Author: Nicole Kamanzi Muteteri

The executive order also stops funding for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), and requires the U.S. State Department to reevaluate the UN Educational, Science and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Trump made his announcement on the same day he met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose country has consistently criticized both the human rights body and UNRWA for alleged bias against Israel.

During Trump’s first term, the United States withdrew from the UNHRC in June 2018. In February 2021, then Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement that the Joe Biden administration would reengage with the council as an observer.

Since 1950, UNRWA has been assisting Palestinian refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.

As the world enters a very turbulent period and the number of conflicts worldwide hits a new high since the Cold War, there is an increasing call in the international community, among the Global South in particular, for reforming and improving the global governance system, he said.

“At the Security Council, solidarity and cooperation are replaced by division and confrontation. Very often, the Council has been unable to do anything in the face of major security crises. This situation cannot continue,” Fu told a press briefing on the program of work of the Security Council for the month.

Under its initiative, China will chair a Security Council high-level open debate, scheduled for Feb. 18, on the theme of “Practicing Multilateralism, Reforming and Improving Global Governance.”

“As we mark the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations this year, the debate aims to encourage countries to revisit the original aspirations of the UN, reaffirm their commitment to multilateralism and the important role of the United Nations, including the Security Council, and to explore ways to reform and improve the global governance,” the envoy said.

Regarding global and regional issues, Fu said that the 15-member body will continue to focus on the Middle East and strive to find lasting political solutions.

“It is necessary for the Security Council to pay close attention to the ceasefire in Gaza and take timely actions to ensure that the relevant agreement is fully and effectively implemented and that humanitarian access remains open and unhindered,” he told reporters. “China will urge the Council to closely follow the challenges confronting UNRWA (UN relief agency for Palestinians).”

In the meantime, the political and security situation in some parts of Africa is extremely volatile. There are huge challenges in terms of peacekeeping and peace-building, as well as humanitarian assistance, Fu said.

“The Security Council and the wider international community must maintain and increase their attention and support for Africa,” he said. “As the president, China will work with other Council members to promote dialogue and consultation and seek political solutions to African issues.”

The Security Council is composed of five permanent members — China, the United States, Britain, France, and Russia — and 10 non-permanent members. The presidency of the council rotates among its 15 member states based on the English-language alphabetical order of the countries’ names on a monthly basis.

China last held the rotating Security Council presidency in November 2023.

On February 4, 2025, Minister Motshekga and commanders of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) appeared before Parliament, where they explained that their soldiers did not expect to be engaged in combat when sent on the Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission, as they were intended to serve as peacekeepers.

However, MP Carl Niehaus dismissed this reasoning, insisting that the real purpose of the mission was to fight, not to keep the peace.

“Why are you Minister? And why is the President lying to us about the nature of the operation that we have in the DRC?” Niehaus asked.

“It is not a peacekeeping mission. It is an offensive mission and it is defined as such by the SADC. Therefore, you knew that our soldiers were going to be shot at, and you knew that you were sending our young men into the DRC to die in the killing fields of the DRC.”

Another MP criticized the government for misusing taxpayer money to fund the mission without providing clear justification. The MPs also pointed out contradictions regarding the financial support for the operation. Initially, the government promised billions of rand for the mission, only to later claim that the funds were provided by SADC.

The MPs, dissatisfied with the explanations, insisted that South African troops were not contributing to peace in the DRC and called for their immediate withdrawal.

Concerns about transparency were also raised, with many MPs questioning the unclear role of South African soldiers in the conflict. These concerns intensified after reports emerged that South Africa had lost several soldiers in the DRC.

On January 27, 2025, up to 14 South African soldiers were killed during clashes with M23 rebels, who had taken control of the strategic city of Goma in North Kivu Province.

Motshekga acknowledged that the South African troops faced a shortage of equipment, which hindered their ability to defend themselves.

Lawmakers also asked the foreign minister and SANDF Chief when the soldiers would be repatriated and for how long the mission was planned.

However, they were unable to provide answers. MP Virgill Gericke emphasized that South Africa should not hide behind SADC, noting that countries are not forced to participate in missions under the organization.

South African forces are reportedly working alongside the Congolese Army’s coalition including the FDLR, a terrorist group formed by remnants of the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

Over 1,500 South African soldiers were deployed to the DRC as part of a SADC mission to assist the DRC’s army in combating armed groups in the region.

The role of South Africa in the conflict drew [criticism ->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/president-kagame-rebukes-ramaphosa-s-distortions-about-their-conversations-on] from President Paul Kagame, who responded to a controversial message from South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa on X last week.

