether in custody or released, depending on the judge’s decision or the nature of the charges.

The general principle of justice is that suspects should stand trial without being held in detention.

However, in the 2024/25 judicial year, pre-trial detention and bail cases were significant. Courts handled 16,310 such cases involving 21,855 individuals.

Of these, judges ordered 10,358 to remain in pre-trial detention, while 6,490 were released on bail. Additionally, 1,539 individuals had their detention extended, 139 were subjected to specific judicial measures, and six were determined to have been unlawfully detained.

By the end of the judicial year 2024/25, which closed in June 2025, Rwandan courts had received over 106,000 cases, of which 74,835 — representing 70% — were criminal cases.

A report released on September 1, 2025, shows that theft was the most common crime handled by the courts, appearing in 13,956 cases. It was followed by assault and battery with 10,948 cases.

Another highly reported crime was child defilement, with 6,124 cases, while drug-related offenses appeared in 5,590 files, and the use of weapons or threats appeared in 3,194.

Other frequently prosecuted crimes included fraud (2,649 cases), unintentional bodily harm (2,497 cases), domestic violence (2,034 cases), homicide (1,780 cases), and obtaining another person’s property by deception (1,659 cases).

{{Why do some crimes remain dominant?}}

For more than five years, these ten categories of crime have consistently topped Rwanda’s criminal court dockets.

According to lawyer Ibambe Jean Paul of H-I Lex Partners, some crimes are interconnected in ways that make offenders likely to commit several of them.

“Take drug abuse, for instance. Once a person is under the influence, they are highly likely to engage in other crimes. They are the ones who fight, who assault and injure others, and may end up committing sexual offenses such as defilement. No person in a sound state of mind would simply decide to commit such acts. This is not unique to Rwanda — it’s the same everywhere.” he explained.

He further noted that those who commit armed robbery are often the same who use intimidation to achieve their criminal goals.

Lawyer Ibambe added that the apparent rise in certain crimes does not always mean society is becoming more criminal, but rather that law enforcement has improved its capacity to detect and prosecute them.

“Sometimes it doesn’t mean that crimes are increasing in number. What increases is citizens’ awareness about elements constituting a crime and their willingness to report it. Authorities have also enhanced their ability to detect even cases that might otherwise remain hidden. In some instances, the figures rise, but that’s also because investigative and prosecutorial capacity has expanded,” he explained

{{The prosecution’s record}}

The National Public Prosecution Authority (NPPA) reported that in 2024/25 it received 78,489 case files, processing more than 75,000. Out of these, 42,279 were taken to court while 33,453 were archived.

Between July 2024 and June 2025, prosecutors litigated 42,378 cases, winning 39,498 — a success rate of 93.2%.

In specific crimes such as child defilement, prosecutors won 74% of cases compared to 65% in the previous year.

Prosecutor General Angelique Habyarimana recently said that the institution had intensified its focus on handling sexual offenses against children, aiming for their complete eradication.

“We have increased efforts in processing cases of child defilement, domestic violence, and sexual assault,” she said.

In these three categories combined, prosecutors received 8,169 files, processed 7,780 (95%), and secured convictions in 83% of cases.

{{Youth remain a key concern}}

Data shows that the majority of prisoners in Rwanda are young people, most of them convicted of drug abuse, theft, and related crimes.

“Globally, crimes like drug use and petty theft are most prevalent among youth. Once someone abuses drugs, they may fight without reason, act irrationally, and eventually get trapped in crime,” Lawyer Ibambe emphasized.

He also highlighted the risks posed by idleness: “Young people who spend their days idle are more likely to drift into crime. The solution lies in keeping them engaged — some in schools, others in work opportunities. When they lack jobs or prospects, they are vulnerable to substance abuse and, eventually, criminal behavior.”

Residents reported intense shooting in the city, near Lake Tanganyika, from around 8 p.m. on September 5, 2025. The clashes involved AK-47 rifles and machine guns.

Sources indicate that the Wazalendo fighters engaged in the shootout with FARDC were members of a unit led by “General” John Makanaki, which has long been active in South Kivu.

