The development comes as North Korean leader Kim Jong Un strongly condemned South Korea’s efforts to acquire similar submarine technology, calling it a threat to Pyongyang’s security.
The images released on Thursday depict what North Korean state media described as an 8,700‑ton class nuclear‑propelled submarine, with key components such as the engine and possibly the reactor seemingly installed. Kim visited the shipyard to inspect the vessel, accompanied by top military officials and his daughter, Kim Ju Ae.
According to reports, Kim emphasized the strategic importance of the submarine to North Korea’s defense capabilities and accused South Korea of threatening regional stability by pursuing its own nuclear submarine program.
He argued that the United States’ support for Seoul’s efforts, including backing from the U.S. President Donald Trump justified North Korea’s push to strengthen its own naval nuclear capabilities.
North Korea has long prioritized expanding its military arsenal, and this submarine project is part of a broader initiative outlined by Kim in recent years that also includes solid‑fuel intercontinental ballistic missiles, hypersonic weapons, and satellite systems.
Officials described the vessel as a key part of enhancing the country’s nuclear deterrent, enabling stealthier launch capabilities from underwater.
Experts assessing the images say it remains unclear how close the submarine is to operational readiness, but the public disclosure itself marks a significant step in Pyongyang’s naval development efforts.
The project has raised concerns among regional neighbors and international observers about further escalation of military tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
Kim’s criticism reflects deepening frustration in Pyongyang over increased military cooperation between South Korea and the United States, especially regarding advanced submarine technology, which has historically been tightly controlled.
The U.S. has reportedly agreed to share some technology that could enable Seoul to build nuclear‑powered submarines, a move that Pyongyang views as a direct challenge to its security.
The unveiling of the submarine progress arrives amid ongoing political and military tensions across the region, as North Korea continues its weapons development programs while resisting international pressure to halt or scale back its nuclear ambitions.
The move nearly doubles Cook’s personal stake in Nike and was interpreted by analysts as a significant show of confidence in Nike’s ongoing turnaround strategy under its current leadership.
Cook, who has served on Nike’s board since 2005 and holds the role of lead independent director, acquired the shares at an average price of $58.97 each in an open‑market transaction on December 22.
After the purchase, his total holding in the company stands at about 105,000 shares, making this one of the largest direct stock purchases by a Nike director in more than a decade.
The stock market reacted positively. Nike’s shares closed up 4.6% on Wednesday, reversing some of the pressure the stock has faced in recent sessions. The rally followed the disclosure of Cook’s trade and reflected investor optimism that insider buying by major figures can signal confidence in the company’s prospects.
Nike has grappled with challenges this year, including weak profit margins and slower sales growth in key markets such as China. The company’s shares have been under significant pressure, trading down nearly 13% since its earnings report on December 18 and marking several years of performance declines relative to broader market peers.
Under the leadership of CEO Elliott Hill, Nike has been implementing a turnaround strategy focused on reviving innovation and strengthening demand. Hill’s plans also include renewed marketing efforts and efforts to rebuild relationships with major wholesalers to bolster visibility and sales.
Analysts and portfolio managers viewed Cook’s transaction as more than just a personal investment decision a vote of confidence in Nike’s strategy. “For Tim Cook to be an inside buyer is a modest positive,” said one market participant, highlighting the symbolic weight of such a high‑profile insider purchase.
In addition to Cook’s move, other Nike board members have also made insider purchases, further reinforcing the narrative of executive confidence amid a challenging period for the brand.
Speaking to the congregation, the cardinal stressed the urgency of the project, noting how the current church often overflows, with worshippers spilling outside and tents needed for extra space.
“It’s time for us to come together and build a spacious, beautiful cathedral,” he said, urging everyone to get involved.
He encouraged Christians to reach out to the chief priest at St. Michel Parish with ideas or donations within their means.
The goal is a grand church that matches Kigali’s rapid growth and modern vibe, built on land donated by the president.
When pressed for specifics like an exact start date or budget, Cardinal Kambanda said planning is ongoing but fundraising and preparations continue full steam ahead.
The new cathedral will rise on the site of the former Nyarugenge Prison, known locally as “1930.” Designs show a contemporary building with room for at least 5,000 inside and vast outdoor areas to handle up to 20,000 for big celebrations.
Cardinal Kambanda first voiced his vision for a fitting city cathedral back in 2019 during his installation ceremony at Amahoro Stadium.
In 2023, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) announced that efforts to raise 40 billion Rwandan Francs for the construction were still underway.
Currently, the Cathedral of Kigali is located in Kiyovu, Nyarugenge District, where St. Michel Parish is based. However, it is too small to accommodate large events.
St. Michel Parish was founded in 1963 as part of the Kabgayi Diocese and became a Cathedral Parish on May 3, 1976, when the Archdiocese of Kigali was established.
