The spokesperson for the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), Dr. Murangira B. Thierry, noted that from past experience, about 40% of all crimes recorded in a year occur in April, with a significant number linked to genocide ideology and related offenses.
He called on Rwandans to act responsibly and avoid engaging in such acts. Murangira was speaking on Thursday, April 3, 2025, during an interview with the national broadcaster, RBA.
He emphasized that this period calls for unity and reflection rather than division. “April is the month where genocide ideology and related crimes tend to be more prevalent. Over the years, we have observed that a significant number of offenses committed annually take place during this period,” he said.
Murangira pointed out that crimes recorded during this time often include genocide ideology, discrimination, divisionism, and denial of the genocide, with many cases involving the harassment of genocide survivors.
“It is deeply concerning that, even after all these years, some individuals still hold such harmful beliefs. We want to make it clear that the law will not tolerate such actions, and those involved will be held accountable,” he stated.
He warned against those who take advantage of the commemoration period to revisit past personal disputes, using them as an excuse to spread hate speech or engage in acts that promote genocide ideology.
“As we mark the 31st commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi, it is regrettable that some individuals still engage in such behavior. We urge them to stop because the law will not turn a blind eye,” he said.
The spokesperson also cautioned against dismissing dangerous rhetoric as mere jokes. “There are statements that are simply not jokes. Some people we arrest claim they were only joking, but no one jokes by giving justification for genocide. That is not humor,” he stressed.
Additionally, he expressed concern over cases where children are taught genocide ideology or discriminatory beliefs, calling such actions unacceptable and punishable under the law.
As Rwanda embarks on the 31st commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi, authorities urge the public to uphold the values of unity, respect, and accountability while ensuring that hate speech and division have no place in society.
The high-level forum, hailed as a pivotal step in strengthening international collaboration, unfolded in Kigali and served as a platform for signing significant academic partnerships and exploring mutual opportunities in higher education and innovation.
It brought together prominent institutions from Nordic countries, including Finland, Sweden, and their Rwandan counterparts, including the University of Rwanda (UR), Rwanda Polytechnic, the Catholic University of Rwanda, and the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS Rwanda).
Speaking at the forum’s conclusion, Rwanda’s Minister of Education, Hon. Joseph Nsengimana, warmly acknowledged the significance of their presence.
“It is an absolute honor to stand before you today at this remarkable gathering of academic leaders from Nordic and Rwandan universities, coming together to foster partnerships and collaborations to advance a shared vision of quality education for social economic transformation of our people,” he said.
Nsengimana praised the Nordic nations for their globally admired education systems, emphasizing their progressive values and innovative practices.
“The Nordic model offers valuable insights into fostering inclusive education, leveraging technology for learning, and ensuring that no child is left behind. Likewise, Rwanda’s resilience, innovation, and commitment to homegrown solutions provide a strong foundation for collaboration,” he emphasized.
Rwanda has placed education at the center of its development strategy with the government investing heavily in STEM education, technical and vocational training (TVET), and digital learning to ensure that its youth are equipped for the rapidly evolving global landscape.
In this spirit, the forum celebrated new collaborations set to shape the future of education across both regions. Eight MoUs were signed between various Nordic and Rwandan institutions.
Among these, LAB University of Applied Sciences signed agreements with both UR and the Catholic University of Rwanda, while Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences also entered into partnerships with the Catholic University of Rwanda, UR, and Rwanda Polytechnic.
The forum also saw Mälardalens University and AIMS Rwanda formalizing a collaboration with AIMS as the Campus Company Co, represented by CEO Laura Nevanlinna, signed partnerships with both UR and the Catholic University of Rwanda.
Prof. Didas Kayihura Muganga, the Vice Chancellor at the University of Rwanda, underscored the long-standing history and benefits of Rwanda-Nordic partnerships.
“At the UR, we believe in partnerships as one of the drivers for higher education growth in research, innovation, and capacity building,” he remarked. “This forum therefore represents an invaluable opportunity to initiate new partnerships but also deepen existing ones.”
He cited the 20 year UR–Sweden program as a testament to the enduring nature of Nordic-Rwanda cooperation, which has produced 98 PhD graduates to date. Muganga also emphasized the critical role higher education institutions play in addressing global challenges.