Since September 2, 2025, Wazalendo fighters have staged major demonstrations in Uvira, demanding the removal of Brig Gen Olivier Gasita, a FARDC officer whom they accuse of being Rwandan. Their suspicions are based on his identity as a Munyamulenge, an ethnic minority group in eastern DRC.

The unrest has paralyzed life in the city. Wazalendo closed the main highway, disrupted economic activities, and vowed to continue until Brig Gen Gasita was removed from Uvira.

On September 5, 2025, Uvira’s interim mayor, Kifara Kapenda Kik’v, convened a meeting aimed at defusing tensions. It was attended by Wazalendo leaders, including Makanaki and “General” William Amuri Yakutumba. However, the talks failed, and protests continued.

Yakutumba insisted that Brig Gen Gasita must leave Uvira. Makanaki warned that if the general had not departed by September 8, his fighters would shut down the DRC–Burundi border and block the port of Uvira on Lake Tanganyika.

Yakutumba firmly stated during the tense meeting, “We do not want the commander sent here, Gen Gasita, in Uvira.”

The FARDC spokesperson, Maj Gen Sylvain Ekenge Bomusa, had earlier urged Wazalendo to accept Brig Gen Gasita, stressing that the General appointed by the head of state had never betrayed the country.

He also said the United States will host next year’s G20 at his golf club, Trump National Doral, near Miami.

“It’s right next to the airport. It’s the best location. It’s beautiful,” he told reporters in the Oval Office, adding that his family business “will not make any money on it.”

During his first term in 2019, Trump abandoned a plan to use his Doral resort as the host site for the G7 summit in 2020, following bipartisan criticism that it could benefit him financially and violate the Constitution.

The order would authorize the Department of Defense, the secretary of defense and subordinate officials to use secondary titles such as “Department of War,” “Secretary of War,” and “Deputy Secretary of War” in official correspondence and public communications, according to a White House fact sheet.

It also instructs Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth to recommend actions, including legislative and executive actions, to make the renaming permanent. A full legal change would still require congressional approval.

“Defense is too defensive,” Trump said in the Oval Office last month. “And we want to be defensive, but we want to be offensive too if we have to be. So, it just sounded to me like a better name.”

Hegseth had argued that changing the name is “not just about words — it’s about the warrior ethos.” Critics warned it could incur high costs and distract from security priorities.

U.S. Senator Andy Kim said the renaming was a childish idea, adding: “Americans want to prevent wars, not tout them,” according to a BBC report.

The Department of War, created in 1789, directed the U.S. Army and oversaw the country’s military through both World Wars before being consolidated into the Department of Defense in the late 1940s.

The event brought together leaders from the entertainment, sports, business, science, and conservation sectors, reflecting the growing global recognition of Rwanda’s conservation efforts. Distinguished guests included Rwanda’s First Lady, Jeannette Kagame; Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva; Rwanda Development Board CEO Jean Guy Afrika; and the Governor of the Northern Province, Maurice Mugabowagahunde.

This year, 40 baby gorillas were named, with several names chosen by prominent figures from around the world. International celebrities and global leaders—ranging from actors and musicians to sports icons and conservation advocates—participated in the naming, using their influence to shine a spotlight on Rwanda’s mountain gorillas and the country’s commitment to wildlife protection.

Among the named gorillas were 18 born in 2024, whose naming had been delayed due to the Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda. Families represented at the ceremony included Muhoza, Kwitonda, Matsiko Cyuzuzo, Kwisanga, Pablo, and others, highlighting the thriving diversity of Rwanda’s mountain gorilla population.

Kwita Izina, which means “to give a name” in Kinyarwanda, is more than a symbolic gesture. It celebrates Rwanda’s conservation achievements, the essential role of local communities in protecting biodiversity, and the survival story of endangered mountain gorillas.

Below is the full list of the 40 named gorillas and the meaning behind their names:

{{1. Mushumbamwiza
}}

Mushumbamwiza is a male baby gorilla from the Hirwa family, born on October 19, 2024, to Igihembo. His name means “good shepherd” and was given by Alliance Umwizerwa, Gorilla Research Assistant at the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.

