Macron made the remarks at the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos, arguing that Europe must become “more realistic” in defending its interests as global competition intensifies and rules-based governance weakens.
Addressing rising trade tensions, Macron criticized the United States for an “endless accumulation of new tariffs,” describing the approach as “fundamentally unacceptable.”
“Even more so when they are used as leverage against territorial sovereignty,” he said.
Macron urged renewed commitment to effective multilateralism, saying international law is being trampled and collective governance weakened, creating a world in which “the law of the strongest” increasingly prevails.
France holds the G7 presidency this year, Macron said, pledging to use it to promote frank dialogue and practical solutions, while calling on partners to avoid trade wars and protectionist escalation that “will only produce losers.”
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday that the United States will impose 10-percent tariffs on all goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, Britain, the Netherlands and Finland over Greenland starting on Feb. 1.
Those tariffs would increase to 25 percent on June 1, and would continue until a deal is reached for the United States to purchase Greenland, he said on social media.
Greenland, the world’s largest island, is a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, with Copenhagen retaining control over defense and foreign policy. Since returning to office in 2025, Trump has repeatedly expressed a desire to “obtain” Greenland.
“The secretary-general condemns in the strongest terms the Israeli authorities’ actions to demolish” the Sheikh Jarrah compound of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), the statement said.
It said that, as Guterres “has repeatedly and unequivocally stated, including in his letter to the Prime Minister of Israel on 8 January 2026, the Sheikh Jarrah compound remains United Nations premises, and is inviolable and immune from any form of interference.”
The secretary-general urges the Israeli government to immediately cease the demolition of the compound, and to return and restore the compound and other UNRWA premises to the United Nations without delay, the statement said.
It added that Guterres views as wholly unacceptable the continued escalatory actions against UNRWA, which are inconsistent with Israel’s clear obligations under international law, including the UN Charter and the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations.
This issue was addressed during a press conference held on Monday, January 19, 2026, at Stade Amahoro. The event was attended by the Country Director of QA Venue Solutions Rwanda, John Ntigengwa; the CEO of Rwanda Premier League, Jules Karangwa; and Tokoloho Moeketsi, the Commercial Director at QA Venue Solutions.
The discussion comes amid growing complaints from various stakeholders, including federations and teams using Stade Amahoro and smaller venues like Petit Stade, who have criticized the high rental prices. Fans attending matches at the stadium have also expressed dissatisfaction with the excessively high prices for drinks and food.
Ntigengwa mentioned that QA Solutions, which has extensive experience in managing sports and entertainment venues, signed an agreement with the Rwandan Government on May 15, 2025, to manage Stade Amahoro to ensure its efficient operation and generate revenue.
The goal is for the stadium to remain in top condition, provide a return on investment, and allow the government to recoup its initial investment.
“The stadium must be used, but it should also generate income. Such an investment takes time, but we want to ensure it stays intact, always looking good, and at an international standard,” he said.
{{No fixed price for renting Stade Amahoro }}
On July 1, 2024, President Paul Kagame, together with Dr. Patrice Motsepe, the President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), officially inaugurated the revamped Amahoro Stadium, which had been under renovation for two years. The stadium’s capacity was increased from 25,000 to 45,000 seated spectators, and it was fully covered.
Since then, the stadium has hosted both local and international events, but the management has stated that no set price has yet been established for its rental.
John Ntigengwa, the Managing Director of QA Solutions Rwanda, explained that when the company was given the authority to manage the stadium, discussions were held with various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Sports, federations, and teams, and it was realized that the price for renting the stadium for events was too high. This led to the decision to differentiate prices based on the type of events held there.
“Since we started hosting events, we still don’t have a clear price for renting Stade Amahoro at this point for each team. We’ve been working with varying event prices, and the data from these trials will be used to determine the final rental rates,” he added.
{{Rental fees}}
QA Solutions Rwanda disclosed a meeting was scheduled on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, with the Rwanda Premier League (RPL), FERWAFA, and football teams to find a lasting solution to the pricing issue.
