March 23 is World Meteorological Day, with the theme “Observing Today, Protecting Tomorrow.” On the same day, the WMO released the State of the Global Climate report 2025, analyzing a range of key climate indicators, including greenhouse gas concentrations, surface temperature, ocean heat and acidification, sea level rise, Antarctic sea ice extent, and glacier melt.
The report confirmed that 2015-2025 were the hottest 11 years on record, and 2025 was the second or third hottest year on record, at about 1.43 degrees Celcius above the 1850-1900 average. Extreme events around the world, including intense heat, heavy rainfall and tropical cyclones, caused disruption and devastation, highlighting the vulnerability of interconnected economies and societies.
The ocean continues to warm and absorb carbon dioxide. Over the past two decades, the ocean has absorbed the equivalent of about 18 times the annual human energy use each year. In 2025, ocean heat content (to a depth of 2,000 meters) reached the highest level since records began in 1960, surpassing the previous high set in 2024.
Data from individual monitoring stations showed that levels of three main greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide, continued to increase in 2025.
For the first time, the report included Earth’s energy imbalance as a key climate indicator. The Earth’s energy balance measures the rate at which energy enters and leaves the Earth system.
Earth’s energy imbalance has been increasing since its observational record began in 1960, particularly in the past 20 years. It reached a new high in 2025.
The Earth’s energy balance measures the rate at which energy enters and leaves the Earth system.
The statement came in response to remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump threatening to target Iran’s power infrastructure, according to Iranian state media Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting.
The Strait of Hormuz has not been fully closed and remains under Iran’s “smart control,” with non-harmful transit continuing under specific regulations to ensure national security and interests, the statement said.
If U.S. threats are carried out, Iran would immediately adopt several punitive measures, including the full closure of the Strait of Hormuz until damaged Iranian facilities are rebuilt, it said.
Other measures would include large-scale strikes on Israel’s power, energy and communications infrastructure, attacks on regional companies with U.S. capital ties, and targeting power facilities in countries hosting U.S. military bases.
The statement stressed that Iran would take “all necessary measures” to defend its national interests and would continue operations against U.S. and allied economic and energy infrastructure in the region.
He made the remarks on Sunday, March 22, 2026, during the Sixth National Congress of the FPR-Inkotanyi Youth League, which also elected new leadership.
Amb. Bazivamo urged the youth to be guided by integrity, avoid the misuse of social media, reject hate speech and division, and consistently promote unity and national cohesion.
“FPR-Inkotanyi youth should stand out and be exemplary in all aspects by maintaining cleanliness, discipline, professionalism, and delivering quality service wherever you are. Be role models in your families, especially in your communities. Be exemplary in your work, in schools, and in leadership. Be youth who provide solutions wherever you are,” he said.
He emphasised the importance of responsible engagement on digital platforms, encouraging young people to promote truth and counter misinformation.
“On social media, where you interact, we ask you to be exemplary in promoting truth. Avoid harmful content, protect our country’s image, fight falsehoods and division, and use these platforms as a tool to build and develop Rwanda,” he added.
He further reminded the youth that they carry the responsibility of representing Rwanda both locally and internationally.
“Wherever you are, remember that you represent Rwanda. Your behaviour, speech, and actions should reflect integrity, good character, dedication, and patriotism.”
Amb. Bazivamo also commended the outgoing leadership for their dedication and commitment, noting that the newly elected committee is expected to build on those achievements with even greater effort.
“You are required to put in more effort than those before you to achieve even more and build on the strong foundation already laid. We expect you to drive rapid and sustainable development. As members of FPR-Inkotanyi, we are ready to support you in fulfilling your responsibilities,” he said.
He also highlighted the role of the party’s Chairman in prioritising youth in national development programs, noting that supporting his vision requires active participation and tangible results.
He encouraged the youth to work together, remain focused on development, and avoid negative behaviours that could hinder progress.
New leadership elected
Mugisha Ernest was elected President of the FPR-Inkotanyi Youth League, with Rwagitare Nelly elected as Vice President. Kwizera Urindwa Esther was elected as Secretary General.
Other members of the executive committee include Nuru Mupenzi Israel, who will oversee good governance; Marie Valantine Niyodusingiza, who will be in charge of economic affairs; Icyoyishakiye, who will handle social affairs; and Kayiteshonga Kesly, who will be responsible for justice.
In his remarks, Mugisha Ernest pledged to strengthen youth participation in national development and safeguard the achievements made so far.
“We are committed to changing mindsets and acting as true winners. FPR-Inkotanyi is built on a winning spirit, and as youth, we are the future of our country. What has been achieved so far was made possible by our predecessors, but sustaining and building on these gains will require collective effort and unity of purpose,” he said.
Youth achievements highlighted
Over the past two years, of more than 700,000 jobs created, over 570,000, representing 81%, were filled by young people.
In addition, more than 3,700 youth-led projects have been supported with access to finance through various initiatives, including Youth Connekt, the TVET Youth Challenge, and ArtRwanda-Ubuhanzi.
These programs have been implemented across the country, with efforts ongoing to expand their reach.
The Youth League has also contributed to community development, including the construction of more than 1,300 houses for vulnerable families, establishment of kitchen gardens, sanitation facilities, and renovation of recreational infrastructure.
