“The RSF committed a horrific atrocity in the Shaq Al-Noum area of North Kordofan State, killing 11 civilians, including three children, and injuring 31 others, among them nine women,” the Sudanese Doctors Network, a volunteer group, said in a statement.
The network described the attack as “a brutal assault that violates all humanitarian norms and international conventions,” saying that it reflects the RSF’s ongoing pattern of targeting unarmed civilians and spreading fear in previously safe areas.
Meanwhile, the Resistance Committees of North Kordofan, another volunteer group, reported that an RSF unit attacked two villages near the city of Bara on Saturday.
“The RSF attacked the villages of Abu Qaida and Hillat Hamad, killing at least seven civilians and injuring several others,” the group said in a statement on Sunday.
Since June, fighting has raged between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF around the city of Bara, a strategic town northeast of El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan, which the RSF is attempting to seize.
Earlier on Sunday, RSF soldiers claimed in videos on social media that their forces had taken control of the Umm Sumayma area, about 68 kilometers west of El Obeid.
There has been no response yet from the Sudanese army regarding the RSF claim of seizing Umm Sumayma.
Sudan remains gripped by a conflict between the SAF and the RSF, which erupted in April 2023. The fighting has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions, both internally and across borders, deepening the country’s humanitarian crisis.
Buhari, who served as Nigerian president from 2015 to 2023, died in a clinic in the British capital where he had been receiving medical treatment.
In a statement, Tinubu said he has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to travel to London to accompany Buhari’s body back to Nigeria.
Born on Dec. 17, 1942, Buhari had a distinguished career in both the military and civilian governance. He spent years in political activism before successfully contesting the presidency in 2015, becoming the first opposition candidate to defeat an incumbent president in Nigeria’s history. He was re-elected in 2019 and handed over power to Tinubu on May 29, 2023.
During his two terms as president, Buhari’s administration focused on three key areas: security, anti-corruption, and economic diversification. He launched significant campaigns against Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast and worked to recover looted public funds.
His tenure also saw efforts to boost agriculture and infrastructure development, though it was marked by economic challenges, including two recessions, and persistent security issues across various regions.
Tinubu has ordered flags to be flown at half-mast as a mark of respect for the late former Nigerian leader.
This commitment was underscored during a reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Rwanda at the Kigali Marriott Hotel on the evening of Friday, July 11, 2025, to celebrate the 98th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
The event coincided with the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
It brought together members of the Defence Attachés Association in Rwanda, the diplomatic corps, Rwandan government officials, the Chinese community in Rwanda, and friends of China.
Speaking at the event, Chinese Defence Attaché to Rwanda, Senior Navy Captain Li Dayi, highlighted the PLA’s historic role in safeguarding national independence, promoting peace, and supporting global stability.
Since its founding on August 1, 1927, the PLA has undergone nearly a century of transformation, aligning military growth with China’s national rejuvenation and its commitment to international peace.
Senior Navy Captain Li noted that peacekeeping is embedded in the PLA’s ethos, pointing out that China has contributed more than 50,000 personnel to 25 UN peacekeeping missions since 1990, the highest among the five permanent members of the UN Security Council.
He also acknowledged China’s naval efforts in protecting international shipping routes in the Gulf of Aden and off the coast of Somalia.
On China-Rwanda military ties, Li praised the growing relationship between the PLA and the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), citing increasing mutual trust, training exchanges, and ongoing military cooperation.
“The relations between the Chinese People’s Liberation Army and the Rwanda Defence Force have yielded fruitful outcomes over the years. Mutual trust has been continually enhanced as a result of deepened cooperation in high-level exchanges, personnel training, and military aid and trade,” he noted.
“China is willing to continue to work together with African brothers including Rwanda, to deepen cooperation in national defense, to jointly address regional security challenges, to support “African solutions to African problems,” Li added.
Maj Gen Alex Kagame, the Rwanda Reserve Force Chief of Staff (RFCOS) who represented the RDF Chief of Defence Staff, emphasized that the history of the Chinese People’s Revolutionary Army is a powerful symbol of courage, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to safeguarding national sovereignty and unity.
He observed that these are values Rwandans also hold in high regard and strongly identify with.
Maj Gen Kagame further praised the role of the Chinese People’s Revolutionary Army in advancing the professionalization and capacity building of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF).
To date, over 300 RDF personnel have graduated from Chinese military institutions in the past decade, with many more currently undergoing training in China.