Ntigengwa mentioned that in previous discussions, teams suggested that the rental price for the stadium should be between Rwf3 million and Rwf5 million, and this is the direction they plan to follow.
He said, “Stade Amahoro belongs to the Rwandan people, and it should be used by Rwandans. But to ensure that everyone contributes, we have found that working together is necessary. The government is always there to help us.”
He also clarified that historically, renting Amahoro Stadium was priced at Rwf 10 million , but it has now been reduced to Rwf3 million thanks to government subsidies. Additional costs for utilities like water, electricity, security, protocol, ambulances, and insurance for any possible incidents at the stadium also contribute to the final rental price.
The total rental cost for the stadium can rise, as evidenced through the match between APR FC and Rayon Sports in November 2025, where the rental cost alone was Rwf32 million, including Rwf 10 million for the stadium and additional costs for other services.
QA Solutions Rwanda has formed partnerships with companies involved in ticket sales, security, and protocol management to ensure services meet the required standards.
Ntigengwa stated that if a match is expected to have fewer attendees, thereby reducing the need for extensive security and protocol staff, the costs for teams would be adjusted accordingly.
{{Pricing for food and beverages }}
Since Amahoro Stadium’s renovation, fans have frequently complained about the high prices of food and drinks. For example, a bottle of water has been sold for Rwf 2,500, and coffee for Rwf 8,000, prices that are often three times higher than outside the stadium.
During the press conference, Ntigengwa explained that the selection of vendors for food and drink sales at the stadium is QA Solutions Rwanda’s responsibility, as they must comply with health and hygiene regulations.
Stade Amahoro has 35 designated vending spaces, including 14 on the lower level and 21 on the upper level, with 17 doors available for permanent sales, some of which have been allocated to sports organizations.
Regarding the prices, Ntigengwa said, “This issue arose before we took over, but just recently, we faced a situation where someone was charging excessive prices for water. I personally spoke to the vendor and made it clear that such prices are unacceptable. Coffee is now priced between Rwf 3,000 and Rwf 4,000, not Rwf 8,000.”
{{Increased revenue }}
Jules Karangwa, the CEO of the Rwanda Premier League, mentioned that Tuesday’s meeting will be the third held between this organization and QA Solutions Rwanda to discuss cooperation.
He pointed out that athletes must understand that the stadium is now at an international standard, and although the rental price is higher than other local stadiums, it is justified by the upgraded facilities.
“The mindset must change. What people pay for events here is different from what they pay elsewhere. We are already discussing how to generate more revenue and increase income.”
He said, “Mindsets need to change. What a person contributes to play at the stadium is different from what is paid elsewhere. Now the discussions are focused on how we manage expenses and increase revenue more effectively.”
Karangwa also highlighted the opportunities brought by Stade Amahoro’s renovation. In the past, it was hard to generate more than Rwf 400 million annually from the stadium, but since the renovation, the stadium has made Rwf 950 million.
In the image, Trump is accompanied by U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, with a sign nearby reading “GREENLAND – US TERRITORY EST. 2026.”
On the same day, Trump released another image: He met with European leaders in the Oval Office, with a map displayed behind him showing the United States, Canada, Greenland, and Venezuela under the American flag.
Trump said on Truth Social on Tuesday that he had a telephone call with Mark Rutte, the Secretary General of NATO, concerning Greenland.
“As I expressed to everyone, very plainly, Greenland is imperative for National and World Security. There can be no going back. On that, everyone agrees!” he wrote.
The activities commenced with the reconstruction of houses for local residents affected by Hurricane Melissa, marking the start of practical humanitarian and engineering support to impacted communities.
The joint effort reflects close coordination between the two defence forces in support of Jamaica’s recovery and rebuilding process.
Through combined technical expertise in construction, RDF and JDF engineers are restoring damaged houses’ structures to improve living conditions for affected families.
According to the RDF Engineer contingent Commander, Col Moses Kayigamba, the mission goes beyond infrastructure repair, highlighting the importance of solidarity with the people of Jamaica and contributing to long-term resilience.
He confirmed that the reconstruction works are carried out in support of Jamaican local authorities and JDF ensuring that the support provided aligns with Jamaican priorities and the national recovery process.
