Despite the setback, Rubio will proceed with his scheduled visits to Germany and the Middle East using a different aircraft, the spokesperson confirmed.
An official speaking to AP stated that the problem, linked to the cockpit windshield of the C-32, a modified Boeing 757, surfaced approximately 90 minutes into the flight.
The SIA stands as a key meeting point for professionals, producers, and the public, all gathered to explore the latest developments in agriculture.
Its core mission is to spotlight local products, biodiversity, and sustainable farming practices.
With its vast appeal, the show draws a broad audience, from industry experts to families and students, eager to engage with the world of agriculture.
Rwanda’s participation in the event is gaining momentum. Last year, over 25 representatives from Rwandan businesses, alongside key institutions like the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB), and the Rwandan Embassy in France, joined the show.
This collective effort showcased Rwanda’s agricultural potential, strengthened international partnerships, and highlighted the country’s expertise in agro-industry.
At SIA 2025, Rwanda will display an array of high-quality products, such as renowned fruits, vegetables, coffee, tea, and a variety of local specialties.
The country’s focus on sustainable agriculture will also take center stage, with an emphasis on environmentally friendly practices and a commitment to excellence.
This is an invaluable opportunity for Rwanda to not only showcase its agricultural strengths but also foster new trade relationships and explore emerging opportunities in the sector.
The show is rich with activities, including demonstrations, workshops, and discussions on pressing agricultural issues such as sustainability, energy transition, and food security.
These events are designed to enhance public understanding of sustainable agriculture and inspire the next generation to join this crucial field.
Rwanda’s participation in SIA 2025 is more than just a showcase of agricultural products; it is a strategic effort to highlight the country’s innovative practices, raise awareness about its agricultural diversity, and build stronger international partnerships.
As Rwanda continues to make its mark on the global agricultural stage, this event is a must-attend for anyone interested in the future of farming and Rwanda’s role in it.
{{Below are some photos showing Rwanda’s participation in SIA last year }}
karirima@igihe.com
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday that the country would resume “intense fighting” if Hamas fails to meet the deadline, without specifying the number of hostages to be released.
The Israeli military also confirmed that it was deploying additional troops to the southern region near Gaza, including the mobilization of reservists.
Under the ceasefire deal with Hamas that took effect on Jan. 19, Hamas is to set free three more hostages on Saturday. Earlier this week, the group said that it was suspending the handover, citing what it claimed were Israeli violations of the ceasefire.
Hamas’ decision prompted U.S. President Donald Trump to suggest that Israel cancel the agreement entirely, saying all hostages must be freed by noon on Saturday or he would “let hell break out.”
Concerns over the ceasefire’s collapse grow as there is increasing outrage in the Arab world over Trump’s proposal for the United States to take control of the Gaza Strip.
On Wednesday, Jordanian King Abdullah II discussed “dangerous developments” in Gaza and the West Bank in a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron.
The phone call came one day after the Jordanian king met with Trump in Washington, where he reiterated his country’s “steadfast position” against Trump’s proposal to relocate Palestinians from Gaza.
This follows the arrival of two military aircraft carrying South African soldiers at Bujumbura International Airport last Wednesday.
Reports from Bujumbura indicate that these troops are reinforcing South African forces already deployed under the Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission in eastern DRC.
The use of Bujumbura airport is said to be a contingency measure after M23 closed Goma International Airport upon capturing the city on January 27, 2025.
Burundian security officials told SOS Burundi that the South African troops moved from the airport to Gakumbu military base before reportedly heading towards the Gatumba-Uvira route into South Kivu, DRC.
A Burundian military officer stated, “Yes, the aircraft carried South African soldiers. We learned that they may pass through the Gatumba-Uvira road to reinforce SADC troops’ positions in South Kivu.”
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa had previously suggested withdrawing troops from the DRC following the deaths of 14 South African soldiers in clashes with M23 around Sake and Goma.
His remarks came as South African forces remained stationed at a military base in Goma, under protection from M23 fighters.
However, recent movements suggest South Africa may be escalating its involvement. The deployment of troops to Burundi, an ally of the Congolese government against M23, adds to speculation.
Between January 30 and February 7, 2025, South Africa reportedly sent between 700 and 800 soldiers to Lubumbashi in southern DRC, with plans to reinforce troops in the east. This deployment was confirmed by diplomats and South African lawmaker Chris Hattingh.