Ramaphosa’s message referred to the Rwanda Defense Force (RDF) as a militia and incorrectly called South African forces in the DRC peacekeepers.

Kagame condemned the message, calling it misleading and accusing Ramaphosa of distorting facts.

“The RDF is an army, not a militia,” Kagame asserted. He also criticized the SAMIDRC mission, stating, “SAMIDRC is not a peacekeeping force, and it has no place in this situation. It was authorized by SADC as a belligerent force engaging in offensive combat operations to help the DRC Government fight against its own people, working alongside genocidal armed groups like FDLR which target Rwanda.”

This model comes in three variants, two of which are automatic. The car was officially unveiled in Kigali on the afternoon of January 30, 2025.

Alphonse Manege, the Sales Supervisor at Toyota Rwanda Ltd, highlighted that the Starlet Cross maintains the renowned quality of other Toyota models, tailored to meet the specific needs of Rwanda’s road conditions.

“This car is designed for travelling everywhere, as it belongs to the SUV category. Its engine capacity has been reduced to allow Rwandans to use less fuel,” he said.

“We brought it in as a solution because its price is relatively lower compared to the other models we’ve introduced.”

These cars are currently available at Toyota’s Karuruma showroom. Nenad Predrevac, the Managing Director of Toyota Rwanda, encouraged companies, entrepreneurs, and individuals to consider purchasing this car because it is durable, and its maintenance is affordable, offering numerous benefits.

{{The 2025 Toyota Starlet Cross specifications}}

This model is equipped with a 1.5-liter gasoline engine, generating 105 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque. The engine’s power is transferred to the front wheels, making it a Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) vehicle.

This engine performance makes it easy to drive on smooth roads, while it also manages to handle rougher terrain.

The 2025 Starlet Cross has a width of 1.76 meters, a ground clearance height of 1.55 meters, and a length of 3.99 meters from front to back.

The distance between the front and rear tires is 2.52 meters, and the car weighs 1,005 kg when empty (without passengers or cargo).

It is equipped with airbags in both the front and rear positions, including the doors, to reduce the impact of accidents.

The car also features an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), which prevents the wheels from locking when sudden braking occurs, making it easier for the driver to maintain control.

Additionally, the 2025 Starlet Cross is equipped with Hill-Start Assist technology, which prevents the car from rolling backward when starting on a steep incline. Its tires are 16 inches in size.

For those interested in test-driving the car before purchasing, Toyota Rwanda has provided a [platform->https://www.toyotarwanda.com/?form=book-a-test-drive] to book a test drive, either online on their website or by calling 0788 314072.

He made the disclosure during a talkshow aired on different local news outlets where he emphasized that Rwanda has solid explanations backed by evidence to counter accusations made by DRC and the means to present them effectively.

Mukuralinda pointed out that DRC consistently amplifies its claims on various platforms, making it seem as though it has outpaced Rwanda in publicizing its narrative.

However, he assured that Rwanda is well aware of these tactics and is taking appropriate measures to respond.

“Everything the Congolese do, they publicize it widely and announce it everywhere they go. Do you think there is anything they say that Rwanda does not respond to? It is not necessary for Rwanda to respond to every claim all the time,” he said.

He acknowledged that among DRC’s allegations is the call for sanctions against Rwanda.

However, he reassured that Rwanda is never denied a platform to present its case on the international stage.

In many instances, he said, Rwanda has been given opportunities to explain the situation, revealing the falsehoods in DRC’s statements.

Mukuralinda further stated that Rwanda is actively engaging in diplomatic efforts to ensure that the requested sanctions are not imposed.

“Rwanda’s diplomacy will do everything possible, both publicly and behind the scenes, to prevent these sanctions from being enacted. And as long as Rwanda’s calls for a resolution to the issue go unheard, it will take necessary measures to protect its citizens and national sovereignty. Once the issue is resolved, those measures will be lifted,” he added.

He emphasized that Rwanda’s diplomatic efforts should not be complacent about DRC’s statements or its calls for sanctions.

However, he expressed confidence that those responsible for handling the matter are capable of addressing the challenges effectively.

Mukuralinda cited an example of DRC’s attempt to pressure football clubs sponsored by Visit Rwanda to terminate their partnership agreements with Rwanda.

“They wrote to the presidents of these clubs, but no one can simply make a decision without consulting the other party. If we provide explanations, do you think the outcome will be the same? Had we remained silent all this time, the sanctions they are pushing for would have already been imposed,” he said.