“I therefore wish to reiterate that Rwanda’s commitment deepens our cooperation and promotes mutual understanding. With that in mind, the upcoming signing of an MOU on defence cooperation will further strengthen our defence capabilities,” he noted.
The longstanding relations between Rwanda and China span 76 years, marked by substantial cooperation in various areas.
The announcement, made public on July 11, 2025, did not specify the reasons for the dismissal of Dr. Ruterana and his colleagues.
In the same statement, it was revealed that President Kagame also granted retirement to several high-ranking officers.
These include Commissioner of Prisons (CP) Jean Bosco Kabanda, as well as ACP Camille Gatete, ACP Salim Munana Mugisha, and ACP Emmanuel Nshoza Rutayisire.
Further, the President granted retirement to 10 senior officers, 14 junior officers, numerous non-commissioned officers, and 60 warders.
Eight individuals were reintegrated into civilian life, and two others were discharged.
The announcement also included several promotions within the institution. Chief Superintendent of Prisons (CSP) Moses Ntawiheba, CSP John Dusa, and CSP Michael Kamugisha were promoted to the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Prisons (ACP).
In addition, Senior Superintendent of Prisons (SSP) Beatrice Uwamahoro, SSP Olivier Mukantabana, SSP Jean Pierre Olivier Bazambanza, and SSP Emmanuel Hillary Sengabo, who once served as the RCS spokesperson, were promoted to the rank of Chief Superintendent of Prisons (CSP).
Eleven officers who previously held the rank of Superintendent of Prisons (SP) were elevated to Senior Superintendent of Prisons (SSP), while three Chief Inspectors of Prisons (CIP) were promoted to SP.
Ten Assistant Inspectors of Prisons (AIP) advanced to Inspector of Prisons (IP).
Among non-commissioned officers, 62 Sergeants were promoted to Senior Sergeant, 20 Corporals to Sergeant, and 77 Warders were elevated to the rank of Corporal.
In its seventh edition, the UNEP’s Frontiers Report said that rising global temperatures present an existential threat to the survival of older adults.
According to the report, climate change is likely to escalate the melting of icecaps, resulting in widespread release of disease-causing pathogens such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
The 2025 edition also highlighted the reemergence of banned chemicals and persistent organic pollutants in the environment and food chain due to flooding.
In addition, the report sounded an alarm over the risk of ageing dams to downstream fishing communities and pristine landscapes, adding that the removal of obsolete and unsafe water reservoirs has intensified in Europe and North America.
UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen said the Frontiers Report endeavors to delve into and spotlight emerging planetary threats, and propose some policy interventions required to turn the tide.
“All these emerging issues require careful attention and proactive action. I call on policymakers to read this issue of the biennial Frontiers Report and take forward its findings to protect people, nature and economies from threats that will only grow with each passing year,” Andersen added.
The funding will support ecosystem restoration and community resilience building in six districts of Rwanda’s Southern Province, namely Kamonyi, Muhanga, Nyanza, Ruhango, Huye, and Gisagara.
The newly endorsed project, to be implemented through a programmatic approach, builds on the success of the ongoing Green Amayaga Project. It aims to strengthen nature-based solutions, promote integrated natural resource management, and enhance livelihoods through ecosystem-based adaptation.
This latest endorsement comes just days after the GEF approved another $9 million grant to support restoration of Nyungwe–Ruhango Corridor, bringing total recent GEF support to Rwanda to $27 million (over Frw 38 billion).
The Government of Rwanda has mobilised these resources to extend the impact of the Green Amayaga Project across all districts of the Southern Province. To date, the project has been operating in selected areas of Kamonyi, Nyanza, Ruhango, and Gisagara, where it has made impressive strides in restoring degraded ecosystems and enhancing community resilience to climate change.
Commenting on the development, Juliet Kabera, Director General of the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) reiterated Rwanda’s commitment to restoring its environment and strengthening the resilience of its people through inclusive, science-based, and locally driven solutions.
“Thanks to the unwavering support from the GEF, we can now scale up Green Amayaga across the entire Southern Province. This marks a critical step forward in our national efforts to build a climate-resilient, green economy. We are also deeply grateful to UNDP for their technical guidance and partnership in the development of this new project,” Kabera added.