Despite warnings from politicians like Julius Malema, urging the government to withdraw troops to prevent further casualties, South African authorities continue their military engagement.
Critics argue that M23 possesses superior battlefield experience and advanced weaponry, potentially putting South African forces at risk.
In its latest monthly oil market report released in February, OPEC anticipates global oil demand to rise by 1.45 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2025, followed by an increase of 1.43 million bpd in 2026.
According to the organization, this year’s growth is expected to be fueled by strong demand for transportation fuels, particularly due to increased air travel and stable road mobility. Additionally, non-OECD countries are projected to see higher oil consumption in the industrial, construction, and agricultural sectors.
OPEC also maintained its global economic growth outlook, forecasting an expansion of 3.1 percent in 2025 and 3.2 percent in 2026.
Facilitated by the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), the training highlighted the importance of AML compliance in safeguarding the integrity of Rwanda’s financial market.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Capital Market Authority, Thapelo Tsheole stressed the critical importance of Anti-Money Laundering, Counter-Terrorist Financing, and Counter-Proliferation Financing (AML/CFT/CPF) compliance.
CEO Thapelo affirmed that adherence to global standards is mandatory for all licensed capital market intermediaries and urged collaborative efforts to foster the sustainable growth of Rwanda’s capital market industry.
Chief Executive Officer of MO Capital Ltd, a trading member of the Rwanda Stock Exchange, Olivier Muneza stated that “this training has significantly enhanced my understanding of AML/CFT practices and how they can be effectively implemented in our daily business operations.”
The training equipped market participants with practical guidance on implementing risk-based approaches, ensuring beneficial ownership transparency, conducting customer due diligence (CDD), and applying enhanced due diligence (EDD).
It also covered internal controls, governance measures, Targeted Financial Sanctions (TFS), and reporting obligations, preparing firms to identify and mitigate ML/TF/PF risks effectively.
According to UN officials, any initiative that encourages direct discussions between Russia and Ukraine is seen as a positive development. They emphasized that progress toward ending the war depends on both nations’ willingness to engage in negotiations.
The UN also acknowledged the significance of continued dialogue between the United States and Russia, noting that regular communication between major global powers plays a crucial role in resolving international disputes.
Both Washington and Moscow confirmed that the two leaders held a phone conversation, during which they agreed to initiate direct negotiations to seek a resolution to the ongoing conflict.
Regarding the UN’s potential involvement in the talks, the organization stated that it remains open to providing diplomatic support if requested by the parties involved.
According to the ministry, the incident took place on Tuesday evening when a military patrol from Tunisia’s Rapid Intervention Unit, operating under the UN’s peacekeeping mission, was ambushed.
The unit was on a routine mission as part of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).
Tunisia has been contributing troops to MINUSCA since June 2021, with its Rapid Intervention Unit tasked with reinforcing frontline security, ensuring civilian protection, securing strategic locations, escorting humanitarian convoys, and safeguarding UN personnel.
The ceremony was held in RWABATT-1 Headquarters, at the UN Tomping Base Camp at Juba on Wednesday, February 12, 2025.
The UNMISS Force Commander, Lt Gen Mohan Subramanian who presided over the medal awarding ceremony, thanked the Government of Rwanda for providing key contribution to the UN peacekeeping operations and commended Rwandan peacekeepers for their discipline and dedication while performing their duties.
He highlighted that Rwandan peacekeepers are the largest peacekeeping contingent in South Sudan and therefore the backbone of the UNMISS.
Brig Gen William Ryarasa, the Sector Unity Commander and Rwanda Senior National Representative in South Sudan, said that RWABATT-1 successfully carried out various operations that contributed to security and stability in their area of responsibility.
They include patrols to liaise with local security forces, monitor human rights situations, and gather critical information for the protection of civilians.
RWABATT-1 ensured the security of the UN Tomping and Torit Company Operating Base Camp, safeguarding key installations and personnel.
They also conducted community activities aimed at promoting cleanliness, health and education such as provision of medical services to the local community, provision of scholastic and hygiene materials to students and planting of trees and cleaning among others.