The deployment of the RDF Engineer Contingent to Jamaica underscores Rwanda’s commitment to international solidarity, cooperation, and humanitarian assistance in response to natural disasters.
Trump told Norway’s prime minister that after being passed over for the peace prize, he “no longer feels an obligation to think purely of peace,” effectively signaling a readiness to pursue more assertive measures regarding Greenland.
Greenland is a vast Arctic territory that is self‑governing but part of the Kingdom of Denmark. Trump’s interest in the island, which has rich natural resources and a key strategic location has drawn strong resistance from both Danish and Greenlandic officials, who have repeatedly said the territory is not for sale and should remain under Danish sovereignty.
Tensions have increased in recent days after Trump announced that the United States would impose a 10 percent import tariff starting next month on goods from eight European countries, including Norway and Denmark, which have supported Greenland’s position and opposed U.S. efforts to assert control.
European governments condemned the tariff threats as harmful to long‑standing alliances with Washington and harmful to economic cooperation.
The president’s comments linking his Greenland policy to the Nobel Prize snub were confirmed by the White House and were seen by many as an unusual personal rationale for foreign policy decisions. Trump posted a doctored image on social media claiming Greenland as a U.S. territory, a move that drew ridicule and alarm from critics and allied leaders.
The tariff threat has triggered a range of international reactions. Thousands of people in Greenland and Denmark protested against U.S. pressure, with demonstrators saying the island’s future should be decided by its own residents, not by outside powers.
In Copenhagen, protesters mocked Trump’s slogans with parody caps reading “Make America Go Away,” capturing both humor and serious resistance to U.S. interference.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also publicly rejected Trump’s tariff threats, calling them “completely wrong” and warning that a trade war among allies who are part of both NATO and shared security commitments would be damaging and unnecessary.
Starmer emphasized that the dispute over Greenland should be addressed through diplomacy and calm dialogue rather than economic coercion.
Touadera, who secured 77.90 percent of the vote, will serve a seven-year term, the Constitutional Council announced at an official ceremony in the capital, Bangui.
Other contenders in the presidential election were former prime ministers Anicet-Georges Dologuele and Henri-Marie Dondra, who came second and third respectively, according to provisional results released by the country’s electoral body, the National Elections Authority.
About 2.3 million voters were registered for the elections, according to the National Elections Authority. Observers said that the elections “were largely peaceful.”
Touadera held a rally with his supporters in Bangui shortly after the final results were announced. He thanked his supporters, urging unity with the other candidates for the reconstruction of the country.
Touadera, 68, focused his campaign on restoring peace and enhancing national development. In the build-up to the election, he signed peace deals with some major rebel groups.
Touadera, who has been in office since 2016, will begin his third term as president following the victory.
Voters also cast their ballots in the Central African Republic’s legislative, regional, and municipal elections on Dec. 28, 2025.
The accident occurred at around 7:45 p.m. local time (1845 GMT) on Sunday, when a train carrying 317 passengers on the Malaga-Madrid route derailed for reasons still unknown near Adamuz, about 20 km north of the city of Cordoba.
As of Monday, authorities had confirmed 40 fatalities, while 48 people remained hospitalized, many of them in intensive care.
Sanchez canceled his scheduled agenda and traveled to the crash site, where he addressed the media and announced that the national mourning period would begin at midnight on Monday. He pledged a full investigation into the cause of the accident, describing it as a “painful day” for the country.
“We will get to the truth, we will find the answers,” Sanchez said, adding that the government would keep the public fully informed “with complete transparency.”
Juanma Moreno, president of the Andalusian regional government, said the impact of the derailment was “extremely violent,” noting that some bodies had been found hundreds of meters from the crash site, suggesting that passengers had been thrown from the train.
He warned that more victims could be discovered once heavy machinery arrives to clear the wreckage.
Spain’s Transport Minister Oscar Puente said earlier that it was “strange” for such an accident to occur on a straight section of track that had only been laid in May 2025. He added that the Malaga-Madrid service, operated by private company Iryo, was using relatively new rolling stock built in 2022.