{{2. Unguka
}}

Unguka is a male from the Matsiko Cyuzuzo family, born on July 26, 2024, to Ruhuka. His name means “gain.” He was named by Dr. Gaspard Nzayisenga, a field veterinarian with Gorilla Doctors.

{{3. Rufatiro
}}

Rufatiro is a male from the Matsiko Cyuzuzo family, born on November 2, 2024, to Umwe. His name means “foundation.” He was named by Dieudonné Gato, Ranger, Volcanoes National Park.

{{4. Amahitamo
}}

Amahitamo is a male from the Mutobo family, born on April 27, 2024, to Ishyaka. His name means “choice.” He was named by Théogène Bimenyimana, Head Tracker, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.

{{5. Tsinda
}}

Tsinda, whose sex is unknown, is from the Hirwa family, born on June 1, 2025, to Magayane. The name means “win.” Tsinda was named by Brenda Umutoni, a ranger at Volcanoes National Park.

{{6. Atete
}}

Atete is a female from the Mutobo family, born on September 28, 2023, to Akariza. Her name means “to receive affection.” She was named by Leonard Nsengiyumva, Data Technician, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.

{{7. Umutoni
}}

Umutoni is a female from the Kwitonda family, born on April 6, 2024, to Rwunguko. Her name means “favourite.” She was named by Jean Marie Vianney Zirimwabagabo, Ranger, Volcanoes National Park.

{{8. Kwihangana
}}

Kwihangana, whose sex is unknown, is from the Kwisanga family, born on March 16, 2025, to Aheza. The name means “patience.” Kwihangana was named by Naume Mukabarisa, Ranger, Volcanoes National Park.

{{9. Ogera
}}

Ogera’s details were not disclosed during the ceremony. The name means “popular.” This baby was named by Khaby Lame, a globally renowned content creator and social media personality.

{{10. Burere
}}

Burere is a female from the Muhoza family, born on October 3, 2024, to Iriba. Her name means “upbringing.” She was named by Princess Ingeborg zu Schleswig-Holstein, a German artist, philanthropist, and Chairperson of the Louisenlund Foundation.

{{11. Ntarungu
}}

Ntarungu is a female from the Kwitonda family, born on April 29, 2024, to Gahuza. Her name means “companionship” or “enthusiastic.” She was named by His Highness Tunku Ali Redhauddin ibni Tuanku Muhriz, Prince of Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, and President of WWF Malaysia.

{{12. Mwizerwa
}}

Mwizerwa is a female from the Matsiko Cyuzuzo family, born on April 20, 2024, to Umuco. Her name means “reliable.” She was named by Professor Senait Fisseha, MD, JD, Vice President of Global Programs at the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation and Chief Advisor to the WHO.

{{13. Impuguke
}}

Impuguke is a female from the Kwisanga family, born on July 21, 2024, to Ahazaza. Her name means “expert.” She was named by Sang-Hyup Kim, Director-General of the Global Green Growth Institute.

{{14. Rugwiro
}}

Rugwiro is a male from the Pablo family, born on January 22, 2024, to Ubukombe. His name means “hospitable.” He was named by David S. Marriott, Chairman of Marriott International.

{{15. Tekana
}}

Tekana is a female from the Isimbi family, born on December 24, 2023, to Africa. Her name means “feel secure.” She was named by Dr. Yin Ye, CEO of BGI Group and science popularisation vlogger.

{{16. Ntavogerwa
}}

Ntavogerwa is a male from the Agashya family, born on December 14, 2024, to Inyungu. His name means “untouchable.” He was named by Charlie Mayhew, Co-founder and CEO of Tusk Trust.

{{17. Nyunganizi
}}

Nyunganizi is a male from the Mutobo family, born on November 18, 2024, to Akamaro. His name means “supporter” or “helper.” He was named by Claver Ntoyinkima, Senior Ranger Guide and Trainer, Nyungwe National Park.

