Waltz’s statement followed Goldberg’s revelation that he had been inadvertently added to the group, which included high-profile officials such as Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Goldberg’s report in The Atlantic exposed the breach, which critics argue compromised national security by allowing a journalist to overhear classified discussions about military operations.
In a Fox News interview, Waltz acknowledged his role in creating the group but struggled to explain how Goldberg was added.
He blamed a “technical mistake,” saying that Goldberg’s name appeared similar to another person’s contact. Waltz further criticized Goldberg, calling him “the bottom scum of journalists” and suggesting that the incident was a result of a mix-up rather than any deliberate action.
While Waltz claimed no staffer was to blame, President Trump seemed to offer a contradictory explanation, suggesting that a lower-level staff member may have inadvertently shared Goldberg’s contact information.
According to The Guardian, Trump defended Waltz, dismissing the leak as a minor issue. However, the incident has drawn widespread condemnation from lawmakers, with Senator Mark Warner calling it an example of “sloppy, careless” handling of classified information.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Chris Coons also expressed concern, with Coons stating that the breach could constitute criminal behavior, even if accidental.
The leak raises questions about the use of Signal for sensitive communications, with some arguing that it may have violated provisions of the Espionage Act, as Signal is not approved for sharing classified information. The controversy continues to stir criticism over the handling of U.S. military secrets.
The delegation was received by the RDF Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General MK Mubarakh.
In his welcome address, General Mubarakh highlighted the longstanding and strong relationship between the RDF and the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), especially in terms of force development.
“The RDF and UPDF have enjoyed strong, cordial relations for many years, dating back to our liberation struggles. We are pleased that our Armed Forces continue to strengthen the existing special bond through various programmes, including the exchange of student officers and Directing Staff between the UPDF Command and Staff College and the RDF Command and Staff College.
“This initiative plays a critical role in the professional development of our forces. It contributes to the growth of our military leaders who are trained to effectively address prevailing security challenges, including cross-border crimes, in diverse operational environments,” the CDS emphasised.
The delegation received a comprehensive briefing on RDF’s transformation and its contributions to continental security from Brig Gen Ronald Rwivanga, the Defence Spokesperson.
Col Martin Sunday Byegarazo, head of the delegation, explained that the purpose of the visit was to expand the students’ understanding and gain valuable insights into national and international affairs, global politics, security studies, and international relations.
As part of their seven-day official visit to Rwanda, the delegation also paid tribute to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi at the Kigali Genocide Memorial and later visited the Campaign Against Genocide Museum.
Their itinerary includes visits to the Rwanda Defence Force Command and Staff College (RDFCSC) in Nyakinama, Zigama CSS and several other key government institutions.
The two entities signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at providing financial solutions that will enhance access to electric mobility while promoting climate-smart technologies.
The partnership aligns with Rwanda’s broader sustainability agenda, which prioritizes clean energy and environmental conservation. By supporting businesses and individuals in adopting electric mobility, the collaboration is expected to drive financial inclusion while significantly reducing carbon emissions in the transport sector.
Hannington Namara, CEO of Equity Bank Rwanda, emphasized that the bank is committed to fostering financial solutions that encourage sustainable development.
“We found SPIRO relevant to partner with because we do a lot of work with the community that we serve on this journey of sustainability, where adopting green technologies becomes very important. They are the suppliers of these products, and we’re interested in financing those products so that we can serve our end users, who are the communities,” he said.
Namara highlighted the key benefits of the partnership, which include green investment financing, financial inclusion for marginalized groups, climate risk insurance, and technical training programs. He also noted that customers will gain access to top-tier, effective electric mobility technologies that help reduce operational costs.
“The two of us tick the box of sustainability, going green, and protecting the environment. By deploying climate-smart technologies, we aim to provide our customers with state-of-the-art solutions in their mobility work,” he added.
“E-mobility saves at least $1 per kilometer. We believe in technology that allows them to do this cost-effectively, helping them save money while contributing to Rwanda’s sustainability journey. This aligns with our mission and vision.”
Namara further explained that SPIRO’s technology platform collects geographical data, allowing for insights into community needs and the impact of innovative solutions. This data-driven approach will help refine e-mobility services and optimize their benefits for end users.
Kaushik Burman, CEO of SPIRO, underscored the importance of strong partnerships in achieving sustainable mobility goals. “E-mobility transformation requires strong partnerships. We are excited to work with Equity Bank to scale electric mobility in Rwanda,” he stated.
“The government has been very progressive in terms of making policies that favor electric mobility adoption. This transformation journey cannot be done by one entity alone, it requires a coalition of partners, each bringing a unique strength to achieve the goal of deploying more e-bikes,” he added.
Burman also noted that SPIRO is making significant investments in Rwanda to enhance its e-mobility infrastructure.
