Amb. Dushimimana highlighted this message on July 12, 2025, during the 31st anniversary celebration of Rwanda’s Liberation Day, attended by Rwandans in the Netherlands and their friends.
On July 4, 2025, he had also hosted diplomats, representatives from international organizations, and Rwandans from various associations to join in the celebration of Rwanda’s liberation.
The event took place after Amb. Dushimimana officially presented copies of his credentials to King Willem-Alexander on June 18, 2025, formalizing his role as Rwanda’s representative in the Netherlands.
In his speech, he underscored the profound significance of the country’s liberation, emphasizing the progress Rwanda has made and the importance of remembering the experiences of those who lived through both periods of Rwanda’s history.
He reflected on the clear distinctions between the two eras and honored the sacrifice of brave women nd men who stopped the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The Ambassador further acknowledged that the progress Rwanda has achieved was built upon the foundation of its liberation. He called on every Rwandan to contribute to the ongoing journey of the nation’s growth.
Addressing the youth, Amb. Dushimimana urged parents to take an active role in instilling a love and understanding of Rwanda in their children.
He emphasized the importance of ensuring that the younger generation carries the nation’s vision forward and contributes to its development.
Amb. Dushimimana posed a reflective question to parents, wondering if, when they are no longer able to champion the cause of Rwanda, their children would inherit the same passion for the nation.
He also pointed out that a child might be born in the Netherlands and hold Dutch citizenship, but that their roots are deeply Rwandan, thus reinforcing the importance of connection to their heritage.
The Ambassador also urged those present to stand up for the truth of Rwanda’s history, particularly in the face of distortion. He encouraged them to fight not with weapons, but with the power of truth, stating that when people speak negatively about Rwanda, it is essential to highlight the country’s positive aspects.
Amb. Dushimimana emphasized that it is the responsibility of all Rwandans to ensure the true history of the nation is known, as many who speak ill of the country often spread falsehoods.
The event concluded with a social gathering, where the attendees celebrated Rwanda’s progress and unity.
His tenure from 2015 to 2023 was defined by bold initiatives, regional diplomacy, and domestic challenges with continental implications. While he earned praise for his leadership in regional security and anti-corruption efforts, Buhari also faced criticism over economic protectionism, suppression of dissent, and a perceived reluctance to engage in wider African affairs fully.
Here are 11 key achievements and controversies that shaped Buhari’s African legacy:
{{Achievements
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{{1. Leadership in Regional Security (ECOWAS Interventions)
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Buhari’s legacy in West African diplomacy is perhaps best illustrated by his active role in preserving constitutional order within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). His government was instrumental in resolving The Gambia’s 2016–2017 political crisis, in which long-time ruler Yahya Jammeh refused to step down after losing elections.
Nigeria, under Buhari’s leadership, mobilised diplomatic and military pressure alongside other ECOWAS states to ensure a peaceful transfer of power to Adama Barrow. Buhari’s insistence on a peaceful resolution, without plunging the region into violence, was widely hailed.
This leadership was replicated in Mali, where Buhari and Nigeria took a stand following the 2020 military coup. Though not leading ECOWAS at the time, Buhari used Nigeria’s influence to push for the restoration of civilian governance, even as the regional body tried to mediate with the coup leaders. His position reflected an understanding that instability in Mali could spill across borders and threaten regional peace.
More broadly, Buhari consistently advocated for regional cooperation in responding to political instability and security threats. While some critics felt his approach lacked aggressive follow-through, Buhari’s willingness to position Nigeria as a stabilising force reflected Nigeria’s traditional role as a regional hegemon. His tenure reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to peacekeeping, democracy, and ECOWAS protocols.
{{2. Counterterrorism collaboration through the MNJTF
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One of Buhari’s top priorities after assuming office was counterterrorism, especially the containment and rollback of Boko Haram and Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP).
Recognising that terrorism respects no borders, Buhari revived and strengthened the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) with Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Benin. The task force conducted joint operations that weakened Boko Haram’s territorial control in Nigeria’s northeast and bordering countries.
This regional collaboration marked a turning point. Whereas earlier efforts under previous administrations were more nationally focused, Buhari’s security strategy acknowledged that Nigeria could not succeed alone. He personally engaged regional leaders to share intelligence, coordinate border patrols, and mobilise funding and logistics for counterinsurgency.
Despite ongoing attacks, particularly in Borno State and Lake Chad regions, the MNJTF under Buhari’s tenure successfully reclaimed territory and disrupted major insurgent operations. The Buhari government’s leadership in the MNJTF model is now seen as a framework for regional responses to insurgencies elsewhere in Africa, such as the Sahel.