{{18. Umurage
}}

Umurage, whose sex is unknown, is from the Hirwa family, born on May 22, 2024, to Umoja. The name means “heritage.” Umurage was named by Michael Bay, an award-winning American film director and producer.

{{19. Rwogere
}}

Rwogere is a female from the Sabyinyo family, born on May 1, 2025, to Karema. Her name means “famous.” She was named by Michelle Yeoh Todt, internationally acclaimed actress and UNDP Goodwill Ambassador.

{{20. Garuka
}}

Garuka is a male from the Kwisanga family, born on October 18, 2024, to Nchili. His name means “return.” He was named by Jeanine Rema (Khadja Nin), an internationally acclaimed Burundian singer, songwriter, and humanitarian.

{{21. Rubuga
}}

Rubuga is a male from the Muhoza family, born on November 30, 2024, to Twitabweho. His name means “platform.” He was named by Mathieu Flamini, Arsenal legend and CEO of GFBiochemicals.

{{22. Ruvugiro
}}

Ruvugiro is a male from the Sabyinyo family, born on May 19, 2025, to Gukina. His name means “platform.” He was named by Jean Todt, UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety and former President of FIA.

{{23. Mwungeri
}}

Mwungeri is a female from the Isimbi family, born on August 9, 2025, to Ejoheza. Her name means “shepherd.” She was named by Matthew Harris, Founding Partner of Global Infrastructure Partners and Senior Managing Director at BlackRock.

{{24. Iwacu
}}

Iwacu, whose sex is unknown, is from the Isimbi family, born on May 15, 2024, to Isura. The name means “our home.” Iwacu was named by Laura Kabasomi Kakoma (‘Somi’), Rwandan-American vocalist, composer, and playwright.

{{25. Kundwa
}}

Kundwa, whose sex is unknown, is from the Igisha family, born on May 1, 2025, to Imbaga. The name means “loved.” She was named by Yemi Alade, a Grammy-nominated Nigerian Afropop singer and songwriter.

{{26. Tengarama
}}

Tengarama is a male from the Amahoro family, born on August 1, 2023, to Mudahinyuka. His name means “be safe and sound.” He was named by Reed Oppenheimer, Chairman and CEO of the Reed Jules Oppenheimer Foundation.

{{27. Cyubahiro
}}

Cyubahiro is a female from the Mutobo family, born on September 12, 2024, to Igitangaza. Her name means “respect” or “honour.” She was named by Athanasie Mukabizimungu, Founder and Chairperson of Imbereheza Gahunga.

{{28. Rwandanziza
}}

Rwandanziza is a male from the Igisha family, born on September 4, 2023, to Twongere. His name means “beautiful Rwanda.” He was named by Dr. Edward Hult, CEO of Education First North America.

{{29. Muvugizi
}}

Muvugizi is a female from the Isimbi family, born on March 22, 2024, to Rwandarushya. Her name means “advocate.” She was named by Suzanne Sinegal, Co-founder and President of Rwanda Girls Initiative & Gashora Girls Academy of Science and Technology.

{{30. Mpinganzima
}}

Mpinganzima is a female from the Muhoza family, born on November 30, 2023, to Ikirezi. Her name means “futuristic.” She was named by Gagan Gupta, an entrepreneur, conservationist, and builder of Africa’s green future.

{{31. Rugano
}}

Rugano is a male from the Isimbi family, born on March 12, 2024, to Dukundane. His name means “bamboo.” He was named by Camille Rebelo, Founder and CEO of EcoPlanet Bamboo.

{{32. Iraba
}}

Iraba is a female from the Amahoro family, born on September 26, 2024, to Ihame. Her name means “ornament pattern.” She was named by Luis Garcia, Atlético de Madrid legend and ESPN football analyst.

{{33. Amahumbezi
}}

Amahumbezi, whose sex is unknown, is from the Agashya family, born on January 13, 2025, to Munezero. The name means “gentle breeze.” He was named by Bacary Sagna, an Arsenal legend.

{{34. Izere
}}

Izere is a male from the Titus family, born on November 16, 2024, to Agaseke. His name means “hope.” He was named by Xi Zhinong, renowned Chinese wildlife photographer and Founder of “Wild China” film.