“Spiro will continue investing heavily in Rwanda by bringing manufacturing capabilities for electric motorbike batteries, training staff, upskilling people, and creating the infrastructure, including automated swapping stations across the country,” he noted.
Since its launch in 2023, SPIRO has deployed approximately 2,000 electric vehicles and e-bikes in Rwanda. The company continues to raise awareness about the benefits of electric mobility and its role in reducing carbon footprints.
This partnership between Equity Bank and SPIRO is a major step toward making e-mobility more accessible and financially viable. By integrating financial solutions with sustainable transportation, the initiative will play a crucial role in Rwanda’s transition to a greener and more resilient economy.
According to AP, a local pilot identified as Terry Godes, saw a social media post Sunday night asking for help locating the missing plane.
Early Monday, he joined a search team and spotted what appeared to be wreckage near the lake. As he got closer, Godes was relieved to see the survivors waving from the wing.
“They were alive and responsive,” Godes told The Associated Press.
The plane was reported missing after it failed to return from its flight. John Morris, the pilot’s father, made a public plea for help on social media, which led to the search effort.
Once Godes located the crash site, other pilots helped relay information to authorities, leading to a rescue by the Alaska Army National Guard.
Despite the extensive discussions, including a 12-hour meeting between the U.S. and Russia, both sides offered conflicting assessments of the talks.
The U.S. delegation, led by Andrew Peek and Michael Anton, met separately with Russian and Ukrainian representatives. The talks addressed issues like maritime safety in the Black Sea and a temporary moratorium on attacks against energy infrastructure.
However, both Russia and Ukraine voiced concerns about the implementation of any agreements. Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called for clear guarantees from the U.S. regarding Ukrainian compliance, while Ukrainian President Zelensky criticized the discussions, particularly Washington’s willingness to help restore Russia’s access to global agricultural markets, calling it a weakening of sanctions.
Despite the diplomatic exchanges, fighting on the ground continued, with both sides accusing each other of escalating tensions. Ukrainian forces reported casualties from a Russian missile strike in Sumy, while Russia accused Ukraine of targeting its energy infrastructure.
Meanwhile, experts remain skeptical about the prospects of a lasting resolution, citing deep mistrust and the failure of previous negotiations.
As the situation remains volatile, Europe has also intensified its support for Ukraine, with France and Britain pushing for military assistance and long-term security guarantees.
Meanwhile, the U.S. faces criticism for its dual role as a mediator while having economic interests in Ukraine’s mineral and energy resources.
With trust between the parties eroding, the future of peace talks remains uncertain, and the path to a lasting ceasefire seems increasingly complex.
In a statement released on Tuesday, March 25, UNICEF Rwanda confirmed that the UN agency dedicated to promoting and protecting the rights of children worldwide is not involved with the concert and will not receive any proceeds from it.
“UNICEF is not associated with the planned ‘Solidarité Congo’ charity concert. UNICEF will not receive any proceeds from the event, and no person associated with UNICEF is part of the concert,” the statement clarified.
The organizers of the concert say the event is intended to support children affected by the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where the Congolese army has been fighting the M23 rebels.
However, UNICEF reaffirmed its commitment to humanitarian principles, stating that it remains “a non-political organization whose work strictly adheres to the humanitarian principles of neutrality, impartiality, and independence.”
The concert, featuring Congolese artists such as Maître Gims and Youssoupha, has sparked significant backlash due to its scheduled date coinciding with the annual commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
The date, recognized by the United Nations, marks the beginning of the 100 days of commemoration of the genocide, in which over a million people were killed.
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo has called for the event’s cancellation, citing concerns over public order and the emotional impact on the Rwandan community.
In a letter to the city’s police chief, Hidalgo emphasized the inappropriateness of hosting the concert on such a significant day, especially in light of “recent hateful rhetoric targeting Rwandans and Tutsis circulating online.”
The concert has also faced criticism from the Rwandan diaspora in France, Rwanda’s Ambassador to France, François Nkulikiyimfura, and survivor organizations, who argue that holding the event on April 7 undermines genocide remembrance efforts.
Critics have further accused some performers, including Maître Gims and Youssoupha, of previously expressing controversial views about Rwanda, intensifying tensions between the Rwandan and Congolese communities in Paris.
The Rwandan government has previously denied the Congolese government’s claims that it is backing M23 rebels, insisting that its main concern is the FDLR militia—comprising remnants of the perpetrators of the 1994 genocide—which continues to operate in eastern Congo, posing a security threat to Rwanda.
The game, filled with thrilling moments, tactical battles, and missed opportunities, left Rwandan supporters with a mix of pride and frustration.
