Speaking candidly on the Work in Progress podcast hosted by actress Sophia Bush, the former First Lady addressed why her absence from certain high-profile events—including Donald Trump’s inauguration and the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter—sparked whispers of a possible split from her husband of 32 years.
Without directly naming the events or explicitly denying the divorce speculation, Mrs Obama dismissed the narrative, saying: “This couldn’t be a grown woman just making a set of decisions for herself, right? But that’s what society does to us.”
She reflected on the public’s reaction to her stepping back from some traditional roles, saying it revealed a broader issue about expectations placed on women.
“People couldn’t even fathom that I was making a choice for myself—they had to assume that my husband and I are divorcing.”
Mrs Obama, who has continued to speak at major events like the Democratic National Convention and remains engaged in advocacy, including girls’ education, explained that she’s simply choosing what’s best for her.
“I chose to do what was best for me. Not what I had to do. Not what I thought other people wanted me to do,” she said.
The Obamas, who marked their 32nd wedding anniversary in October last year, have long been admired for their relationship.
In her memoir Becoming, Mrs Obama has previously acknowledged the challenges they faced, particularly during their time in the White House.
Scientists and researchers claim to have discovered the location of the famous Noah’s Ark in Turkey, just 30 kilometres south of the summit of Mount Ararat.
Experts are yet to officially confirm the ark’s existence but many have speculated around the spot due to the legendary Durupinar formation.
A 538ft geological structure made of limonite can be seen lying by the mountain which closely resembles the exact dimensions of the ark, according to the Bible. The scientists have expresses confidence of uncovering the truth in the coming years and have already laid out their excavation plans.
Operations at what they label the “boat site” haven’t started yet with dozens of geophysical surveys, core drilling, and careful planning still to take place.
Top researcher Andrew Jones said the location lies in an active earth flow with harsh winters, so protecting the area is a top priority.
“Over the next few years, our Turkish university partners will conduct non-destructive tests like soil sampling, radar scans, and other methods to determine if the structures we’ve detected are truly man-made or simply natural formations,” he said.
“Only after we gather enough evidence and have a proper preservation plan in place will we consider excavating,” he explained.
The team have already had several positive results back from testing the land which has only increased their excitement over a match. Turkish geologist Doctor Memet Salih Bayraktutan collected 22 soil samples from inside and just outside of the “boat shape” last year.
These were shipped off to be analyzed at Ataturk University in Erzurum and came back with some remarkable results.
It was found that there was a lower pH inside the suspected ark structure as well as having a higher organic matter. More potassium was also clearly see inside compared to outside. “These changes are consistent with rotting wood,” the research team say.
It was also discovered was that the grass inside actually turns lighter and more yellow in the autumn. This has made them believe that the structure is an ancient creation made by man rather than an ecological change to the landscape overtime.
In October 2019, a full ground-penetrating radar (GPR) scan was also carried out at the site using two antenna frequencies. The goal was to explore different depths through the radar pulses from the machinery which go on to create images of what’s beneath the ground without digging.
It sends electromagnetic waves into the soil which when hit objects, potentially buried artefacts, walls, or graves, they bounce back to a receiver. Jones described the GPR as “a non-invasive peek into the past”.
It is mainly used to save time, reduces costs, and preserve dig sites. Initial scans of the site showed rectangular shapes were sat around 22ft down within the boat-shaped formation.
Another American geophysicist re-examined the data and claimed to find a long hallway which opened up into a large central space. This has led researchers to believe there are still open cavities inside the formation which Noah’s Ark Scans hope to soon drill into.
{{Why is locating Noah’s ark important?}}
For those involved in the research, the importance of the discovery is not just limited to its religious implications.
While Noah’s ark is a key element in Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, the story also speaks to larger human questions about survival, faith, and the fragility of life in the face of natural disasters.
The team’s findings, particularly the materials embedded in the formation’s soil, suggest that the area may have been submerged in a vast body of water at some point, potential signs suggesting evidence of the great flood
While the theory remains highly speculative, the notion that ancient humans witnessed and survived such a cataclysm has captivated scholars and theologians alike for centuries.
For scientists and archaeologists alike, the potential to link these scientific findings with one of history’s most famous legends is as daunting as it is crucial.
The story is also a key part of the Abrahamic religious traditions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam) and is often interpreted as a message of faith, obedience, and God’s promise to never destroy the Earth with a flood again.