Mukuralinda called on all Rwandans to actively contribute to explaining the truth about Rwanda’s position, as the facts are clear and well-supported.

“All Rwandans should step up and explain because the truth is there, and it is well understood,” he urged.

He cited an example of foreigners who exposed the lies of President Tshisekedi, noting that some had witnessed M23 being welcomed by the population in Goma while Tshisekedi claimed they were not present.

Mukuralinda encouraged Rwandans to use such examples to clarify the reality of the situation.

He confirmed that Rwandan President Paul Kagame and DRC’s Félix Tshisekedi are among the heads of state who have confirmed their participation, sharing the update on his X account.

“Through our collective effort, we will ensure security reigns in our continent,” he said.

Kenya’s State House also confirmed that the summit will be held on Friday and Saturday following an agreement between SADC Chairperson, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, and EAC Chairperson, Kenyan President William Ruto.

“President Samia Suluhu Hassan has graciously agreed to host the summit to deliberate on the situation in Eastern DRC,” reads a statement from Kenya’s State House, quoting President Ruto.

The summit will be preceded by a ministerial meeting on Friday, before the Heads of State convene on Saturday.

Ruto said he has engaged several regional leaders, including South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, all of whom have confirmed their participation.

The confirmation of the summit follows SADC’s acceptance of an EAC request during a meeting hosted by Mnangagwa in Harare on Friday.

The discussions were prompted by the M23 rebel group’s capture of Goma, the capital of North Kivu Province, which had led Ruto to convene EAC leaders for a virtual session on Thursday.

During the virtual summit, [EAC Heads of State proposed a joint session with SADC to address the escalating security crisis in eastern DRC.->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/eac-heads-of-state-urge-drc-gov-t-to-directly-engage-m23-at-crisis-summit]

In a post-summit statement, the leaders emphasized the importance of diplomacy in resolving the conflict.

“The summit called for a peaceful settlement of the conflicts and strongly urged the government of the DRC to directly engage with all stakeholders, including the M23 and other armed groups that have grievances,” the statement read.

As M23 advanced into Goma, FARDC soldiers and their allied forces, including the FDLR terrorist group, were defeated. Instead of repelling the attackers, they launched artillery shells into Rwanda’s Rubavu District.

Speaking at the summit, [President Kagame vowed to take action->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/we-will-definitely-take-care-of-that-kagame-reacts-to-recent-shelling-from-drc] following the shelling, which resulted in the deaths of 15 Rwandans and left several others injured.

Tensions between Rwanda and the DRC have escalated since the resurgence of the M23 rebel group in 2022.

Kinshasa accuses Kigali of supporting the rebels, a claim Rwanda has repeatedly denied, urging the DRC to resolve its internal issues without blaming neighboring countries.

Kagame also expressed frustration over [the unyielding involvement of international actors in the DRC crisis, particularly highlighting South Africa’s role.->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/president-kagame-rebukes-ramaphosa-s-distortions-about-their-conversations-on]

The temporary measures introduced early Monday morning are “to ensure the safety of civil aircraft operations,” Artem Korenyako, a representative of the Russian Federal Air Transport Agency, said in a Telegram post.

Korenyako emphasized that “aircraft crews, air traffic controllers, and airport services are taking all necessary measures to ensure flight safety, which remains the top priority.”

The announcement follows heightened security concerns after reports of a drone attack in the Astrakhan region. Astrakhan governor Igor Babushkin said that Ukraine launched a drone attack overnight, attempting to attack facilities in the region.

“Electronic warfare and air defense systems operated as intended … There were no casualties,” Babushkin said on his Telegram channel.

“South Africa is confiscating land and treating certain classes of people VERY BADLY,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

“The United States won’t stand for it, we will act. Also, I will be cutting off all future funding to South Africa until a full investigation of this situation has been completed!”

He later told journalists that South Africa’s leadership was involved in serious wrongdoing, stating that an investigation was underway. He suggested that beyond land confiscation, the situation could be even more severe.

In response, South Africa’s foreign ministry stated that it expects Trump’s advisers to use the investigation period to better understand the country’s policies within its constitutional democracy.

South Africa currently holds the G20 presidency, with the U.S. set to take over next.

Last month, President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed confidence in the country’s relationship with Trump, noting that he had spoken to him after his election victory and looked forward to working with his administration.

During his first term, Trump claimed that white farmers in South Africa were being killed on a large scale and that land was being seized through violent takeovers.