{{3. The P&ID legal victory
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In a landmark moment for Nigeria’s sovereignty and anti-corruption drive, Buhari’s government successfully challenged a $10 billion arbitration award in a UK court.
The P&ID legal victory culminated in October 2023 when a UK High Court ruled in favour of Nigeria, overturning the massive arbitration award against Process & Industrial Developments Ltd. (P&ID). The dispute stemmed from a failed 2010 gas processing contract, which led to the hefty claim due to alleged non-compliance.
Under President Buhari, Nigeria aggressively challenged the arbitration, presenting evidence that P&ID engaged in corrupt practices, including bribery and manipulation of the contract and arbitration process. The UK court found these allegations credible and ruled that enforcing the award would violate public policy, effectively nullifying the payout.
This legal victory significantly boosted Buhari’s anti-corruption agenda and Nigeria’s national sovereignty, preventing a potentially crippling financial loss. Beyond Nigeria, the case resonated across Africa as a precedent highlighting vulnerabilities in international arbitration, encouraging greater vigilance and reform in contract negotiations and enforcement.
{{4. Promotion of African self-sufficiency through agriculture
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Buhari’s agricultural reforms, including the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP) and the Presidential Fertiliser Initiative, sought to boost Nigeria’s food production and reduce dependence on imports.
Though domestically focused, these initiatives aligned with broader African Union goals for self-reliance and food security. His government empowered smallholder farmers with access to credit and inputs, helping revive key staples like rice and maize.
Buhari’s push for agricultural transformation sparked interest among other African nations, particularly in West Africa. Countries such as Ghana and Senegal examined Nigeria’s policy tools as templates for improving their own rural economies. Nigeria’s food import bill dropped significantly between 2016 and 2020, and Buhari regularly promoted these achievements in regional and AU fora as evidence that Africa could feed itself.
However, challenges such as poor post-harvest infrastructure, inflation, and insecurity limited long-term gains. Still, Buhari’s push for agriculture laid an ideological marker: that Africa’s prosperity depends less on aid and more on domestic productivity. That message resonated with many African leaders confronting similar food security challenges.
{{5. Combating corruption on a continental scale
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Buhari’s reputation as a corruption fighter extended beyond Nigeria’s borders. In 2018, he was named African Union Anti-Corruption Champion, a symbolic nod to his high-profile campaigns against graft. He promoted measures such as Nigeria’s Treasury Single Account (TSA) and pursued asset recovery from overseas, including the repatriation of over $300 million in “Abacha loot” from Switzerland and Jersey.
These actions resonated continentally. Buhari used regional and international platforms, including the African Union summits, to call for cooperation in asset recovery, transparency in public service, and international banking reforms to block illicit flows. His rhetoric found favour among African youth disillusioned by kleptocratic elites and governance decay.
Yet, Buhari’s anti-corruption stance was not just rhetorical. His administration worked with other African governments to tighten financial regulations and encourage whistleblower policies. Though critics at home questioned the consistency of his enforcement, his image as a corruption fighter elevated Nigeria’s soft power among reform-minded leaders and civil society actors across the continent.
6. Support for AfCFTA and pan-African economic integration
Initially hesitant, Buhari signed the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement in 2019 after extensive domestic consultations. Though Nigeria was the last major economy to join, its signature was crucial: without Nigeria’s participation, AfCFTA would have lacked continental weight. Buhari’s eventual support was seen as a commitment to Africa’s collective economic future.
Before signing, Buhari expressed concern about potential job losses and trade imbalances, fears shared by many African countries. His caution sparked useful debate on how to design AfCFTA to protect weaker economies. After joining, Nigeria took part in technical discussions and policy frameworks that sought to balance trade liberalisation with economic fairness.
Buhari’s endorsement of AfCFTA added momentum to the idea of “African solutions to African problems”, not just politically but economically. By the time he left office, Nigeria was positioning itself as a future trade hub, with a growing emphasis on infrastructure, border digitisation, and export-led growth aligned with the AfCFTA vision.
{{Controversies}}
1. Persistent insecurity and expansion of non-state actors
Despite gains against Boko Haram, Nigeria remained plagued by widespread insecurity during Buhari’s presidency. Kidnappings, banditry, and violent clashes between farmers and herders spread from the northeast to the north-central and southern regions. The rise of non-state actors created a climate of fear and lawlessness, undermining national and regional stability.
Buhari’s critics argued that his administration was reactive rather than proactive in dealing with security threats. While the military launched offensives, they were often under-resourced or hampered by poor coordination. In many rural areas, local populations felt abandoned, leading to the emergence of vigilante groups and further erosion of state authority.