According to the Book of Genesis, chapters 6 to 9, God decided to flood the Earth because of humanity’s widespread wickedness.
But he chose to spare Noah because of his righteousness and tasked him with building a large ark to save himself, his family, and a pair of every animal. The team are looking to create a gap and use a camera to see inside without damaging the site.
“We also plan to take core samples from across the formation, which should help us confirm whether the right angles and geometric patterns we see on the GPR scans are man-made structures or just natural formations,” Jones said.
So far, results support the existing theories. The soil tests suggest this formation isn’t simply part of the surrounding mud flow, it’s a distinct object. This comes as startling new archaeological evidence could finally solve another religious mystery.
New clues are emerging from the dust of one of the world’s most historic sites which could finally settle a long-standing debate over the death of Jesus and where he was buried.
Rwanda’s High Commissioner to the UK, Amb. Johnston Busingye, reiterated this appeal during the launch of the 31st commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi, held by Rwandans living in the UK.
Busingye emphasized that the continued presence of genocide suspects in the UK remains a serious obstacle to justice for survivors of the Genocide. He called on the UK to strengthen its cooperation with Rwanda to ensure justice is served for crimes committed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
“Survivors deserve justice while they are still alive. It offers deep comfort. Many Western countries, including the United States, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, France, and Sweden have either prosecuted or extradited genocide suspects. But the UK continues to host them. Six known genocide suspects are still residing on British soil and are known to the authorities,” he said.
He noted that Rwanda has repeatedly requested for their extradition, and once again called on countries to uphold international laws they have ratified, including UN conventions on genocide prevention and punishment.
Busingye explained that Rwanda initially pursued legal channels to request the suspects’ extradition for trial in Rwanda. Although British courts acknowledged that the suspects had a case to answer, they ruled that they would not receive a fair trial if returned to Rwanda.
Nevertheless, Rwanda remains hopeful that justice will ultimately be delivered, even as the suspects age.
He stressed that testimonies from survivors should help the international community fully grasp the reality of the Genocide, during which over a million innocent people were murdered in broad daylight simply because of how they were born, while the world watched in silence.
He reminded the audience of the day the UN Security Council decided to reduce the number of UNAMIR peacekeeping troops in Rwanda from 2,165 to just 270 even as genocide was underway.
This happened despite pleas from commanders on the ground, such as Canadian General Roméo Dallaire, who called for more troops.
Among the genocide suspects still living in the UK are Célestin Mutabaruka, Dr. Vincent Bajinya, Emmanuel Nteziryayo, Célestin Ugirashebuja, and Charles Munyaneza.
Busingye also emphasized the importance of remembrance and vigilance. “We must remember, and stay alert to ensure the ideology of genocide does not return, even in disguised language or divisive policies,” he said.
He highlighted the importance of teaching the history of the Genocide against the Tutsi in schools to help young people understand what happened, recognize the warning signs, and ensure it never happens again.
Jabo Butera, Chairperson of the Rwandan Community in the UK, noted that Rwandans living in cities such as Manchester, Newcastle, and Portsmouth came together to mark the beginning of the 100 days of commemoration, not only on April 7 but also through ongoing events.
“April 7 is the first day of the 31st commemoration, but other activities are planned during these 100 days of remembrance. For instance, on May 3, we will hold a major gathering in Portsmouth for the National Rwandan Community Association event,” he said.
Commemorations are also planned in other cities, including Liverpool, many of which host memorials dedicated to the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi.
Butera urged Rwandans living in the UK to keep their identity and history close to heart. “Being Rwandan should live in our hearts. These are our stories, and we must teach them to the world, especially to the younger generation.”
He made these remarks on April 9, 2025, during the 31st commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi at the Nyanza Genocide Memorial in Kicukiro District. The event was organized by Our Past Initiative organization.
Minister Utumatwishima pointed out that a significant challenge remains in the form of genocide ideology, which is becoming evident among young people who have not had the opportunity to study, such as herders and domestic workers.
He expressed concern that those seeking to distort history are targeting this group of youth, who have not had the same educational opportunities, unlike those who have received formal education and thus better understand the history.
“The enemy may have realized that we, those who managed to go to school and come from resourceful families, are now more aware of the history. There is still a problem with some youth who have not had this opportunity,” Dr. Utumatwishima noted.
