Deputy Director at the Dallaire Institute. A Statistician specializing in social protection. an activist for children's rights and promotes ImihigoYacu blog.
On March 15, 2019, a gunman walked into two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, and killed 51 people at prayer. It was one of the darkest days in the country's history.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern didn't deliver a polished press statement and move on. She showed up. Days later, she stood with the Muslim community wearing a hijab, not for cameras, but as a quiet act of solidarity. She refused to ever say the shooter's name in public. "He will, when I speak, be nameless," she told Parliament. He stayed that way.
Then came the part almost no one expected.
Within six days, her government announced an interim ban on military style semi automatic weapons. Twenty six days after the attack, Parliament passed the full law, 119 votes to 1. Countries that had debated the same question for decades watched a small island nation do it in under a month.
Some still questioned whether she had what it took to handle something bigger.
A year later, something bigger arrived. As COVID 19 spread across the globe, New Zealand closed its borders early and moved fast on restrictions. But what stood out wasn't just the speed. It was how Ardern communicated. She gave plain, honest updates, admitting what officials didn't yet know.
"We will make mistakes," she said, "but we will own them and fix them."
For over two years, New Zealand recorded some of the lowest COVID death rates in the developed world, and its economy bounced back faster than many of its peers. People trusted the plan because they were never left in the dark about it.
In January 2023, after leading her country through a terror attack, a pandemic, and years of crisis management, Ardern stepped down.
"I no longer have enough in the tank to do it justice," she said.
She didn't leave because she failed. She left because she knew the job needed someone with more left to give, and she was honest enough to say so out loud.
Sometimes the strongest thing a leader can do isn't holding on. It's knowing exactly when to let go.
In the @UN 5th Committee meeting on Administrative & Budgetary aspects of @UNPeacekeeping 2026/27, 🇷🇼Rwanda reaffirmed its principled commitment to 🇺🇳UN Peacekeeping efforts.
Economic Development Advisor Gisa Roick highlighted the need for clear and results-oriented mandates, matched with predictable financing and timely reimbursements to troop- and police-contributing countries, to enhance effectiveness on the ground.
He also underscored the importance of strengthened cooperation with regional and subregional organizations, particularly the #AfricanUnion.
🇨🇲, our team held a productive session with the leadership of the African Peace Support Trainers Association (APSTA) to deepen our partnership & advance joint action for #peacesecurity through capacity building, research, & advocacy, with a strong focus on #ChildrenPeaceSecurity
Dans deux semaines, le Rwanda accueillera la 46e édition de la Conférence ministérielle de la Francophonie (CMF). Une édition placée sous un thème et des objectifs importants, que nous vous présentons.
#CMF46
@DonaldKaberuka You know Dr. What strikes me about Rwanda is that an ordinary citizen like me resonate with Rwanda's identity, vision with clarity and purpose and devotion towards achieving our collective goal. This is what living the vision means and where we get the power to drive change. thx
At the #FutureOfWorkDialogue, I shared a simple truth: Africa’s talent isn’t missing – it’s waiting for the right systems. I proposed #DataEmbassies – enabling nations to share AI infrastructure, cut costs, & unlock opportunities for young innovators. We’re building the future
Visit Rwanda Expands To U.S. Sports With Clippers And Rams Sponsorships
And did you know that it’s the first time any NBA or NFL team has struck a sponsorship deal with an African tourism brand?
https://t.co/zwPgQr305h
History in the making. Thanks, Rwanda for giving us such joy and an unforgettable UCI experience of all times just next door. I appreciate the leadership of my country for the wonderful job done on bidding, preparing and implementing a successful UCI. #UCIKigali2025
President Kagame alongside His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco and David Lappartient, @UCI_cycling President, attended the Men Elite Road Race, the final race of the 2025 UCI Road World Championships. #Kigali2025 was the first UCI World Championship to be held in Africa, with the city’s hilly terrain presenting riders with the most challenging edition yet of the road race, tackling over 5,400 metres of elevation over 267.5km.
Tomorrow, Kigali opens its doors to the world as the 2025 UCI Road World Championships begin with the Time Trials!
From the Official Opening Ceremony at 09:20 to the Women Elite and Men Elite battles against the clock, this is the action you don’t want to miss.
Pull up, feel the energy, cheer on the champions, and be part of history!
#UCIWorldChampionship2025 #UCIRwanda #VisitRwanda
#Kigali2025 #RidingNewHeights
UPDATE: Masai Ujiri, co-founder of @GiantsOfAfrica, joins fifty young women gathered at École Notre Dame De La Providence for women's community outreach activities.
#GOAFestival2025
Community. Unity. Purpose.
Our GOA campers stepped into Kicukiro not just to serve—but to stand with one another in action, solidarity, and impact. This is what giving back looks like in a borderless Africa. 🌍💪