Regionally, Nigeria’s instability had cross-border consequences. Armed groups and displaced persons moved into Niger and Cameroon, straining diplomatic and humanitarian capacities. Observers feared that Buhari’s failure to resolve Nigeria’s internal security crisis weakened his credibility as a regional security anchor.
{{2. Human rights concerns and police brutality (EndSARS)
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The October 2020 #EndSARS protests, sparked by police brutality, especially by the notorious Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), marked a turning point in Buhari’s international image. Though initially praised for allowing youth protests, the violent crackdown at the Lekki Toll Gate, where security forces allegedly opened fire on peaceful demonstrators, triggered global outrage.
Buhari’s delayed response and refusal to acknowledge the alleged shootings intensified tensions. International bodies, including the United Nations and African Union, expressed concern over human rights abuses and shrinking civic space in Nigeria. The government’s dismissal of some reports and reliance on state media narratives further deepened public mistrust.
Across Africa, the EndSARS movement resonated with youth confronting similar police abuses. Buhari’s perceived mishandling of the crisis stained his reputation as a democratic leader and empowered regional autocrats to justify harsh crackdowns on dissent by citing security concerns.
{{3. Protectionist border closure and trade fallout
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In 2019, Buhari controversially closed Nigeria’s land borders to curb smuggling and protect local producers. The move, lasting over a year, was meant to enforce customs regulations and encourage self-reliance. However, it had negative consequences for neighbouring countries like Benin, Togo, and Ghana, who relied on Nigeria’s market.
ECOWAS protocols promoting free movement and regional integration were effectively suspended by Nigeria’s unilateral action. Small traders and transporters across West Africa bore the brunt, as border communities plunged into economic distress. Critics argued that the closure contradicted Buhari’s commitment to AfCFTA and regional cooperation.
Though Buhari eventually reopened the borders in late 2020, the policy left a bitter aftertaste. It showcased how Nigeria’s domestic economic decisions could upend regional stability. Buhari’s border closure is now frequently cited in discussions on the need for continental trade rules that balance national interests with regional obligations.
{{4. Twitter ban and digital repression
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In June 2021, Buhari’s government banned Twitter after the platform deleted a tweet deemed inciting violence. The ban lasted for seven months and was condemned globally as an attack on freedom of expression and digital rights. Nigeria’s youth, entrepreneurs, and activists—many of whom relied on Twitter for work, advocacy, and mobilisation—were most affected.
The government justified the ban by accusing Twitter of undermining Nigeria’s sovereignty and threatening national unity. It demanded that the platform register locally and comply with Nigerian laws. Though eventually lifted in January 2022 after negotiations, the ban raised fears of increasing digital authoritarianism.
Other African governments took note. Zimbabwe, Uganda, and Ethiopia, among others, would later invoke “national security” to justify internet shutdowns and censorship. Buhari’s digital crackdown thus unintentionally set a precedent for state-led internet repression in Africa’s fledgling democracies.
{{5. Selective anti-corruption enforcement
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While Buhari’s anti-corruption rhetoric won praise, critics frequently pointed to selective enforcement. High-profile opposition figures were often investigated, arrested, or prosecuted, while alleged corruption within the ruling party appeared overlooked. This dual standard raised questions about the true impartiality of his campaign.
Several corruption scandals involving Buhari’s appointees, such as the mismanagement of funds in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), drew public ire. Yet, accountability for those within the president’s political camp was inconsistent.
This perceived bias undermined Buhari’s message of reform. Regionally, while some countries admired his stance, others pointed to the flaws as justification for inaction. His legacy, therefore, remains one of aspirational anti-corruption leadership—inspiring, but not entirely credible in execution.
The death, confirmed by Buhari’s former aides Garba Shehu and Bashir Ahmed, has prompted an outpouring of grief across the country and among African leaders.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced a seven-day national mourning period on Sunday, as a mark of respect for Buhari’s service and legacy. As part of the observance, all national flags will fly at half-staff throughout the mourning period.
An emergency session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has also been convened for Tuesday to honour the former leader’s memory and contributions.
Buhari, a military ruler from 1984 to 1985 before returning as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023, was known for his austere lifestyle, his strong stance against corruption, and his reputation for discipline and integrity.
Leaders and citizens alike have hailed him as a patriot who dedicated his life to national unity, economic reforms, and the fight against graft.
In a statement, President Tinubu described Buhari as a “dedicated servant of the nation” whose leadership left a significant imprint on Nigeria’s political landscape.
