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Rwanda marks 30 years since genocide

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By Francesca Hangeior

Rwanda has commenced sombre commemorations for the 30th anniversary of the 1994 genocide, a mass slaughter orchestrated by Hutu extremists against the Tutsi minority over 100 bloody days.

More than 800,000 men, women and children, mainly ethnic Tutsis but also moderate Hutus, were killed in the murderous onslaught that saw families and friends turn against each other in one of the darkest episodes of the late 20th century.

Three decades on, the tiny landlocked nation has rebuilt under the iron-fisted rule of President Paul Kagame, but the traumatic legacy of the genocide lingers, reverberating across the region.

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In keeping with tradition, April 7 — the day Hutu extremists and militias unleashed their horrific killing spree in 1994 — will be marked by Kagame lighting a remembrance flame at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where more than 250,000 victims are believed to be buried.

Kagame, whose Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) rebel army helped to stop the massacres, will deliver a speech and place wreaths on the mass graves, with some foreign dignitaries in attendance for what has been dubbed “Kwibuka (Remembrance) 30”.

Sunday’s events mark the start of a week of national mourning, with Rwanda effectively coming to a standstill and national flags flown at half-mast.

During those days, music will not be allowed in public places or on the radio, while sports events and movies are banned from TV broadcasts, unless connected to the commemorations.

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The United Nations and the African Union among others will also hold remembrance ceremonies.

“This year, we remind ourselves of genocide’s rancid root: hate,” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a message marking the anniversary.

“To those who would seek to divide us, we must deliver a clear, unequivocal and urgent message: never again.”

The international community was heavily criticised for failing to protect civilians, with the UN sharply reducing its peacekeeping force shortly after the outbreak of the violence.

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The assassination of Hutu President Juvenal Habyarimana on the night of April 6 when his plane was shot down over Kigali triggered the rampage by Hutu extremists and the “Interahamwe” militia.

Their victims were shot, beaten or hacked to death in killings fuelled by vicious anti-Tutsi propaganda broadcast on TV and radio. An estimated 100,000 to 250,000 women were raped, according to UN figures.

Hundreds of thousands of people, mainly ethnic Hutu fearing reprisal attacks, fled in the aftermath of the genocide to neighbouring countries including the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

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SAD! Florida Pizza Delivery Driver Nabbed for St*bbing Pregnant Woman Over $2 Tip

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A Florida pizza delivery driver has been arrested after allegedly st**bing a pregnant woman multiple times in front of her young daughter due to dissatisfaction with a tip.

According to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, 22-year-old Brianna Alvelo from Kissimmee faces charges of attempted m+rder, kidn+pping, home invasion, and aggravated a$$ault after the incident at a motel on Monday night. New reports indicate she is now also charged with m+rder.

The victim, her boyfriend, and her 5-year-old daughter were celebrating the boyfriend’s birthday in their motel room when they ordered from a Marco’s Pizza. Upon delivery of their $33.10 order, the victim attempted to pay with a $50 bill but was told by Alvelo that no change was available. After searching for smaller bills, the victim eventually paid and left a $2 tip, which Alvelo reportedly accepted with visible displeasure before leaving.

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Later that night, Alvelo allegedly returned to the motel with an unidentified male accomplice, who was armed with a g+n. The pair forced their way into the room, with the man holding the victim and her daughter at g**point. He then forced the boyfriend into the bathroom, d£§troyed his phone, and stood guard while Alvelo searched the room.

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Authorities say Alvelo, armed with a knife, then att**ked the victim, st**bing her 14 times before her accomplice intervened, telling her it was time to leave. The victim, who underwent surgery for a punctured lung, learned at the hospital that she was in the early stages of pregnancy.

The victim is now in stable condition, while Alvelo remains in the Osceola County jail without bond.

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Compensate families of those who died in stampede — Falana to FG

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Human rights activist and lawyer Femi Falana has urged the Federal Government to compensate the families of those involved in the recent stampedes in parts of the country.

Falana stated this on Friday in Akure during a programme organised by the Ondo State Government, tagged Akeredolu Leadership Lecture Series, in honour of the late governor.

The lawyer blamed the Nigeria Police for the recent stampedes in Ibadan, Anambra and Abuja, where over 65 people died in the process of collecting palliatives.

According to him, the police failed to adequately protect people during the gatherings.

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“It was failure of security; it’s not poverty that caused all the loss of lives.

“If there is any process or gathering, they, the police, shall provide security,” the lawyer said.

Falana said that Ondo State has become a reference point for states in the country by ensuring peace in its domain through the creation of the Ondo State Security Network, codenamed Amotekun, by Akeredolu.

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Nigeria has no military pact with France, says Ribadu

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The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has refuted claims that Nigeria was involved in any military cooperation with France.

According to him, the country’s relationship with the European nation was strictly economic.

Ribadu spoke during an interview with BBC Hausa, monitored by our correspondents on Friday.

Ribadu’s comment followed an allegation made by Niger’s military junta leader, Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, who accused Nigeria of allowing France to use its territory as a staging ground for destabilising Niger.

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Speaking during the interview, Ribadun dismissed the allegation, describing it as baseless and implausible, saying it was an attempt to strain relations between the two nations.

Ribadu said it was unreasonable for Nigeria to sever ties with France over Niger’s internal disputes.

He said, “Nigeria has no history of hosting foreign military bases. Even our former colonizer, the United Kingdom, has never established a base here. We have consistently resisted such attempts, including from the United States.

“In contrast, Niger has hosted foreign bases, including one by the U.S., which they recently expelled. Our relationship with France has always been about economic cooperation, not military collaboration. While Niger’s leadership may have issues with France, it is unreasonable to expect Nigeria to sever ties with France over Niger’s internal disputes.

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“Once again, I emphasise that Nigeria’s relationship with France is strictly economic and has no military implications. We will not allow our country to be used as a tool for destabilising Niger. We hope that Niger’s leadership will understand this and work with us as allies and brothers to ensure peace and stability in the region.”

Ribadu said Nigeria was committed to peaceful coexistence with its neighbours, citing long-standing amicable relations with countries like Chad, Benin Republic, and Cameroon.

“Nigeria has no intention of sabotaging or destabilising Niger. We have always maintained peaceful relations with our neighbours, including Cameroon, Benin Republic, and Chad. Why would we suddenly have a reason to be in conflict with Niger? It simply doesn’t make sense,” NSA said.

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