“Today, Rwanda received Gitangaza Prince, who had fled to Uganda after his involvement in the crime of torture committed against Haberumugabo Guy Divin in November 2024,” the Rwanda Investigation Bureau announced.
His extradition follows an international arrest warrant issued by Rwanda’s National Public Prosecution Authority under the Uganda-Rwanda mutual legal assistance framework.
According to the Rwandan government, the attack on Haberumugabo stemmed from a theft accusation.
The incident occurred in Akindege Cell, Kamashashi Village, Kicukiro District, in which Gitangaza, together with a group of fellow young people, severely tortured Haberumugabo.
Haberumugabo was accused of stealing three mobile phones and a laptop. Following the assault, Rwandan authorities arrested 10 people in connection to the attack.
The suspects include Adolph Uwase Emmanuel (24), Bruce Ikuzwe Emery (21), Kevin Imanzi (21), Vanessa Kirezi (20), Joel Nkubana (20), Jonathan Mugenzi (20), Kevin Kirenga (19), and Marembo Rugema (19).
Officials from Uganda and Rwanda oversaw the handover of Gitangaza to Rwanda at the Kagitumba One Stop Border Post on Saturday March 17, 2025.
Rwanda’s delegation was led by Jean Bosco Zingiro, I-24/7 Communication Specialist at INTERPOL National Central Bureau, Kigali, while Uganda’s delegation was headed by Assistant Superintendent of Police Otekat Andrew Mike, representing Uganda Police.
The Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) said that all eight other accomplices linked to the crime are currently under provisional detention pending a court hearing.
“RIB warns criminal suspects who flee judicial process to other countries that there is strong collaboration to bring them to justice and they will not find a safe haven abroad,” it said.
Kagame reflected on the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) between government forces and the M23 rebel group, which is composed of Congolese fighters advocating for their rights.
He also spoke about how Rwanda is being unfairly blamed for the crisis. He noted that Belgium, which colonized Rwanda, Burundi, and the DRC, continues to push for Rwanda to be punished and sanctioned by the international community.
According to him, Belgium has encouraged the DRC and Burundi to turn against Rwanda, but he suggested that relations between Rwanda and Burundi are set to improve.
“They [the former colonizers] initially grouped Rwanda, Burundi, and the DRC together and encouraged these other two nations to oppose Rwanda. However, things are gradually becoming clearer,” he said.
He added, “I don’t want to dwell too much on this, but we are working towards better relations with one of these two countries.”
Although President Kagame did not explicitly name Burundi, political analysts quickly inferred that he was referring to it especially since Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, recently stated that Rwanda and Burundi are on the right path toward ending tensions.
“The relationship between Rwanda and Burundi is improving as both countries continue discussions to resolve their differences,” the minister earlier stated.
Relations between Rwanda and Burundi deteriorated in late 2023 when Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye accused Rwanda of supporting the armed rebel group RED Tabara, which launched an attack in the Gatumba Zone near Bujumbura.
Rwanda denied these allegations, clarifying that it had no involvement with any group opposing the Burundian government. However, Burundi dismissed Rwanda’s explanations and, in January 2024, decided to close all land borders between the two nations, citing security concerns.
The East African Community (EAC), under the leadership of South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit, attempted to mediate between the two countries to restore cooperation in line with the regional bloc’s mission of facilitating trade and movement among member states.
The start of 2025 was particularly tense as President Ndayishimiye made strong statements against Rwanda in late January, signaling readiness for confrontation.
His remarks echoed those he had made a year earlier in Kinshasa, where he claimed he would support Rwandan youth in overthrowing their government, asserting that they were being oppressed in the region.
President Kagame also pointed out that Belgium has taken sides in regional conflicts despite being the root cause of many of these issues, unfairly blaming Rwanda for the region’s instability.
“Belgium colonized these three countries [Rwanda, Burundi, and the DRC], yet they now go to Kinshasa and point fingers at Rwanda, calling for sanctions against us and urging the world to act against Rwanda. How shameless can you be? Calling on the entire world to gang up against Rwanda, just like that?” Kagame wondered.