Tinubu emphasised the former president’s legacy of reforms and the difficult battles he waged against corruption, insecurity, and economic instability.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has been dispatched to London to coordinate the repatriation of Buhari’s remains. Plans are in motion for a state funeral, with the late president expected to be buried in his hometown of Daura, in Katsina State, on Monday, July 14, with full military honours.
Buhari’s passing marks the end of an era for many Nigerians who lived through both his military rule and his democratic presidency.
Tributes have been pouring in from political figures, foreign governments, and ordinary citizens, all highlighting his firm commitment to discipline, his modest personal life, and his efforts to steer Nigeria through turbulent times.
The strike, carried out on June 16, allegedly involved six precision-guided bombs aimed at entrances to a secret underground facility in western Tehran, where the president and other top officials were attending a session of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.
Iranian outlet Fars reported that the blasts cut off power and blocked exits, forcing the president to evacuate through an emergency shaft, during which he sustained minor leg injuries.
A senior Iranian official, speaking to Al Jazeera, described the attack as a failed assassination attempt targeting the heads of Iran’s executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
“This attempt will not pass without Israel paying a price,” the official warned.
The incident occurred during a 12-day war between Israel and Iran, which ended with a U.S.-brokered ceasefire on June 24. During the conflict, Israeli air raids reportedly killed several senior Iranian commanders and nuclear scientists.
The Israeli operation was said to be modelled after the 2024 strike in Beirut that killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.
Last week, President Pezeshkian publicly confirmed the assassination attempt in an interview with U.S. journalist Tucker Carlson.
“They did try, yes… but they failed,” he said. “It was not the United States that was behind the attempt on my life. It was Israel.”
Israel has not officially commented on the claims. However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the broader military operation, saying it was necessary to halt Iran’s alleged nuclear weapons programme.
While Tehran insists its nuclear activities are purely civilian, the Israeli strikes came just days before scheduled talks between the U.S. and Iran aimed at reviving diplomatic negotiations.
The June conflict resulted in heavy casualties. According to Iran’s Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs, at least 1,060 people were killed in Iran. Israel also suffered losses, with 28 fatalities reported due to retaliatory Iranian drone and missile attacks.
Fars has called for an investigation into possible espionage, citing the “accuracy” of Israel’s intelligence in targeting the meeting location. As tensions continue to simmer, observers warn the episode may further complicate prospects for renewed diplomacy in the region.
“The RSF committed a horrific atrocity in the Shaq Al-Noum area of North Kordofan State, killing 11 civilians, including three children, and injuring 31 others, among them nine women,” the Sudanese Doctors Network, a volunteer group, said in a statement.
The network described the attack as “a brutal assault that violates all humanitarian norms and international conventions,” saying that it reflects the RSF’s ongoing pattern of targeting unarmed civilians and spreading fear in previously safe areas.
Meanwhile, the Resistance Committees of North Kordofan, another volunteer group, reported that an RSF unit attacked two villages near the city of Bara on Saturday.
“The RSF attacked the villages of Abu Qaida and Hillat Hamad, killing at least seven civilians and injuring several others,” the group said in a statement on Sunday.
Since June, fighting has raged between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF around the city of Bara, a strategic town northeast of El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan, which the RSF is attempting to seize.
Earlier on Sunday, RSF soldiers claimed in videos on social media that their forces had taken control of the Umm Sumayma area, about 68 kilometers west of El Obeid.
There has been no response yet from the Sudanese army regarding the RSF claim of seizing Umm Sumayma.
Sudan remains gripped by a conflict between the SAF and the RSF, which erupted in April 2023. The fighting has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions, both internally and across borders, deepening the country’s humanitarian crisis.
In an address to the nation’s armed forces, Macron outlined France’s military direction and strategic vision, and he noted that military spending “is and will continue to be a source of wealth for our gross domestic product, our economy, and our regions.”
The French president also revealed plans to explore the creation of a new national service initiative.
Buhari, who served as Nigerian president from 2015 to 2023, died in a clinic in the British capital where he had been receiving medical treatment.
In a statement, Tinubu said he has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to travel to London to accompany Buhari’s body back to Nigeria.
Born on Dec. 17, 1942, Buhari had a distinguished career in both the military and civilian governance. He spent years in political activism before successfully contesting the presidency in 2015, becoming the first opposition candidate to defeat an incumbent president in Nigeria’s history. He was re-elected in 2019 and handed over power to Tinubu on May 29, 2023.
During his two terms as president, Buhari’s administration focused on three key areas: security, anti-corruption, and economic diversification. He launched significant campaigns against Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast and worked to recover looted public funds.