Alvaro Fernandez Heredia, president of Spain’s state-owned rail operator Renfe, told Spanish state radio network RNE that human error had “been practically ruled out,” suggesting the cause was more likely related to Iryo’s rolling stock or an infrastructure failure.
Spanish media also reported that in August 2025, the national train drivers’ union had raised concerns with infrastructure operator ADIF over defects on the same section of track, including surface damage, unevenness and problems with overhead power lines.
With few restraints, Trump’s presidency has become an example of executive authority being pushed to its limits, reshaping government operations and asserting U.S. dominance on the global stage.
Since assuming office on January 20, 2025, Trump has pursued aggressive actions on a number of fronts. At home, he has enacted sweeping changes to the federal government, significantly reducing the federal workforce and pushing forward with the deportation of immigrants through executive orders.
His administration has also closed or scaled back several government agencies, a move that has been praised by his supporters but criticized by many who see it as weakening critical public services.
Trump’s domestic policies have included economic deregulation and the implementation of tax cuts that have stirred debates across the political spectrum.
His administration’s immigration policies, including aggressive border enforcement and the reduction of asylum seekers, have been a cornerstone of his second presidency. His handling of these issues has highlighted his determination to reshape American society according to his vision, despite strong opposition from many quarters.
On the international front, Trump has used his executive powers to make bold moves that have rattled U.S. allies and adversaries alike. One of the most controversial actions has been his renewed efforts to assert control over Greenland, a move that drew ire from Denmark and several European countries.
Trump’s foreign policy has been characterized by unilateral actions, including a military operation in Venezuela to capture President Nicolás Maduro, signaling a more aggressive stance in Latin America. These bold actions reflect Trump’s ongoing belief that the U.S. should assert its dominance, even at the cost of alienating traditional allies.
While Trump’s policies and executive orders have had substantial impact, they have not been without controversy. His approval rating has fluctuated, with recent polls showing a dip in support, as critics raise concerns over the erosion of checks and balances.
Trump has faced opposition from Democrats who argue that his actions threaten the balance of powers enshrined in the U.S. Constitution.
However, his loyal Republican base continues to back his strong use of executive authority, which has ensured little pushback from Congress, where the Republican Party remains in control.
Trump’s first year has also raised concerns about the future of U.S. democracy and the separation of powers. Critics argue that Trump’s expanding use of presidential powers from military decisions to trade policies and immigration reforms could set dangerous precedents for future administrations.
Trump’s critics in the U.S. House of Representatives have even hinted at possible impeachment should the Republicans lose control of Congress in the upcoming midterm elections.
Looking forward, President Trump’s second year in office will likely continue to push the boundaries of presidential power, as he faces growing challenges both domestically and abroad.
However, the question remains: will Congress, the courts, or the public find ways to rein in his authority, or will Trump’s executive reach continue to shape the U.S. for years to come?
The COEWG is a quadrennial forum that brings together Troop and Police Contributing Countries (TPCCs) and the UN Secretariat to deliberate on issues related to equipment and supply in UN field missions.
This year’s forum of the COE Working Group runs from January 19 through 30. It will also review and update the Contingent-Owned Equipment (COE) Manual, as well as equipment and personnel reimbursement rates.
In his statement during the opening session, the Defence and Military Adviser of Rwanda to the UN, Col Deo Mutabazi told delegates that the COEWG 2026 comes at a time when peacekeeping operations are at crossroads due to a serious liquidity crisis leading to personnel and COE cuts and less predictability for the future.
Col Mutabazi reminded the delegates that the fruitful COEWG reflects Member States’ renewed commitment to making peacekeeping more adaptive and responsive to existing challenges and emerging realities in the maintenance of international peace and security.
He emphasized that peacekeeping operations can only succeed when supported by predictable, adequate, and sustainable financing, as enshrined in the Pact for the Future.
Regarding expectations, Col Mutabazi underscored the need for practical solutions to pressing issues such as COE rotation, ammunition replenishment, and reimbursement rates for deployed capabilities, particularly in the context of high demand and a disrupted global supply chain.