This impressive haul came from a total of 9,538 tons of products shipped abroad. Key contributors included coffee, with 893 tons earning $6,264,518, and tea, where 931 tons brought in $2,758,516. Horticultural items also performed strongly: vegetables (500 tons) fetched $345,176, fruits (313 tons) added $241,609, and flowers (21 tons) contributed $113,958.
Other agricultural goods accounted for 6,572 tons, generating $3,425,424, while livestock products added 308 tons worth $615,484.
These exports reached markets across Europe (including France, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands), the Middle East (such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Oman), and various African countries.
This follows a similar strong performance the previous week, when exports from December 8 to 12 brought in $12.5 million from 9,650 tons.
On a broader scale, the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources reported that Rwanda’s agricultural and livestock exports for the full year of 2025 exceeded $893.1 million, roughly equivalent to 1.3 trillion Rwandan francs.
Data from the National Institute of Statistics further highlights steady growth where exports in the 2024/25 period topped $893 million, a 6.4% rise from $839 million the year before.
Looking ahead, Rwanda’s second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) sets an ambitious goal of $1.54 billion in annual revenues from these sectors by 2029.
These taxes must be declared and paid by 31 December 2025.
Commissioner for Domestic Taxes, Batamuliza Hajara, said that as the festive season approaches, taxpayers are encouraged to fulfill their obligations early to avoid potential technological disruptions in the final days, which could result in penalties for late declaration and payment.
“We want to enhance our self-reliance. We encourage everyone to pay all their taxes early so that they can enjoy the festive season with peace of mind, without any tax-related concerns. Christmas is near, and taxpayers are advised to settle their obligations in advance so that they can enter the holidays owing nothing to the public treasury,” she said.
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Commissioner Batamuliza noted that from the beginning of the year, a system was open to immovable property tax declarations and payments, either in full or in quarterly installments, depending on their capacity, while knowing in advance the total amount due.
“Since there are mechanisms that allow early declaration and gradual payment, there should be no reason for anyone to delay to the point of being penalized,” she added.
Property tax is calculated based on the location and use of the property.
According to the law governing sources of revenue for decentralized entities, when a property consists of land with a building, the tax is levied on the market value of both the building and the related plot. For undeveloped land, the tax is based solely on the land’s surface area.
The tax rate is determined annually by the District Council or the City of Kigali, depending on the property’s location and use, but it must not exceed FRW 80 per square meter.
Residential buildings and their plots are taxed at 0.5% of their market value; properties used for commercial purposes are taxed at 0.3%; while those used for industrial purposes or belonging to micro and small enterprises are taxed at 0.1%.
Multi-Storey residential buildings receive special consideration to encourage efficient land use. A residential building with up to three storeys is taxed at 0.25% of its market value, while those exceeding three storeys are taxed at 0.1%.
Properties exempt from immovable property tax include one building designated by the owner as their primary residence, along with its annexes located on a residential plot for a single household. The building remains considered the owner’s primary residence even if it is not occupied for various reasons; however, the land on which it is built remains taxable.
Commissioner Batamuliza clarified that if a property has already been taxed during the year of purchase, it is not taxed again, since taxation is levied on the property itself, not on the individual.
“As of this evening, we had surpassed 70% of declarations. Some taxpayers have declared but not yet paid, which is understandable. However, our message is directed to those who have neither declared nor paid, reminding them that the deadline is 31 December,” she added.
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Vehicle owners are also reminded to declare and pay the motor vehicle road maintenance levy.
The law determining this tax was published in the Official Gazette on 29 May 2025. For the current year, the levy is applied on a pro rata basis for the remaining months following the publication of the law.
The levy is set as follows: cars and jeeps – FRW 50,000; pick-ups, microbuses, minibuses, and buses – FRW 100,000; trucks and small trailers – FRW 120,000; and large trailers – FRW 150,000.
Exempted vehicles include those owned by the Government of Rwanda, diplomatic missions, and international organizations that have agreements with the Republic of Rwanda.
“These amounts may seem small, but they make a meaningful contribution to road maintenance. We remind vehicle owners to pay early, because delays may result in penalties that can be almost equal to the tax itself,” Commissioner Batamuliza said.
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Time is running out for taxpayers required to make third-quarter income tax prepayments.
This covers sales made in July, August, and September 2025. The quarterly prepayment tax is calculated from tax paid for the previous annual tax period divided by the turnover of the same tax period, times the current quarterly turnover.
“This is designed to make it easier for taxpayers. For example, if the total annual income tax due is around FRW 200 million, quarterly prepayments mean that by the end of the year, a taxpayer may have already paid half or more of the total amount, leaving only the balance to be settled,” Batamuliza explained.