“Higher education institutions, in close collaboration with industries, are at the forefront of this journey. The relationships we build here today could lead to huge impacts in terms of both their reach and period,” he said.
The forum closed with renewed optimism and a shared commitment to building education systems that are inclusive, innovative, and responsive to the needs of an ever-changing world.
Both the Rwandan and Nordic delegates left with a vision to shape not just national, but global academic landscapes, united by purpose, strengthened by partnerships, and driven by a mutual pursuit of educational excellence.
This initiative was highlighted on April 4, 2025, as the Senate’s Committee on Social Affairs and Human Rights presented its report following visits to vocational and technical schools across the country.
The government’s target is to have at least one short-term vocational training school—offering programs lasting from six months to one year—in each of Rwanda’s administrative cells by 2029.
According to the report, a total of 2,044 VTCs are planned to be built by 2029. Additionally, 30 model vocational and technical schools will also be established.
The 2024/2025 inspection report from the National Examination and School Inspection Authority (NESA) revealed that Rwanda currently has 558 TVET schools.
Of these, 272 technical secondary schools (TSS)—representing 59.4%—meet the required standards, while 186 TSS schools (40.6%) fall short. For vocational training centers (VTCs), 66 schools (41.8%) meet the standards, while 92 schools (58.2%) do not.
Senator John Bonds Bideri emphasized that since 2008, the government has significantly strengthened support for vocational and technical education. He stressed the importance of aligning vocational schools with local resources to enhance their effectiveness.
“We recommend that VTCs be tailored to local resources. For example, in areas with many forests, the focus could be on carpentry or wood-based construction so that graduates can use what’s locally available,” he said.
Committee Chairperson Umuhire Adrie also highlighted the real impact of these schools, noting that VTCs are helping many, including A2 diploma holders and school dropouts, to gain hands-on skills.
“These schools serve many learners. For instance, someone with an A2 diploma might decide to learn cooking and can train for six months or a year. We’ve also met students who came from rehabilitation centers and young mothers who had dropped out of school and chose to attend VTCs to acquire new skills and find employment,” he noted.
The nationwide VTC rollout is intended to give Rwandans the chance to acquire practical skills in a short time without being limited by their previous education.
Statistics show that more than 115,000 students are currently enrolled in technical, vocational, and professional training institutions, including 51,557 girls (44.6%) and 63,959 boys (55.4%). Over the past five years, the proportion of students in these programs has risen from 31% to 43%.
The announcement follows the U.S. decision to impose “reciprocal tariffs” on Chinese exports to the United States, a move that the commission said does not conform to international trade rules, seriously undermines China’s legitimate rights and interests, and represents a typical act of unilateral bullying.
Amid widespread opposition, President Trump signed an executive order Wednesday imposing a 10% minimum tariff, with higher rates on select countries.
China faces a 34% tariff, the EU 20%, Vietnam 46%, Japan 24%, India 26%, South Korea 25%, Thailand 36%, Switzerland 31%, Indonesia 32%, Malaysia 24%, and Cambodia 49%.
Trump argued that other nations impose “non-monetary barriers” on the U.S.
Moon Hyung-bae, acting chief of the court, read a ruling on Yoon’s impeachment, which was broadcast live nationwide, saying it was a unanimous decision of eight justices.
Moon said Yoon broke his duty of protecting the constitution as he damaged the constitutional institutions, such as the National Assembly, and violated the basic rights of people by mobilizing the military and the police.
Moon stressed that the benefit of protecting the constitution through Yoon’s dismissal will overwhelmingly exceed the national loss from his dismissal.
Yoon declared an emergency martial law on the night of Dec. 3 last year, but it was revoked by the opposition-led National Assembly hours later.
Throughout the midnight hours of the botched martial law attempt, military helicopters landed at the National Assembly and hundreds of armed special forces troops broke into the parliamentary building.
By law, the ruling comes into force immediately after the reading, and a snap presidential election is required to be held within 60 days. The election is expected to fall in late May or early June.
The conservative leader officially lost all presidential power, becoming the country’s second sitting president to be forcibly removed from power following former conservative President Park Geun-hye’s ouster through impeachment in 2017.
Yoon also became the third leader to be impeached by the National Assembly in the country’s constitutional history. Late liberal President Roh Moo-hyun was reinstated in the presidency after impeachment in 2004.