{{35. Shyamba
}}

Shyamba, whose sex is unknown, is from the Musilikale family, born on January 16, 2025, to Ubufatanye. The name means “forest.” Shyamba was named by Lee Ehmke, conservation leader and former President & CEO of Houston Zoo.

{{36. Cyerekezo
}}

Cyerekezo is a female from the Musilikale family, born on January 8, 2025, to Izihirwa. Her name means “vision.” She was named by Susan Chin, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Advancement, Wildlife Conservation Society.

{{37. Nkomoko
}}

Nkomoko is a female from the Ntambara family, born on February 3, 2024, to Tegereza. Her name means “origin.” She was named by Ruth Fisher, Corporate Attorney and President of Pereg Holdings.

{{38. Higa
}}

Higa, whose sex is unknown, is from the Ntambara family, born on February 23, 2025, to Nsanganira. The name means “commit.” Higa was named by Vivien Ressler, creative and philanthropist.

{{39. Terimbere
}}

Terimbere is a male from the Igisha family, born on December 3, 2023, to Ikigera. His name means “progress.” He was named by Jean de Dieu Niyonzima, student at the Educational Institute for Blind Children, Nyaruguru District.

{{40. Ogera
}}

Ogera was named virtually by Khaby Lame, TikTok sensation and one of the world’s most-followed social media personalities, emphasising Rwanda’s commitment to linking conservation with global culture.

Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva, speaking at the event in the foothills of the park in Kinigi, Musanze District, highlighted the ambitious plan, emphasising that it will not only safeguard the critically endangered mountain gorillas but also uplift surrounding communities.

The ceremony, which named 40 baby gorillas, bringing the total to 438 since 2005, served as a vibrant backdrop to Rwanda’s conservation vision. Dozens of high-profile individuals from various fields, including conservation, attended the naming ceremony.

“Rwanda is honoured to be the custodian of these last mountain gorillas, which are not only a global treasure but also a source of pride and economic opportunity for our nation,” Prime Minister Nsengiyumva declared.

“But success brings new challenges. As the gorilla families grow, we must expand their habitat,” he added.

The government plans to increase the park’s size from its current 160 square kilometres by approximately 37.4 square kilometres (3,740 hectares), a move expected to support a 15-20% increase in the gorilla population and reduce infant mortality by 50%.

This expansion, supported by partnerships with organisations like the African Wildlife Foundation and the World Bank through its Volcanoes Community Resilience Project (VCRP), aims to reduce rising conflicts between gorilla groups caused by limited space, which can sometimes result in the death of young gorillas.

PM Nsengiyumva framed the expansion as a testament to Rwanda’s model of community-centred conservation, which has helped the mountain gorilla population in the Virunga Massif grow.

“The story of the mountain gorillas has not always been one of celebration. Years ago, their population had alarmingly decreased, and their survival seemed uncertain. Today, we are over a thousand mountain gorillas worldwide, including more than 600 in the Virunga Massif,” he stated.

The Prime Minister called on the international community to join Rwanda in this ambitious project, emphasising the shared responsibility to protect biodiversity.

“When we stand united, no mountain is too high to climb,” he said, drawing a parallel between the gorillas’ perseverance and humanity’s challenges.

Jean-Guy Afrika, CEO of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), echoed the Prime Minister’s commitment, emphasising Rwanda’s conservation achievements and their economic impact.

“In 2024, the sector generated 647 million dollars, with gorilla tourism alone contributing over 200 million dollars,” Afrika noted.

He credited Rwanda’s robust legal and policy framework, including biodiversity laws and a tourism revenue-sharing program that allocates 10% of park revenues to local development, for transforming communities.

“Over 1,200 projects were supported, including schools, health centres, markets, homes, and agricultural hubs,” he said, underscoring the synergy between conservation and community empowerment.

The expansion at Volcanoes National Park will include a buffer zone to minimise human-wildlife conflict, with over 3,400 resettled families gaining access to better housing, social infrastructure, and eco-tourism opportunities, creating an estimated 17,000 new jobs.