This is not the first time Rwanda and Burundi have experienced tensions and later resolved them. Between 2015 and 2020, the two countries had a strained relationship, but through dialogue, they reconciled and reopened their borders.
Nduta was convicted on March 6, 2025, by the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Court after being found guilty of smuggling over two kilograms of cocaine through Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport.
She was arrested in July 2023 while transiting to Laos. Nduta claimed she was unaware of the drugs in her suitcase, stating that a Kenyan man had hired her to deliver the luggage. However, prosecutors dismissed her defense and held her accountable for the narcotics found.
Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Korir Sing’Oei said on Sunday, March 16, 2025, that he had engaged Vietnamese authorities in an effort to secure a reprieve for Nduta, following pleas from Kenyans on social media urging the government to intervene.
In a statement shared on X, Sing’Oei confirmed his conversation with Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nguyen Minh Hang, where he conveyed Kenya’s deep concern over the impending execution.
He assured that Vietnam was considering the government’s petition to stay the execution and allow both countries to explore an alternative path to resolving the matter.
“I conveyed to Madam Hang the anxiety of the Kenyan people on the impending execution of our national and reiterated our request for a stay of execution to allow our two countries to find a path to resolving the issue. I am grateful for Madam Hang’s assurance that our petition is under consideration by her country’s authorities. In the meantime, our mission in Bangkok is actively following up the case,” Sing’Oei stated.
The case had sparked widespread concern in Kenya, with Senator Richard Onyonka petitioning President William Ruto to intervene. Onyonka urged the government to explore diplomatic channels to negotiate possible clemency or a repatriation arrangement.
“This distressing development calls for urgent diplomatic intervention to safeguard her fundamental rights and explore the possibility of clemency and repatriation. While acknowledging the sovereignty of the Vietnamese judicial system, it is imperative that the Government of Kenya intervenes to ensure that Ms. Macharia’s life is preserved and she is given an appropriate sentence in her home country under Kenyan law,” Onyonka said.
Sing’Oei acknowledged Onyonka’s petition and reiterated that the government was making all possible efforts to prevent the execution, while admitting that the case was “complex and difficult”.
“Nduta’s case is complex and difficult, but we are doing everything within our disposal to secure a reprieve for our national,” he said.
Nduta’s execution is scheduled for Monday, March 17, at 8:30 p.m. local time, with her final meal set for an hour earlier.
Kenya doesn’t have a diplomatic mission in Vietnam and is relying on its embassy in Thailand for consular support.
Vietnam enforces some of the world’s strictest drug laws, including the death penalty for those convicted of smuggling or possessing over 600 grams of heroin or cocaine. It remains to be seen whether Kenya’s efforts will bear fruit.
DJ Ira was among 8,000 people who attended a Presidential Citizen Outreach event held at BK Arena on Sunday, March 16, 2025. During the event, she expressed her gratitude to President Kagame for the warm welcome she had received in Rwanda and made a request to be granted Rwandan citizenship.
She thanked the Head of State for Rwanda’s inclusive opportunities, noting 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 immediately agreed, confirming that the citizenship would be granted. He advised her to continue following the necessary procedures for acquiring Rwandan citizenship.
“Have those responsible heard this? I’ve granted it, and now just follow up on the remaining steps. The rest is simply a matter of following the process; what else can I say?” he remarked.
DJ Ira is one of the top music mixers, a profession she began in 2016 with support from her cousin, DJ Bissosso, who played a key role in her rise to fame in Rwanda.
DJ Bissosso introduced DJ Ira to Kigali in August 2015 after she completed her secondary education in Burundi.
DJ Ira says she had aspired to follow in her cousin’s footsteps from a young age, but her family initially discouraged her, urging her to focus on her studies. After completing her secondary education, she began training in the profession she loves and is now one of the leading DJs performing at major events across Rwanda.
The move follows Trump’s directive to reduce several federal agencies to the minimum level required by law, a decision that has drawn sharp criticism from free press advocates and international media experts.
The U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which oversees VOA, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, and Radio Free Asia, was among the agencies targeted by the order.