The Minister urged educated youth to take it upon themselves to teach those who have not had the chance to learn about the genocide, and to help eliminate any form of genocide ideology and hatred among their peers.
“Let us work together with ‘Our Past Initiative’ and other youth organizations to find ways to reach those young people and teach them. Genocide ideology, cruelty, and hatred lead to nothing but destruction. We must fight against it relentlessly,” he emphasized.
‘Our Past Initiative’, which has been commemorating the Genocide Against the Tutsi since 2012, brings together youth each year on April 9 to engage in discussions about the history of the genocide.
The event brought together leaders and experts from around the world. The conference was presided over by Dr Diogene Bideri, a National Prosecutor and expert in international criminal law.
The discussion focused on reflecting upon what occurred in 1994, when over one million Tutsi were brutally killed, and the lessons that can be drawn from that tragedy—particularly for the youth. It also served as a moment to honor the victims while reaffirming the collective commitment to ensuring that such atrocities never happen again.
The discussion featured three main presentations from international legal experts:
{{The Genocide Ideology and the Duty to Remember: }} This presentation focused on how genocide ideology evolved in Rwanda during the colonial period, the First and Second Republics, the methods used to spread it—including hate speeches and propaganda and the danger such an ideology poses to humanity. The presentation was given by Dr. Sibo Gahizi Yves, a lecturer at ILPD and expert in international criminal law.
Another similarly important theme was {{The Institutional Francophone in the Face of the Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda }} by Dr. Aymeric Durez, a lecturer at Javeriana University in Bogotá, Republic of Colombia in Latin America, and expert in international relations.
He examined the failure of the Francophonie institutions in Rwanda, their silent complicity in genocide their support to the genocidaire government and their dishonest shift of blame to those who stopped the Genocide against the Tutsi. Dr Durez investigated archives from the Francophonie and the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. These archives prove that these two institutions were informed about the preparation of Genocide against the Tutsi but kept silent.
{{The next theme was The Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda in 1994:}} What Lessons Can We Learn Today?Professor Roger Koudé, a lecturer at the Catholic University of Lyon in France and expert in international law, discussed the recurring global vow of “Never again” after every genocide.
Despite these vows, atrocities have continued to occur, such as the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, the genocide in Srebrenica, and the situation that is ongoing in Darfur since 2003. Despite efforts by the international community, the risk of genocide remains a pressing reality in many parts of the world, particularly in Africa, the Near and Middle East, and Asia.
Studies, including those by the UN and the Atrocity Forecasting Project, highlight Africa as especially vulnerable, underscoring the need for the continent to play a leading role in international efforts to prevent and sanction genocide.
In light of current crises like the war in Ukraine, where both sides allege genocide, such risks must be taken seriously to avoid repeating the failures of the past. Professor Roger Koudé recalled that the UN Secretary-General António Guterres has emphasized the fact that preventing genocide is not only a moral duty but also a legal obligation under international law, primarily falling on states.
The leadership of the Institute of Legal Practice and Development hailed the partnership with the Chaire UNESCO of the Catholic University of Lyon that has facilitated the organization of the conference. The two institutions share the same goal of raising global awareness against genocide ideology.
In his opening remarks, the Rector of ILPD, Dr Aimé Muyoboke reminded that one of the primary goals of the 1948 Genocide convention was to prevent genocide ideology.
He reminded that article 2 of the genocide convention has made it a crime to have ‘an intention to destroy in whole or in part” one of the four protected groups, namely racial, religious, national and ethnic groups.
“The criminalization of the intent aimed to send a strong message of zero tolerance to all forms of discriminations that are the early stage of genocide,” he said.
Dr. Muyoboke indicated that the genocide against the Tutsi was an indication of the failure of the Genocide Convention that, a generation later, is again defied in the Great Lakes Region and elsewhere in the world.
“Risk factors of genocide in Eastern DRC, in Myanmar, Syria to name a few are of public notice. The world should not say again it did not know. It should rather remember that in regions where genocide happened before the risk of genocide is three times higher and act promptly to prevent a new genocide. The resurgence of hate speeches and propaganda, if not contained and eradicated forever, will make this convention to be an illusion,” he concluded.
For ILPD and the Chaire UNESCO of the Catholic University of Lyon, the conference was an introduction to another conference planned in June 2025 in Kigali-Rwanda.
The end-goal is the transfer of knowledge, skills and competence to the young people from all over the world in matters related to the fight against genocide ideology and transitional justice.