“It is a facilitative mechanism and a legal right for taxpayers. Beyond supporting taxpayers, it also enables the government to fulfill its obligations in a timely manner.”
Declaration of the motor vehicle levy and immovable property tax can be done through the RRA website or by dialing *800#. The third quarterly prepayment tax is declared through the RRA website via the E-Tax system.
This funding, derived from tourism revenues, will be used to implement various initiatives aimed at improving the livelihoods of local communities.
The allocation is part of a broader tourism revenue sharing program, aimed at encouraging communities to actively participate in conservation efforts.
The announcement was made on December 22, 2025, in Nyamasheke District, during the selection process for projects that will receive support under this initiative in the 2025/2026 fiscal year.
The program, which began in 2005, aims to ensure that local communities benefit from the economic gains brought by tourism, thereby fostering a sense of responsibility for the protection of the park.
Initially, 5% of the tourism revenue was shared with surrounding communities, but since 2017, this share has been increased to 10%.
Alfred Habimana, the Vice Mayor of Rusizi District in charge of economic development, stated, “In Rusizi, several cooperatives have received support, both in agriculture and livestock. Last year, 32 households living in substandard housing were provided with new homes.”
Habimana further explained that this year, the allocated funds would be used to enhance the Rasano Health Center, upgrading it to the level of a health post. This upgrade will ease access for residents who previously had to travel 30 kilometers to the Bweyeye Health Center or 40 kilometers to the Nyabitimbo Health Center for medical services.
Julienne Ntakirutimana, the Vice Mayor of Karongi District in charge of economic development, announced that Rwf 107 million would be allocated to provide 100 pigs to residents of Mutuntu Sector.
Ntakirutimana added, “The remaining funds will be used to construct three new classrooms in Twumba Sector, where students previously had to walk up to four kilometers to attend school.”
Telesphore Ngoga, an official from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), highlighted that the allocated funds should be used for projects that will generate income for local residents.
He emphasized that a 2022 study revealed that 76% of the revenue from the tourism-sharing program was used for infrastructure development, a trend that should continue to be prioritized.
He further noted that 24% of the funds would be directed towards infrastructure improvements, while the remaining 76% should be focused on income-generating initiatives.
Over the past 25 years, the tourism revenue-sharing program has distributed a total of Rwf 18 billion to communities living near the parks, contributing significantly to the economic development of these areas.
Since launching incentives for EV use in 2020, the country has seen steady growth in their numbers, with more than 7,000 electric and hybrid vehicles now registered on its roads.
Auto24, a prominent car dealership in Rwanda, plays a key role in this transition by importing and supplying electric vehicles, helping to reduce air pollution and support sustainable mobility.
On December 20, 2025, Auto24 handed over eight brand-new BYD Yuan Up electric SUVs to Kimu Transport, a local passenger transport company.
The BYD Yuan Up, launched in 2025, is a compact crossover SUV designed for urban and everyday driving. It offers an impressive range of up to 403 kilometers on a single charge.
Charging times vary by charger type, with fast charging capable of replenishing the battery in as little as 30 minutes, or a full charge taking up to six hours with standard equipment.
Inside, the vehicle features modern technology, including a spacious and stylish cabin, a 12-inch (30.48 cm) touchscreen infotainment system, and intuitive controls accessible directly from the steering wheel.
It also includes a 360-degree camera system for enhanced visibility around the vehicle, along with other advanced safety and convenience features.
AUTO24 Rwanda Country Manager Ivan Ruzibiza noted that the company had previously supplied hybrid vehicles to Kimu Transport two months earlier. This latest delivery marks a shift to fully electric models in support of global efforts to combat climate change.
“We are fulfilling our commitment to Kimu Transport by delivering these cutting-edge 2025 electric vehicles,” Ruzibiza said.
He emphasized that the Yuan Up not only helps protect the environment but also offers significant savings for operators, thanks to its 403-kilometer range.
Jean Pierre Nkunziryayo, CEO of Kimu Transport, explained that the purchase aligns with the company’s pledge to support the government’s program to retire older, high-emission vehicles.
“Our strong partnership with the government has evolved positively. In the past, we faced criticism for operating aging, polluting buses. Now, with these modern electric vehicles, we are actively contributing to environmental protection,” he said.
He highlighted the operational benefits, adding that the vehicles deliver both environmental and financial advantages.
“A full charge, costing just Rwf 26,000, provides a 403-kilometer range—far more economical than the Rwf 165,000 we previously spent on fuel for gasoline vehicles.”
Minister Murangwa explained that Rwanda’s approach to foreign borrowing focuses on securing favorable loan terms to support sustainable development.
One of the key factors in this strategy is ensuring that loans come with extended grace periods. In some cases, these grace periods last more than five years before repayment begins, making the loans easier to manage. Additionally, many loans offered to Rwanda come with low-interest rates, making repayment more feasible.