Since the passage of Yoon’s impeachment motion on Dec. 14 last year, a total of 11 hearings have been held in the constitutional court until Feb. 25.
It took 111 days before the court’s final verdict, compared to 92 days for Park’s impeachment and 64 days for Roh’s impeachment.
Yoon was apprehended in the presidential office on Jan. 15 and was indicted under detention on Jan. 26 as a suspected ringleader of insurrection, becoming the country’s first sitting president to be arrested and prosecuted.
If convicted of the insurrection ringleader, Yoon could face the death penalty or life imprisonment.
He was released on March 8 as the prosecution decided not to appeal against a court’s release approval.
Yoon will be stripped of most privileges granted to a former president, including a monthly pension, one chauffeur and three secretaries. Free medicine and the cost of a personal office will not be given to him.
For the forcibly ousted president, the period during which the presidential security service provides guards will be reduced from 10 years to five years. After the five-year period, police officers will guard Yoon and his wife.
Kwon young-se, interim chief of the ruling People Power Party, apologized to people over the constitutional court’s decision, saying his party will take it seriously and humbly accept it.
He emphasized that there should never be violence or extreme action in any case, calling on supporters to overcome the current crisis in peace and order.
Lee Jae-myung, chief of the main liberal opposition Democratic Party, expressed his sincere respect for and gratitude to ordinary people who stood against soldiers and armored vehicles at the time of martial law imposition.
The most-favored presidential hopeful added that the unarmed people dramatically revived democracy by peacefully confronting the armed forces, vowing to do his best to prevent the repeated tragedy of the constitution’s destruction.
Following the impeachment verdict, anti-Yoon demonstrators were seen crying tears of joy, hugging each other and cheering in celebration near the constitutional court, with some holding signs that read “Immediately dismiss Yoon, the ringleader of insurrection.”
Yoon’s supporters, who rallied just hundreds of meters away on the street, reacted furiously. A man wearing a helmet and a gas mask was caught red-handed after breaking the window of a police bus, parked for a police line along the court, with a club.
Hemmed in by police officers, other supporters burst into tears, rocked barricades and even swore at riot policemen.
A recent Gallup Korea survey showed that almost six out of 10 South Koreans consented to Yoon’s ouster while 37 percent objected to his impeachment.
It was based on a poll of 1,001 voters conducted from Tuesday to Thursday. It had a plus and minus 3.1 percentage points in margin of error with a 95 percent confidence level.
Security was ramped up nationwide. The police issued the highest level of emergency order to deploy about 20,000 riot policemen across the country for expected protests and crowd control.
Of the total, some 14,000 riot policemen were deployed in Seoul to prevent possible conflicts near the constitutional court, the presidential residence and the parliament.
Police commandos, as well as paramedics and ambulances, were on standby around the court to respond to possible emergencies.
Kiiza, known for representing opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye, was summarily sentenced to nine months in Kitalya Prison by the General Court Martial on January 7, 2025, for contempt of court.
Kiiza’s arrest occurred at the General Court Martial in Makindye while he was representing Dr. Besigye and his aide, Obeid Lutale, during their trial.
He was reportedly prevented from accessing the defense section of the courtroom, leading to a confrontation with military personnel. Subsequently, he was arrested, convicted of contempt of court without a formal hearing, and sentenced to nine months in prison.
Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI), condemned the manner of Kiiza’s arrest and sentencing.
They highlighted violations of due process and fair trial standards, noting that Kiiza was denied the opportunity to defend himself and was allegedly subjected to torture during his detention.
The General Court Martial’s decision to sentence Kiiza without a formal hearing has raised concerns about the treatment of legal professionals in Uganda and the independence of the judiciary.
Legal experts and human rights advocates have called for reforms to ensure that lawyers can perform their duties without fear of intimidation or arbitrary detention.
Kiiza’s release on bail is a significant development in this case, but it also underscores ongoing concerns about the rule of law and human rights in Uganda.
The legal community continues to monitor the situation closely, advocating for the protection of legal practitioners and the upholding of judicial independence.
The dinner meeting was hosted by Professor Senait Fisseha, Vice President of Global Programs at the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, and brought together regional and continental health leaders to discuss sustainable health financing. Among the leaders present was AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.