Kari Lake, a Trump ally and senior adviser to USAGM, confirmed the layoffs in a post on X, advising employees to check their emails for official notifications.
VOA Director Michael Abramowitz also confirmed the mass layoffs in a statement, saying, ‘For the first time in 83 years, the storied Voice of America is being silenced.”
He revealed that nearly all 1,300 VOA employees were placed on leave, effectively crippling a media network that operates in almost 50 languages.
“VOA promotes freedom and democracy around the world by telling America’s story and providing objective news, especially for those living under tyranny.”
The sudden cuts also include the termination of USAGM grants to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and Radio Free Asia, organizations that broadcast news into authoritarian states such as China, North Korea, and Russia. The network’s president, Stephen Capus, called the cuts a “massive gift to America’s enemies.”
Critics, including Reporters Without Borders, condemned the move, warning that it undermines America’s global leadership in press freedom.
“This is a stark departure from the U.S.’s historic role as a defender of free information,” the organization said in a statement, calling for congressional intervention to restore the media outlets.
The cuts are part of Trump’s broader effort to reduce government spending and eliminate agencies he deems inefficient. In addition to USAGM, the executive order targets several smaller federal programs, including the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars and the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness.
Despite the backlash, Lake defended the move, arguing that USAGM was a “burden to taxpayers” and needed to be downsized.
“We’re doing everything we can to cancel wasteful contracts and save money,” she said in a video message.
The couple arrived in Kigali on February 21, 2025, and while Legend headlined the concert, they also took time to explore Rwanda’s rich natural beauty.
Sharing the experience with his fans on Instagram, Legend posted a video capturing the intimate encounter with a family of gorillas, calling it a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
“While we were in Rwanda for @glblctzn #MoveAfrika, we were able to spend some time in nature. We got up close and personal with a family of gorillas in their natural habitat. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” he captioned a video highlighting their trekking experience on Saturday night.
The American singer-songwriter and pianist also extended his heartfelt gratitude to the people of Rwanda for their hospitality during his first visit to the country.
“We’re so grateful to the people of Rwanda for their hospitality and loving welcome,” he added.
The “Move Afrika” concert, which John Legend headlined, is part of Global Citizen’s larger mission to develop Africa’s international touring circuit.
Meanwhile, gorilla tourism is a major revenue earner for Rwanda. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda primarily occurs in Volcanoes National Park, located in the northwest part of the country. The park is part of the larger Virunga Mountain range, which is home to the endangered mountain gorillas.
Volcanoes National Park is one of the best places in the world to go gorilla trekking, and visitors can embark on guided treks to see these incredible animals in their natural habitat. The park is famous for its stunning scenery, with its lush forests and towering volcanic mountains.
An internal memo seen by several outlets outlines the proposed restrictions, categorizing affected nations into three tiers: “red,” “orange,” and “yellow.”
{{Countries Facing Full Travel Suspension (Red List)
}}
Citizens from 11 countries in the “red” category would face a complete ban on entry into the United States. These countries are:
-* Afghanistan
-* Bhutan
-* Cuba
-* Iran
-* Libya
-* North Korea
-* Somalia
-* Sudan
-* Syria
-* Venezuela
-* Yemen
If approved, these nations would face indefinite travel restrictions under the executive order signed by Trump on January 20, aimed at preventing entry by individuals perceived to pose security risks.
{{Countries Facing Partial Visa Restrictions (Orange List)
}}
A second group of countries, under the “orange” category, would be subject to partial visa suspensions affecting immigrant, tourist, and student visas, with some exceptions. The ten countries on this list include:
A third category, the “yellow” list, includes 22 countries that would be given 60 days to address security and information-sharing concerns raised by Washington.
Failure to comply could result in movement to the more restrictive “red” or “orange” categories. These countries are:
-* Angola
-* Antigua and Barbuda
-* Benin
-* Burkina Faso
-* Cabo Verde
-* Cambodia
-* Cameroon
-* Chad
-* Democratic Republic of the Congo
-* Dominica
-* Equatorial Guinea
-* Gambia
-* Guinea
-* Liberia
-* Malawi
-* Mali
-* Mauritania
-* Republic of the Congo
-* Saint Kitts and Nevis
-* Sao Tome and Principe
-* Vanuatu
-* Zimbabwe
The proposed travel ban marks a return to one of Trump’s most controversial policies during his first term in office.