“When we take loans for agricultural investment, we receive favorable loan terms, including grace periods of up to six years before repayments start. The project can be implemented within two to three years, which means by the time we begin repayment, the project is already generating returns,” he noted.
Rwanda’s long-term loans, particularly those linked to infrastructure and development projects, are structured to allow ample time for repayment.
Minister Murangwa emphasized that the repayment periods for some loans extend up to 40 years, with some projects having a five-year grace period before repayments begin. Furthermore, the interest rates are remarkably low, sometimes as low as 1%, 2%, or even 0%.
Long repayment periods and low-interest rates are crucial for ensuring that the country manages these loans effectively and invests in key development areas without putting undue pressure on state finances.
When taking on foreign loans, Rwanda evaluates three key factors to ensure they do not become a financial burden. According to the Minister, these include selecting the right projects for investment, ensuring the successful execution of these projects, and negotiating favorable loan terms.
“By making informed decisions on projects and securing favorable terms, we can confidently manage our foreign loans,” he stated.
Minister Murangwa also reassured that Rwanda is in a strong position financially and faces no difficulties in repaying its loans. In fact, in November 2025, S&P Global awarded Rwanda a B+ rating for its ability to repay long-term loans and a B rating for short-term repayment.
Rwanda’s national debt remains manageable. As of 2024, Rwanda’s foreign loans amounted to Rwf 11.846 billion, which represents 80.1% of the country’s total loans. The largest share of these loans consists of concessional loans, totaling Rwf 10.392 billion.
These loans are primarily sourced from institutions like the World Bank, the African Development Bank, and the International Monetary Fund, totaling Rwf 8.885 billion.
While concessional loans make up the majority of Rwanda’s foreign debt, a smaller portion is from commercial loans, which amount to 9.8% of the total, or Rwf 1.454 billion. Some state-affiliated businesses, such as RwandAir, also contribute to Rwanda’s foreign borrowing, with RwandAir alone having a loan of 66.8 million USD.
In addition to foreign loans, Rwanda also manages domestic loans, which accounted for 20% of the country’s total debt as of 2024, totaling Rwf 2.935.9 billion. These loans are mainly taken by the government and state-owned enterprises, often issued through treasury bonds placed on the market by the National Bank of Rwanda.
Minister Murangwa highlighted that Rwanda is focused on increasing domestic revenue to reduce reliance on foreign loans. This is being achieved through tax reforms, improving resource mobilization, and ensuring efficient use of the national budget. He also pointed out that reforms are being made to enhance transparency and improve the management of public assets and investments to prevent inefficiencies and reduce losses.
For the 2025/2026 budget, Rwanda plans to use domestic revenue totaling Rwf 4.105.2 billion, with foreign aid reaching Rwf 585.2 billion, and foreign loans amounting to Rwf 2.151.9 billion. The country’s GDP is projected to increase by 7.1% in 2025, indicating a positive outlook for economic growth.
Resolution 2809, which was adopted unanimously by the 15-member council, also reaffirms AUSSOM’s tasks, as set out in Resolution 2767 of December 2024, which authorized AUSSOM for an initial period of 12 months.
Resolution 2809 authorizes the member states of the African Union to continue to deploy up to 11,826 uniformed personnel, including 680 police personnel, to AUSSOM during the authorized period.
The resolution emphasizes that additional support to AUSSOM and the Somali security forces is necessary to enable Somalia to bolster its fight against Al-Shabaab and improve peace and security in the country and the region. It urges traditional and new donors to support the mission by providing the necessary funding to enable the full implementation of its mandate.
Turkish gendarmerie units located the wreckage of the Falcon 50 jet near Kesikkavak village in Ankara’s Haymana district, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said.
Libyan Prime Minister Abdul-Hamid Dbeibah later confirmed the deaths in a statement, saying al-Haddad and several senior military officials were killed when the aircraft crashed while returning from an official visit to Türkiye. He said the government would investigate “the circumstances of the accident.”
The aircraft, with tail number 9H-DFJ, departed Ankara’s Esenboga Airport at 20:10 local time (1710 GMT) bound for Tripoli. Contact was lost at 20:52 (1752 GMT), shortly after the crew issued an emergency landing notification near Haymana, Yerlikaya said.
Türkiye’s Anadolu Agency broadcast footage it said showed a flash from the aircraft’s impact and published images of debris scattered at the site. Air traffic at Ankara, which was briefly suspended following the crash, has since returned to normal, local media reported.
Al-Haddad had been in Ankara for high-level military talks. Earlier on Tuesday, the Turkish Defense Ministry said he met Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler and Chief of the General Staff Selcuk Bayraktaroglu.