Participants from all over the world commended this initiative and appreciated the partnership between the two institutions.
The company’s insurance service revenue rose by 13.8%, from Rwf19.6 billion in 2023 to Rwf22.3 billion in 2024, highlighting robust business expansion and growing market confidence.
According to its [annual financial report->https://igihe.com/serivisi/gutangaza-amatangazo/article/prime-insurance-limited-annual-report-and-financial-statements-for-the-year-227098?var_mode=calcul], Prime Insurance recorded pre-tax earnings of Rwf6.2 billion and contributed Rwf1.8 billion in taxes, underlining its growing contribution to Rwanda’s economic development.
This strong performance stands out in an industry that collectively posted Rwf15 billion in profit after tax for the year. Prime Insurance paid Rwf6 billion in claims a testament to the company’s solid commitment to meeting policyholder obligations.
In just three years since entering the medical insurance segment, Prime Insurance has emerged as Rwanda’s fourth-largest provider, underscoring its agility and competitive edge in new markets.
Reflecting its strong financial footing, the Board of Directors has approved a dividend payout of Rwf500 million to shareholders a notable development and a testament to the company’s leading position in the sector and its strong performance.
The company’s total assets also saw a substantial rise, growing from Rwf30 billion in 2023 to Rwf38 billion in 2024. This Rwf8 billion increase further reinforces Prime Insurance’s sustained financial strength and market leadership.
With these record-breaking results, Prime Insurance continues to redefine excellence in Rwanda’s insurance industry, solidifying its dominance in general insurance while rapidly scaling up in the medical insurance space.
The requiem mass drew a distinguished crowd, including ministers, Prosecutor General Angelique Habyarimana, Government Spokesperson Yolande Makolo, Rwanda National Police Spokesperson ACP Boniface Rutikanga, and Rwanda Broadcasting Agency Director General Cleophas Barore, among others.
Musicians, artists, and athletes also gathered to pay their respects.
A well-known figure in Rwanda’s arts community, Mukuralinda was celebrated by entertainers such as Clapton Kibonke, Ndimbati, DJ Bisoso, DJ Ira, and Mico The Best.
In tribute to his contributions, artists composed a song honoring his legacy in the music industry.
During a funeral service held the evening before his burial, Muyoboke Alex reflected on Mukuralinda’s pivotal role in advancing the sector, urging others to preserve his progress.
Mukuralinda’s love for sports was equally evident. Athletes and coaches from his former team, Tsinda Batsinde, attended to honor his memory.
A passionate football enthusiast, he founded a youth football team and composed the anthem “Tsinda Batsinde” for Rwanda’s national team, Amavubi, alongside other popular songs cherished by local clubs.
In his homily, Cardinal Kambanda spoke of the profound loss felt by those who knew Mukuralinda.
“Death is painful when it takes someone like Alain Mukuralinda—someone vital to his family and destined for even greater things. Yet, while it saddens us, life does not end with death,” he said.
The Cardinal praised Mukuralinda’s generosity, deep faith, and dedication to nurturing young talent, particularly children from disadvantaged backgrounds. “That is a powerful legacy he has left us,” he added.
Sina Gerard, a close family member, remembered Mukuralinda as a humble man who inspired younger generations with his work ethic and love for music.
Recalling their six years together—spanning Mukuralinda’s return from studies in Belgium to the building of his own family—Gerard noted their harmonious bond.
Mukuralinda’s wife, overcome with emotion, thanked those who supported their family during this challenging time.
She spoke of her husband’s unwavering devotion to both his career and loved ones, emphasizing his ability to balance both with care and affection.
Born in 1970 in Rulindo, Mukuralinda moved to Kigali with his family at age two.
He built a distinguished career in justice and politics, serving as a prosecutor and spokesperson for the Public Prosecution Authority.
In the entertainment world, he gained fame as a musician under the stage name “Alain Muku” and founded Boss Papa, a company dedicated to supporting artists.
Mukuralinda leaves behind a rich legacy of unity, compassion, and steadfast support for Rwanda’s youth, forever etched in the nation’s cultural and sporting history.
Amb. Karega made this statement on April 9, 2025, during a discussion at the Kigali Genocide Memorial on the state of ethnic discrimination in the Great Lakes region, held as part of the commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
He noted that while Rwanda has made considerable progress in combating ethnic division, the rise of discriminatory ideologies in neighboring countries remains a significant concern.