In January 2017, shortly after taking office, Trump signed the “Protecting the Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry Into the United States” order. This initial travel ban temporarily barred entry for citizens from seven Muslim-majority countries and led to widespread protests and legal challenges.
The US Supreme Court eventually upheld a revised version of the ban in 2018, which continued to restrict travel from several nations, including Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen. President Joe Biden repealed the ban in 2021, describing it as “a stain on our national conscience.”
During his 2024 presidential campaign, Trump vowed to reinstate and expand the travel ban to protect the US from perceived threats.
The new proposal remains under review and could face legal challenges similar to those following the 2017 ban.
Rwanda was represented by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, and Minister of Defense, Juvenal Marizamunda.
The meeting was chaired by Kenyan Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi, with all participants agreeing on the need for collaborative efforts to resolve security threats in the region.
Nduhungirehe stated that the ministers endorsed the resolutions of senior military officials from EAC and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which focused on ceasing hostilities, ending provocations, and ensuring humanitarian assistance in eastern DRC.
He further explained that discussions also revolved around the political dialogue framework under the Luanda-Nairobi process, which seeks to resolve the DRC crisis through diplomatic engagement. This process will be facilitated by three mediators.
They are Olusegun Obasanjo, former President of Nigeria, Uhuru Kenyatta, former President of Kenya and Desalegn Hailemariam the former Prime Minister of Ethiopia.
This EAC ministerial meeting precedes a joint session between EAC and SADC ministers, set to take place on March 17, 2025, in Harare, Zimbabwe, where further deliberations on ending the conflict in eastern DRC will be held.
The discussions build on decisions made by EAC and SADC heads of state during their summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on February 8, 2025, which called for an end to hostilities, cessation of provocations, and facilitation of humanitarian efforts in the conflict zone.
The minister’s remarks followed a statement issued during the G7 Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Charlevoix, Canada, held from March 12 to 14, 2025.
The G7, in its statement, accused Rwanda of supporting M23 and stated that the group’s military offensive was a violation of DRC’s territorial integrity. Rwanda has repeatedly denied these claims.
The bloc further urged all parties to commit to a peaceful resolution of the conflict, supporting the mediation efforts led by the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Additionally, it called for accountability for human rights abuses by all armed actors, including M23 and the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a militia composed of individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Reacting to the G7 statement, Nduhungirehe took to social media to dismiss it as a “recycled formula” that ignores Rwanda’s legitimate security concerns and the key root causes of the conflict in eastern Congo, including decades of persecution of Congolese Tutsi.
“These recycled formulas, forwarded from a western capital to another, 1) which minimise the support of the DRC government to the FDLR genocidal militia, 2) which overlook the security concerns of Rwanda, 3) which condoned the deployment of European mercenaries at our border, 4) which disregard the continued persecution of the Congolese Tutsi in eastern DRC, and 5) which pay lip service to the Africa-led peace process, are really tiresome,” he wrote in a post on X.
He further emphasised that Rwanda remains committed to supporting the ongoing EAC-SADC peace process to find a lasting solution to the crisis in eastern DRC, despite what he termed as “politically and/or economically motivated statements from overseas.”
The G7 forum brings together the leaders of seven of the world’s advanced economies: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.
Rwanda recently termed sanctions from some of the members as counterproductive to efforts to restore peace in eastern Congo.
{{FDLR threat
}}
Rwanda has consistently accused the DRC of harbouring and supporting the FDLR, which it considers a direct security threat.
Kigali argues that the FDLR, which collaborates with the Congolese army, seeks to destabilise Rwanda and push for regime change.
Despite these concerns, international actors, including the G7, have primarily focused on Rwanda’s alleged support for M23 while giving less attention to the presence and activities of the FDLR.
