In a joint statement released by South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation, the ministers said the flotilla, a civil society initiative, aims to deliver humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.
Consisting of dozens of boats and hundreds of activists, the GSF is supported by delegations from 44 countries, aiming to break Israel’s blockade of the Gaza Strip and deliver humanitarian aid.
The flotilla departed from Barcelona, Spain, on Sept. 1 and is expected to arrive in Gaza in mid-September.
Issued collectively by the foreign affairs ministers of Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Ireland, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, Mexico, Pakistan, Qatar, Oman, Slovenia, Spain, South Africa and Türkiye, the statement also highlighted the urgent humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people as well as the need to stop the war in Gaza.
“Both objectives, peace and humanitarian aid delivery, together with the respect of international law, including humanitarian law, are shared by our governments,” it said.
The statement called on all parties to respect international law and refrain from any unlawful or violent act against the flotilla, warning that violations, including attacks in international waters or illegal detention, would lead to accountability.
Kipyegon dominated the race from start to finish, clocking 3 minutes 52.15 seconds, with fellow Kenyan Dorcus Ewoi taking silver in a personal best 3:54.92 and Australia’s Jessica Hull winning bronze in 3:55.16, marking her country’s first medal in the event.
The 31-year-old now equals Moroccan legend Hicham El Guerrouj’s record of four world 1,500m golds (1997–2003) and is also eyeing her second world 5,000m title later this week.
“Being able to defend my title and to win a fourth gold feels really special,” Kipyegon told reporters. “After setting the world record in Eugene [in July], I said to myself, ‘I have to go to Tokyo and defend my title.’ I knew I could run it under control.”
She reflected on her career milestone in Tokyo, the same city where she won her second Olympic gold in 2021 after giving birth to her daughter, Alyn. “I won here in the 2021 Olympics just after becoming a mother, so being back here, winning again, means I can show a new gold medal to my daughter.”
Known fondly as the “Queen of 1,500m,” Kipyegon grew up running barefoot in Kenya’s Rift Valley before being discovered by a coach in 2009.
Since then, she has collected three Olympic golds, four world titles, and a world record, making her one of the most decorated athletes in the history of the sport.
The incident occurred on September 16, 2025, at around 13:40 hours. According to the RDF, the UAV was being used as part of a training exercise when it veered off course due to adverse weather conditions and subsequently crashed.
As a result, three students who were returning home from school sustained injuries. Two of them were taken to Kivumu Health Centre for treatment, while the third was transferred to Murunda Hospital for further care.
In a statement, the RDF extended its sympathy to the affected families and expressed regret over the distress caused by the incident.
“The Rwanda Defence Force extends its sympathy to the families of the injured children and deeply regrets the distress this incident has caused,” the statement reads.
The RDF also confirmed that it is working closely with local authorities and medical staff to ensure the injured children receive proper care, and pledged to provide all necessary support to both the students and their families.
Following its successful participation at the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) held at ADNEC Abu Dhabi, the committee recently conducted productive discussions with sports federations in the UAE and is preparing to host the Sponsors’ Summit on 17th September.
Aref Hamad Al Awani, Secretary-General of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said, “The Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 is more than just a sporting competition; it’s a dynamic community initiative designed to foster active lifestyles, encourage a passion for sport, and promote healthy living. Hosting this event is a significant point of pride for Abu Dhabi and will further enhance our reputation as a leading global destination for major sporting events. We are prepared to welcome participants from around the world and are committed to delivering a memorable experience for everyone involved.”
The Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 will be the largest and most diverse international sporting event ever hosted in the region. Taking place from 6 to 15 February 2026 in Abu Dhabi, it will welcome more than 25,000 athletes competing across more than 30 different sports, including six heritage sports that reflect the UAE’s national identity and cultural legacy.
As the first edition of the Masters Games to be held in the Middle East, the event will encourage healthy lifestyles, strengthen community connections and demonstrate that sporting excellence can be achieved at any age. Participants from over 100 nationalities are expected to attend the event, creating opportunities for cultural exchange and intergenerational engagement.
Additionally, six Emirati heritage sports will feature Falconry, Endurance Horse Racing, Camel Racing, Dhow Sailing, Al Taba, and Diving. In line with its mission to foster inclusivity, participation in 18 sports categories have also been opened for people of determination.