“We still witness killings, displacement, and the ongoing exile of Tutsis. This is particularly evident in Burundi and the DRC. In Tanzania, there are Rwandans referred to as ‘Abaha’, but no one seems to care about that,” said Karega. “They are also in Uganda but the Constitution protects them. […] Whether their claims are true or not, they don’t face death or expulsion because of their identity.”
Amb. Karega further elaborated that in Burundi, ethnic issues have evolved, with their consequences extending beyond its borders.
He cited the example of refugees fleeing ethnic violence in Burundi who are now in Europe and Canada, often escaping groups like the Imbonerakure.
He also noted that some individuals fleeing similar groups end up seeking refuge, underscoring the enduring nature of ethnic hatred.
The ambassador also expressed his worry that many individuals, especially outside the region, lack a comprehensive understanding of the region’s history.
This lack of awareness can lead them to accept false narratives and align themselves with those who reject the Tutsi community.
Focusing on the DRC, Amb. Karega provided a stark illustration: “Congolese who are well-educated and knowledgeable about global history once said, ‘Ruberwa Azarias, who was Vice President of the DRC, can’t possibly be Congolese.’ When asked why he could not be Congolese, they claimed, ‘Because he is Tutsi, and no Tutsi can be Congolese.’”
He emphasized that despite the DRC’s rich diversity with over 400 ethnic groups, some individuals propagate the idea that Tutsis are foreigners, originating from places like Ethiopia or Russia, and falsely label them as criminals who should reside in Rwanda.
Amb. Karega concluded by stressing that this ethnic ideology is not limited to ordinary citizens in the DRC but is also held by educated individuals, including those with advanced degrees.
He also pointed out the perceived lack of significant efforts by the DRC government to actively combat this harmful ideology.
The entertainer is among 36 individuals whose applications for Rwandan citizenship were approved and published in Official Gazette No. 14, dated April 7, 2025.
DJ Ira made a passionate appeal to President Kagame for Rwandan citizenship during a citizen outreach program held at BK Arena on March 16, 2025.
During the interaction, she thanked the Head of State for Rwanda’s inclusive opportunities, highlighting how foreign children are given the same chances as Rwandan children.
“I want to thank you for how a foreign child is given the same opportunities as any Rwandan child. I also want to thank you for how a girl child is given the same opportunities as a boy. I have found great blessings in this country. We often meet at various events, and when there’s a dance, I’m one of those who make people dance,” she remarked.
DJ Ira then asked President Kagame if she could be granted Rwandan citizenship and officially become Rwandan.
“My request is to ask for Rwandan citizenship so I can be considered a Rwandan child and be one of yours,” she said.
President Kagame responded affirmatively, stating that he had no objection to her request and encouraged her to complete the legal procedures required to make it official.
The process moved swiftly. Speaking in a recent interview with IGIHE, DJ Ira shared her surprise at being contacted by immigration authorities less than 24 hours after receiving the President’s approval. She was instructed to begin fulfilling the remaining legal obligations, which have now been completed with her official naturalization.
DJ Ira, a rising star in East Africa’s music scene, began her DJ career in 2016 with the mentorship of her cousin, DJ Bissosso.
She moved to Kigali in August 2015 from Burundi, shortly after completing high school, and has since become a recognized figure in Rwanda’s entertainment industry.
The feature allows users to turn their Google Docs into audio overviews, with AI reading out articles or other written work. Available through the Gemini-powered updates to Google Docs, the feature acts as an AI narrator, offering a fresh, hands-free way to consume written content.
The functionality had previously grabbed attention when it was offered as part of the NotebookLM research tool and is now being integrated more broadly across Workspace accounts, set to roll out in the coming weeks.
In addition to the podcast feature, Google has introduced a variety of other Gemini-powered tools for Workspace users. One such feature is a prompt called “Help me refine,” which offers suggestions to improve drafts rather than simply rewriting them.
This tool is especially useful for those who don’t have access to a human editor, providing helpful feedback to tighten up documents. It will be available later this quarter.
Gemini’s influence doesn’t stop there. The update also includes a tool designed to assist with spreadsheet management in Google Sheets.
Currently, Gemini can help generate visuals and answer specific questions related to data in spreadsheets.
Looking ahead, a feature called “Help me analyze” will offer broader capabilities, guiding users to identify trends and helping them make sense of data. This tool is expected to be available later this year.