The conflict in eastern DRC has seen renewed violence, with the M23, which insists it is fighting for the rights of marginalised communities in eastern Congo, capturing key territories.
The group is scheduled for peace talks with the Congolese government in Angola on March 18, with the aim of resolving the conflict through a peace deal, after the military solution by Congo failed.
Held in Kigali, the competition’s Grand Finale marked a significant moment for the continent’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, recognizing the top ten most impactful and innovative business leaders selected from nearly 20,000 applicants.
Gueye, whose company EYONE is revolutionizing digital healthcare across Africa, took home the top prize of US$300,000.
His company’s mission is to create a connected healthcare ecosystem that facilitates access to quality medical services for patients while improving coordination between healthcare providers, insurers, and government institutions.
The first runner-up, Dr. Salma Bougarrani, Co-Founder and CEO of GREEN WATECH from Morocco, secured US$250,000 for her innovative work in water management solutions.
Kenyan entrepreneur Alexander Odhiambo, Founder and CEO of Solutech Limited, took third place, winning US$150,000 for his company’s efforts in digital transformation for businesses.
The ABH competition, a philanthropic initiative sponsored by the Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Philanthropy, has become one of the most prestigious platforms for African entrepreneurs.
This year’s competition was held under the theme “AI – African Innovation, Insight and Impact,” highlighting the role of technology and artificial intelligence in driving solutions across industries.
The selection process was rigorous, with the Top 10 finalists pitching their businesses before a live audience and an esteemed judging panel.
The panel featured high-profile business leaders, including Dr. Diane Karusisi, CEO of Bank of Kigali; Ibukun Awosika, Founder of the Chair Centre; and Fred Swaniker, Founder and CEO of Sand Technologies.
The judges assessed each entrepreneur based on their business model, scalability, innovation, and potential for social impact.
Speaking after being crowned champion, Gueye said, “I am very proud to be announced as the winner of the 2024 ABH Prize Competition. This achievement is the result of a lot of hard work, and I am incredibly proud of my team. It’s a significant milestone for us, and it serves as an encouragement for us to keep working towards solving the problem our innovation addresses.”
The competition also highlighted the increasing role of AI and technology in Africa’s economic landscape. ABH Managing Director for Africa, Zahra Baitie-Boateng, emphasized the significance of this year’s innovations.
“Congratulations to Henri and all our finalists! As we celebrate their success, we’re excited to launch the 2025 call for applications and continue empowering Africa’s next business leaders,” she said.
The ABH Summit and Grand Finale brought together over 1,600 participants, including top-tier investors, policymakers, and thought leaders.
The event featured a series of interactive sessions, including TED-style ABHx talks, financing masterclasses, and networking experiences such as the ABH Heroes’ Circle business ‘roast’ and Networking in the Dark, a unique blindfolded networking event.
During the event, ABH judge Ibukun Awosika underscored the importance of leveraging African intelligence and homegrown solutions in shaping the continent’s future.
“Africa’s future will be shaped by those who see challenges as opportunities and take action,” she remarked, stressing the role of purpose-driven leadership and lived experiences in fostering impactful entrepreneurship.
Further reinforcing its commitment to African entrepreneurship, ABH announced that Rwanda will continue to host the Summit and Grand Finale for the next four years.
The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and the Rwanda Convention Bureau (RCB) were recognized as key partners, with the Bank of Kigali also supporting the event.
On his behalf, Jean-Guy Afrika, the Chief Executive Officer at Rwanda Development Board highlighted the role of entrepreneurship in Africa.
“Entrepreneurship holds enormous significance for Africa’s economic growth, as it fuels innovation, creates opportunities, and builds sustainable industries. Our continent is home to more than 50 million micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, which significantly boost GDP.
He expressed Rwanda’s commitment to the ABH initiative. “ Since its inception in 2019, ABH has profoundly impacted Africa’s entrepreneurial landscape, engaging over 120,000 entrepreneurs. Rwanda is honored to host this prestigious event, not just this year, but for the next five years,” he said
The event concluded with the official launch of the 2025 ABH call for applications, inviting African entrepreneurs to compete for their share of the $1.5 million prize pool.