The match kicked off with a solid defensive display from Rwanda, led by the trio of Thierry Manzi, Fitina Omborenga, and Ange Mutsinzi. Despite early pressure from Lesotho’s Lemohang Lintsa, Amavubi’s backline remained composed and absorbed the initial attacking threats with confidence.
In the 6th minute, Rwanda showed their attacking intent through intricate passing between Jojea Kwizera and Innocent Nshuti. Their combination play momentarily unsettled the Lesotho defense, but the final touch lacked precision.
Kwizera, looking lively from the start, attempted his first shot in the 15th minute, only to be denied by a well-positioned goalkeeper. The ensuing counterattack by Lesotho resulted in the first corner kick of the game, but Mutsinzi was alert to clear the danger.
Hakim Sahabo tested the Lesotho goalkeeper again in the 21st minute with a powerful shot, forcing a corner for Rwanda.
By the half-hour mark, Rwanda had dominated possession and created several promising opportunities. Their hunger for a breakthrough was evident, but Lesotho’s defensive resilience proved to be a formidable barrier.
On the 32nd minute, Kwizera delivered a precise free kick, but Lesotho’s goalkeeper parried it away for another corner. Mutsinzi rose to meet the corner with a strong header, but the ball whisked just wide of the post, leaving Rwanda agonizingly close to an opener.
With four minutes remaining in the first half, Kevin Muhire showcased his skill by dribbling past two defenders, only to lose control of the ball at the crucial moment.
Muhire redeemed himself moments later, setting up Kwizera with a perfect through pass. Kwizera’s shot was, however, deflected into another corner by the alert Lesotho goalkeeper.
In the dying moments of the half, Kwizera found himself with another golden opportunity, but his shot went wide, summing up Rwanda’s luckless first half. Three minutes of added time were played before the referee blew for halftime with the score still goalless.
The second half began with renewed urgency from both sides. In the 58th minute, Kevin Muhire thought he had finally broken the deadlock when he slotted the ball into the net.
However, his celebration was cut short as the referee ruled the goal out for a foul by Mutsinzi, who had collided with the Lesotho goalkeeper in the buildup.
Lesotho made two substitutions shortly after, injecting fresh energy into their lineup. But in the 65th minute, Amavubi’s persistence paid off when Kwizera calmly slotted the ball into the back of the net, sending the Rwandan fans into wild celebrations. The goal was a deserved reward for Rwanda’s relentless attacking efforts.
Four minutes later, tempers flared when Lesotho’s Motlomelo Mkhwanazi was shown a yellow card for a reckless foul on Claude Niyomugabo. Amavubi’s coach, furious at what he deemed an overly lenient decision, protested strongly and was also shown a yellow card for his animated reaction.
As the game neared its conclusion, Rwanda’s defense stood firm, with the backline tirelessly repelling Lesotho’s attempts to equalize. York Rafael and Samuel Gueulette were introduced in place of Sahabo and Nshuti in the closing minutes as Rwanda looked to consolidate their lead.
However, heartbreak struck late on when Lesotho’s Neo Mokhachane capitalized on a rare defensive lapse to score an equalizer with just minutes remaining.
The stunned Amavubi side pushed forward in search of a winner, and in the 90th minute, Gilbert Mugisha squandered a glorious chance, missing a free header that could have sealed the victory.
The referee added four more minutes, but neither side could find the decisive goal. Finally, Antoine Max Depadoux Effaessouma blew the final whistle, confirming a frustrating draw for Rwanda.
Despite dominating much of the game, Amavubi will rue their missed chances, while Lesotho will be relieved to have salvaged a point. As Rwanda looks ahead, they will need to sharpen their finishing to turn their impressive play into decisive victories in future matches.
McFadden’s appeal follows concerns raised by his constituent, Alexis Kiray, who represents approximately 2,300 Banyamulenge refugees resettled in the UK.
In a letter to Lord Collins of Highbury, Minister for Africa, McFadden stated that Kiray is concerned about the ongoing violence and human rights abuses against the Banyamulenge people and Tutsis in the eastern Congo.
“He [Kiray] is deeply concerned with the continuing persecution and displacement of the Banyamulenge community in the DRC, with many being arbitrarily detained and some executed. External observers have noted the risk of ethnic cleansing taking place in the DRC,” wrote the MP representing Wolverhampton South East.
McFadden highlighted that Mr. Kiray seeks clarification on the UK Government’s response to the situation.
“Mr Kiray wishes to know what action the UK Government is taking to protect the Banyamulenge and Tutsi from this treatment, and what can be done to prevent crimes against humanity from taking place.”
The Banyamulenge refugees, whom Kiray represents, were resettled in the UK through a partnership between the UK Government and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).
The Kinyarwanda-speaking communities in the DRC, whose presence traces back to the colonial era’s arbitrary border-drawing, have faced decades of persecution for decades.