Competitions will take place at more than 20 venues across Abu Dhabi, including Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, Zayed Sports City, Al Ain Adventure, Corniche, Al Mirfa, Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi Padel Kingdom, NYU Abu Dhabi, Hudayriyat Island, Space 42, Erth Hotel, Emirates Palace, Mubadala Arena, Green Mubazzarah, ADNEC, Abu Dhabi Cricket and Sports Hub, Khalifa International Bowling Centre, Mohammed Bin Zayed City Swimming Pool, Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club, Abu Dhabi Falconers Club, and Al Ain Equestrian, Golf and Shooting Club.
Volunteer registration, launched in partnership with Emirates Foundation in July, is currently ongoing and is open to students, professionals, sports enthusiasts and community leaders.
The programme offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the success of the Games while leaving a lasting social impact.
Furthermore, the official Open Masters Games wristband was launched at ADIHEX, reflecting the leadership’s strong support for the event and its call for community participation and active living.
The wristband serves as a symbol of the Games and a companion for participants and supporters, accompanying them through the preparations and into the course of the event.
Participation in the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 is open to all individuals aged 30 and above, with no restriction on experience or sporting level.
This decision, made in collaboration with educational institutions and relevant authorities, aims to ensure public safety and smooth coordination during the global sporting event.
Schools and universities will remain closed for the specified period, with normal activities resuming on Monday, 29 September 2025.
To mitigate the impact on academic progress, the Ministry has assured that lost school days will be compensated through adjustments to the academic calendar.
Schools are encouraged to prepare online content, assignments, or homework in advance, and [a special educational booklet on cycling and the UCI championships ->https://www.reb.gov.rw/home?elD=dumpFile&f=142870&t=f&token=38fa17d2c15a8a%3Cbr%20class%3D%27autobr%27%20%2F%3E7b83be7a373c804974f2d21b25&cHash=cf901524a03d62161e9e297f082eca0f]is available to support this effort.
Learners are also invited to engage with the historic event, turning it into a unique educational opportunity.
The Ministry has requested the cooperation of all education stakeholders in ensuring both safety and learning continuity, while also allowing students to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The UCI Road World Championships is an annual international road cycling competition, bringing together national teams from around the world under the organisation of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI).
The event is expected to attract numerous participants from across the globe, along with visitors who will come for both the event and tourism activities.
First held in 1921 in Copenhagen, Denmark, the most recent edition of the championship took place in Zürich, Switzerland, in 2024.
Explosions and a fire were recorded in the area of the facility, and the extent of the damage is currently being assessed, the statement said.
The Saratov refinery, which processed 4.8 million tons of oil in 2023, produces over 20 types of petroleum products, including gasoline and diesel fuel.
Ukrainian authorities previously reported strikes on the oil refinery in February and August.
Electricity tariffs have remained unchanged for five years, despite fluctuations in global market prices and the rising value of the US dollar. Access to electricity has steadily increased, reaching 85 percent of households in 2025 compared to less than 2 percent in 2000.
Although the Cabinet was informed that tariff revisions are planned to support the continued expansion of electricity access, it is not yet clear whether prices will increase or decrease.
However, tariffs are likely to go up, given that they have remained unchanged for five years while the US dollar has appreciated significantly.
In 2020, the US dollar was valued between 955 and 990 Rwandan francs, whereas today it stands at 1,445 francs, representing a significant increase.
The rise in the dollar is particularly important in the electricity business because the Rwanda Energy Group (REG) settles payments to electricity investors in dollars.
As the value of the dollar increases, the cost of purchasing electricity also rises. REG typically procures electricity from independent producers, including those generating power from sources such as peat, methane gas, and others, to supplement its own generation capacity.
According to the 2023 report by the Office of the Auditor General, the Energy Utility Corporation Limited (EUCL) spent over Frw 162.2 billion to purchase 861,713,116 kWh of electricity.
The report also revealed that EUCL had accumulated losses of approximately Frw 126.39 billion by that year, with 53.4 billion loss by June 2023 before tax payments, and Frw 31.3 billion in 2022.
REG has frequently faced losses, partly due to buying electricity at high costs and selling it at what it considers low tariffs. The authority emphasizes that these losses, resulting from purchasing electricity at high prices but selling it at lower rates, must be addressed to continue the goal of achieving 100 percent electricity access for Rwandans.