Lt Col Emmanuel Ntwali, RWABATT-1 Contingent Commander, said that the event was a milestone for the peacekeepers who have now completed 11 months fulfilling their duties under UNMISS.
He added that Medal decorations play a crucial role in raising UN Peacekeepers’ motivation and morale.
Lt Col Ntwali further appreciated the support rendered by the UNMISS leadership, the Government of South Sudan and friendly contingents in accomplishing the mandated tasks.
The event was attended by fellow peacekeepers from different nations under the UNMISS, South Sudan senior military officials and other friends. It was marked by parade demonstration, medal pinning and cultural dance performance.
The DRC government has accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 armed group, which has been engaged in conflict since November 2021, allegedly causing human rights violations in North Kivu. This case, filed in August 2023, comes amid escalating tensions between the two nations.
In his address, Dr. Ugirashebuja brought to light the numerous procedural irregularities and legal shortcomings in the case brought against Rwanda.
“From its inception, this application has been marked by lack of coherence, procedural irregularities, and an outright disregard for the established principles governing the court’s jurisdiction and admissibility requirements. It is not merely flawed, but fundamentally untenable,” he stated, criticizing the DRC’s approach from the start.
Dr. Ugirashebuja elaborated on the procedural lapses, emphasizing several instances of non-compliance with court rules.
He specifically pointed to the DRC’s filing of an additional application for an expedited procedure, which he called “an unprecedented move that had no justification.”
He further speculated that the DRC may have been seeking a quick resolution ahead of an upcoming election, though the court had rightfully dismissed this request.
Additionally, he condemned the DRC’s diplomatic maneuver when a government official visited the court in August 2024 with little notice, which he described as “perhaps an attempt to intimidate its members.”
He continued, “This is unheard of. President of the court, members of the court… graver yet was when the applicant sought to lodge 11,000 observations to the respondent’s rejoinder in another breach of procedural norms that underscores the opportunistic and unstructured nature of the applicant’s approach to this case.”
Dr. Ugirashebuja noted that the DRC’s actions, such as filing duplicative claims before the East African Court of Justice (EACJ) without disclosing this to the AfCHPR, revealed a “cavalier attitude” towards the proceedings.
According to the Minister, the DRC’s conduct undermines the integrity of the legal process.
“It should therefore be clear that the applicant’s attempt to conceal its litigation strategy erodes the principles of good governance and transparency essential to international adjudication,” Dr. Ugirashebuja argued, calling for the court to firmly reject such tactics.
Beyond procedural flaws, Dr. Ugirashebuja also pointed to the lack of a solid legal foundation for the DRC’s claims. He stated that the DRC had invoked a wide range of legal instruments without demonstrating their relevance or applicability.
“The applicant seems to be under the impression that it suffices to invoke a bewildering array of legal instruments and alleged norms without demonstrating their applicability, let alone their ratification or even binding nature upon the respondent,” he explained.
Dr. Ugirashebuja emphasized that the DRC had failed to establish a bona fide legal dispute or to address preliminary objections raised by Rwanda.
“The applicant has opted to raise as many arguments as possible while ignoring the respondents’ legitimate objections and is now simply hoping that the court will somehow sort out its case,” he said.
Additionally, Rwanda pointed out the DRC’s failure to exhaust local remedies before seeking international intervention.
Dr. Ugirashebuja underscored that the burden of proof lies with the applicant to show that such remedies were unavailable or unnecessary, a requirement the DRC had not met.
“The applicant has utterly failed to rebut, preferring to believe that it is not bound by the usual rules of admissibility,” he added.
The Rwandan Minister concluded by urging the court to consider the procedural chaos and substantive deficiencies of the case.
“This case is therefore remarkable, but it’s couched with a lot of procedural chaos and substantive deficiencies,” he said. He called on the court to reject the claims and reaffirm the importance of adhering to international legal principles.
Rwanda’s legal representative, Prof. Dapo Akande, argued that the African Court lacks jurisdiction over the case filed by DRC, as it pertains to actions outside Rwanda’s borders.
Rwanda’s representatives claimed the complaint aimed to dodge diplomatic processes for peace in eastern DRC.
This case, led by ten judges, follows a similar complaint filed by DRC against Rwanda in the East African Court of Justice in September 2024, related to the ongoing conflict since November 2021.