The discussions centered on the importance of strengthening national health systems through domestic financing and fostering mutually beneficial partnerships.
Leaders emphasized the need for sustainable healthcare investments to ensure long-term improvements in service delivery and public health outcomes across the continent.
As part of the engagements, participants attended the official launch of Rwanda’s Health Intelligence Center, an advanced facility designed to enhance healthcare management using artificial intelligence.
The center gathers real-time health data from communities and medical facilities nationwide, enabling better resource allocation and improving national health system efficiency.
The hub was launched on April 3, 2025, on the sidelines of the Global AI Summit on Africa by Rwanda’s Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, alongside Minister of State Dr. Yvan Butera.
A statement released by the Office of the President indicates that the two met on the sidelines of the ongoing Global AI Summit on Africa in Kigali.
The meeting comes months after President Kagame hosted the EAC Secretary-General at Urugwiro Village in September last year.
Their discussions then centered on regional integration and other matters relating to the East African Community.
This was the first time President Kagame received Secretary-General Nduva, who was sworn into office on June 7, replacing Dr. Peter Mutuku Mathuki.
Meanwhile, on Thursday, the Head of State also met with Tanzania’s Minister of Health, Jenista Mhagama, whose office stated she “delivered a message from President Samia Suluhu Hassan.”
The President also held discussions with Doreen Bogdan-Martin, the Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), focusing on leveraging technology to drive sustainable development, and Amandeep Singh Gill, the United Nations Secretary-General’s envoy on technology, who was in Rwanda for the AI conference.
While officiating the opening session of the conference on Thursday, Kagame emphasized the transformative power of artificial intelligence in decision-making and innovation.
“AI is driving innovation, accelerating technological advancements, and proving its benefits across various sectors. It enhances productivity, supports evidence-based decision-making, and reduces human errors,” he stated.
Rwanda has already integrated AI into key sectors such as healthcare and education, significantly improving service delivery and efficiency. Kagame stressed that technology should be harnessed for positive change.
“Technology should be used for good, and we have a responsibility to ensure that happens. I believe we can work together to achieve that. Regarding politics and diplomacy, AI can be a tool for productivity, but relying too much on it in governance could lead to serious consequences,” he cautioned.
“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing away of our colleague, Alain Mukuralinda, Deputy Government Spokesperson,” reads part of a statement released on the morning of Friday, March 4, 2025.
“The Government of Rwanda extends its sincere condolences to his family, loved ones, and all those who had the honour of working alongside him,” adds the statement.
Mukuralinda, who once served as a Prosecutor and later as the Spokesperson for the National Public Prosecution Authority, died aged 55 at King Faisal Hospital.
In addition to his work in justice and politics, Mukuralinda was known for his humility. He was also a well-known figure in the entertainment industry, having been a celebrated musician under the stage name “Alain Muku.”
He was born in 1970 and attended primary school in Rugunga. He completed his secondary education in Rwamagana, where he studied accounting. In 1991, he joined the University of Rwanda but didn’t stay long, as he moved to Belgium to study law.
During his time as a prosecutor, he handled major cases in the country, including those involving perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
He was a cheerful person who loved socializing and making people laugh. He also had a deep passion for football and even managed a youth football team.
He composed the Rwandan national football team’s anthem “Tsinda Batsinde” , along with several other popular songs.
ANNOUNCEMENT
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing away of our colleague Alain Mukuralinda, Deputy Government Spokesperson. —
ITANGAZO
Tubabajwe no gutangaza urupfu rw’Umuvugizi wa Guverinoma wungirije, Bwana Alain Mukuralinda. —
The prime minister said his government will also impose the tariff on non-Canadian content of any CUSMA-compliant vehicles from the U.S., adding that Mexico won’t be impacted.
Carney said that the global economy “is fundamentally different today than it was yesterday.”
“Yesterday’s actions by the U.S. administration, while not specifically targeting Canada, will rupture the global economy and adversely impact global economic growth,” he said.
“Our old relationship of steadily deepening integration with the United States is over. The 80-year period when the United States embraced the mantle of global economic leadership is over,” said Carney.
Carney also said his government has gone to the World Trade Organization to argue the tariffs violate international trade law.
Canada was spared from the 10 percent baseline tariffs, but a 25 per cent U.S. tariff on imported autos went into effect at midnight.