The Green Amayaga initiative has achieved significant results in its current areas of implementation. One of its major accomplishments is the restoration of landscapes, with over 929 hectares of woodlots planted and the buffer zone of the Kibirizi–Muyira natural forest successfully rehabilitated.
In the area of agroforestry and erosion control, the initiative has planted more than 243,000 fruit trees. It has also implemented erosion control measures across 13,886 hectares, using a combination of agroforestry trees, terracing techniques, and reeds to stabilize soil and reduce degradation.
Riverbank and roadside protection has also been a key focus. A total of 93 kilometers of riverbanks have been safeguarded, and 763 hectares of roadside areas have been planted with trees.
To promote environmental sustainability at the household level, the initiative has distributed improved cookstoves to 21,000 families. These cleaner cooking solutions play an important role in reducing deforestation and minimizing indoor air pollution, thereby improving both environmental and public health outcomes.
Lastly, the initiative has contributed to livelihood improvement by providing livestock—including cows, goats, and pigs—to 2,534 vulnerable households. This support has strengthened food security and created new opportunities for income generation.
These achievements demonstrate the power of integrated environmental restoration and livelihood development. Scaling up these efforts will ensure that more communities benefit from improved ecosystems, increased climate resilience, and green economic opportunities.
The project is aligned with Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation, Vision 2050, and the country’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), contributing directly to its climate action and sustainable development goals.
Initial drilling conducted on the HCK Project site revealed rich lithium deposits beneath the surface. One drill hole in particular, known as MWOG0002, reached a depth of 174.6 meters and uncovered a 6.9-meter section of lithium-bearing rock.
Within this section, a higher concentration was found, an impressive 3.2% lithium oxide, which is considered high-grade in the industry. The geological team also found thick sections of pegmatite rock, known to host lithium, with some layers measuring up to 80 meters in thickness.
This exploration only covered two of the twelve areas identified as potential lithium sites on the 2,750-hectare license in southern Rwanda. The fact that such promising results have already been achieved in such a small portion of the site has generated strong excitement about what may be found in the remaining zones.
In response to these early findings; Rio Tinto, which also operates in Rwanda, has confirmed that it will exercise its Stage 1 earn-in rights under the joint venture agreement. This means, the company will now own a 51% stake in the exploration license.
Moreover, Rio Tinto plans to invest further and can earn up to a 75% share by spending $7.5 million over the next three years. As part of this next phase, Aterian Plc will receive a $100,000 cash payment, and the two companies will continue to jointly manage the exploration process.
In a statement released on July 10, 2025, Simon Rollason, CEO of Aterian Plc, expressed enthusiasm about both the results and the partnership.
He emphasised that although the work is still in early stages, the thickness of the pegmatite layers and the quality of the lithium discovered so far are very encouraging.
“While further work is required to fully assess the project’s scale and continuity, these early indications provide a strong foundation to build upon as we advance our exploration activities in Rwanda,” Rollason noted.
The broader exploration effort began in August 2023 and included several phases of mapping, geochemical sampling, and geophysical surveys.
Drilling only recently began as a way to test whether early surface findings translated into deeper mineral deposits.
Aterian and Rio Tinto plan to release more updates as exploration continues. A detailed technical review is already underway to determine the best path forward, and decisions about the next phase of work are expected by the end of 2025.
Lithium was first reported in Rwanda in 2020. That same year, its global market value began to rise sharply. The price per ton increased from $44,090 in 2022 to $61,520 in 2023.
In August 2023, exploration efforts were intensified through an agreement signed between Aterian PLC, RIO Tinto Mining and Exploration Ltd, and Kinunga Mining Ltd.
Lithium is a valuable mineral used in the production of various technologies, including batteries for phones, computers, cameras, and more.
Before 2020, few people recognised the value of lithium, and its price was relatively low. In December 2020, one kilogram of lithium cost around $9 (about 9,000 Rwandan Francs), up from $20.5 per kilogram in January 2018.
Lithium prices dropped in 2020 due to an oversupply, compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, 2021 was a breakthrough year for lithium traders, as prices soared by over 600%. By April 2021, the price reached $78,000 (over 78 million Rwandan Francs) per ton.
This price surge was driven largely by the increased production of electric vehicles, which require large, long-lasting batteries made from lithium.
In 2021 alone, 6.6 million electric vehicles were sold globally, double the number sold in 2020.
Experts in the mineral trade predict lithium will continue to be in high demand, as electric vehicle production continues to rise. By 2030, it is expected that more than 26 million electric vehicles will have been sold.