The AFC/M23 rebel group, which has recently captured large swaths of territory in the eastern region, says it is fighting for the rights of this minority group.
Alarmed by the escalating conflict and violence, regional leaders and the international community have renewed calls for dialogue between the parties to settle the conflict.
Speaking to Italian daily Corriere della Sera, Alfieri revealed that the Pope experienced a violent bronchospasm in which he aspirated vomit, endangering multiple organ systems.
The medical team faced a critical decision: whether to halt aggressive treatment or to push forward with interventions that carried the risk of damaging other organs.
“We had to choose whether to stop and let him go, or push forward with every available treatment—despite a high risk of damaging other organs,” Alfieri stated. “We chose to go forward.”
Massimiliano Strappetti, Francis’ longtime health aide, played a crucial role in the decision, urging doctors not to give up.
The Pope remained alert and aware during the crisis, though at one point, doctors feared he might not survive the night. The medical team employed a non-invasive aspiration procedure to clear his airways, followed by an intensive regimen of medications. While concerns loomed over potential kidney and bone marrow damage, the treatment ultimately succeeded in stabilizing his condition.
Three days later, Francis suffered a second pair of acute respiratory episodes. Doctors inserted a specialized tube to remove mucus from his lungs, once again averting a life-threatening situation.
The Vatican took an unusually transparent approach during the Pope’s hospitalization, releasing detailed daily updates. According to Alfieri, Pope Francis himself insisted on honesty.
“He wanted the truth about his condition to be shared. Nothing was hidden or omitted.”
After 38 days in the hospital—the longest stay of his papacy—Francis was discharged on March 23. Appearing frail but resolute, he greeted well-wishers from a hospital balcony, thanking them for their prayers.
The Vatican has since confirmed that the Pope will undergo a strict two-month recovery period at his Vatican residence, Casa Santa Marta. His doctors have recommended continuous medical supervision and oxygen support during his convalescence.
It remains uncertain whether the Pope will participate in upcoming events such as King Charles III’s planned visit to the Vatican or the Holy Week celebrations. Francis has not publicly led the Angelus prayer in weeks but has continued to offer reflections online, recently calling for global peace.
In a message on social media, he expressed gratitude for the prayers that supported him through his ordeal.
“Let us pray together for peace,” he wrote, citing ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Reflecting on the Pope’s remarkable recovery, Alfieri credited both science and faith. “Science backs it up—prayer can have real effects,” he said. “Twice we thought we had lost him, and then it happened like a miracle.”
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that respiratory infections cause between 290,000 and 650,000 deaths annually, with 99% of these occurring in children from low-income or developing countries.
One of the challenges often encountered is that many people still resist seeking medical attention for respiratory illnesses, opting instead to take over-the-counter medications or resort to herbal remedies.
Dr. Fentahun Alemu Tsegaw, a pediatrician specialist in treating respiratory diseases among children, based at Baho International Hospital explained that these conditions require careful attention and should be managed thoroughly due to their potential severe impact on a child’s health.
He said that respiratory diseases, particularly airway allergies, are common among children. There are two main types; Allergic Rhinitis (hay fever), which is caused by allergens in the air and results in constant sneezing, nasal congestion, and watery discharge from the nose, and Asthma, which affects the airways, causing them to swell and leading to symptoms such as severe coughing and difficulty breathing.
Fentahun noted that airway allergies are especially prevalent in children and can be spread through genetic factors or environmental triggers, such as polluted air, dust, and pollen.
“Respiratory diseases can be triggered by several factors, including air pollution from agricultural activities, vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions, and even smoking near children, all of which put them at greater risk,” he stated.
He advised against placing children in enclosed spaces with poor ventilation, like smoke-filled rooms, and ensure that windows are opened to allow fresh air to circulate.”
He further explained that if respiratory diseases are not properly managed, and medical attention is delayed when symptoms appear, the risks of complications increase. For instance, untreated asthma can lead to chronic chest pain and even be life-threatening.
Fentahun mentioned that there are six approved medications specifically for children over the age of two, which can be prescribed to treat respiratory conditions. Treatment must be adjusted according to the child’s condition and must be done under medical guidance.
He advised anyone suffering from respiratory conditions to promptly seek medical help, educate parents on how to care for children during illness, avoid exposure to smoke, unpleasant odors, and extreme temperatures, and follow prescribed medication and medical advice.
To further protect and treat children with respiratory diseases, Baho International Hospital launched a week dedicated to children’s health, focusing particularly on respiratory illnesses. This initiative began on March 24, 2025, and will run until April 5, 2025.
Baho International Hospital boasts international specialists in treating a variety of diseases and offers expert advice on maintaining your health.