His tenure also saw efforts to boost agriculture and infrastructure development, though it was marked by economic challenges, including two recessions, and persistent security issues across various regions.
Tinubu has ordered flags to be flown at half-mast as a mark of respect for the late former Nigerian leader.
The event, which regularly brings together citizens from all three districts of the Rwandan capital for communal physical activity, was this time linked to the upcoming International AIDS Society (IAS 2025) conference set to take place in Kigali from 14–17 July.
Among the participants were senior government officials and international delegates, including the Minister of Health, Dr Sabin Nsanzimana, who used the occasion to issue a direct warning to young people that HIV is still a serious public health threat.
“Some people think HIV is no longer an issue, but it still exists. Many young people don’t fully understand how dangerous it is because they didn’t live through the worst years,” Dr Nsanzimana said. “We are urging the youth to protect themselves. There’s still no cure, and prevention is far better than a lifetime on medication.”
The Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) in March this year reported that approximately 3,200 people contract HIV each year in Rwanda, while 2,600 people die from the virus annually.
According to RBC, youth are among the most affected, with sex workers and men who have sex with men (MSM) being at particularly high risk of infection.
HIV was first detected in Rwanda in 1983 and spread rapidly from 1986 onwards, with the peak of infections occurring between 1988 and 1996. Currently, there is no cure or vaccine for the virus, although antiretroviral therapy (ART) helps to suppress its progression.
Dr. Ikuzo Basile, head of the HIV Prevention Department at RBC, revealed that 230,000 people in Rwanda are living with HIV, with 3,200 new infections recorded annually.
“When we examine HIV-related deaths, we estimate that 2,600 people die from AIDS-related complications every year. Among Rwandans aged 15 to 49, 2.7% are living with HIV,” Dr Basile revealed.
Meanwhile, Sunday’s Car Free Day event featured not only fitness activities but also free health services, including screenings for non-communicable diseases and HIV testing. Participants were also educated about preventive measures and encouraged to take personal responsibility for their health.
According to recent research by environmental experts, Car Free Day, held 26 times per year in Kigali, has contributed significantly to public health and environmental protection.
Between 2021 and 2025, the initiative is expected to reduce air pollution by 20% and help prevent up to 100 premature deaths annually. The government also estimates that the country could save up to Frw 160 billion in healthcare costs during that period.
An official who spoke to IGIHE said the initiative aims to expand access to both functional and aesthetic plastic surgery services, provided by a team of experienced local and visiting specialists.
The camp will provide treatments including liposuction, tummy tucks, breast reduction and augmentation, buttock lifts, brachioplasty, fat grafting, and non-surgical cosmetic procedures.
While the camp is fully booked for the week, patients scheduled for these procedures will benefit from reduced costs and comprehensive care.
The camp also serves to build the capacity of local plastic surgeons by fostering collaboration with visiting experts.
King Faisal Hospital’s approach to plastic surgery is described by the facility as patient-centered and aligned with international standards. The hospital representative noted that the hospital integrates “advanced medical technology, multidisciplinary expertise, and a patient-centred care model within a tertiary hospital setting.”
According to the hospital, procedures will be performed by certified specialists in accredited operating theatres, following strict surgical safety protocols.
“Each patient undergoes a thorough preoperative assessment and receives a personalised postoperative care plan,” the official added.
This model aims to ensure both safety and effective outcomes, particularly for patients seeking either reconstructive or aesthetic enhancements.
In addition to the camp, the hospital plans to open a dedicated cosmetology clinic offering non-surgical aesthetic treatments such as Botox, dermal fillers, and laser skin rejuvenation in the coming weeks. This clinic will further enhance Rwanda’s access to high-quality aesthetic care in a controlled hospital environment.
The hospital encourages patients interested in plastic surgery and cosmetology services to consult their outpatient system to schedule future appointments once the clinic opens.
According to an officer who spoke with the Congolese media, the shooter killed three fellow servicemen on the spot before taking his own life on Saturday morning. The platoon leader was also seriously wounded and is currently receiving treatment at a military hospital.
Despite the tragic event, airport operations continued as usual, with security personnel maintaining order at the scene.
The shooting comes just weeks after a similar deadly incident in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
In late June, a Congolese soldier opened fire on fellow troops in Mungazi, North Kivu province, killing three and injuring eight others. The confrontation reportedly followed an argument among soldiers shortly after they received their paychecks.
Major Nestor Mavudisa, the army spokesperson for the region, confirmed the casualties and stated that the injured soldiers are receiving medical care. The perpetrator was apprehended and taken into custody.