Currently, the leading exporters of lithium include Chile, China, the Netherlands, South Korea, Germany, and Belgium.
The project integrated photovoltaic (PV) generation, energy storage, charging, and smart energy management into a unified “PV-Storage-Charging-Load System”, establishing an intelligent energy control architecture for efficient utilization and precise distribution of energy resources.
The initiative aims to promote the adoption of clean energy, enhance school energy efficiency, and provide a cutting-edge, practical platform for education and research.
Speaking at the ceremony on Tuesday, Gen Cesar, chief technical adviser at the Rwandan Ministry of Infrastructure, described the completed project as a milestone in a shared journey toward green development, educational cooperation, and deepening Rwanda-China friendship.
“We place great importance on expanding clean energy, strengthening our vocational education system, and fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors,” he said. “The project we are celebrating today embodies all of these goals — it is not only a source of renewable power but also a hands-on training facility that empowers our youth with valuable technical skills.”
Gao Zhiqiang, economic and commercial counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Rwanda, noted that since its establishment, Forever TVET Institute has remained committed to the principle of “industry-education integration and skills first,” focusing on Rwanda’s local development needs while aligning its programs with key sectors such as heavy machinery, electrical engineering, and information and communications technology.
“Over the years, it has made remarkable contributions in serving Chinese enterprises, cultivating local technical talent, and promoting cultural and educational exchange between China and Rwanda,” he said.
Jiang Chunhua, chairman of the board of Beijing Forever Technology Co., Ltd, said the company institutionalized China’s proven “industry-education integration” model through the establishment of Forever TVET Institute in 2018.
“Today’s inauguration represents our green commitment to Rwanda’s sustainable development agenda. This facility embodies cutting-edge integration of generation, grid, load, storage, and microgrid technologies, forming an intelligent energy ecosystem that ensures optimal efficiency and reliability,” he added.
In a press statement, the members of the Security Council welcomed the peace deal and expressed their deep appreciation to the United States, Qatar, and the African Union for their facilitation efforts.
The council members urged the DRC and Rwanda to honor in good faith their obligations and commitments for lasting peace in eastern DRC.
They expressed their determination to actively support the two countries in the implementation and follow-up of this agreement.
[Related article: ‘We are cautiously optimistic’ – Minister Nduhungirehe on peace deal signed with DRC->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/we-are-cautiously-optimistic-minister-nduhungirehe-on-peace-deal-signed-with]
“We are looking for a reliable framework — from which we can keep building our common trade,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told the European Parliament during a plenary session in Strasbourg, France.
While reaffirming the EU’s adherence to its principles and readiness for “all scenarios,” von der Leyen said the 27-nation bloc favored a negotiated settlement.
A Commission spokesperson echoed von der Leyen’s remarks, adding that an agreement in principle could be reached “in the coming days.”
“We’re working hard to get an agreement in principle with the U.S., and that is where our focus is at this point,” the spokesperson said.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he would “probably” send a letter to the EU within two days, adding: “A letter means a deal.”
“They treated us very badly until recently, and now they’re treating us very nicely. It’s like a different world, actually,” he said.
Trump also escalated trade tensions by threatening tariffs of up to 200 percent on foreign pharmaceuticals and 50 percent on copper. According to EU data, medical and pharmaceutical products, as well as medicaments have been among the bloc’s top exports to the United States over the past two years.
EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic told lawmakers that Brussels and Washington had made “good progress” on the text of a joint statement or agreement in principle.
“I hope to reach a satisfactory conclusion, potentially even in the coming days,” Sefcovic said. However, he emphasized that EU legislation and regulatory autonomy remain “red lines” and are “non-negotiable” in the talks.
Bernd Lange, chair of the European Parliament’s trade committee, said the EU continues to face “illegal and unjustified” U.S. tariffs, referring to the 50 percent duties on steel and aluminum, and the 25 percent on cars and auto parts.
“Of course, we are not really accepting this,” Lange told reporters in Strasbourg, adding that two key issues remain unresolved: Washington has yet to commit to significantly cutting existing tariffs or refraining from new ones.
Lange warned that the EU is prepared to retaliate, with a first package of countermeasures set to take effect on July 14 if no agreement is reached.
Regarding Trump’s letter, Lange said the EU had not received any correspondence so far and had “no clue” about its contents.