On the other hand, REG customers have expressed concern that electricity prices remain high, despite being unchanged for five years.
The Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA) is responsible for setting tariffs that balance the interests of the public with those of REG as the electricity provider. It is expected that electricity tariffs may increase, although consultations are ongoing to assess how adjustments could affect both consumers and the utility.
Electricity prices are generally set for households, non-residential buildings, small industries—including water treatment plants, water pumping machinery, and telecommunications towers—and larger industrial consumers.
RURA last announced new electricity tariffs in 2020, and these were based on the type of user and the level of consumption. At that time, the lowest rate applied to households using less than 15 kWh per month, charged at Frw 89 per kWh.
For households consuming 15 to 50 kWh, the rate increased by 16 percent, from Frw 182 to Frw 212 per kWh. Non-residential buildings consuming up to 100 kWh saw tariffs rise from Frw 204 to Frw 227, while consumption above 100 kWh increased from Frw 222 to Frw 255.
Small industries’ tariffs rose from Frw 110 per kWh to Frw 134 , medium industries from Frw 87 to Frw 103 s, and large industries from Frw 80 to Frw 94 per kWh.
While electricity tariffs may rise, the government considers measures to reduce industrial electricity costs to promote industrial development and attract new investment, enabling Rwanda to remain competitive in the regional market.
Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee published a map on the social media platform X identifying an area marked in red as the target. “For your safety, we urge all those present at Hodeidah Port and the ships anchored there to evacuate the area immediately,” he said. “Anyone who remains in the area puts their life in danger.”
Adraee said Houthi forces have used the site.
The warning came hours after Israel launched a large-scale ground incursion into Gaza City, expanding its nearly two-year offensive in the Gaza Strip, and following a United Nations commission report accusing Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in the enclave.
The Houthis, who control much of northern Yemen, have stepped up drone and missile attacks after Israel struck senior Houthi leaders in an airstrike in Sanaa.
Houthi forces have carried out repeated attacks on Israel since November 2023, saying they are acting in support of Palestinians during Israel’s war in Gaza. Israel has responded with strikes on Houthi-held areas, including Sanaa and the Red Sea port of Hodeidah.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the services provided included treatment for malaria, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, respiratory, pediatric, and gynecological conditions, as well as chronic disease screenings and health education.
Major Emmanuel Kayinamura, deputy commanding officer of RWABG VII encouraged community members to maintain proper hygiene, protect water sources, and consistently use mosquito nets.
Mr. Omar Ramadhan, the local community representative, expressed gratitude to the Rwandan peacekeepers and appealed for continued support.
This initiative underscores the commitment of MINUSCA and Rwandan peacekeepers in particular to improving public health and strengthening Civil-Military Cooperation in their area of responsibility.
The outreach followed a March 2025 exercise in which the RWAMED X team provided free medical treatment to more than 400 people in Mingala Commune, Central African Republic, for various illnesses, including malaria.
During the same outreach, residents were also screened for non-communicable diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
The initiative aimed to help communities better understand their health status and adopt practices that promote well-being and disease prevention.
The event was organised by Never Again Rwanda on the occasion of international day of Democracy 2025. The symposium discussed the theme titled ‘Democracy in Rwanda amid regional and global trends’.
The objective of the symposium was to provide stakeholders with a platform for dialogue and reflection on the challenges and prospects for democracy in Rwanda, the region and the continent.
In his remarks, Brig Gen Ronald Rwivanga emphasized that Africa is facing a wide range of security challenges, including widespread violent criminality, intercommunal conflicts driven by ethnic divisions, internal and cross-border insurgencies and terrorism.
He noted that in some parts of the continent, governments have effectively surrendered control of certain areas to criminal elements and have become complacent about it.
“These issues seriously hinder Africa’s socio-economic transformation,” he said, stressing that it is the primary responsibility of governments to address the root causes of these problems. “You cannot outsource solutions to external actors or make national security a foreign responsibility. The moment you do that, you have already failed from the outset.”
Brig Gen Rwivanga concluded by highlighting the importance of both internal commitment and regional collaboration, stating that governments must work within their means and in partnership with regional entities to ensure lasting peace and stability.