Youth members have also supported efforts to keep children in school and helped reintegrate dropouts into the education system.
Through the Ejo Heza long-term savings scheme, young people have collectively saved over Rwf 4.8 billion.
Furthermore, more than 2.6 million youth participated in campaigns against genocide ideology, while over 3.9 million engaged in the Intore program during school holidays.
The Secretary General of the FPR-Inkotanyi, Amb. Christophe Bazivamo, called on young people to uphold strong values, use social media responsibly, and play an active role in safeguarding Rwanda’s image and development.The national congress was held on Sunday, March 22, 2026.Mugisha Ernest was elected President of the FPR-Inkotanyi Youth League.The newly elected leaders of the FPR-Inkotanyi Youth League.
The City of Kigali–backed side saw its relegation effectively sealed with one match remaining in the 2025/26 FERWAFA Women’s Super League season, following a 1-1 draw with Inyemera WFC on Saturday, March 21, 2026, in a Matchday 21 fixture.
Inyemera WFC, which hosted the encounter, proved a difficult opponent, and the match ended level despite both teams creating opportunities. The result left AS Kigali WFC in 11th place with 13 points, four points behind Forever WFC, which sits 10th with 17 points.
AS Kigali WFC will be relegated alongside Nyagatare WFC, who lost 2-1 to Bugesera FC. The Nyagatare-based side has failed to register a single point this season and will go down regardless of the outcome of its remaining fixture against AS Kigali WFC.
AS Kigali WFC now features a squad largely composed of young players.
The 2025/26 campaign has been a challenging one for AS Kigali WFC, marked by significant squad changes and instability in the technical bench.
The season began with the return of Mukamusonera Théogènie as head coach, replacing Bizumuremyi Radjab, who had left to join Rutsiro FC in the men’s top division. However, coaching changes continued in February when Mukamusonera was replaced by his assistant, Mubumbyi Adolphe “Igor.”
Mubumbyi struggled to reverse the team’s fortunes, collecting just two points from five matches during his one-month spell in charge.
Despite its relegation, AS Kigali WFC leaves the top flight with a strong historical record. Over its 18-year stay in the first division, the club established itself as the most successful side in the league’s history, winning 12 league titles.
Twagirumukiza’s statements come as the DRC government has repeatedly downplayed the FDLR’s strength, arguing that the group consists mainly of elderly fighters and poses little threat.
Last month, Patrick Muyaya, spokesperson for the DRC government, denied any cooperation between his country and the FDLR. He told journalists that Rwanda should not continually cite the FDLR issue, as many of its members are now located in areas controlled by the AFC/M23, which often attribute regional instability to Rwanda.
Twagirumukiza, however, challenges that view. He is currently completing reintegration training through the National Commission for Demobilisation and Reintegration (RDRC). On March 20, 2026, during a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, he recounted his return to Rwanda in October 2025 after realising that the forests of the DRC, where he had lived for 31 years, offered no future prospects.
A native of Kigali, Twagirumukiza explained that during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, he served in the former Rwandan Armed Forces (Ex-FAR) but fled to the DRC, like many others. In the Burungi camp in South Kivu, he underwent military training alongside both soldiers and civilians before joining the FDLR, which aimed to undermine Rwanda’s security.
He described the FDLR as a resilient organisation that continues to renew itself through recruitment, noting that many fighters are the children of former members.
“Those who claim the FDLR no longer exists are genocide deniers trying to weaken Rwanda,” he said. “The group has never disappeared. Even during my time in the DRC, we continued to train new soldiers, mostly young men. Today, they are still present, and the FDLR is reasserting itself.”
Twagirumukiza acknowledged that internal divisions have long affected the group. In 2016, a faction broke away to form a new group called CNRD. This group later merged into the MRCD alliance, led by Paul Rusesabagina, which included the military wing FLN. In 2018, the alliance carried out several attacks in Rwanda, killing nine civilians.
*Involvement in CNRD and FLN attacks*
He recounted that while he was part of the CNRD, he was not among those sent to carry out attacks. “I stayed behind, but we understood that people were killed in Rwanda,” he said.
Twagirumukiza left the forests in 2025 after realising that, aside from the promises of their leaders, continuing the fight would achieve nothing. He reflected on the group’s internal divisions and decided to return to Rwanda to rebuild his life.
“I left to find unity and help rebuild my country,” he said. “I urge others still in the group to go home. I will return and support rebuilding without harming anyone.”
Twagirumukiza also described the lasting impact of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. “What happened cannot happen again. Witnessing the genocide’s horror firsthand motivates me to prevent anyone from trying to repeat it,” he said.
He noted that many older fighters in the DRC remain unwilling to settle down or pursue normal lives, focusing solely on armed struggle. He praised Rwanda for the progress it has made since 1994.
The insecurity in the region dates back to 1994, when the Ex-FAR and Interahamwe forces murdered more than a million people in the Genocide against the Tutsi and fled to Zaire (now DRC). These groups were allowed to establish camps near Rwanda in Goma and Bukavu, which soon became military bases.
There, they recruited new fighters, trained them, and launched attacks back into Rwanda. This coalition later evolved into FDLR.
Today, it is estimated that between 7,000 and 10,000 FDLR fighters remain in the DRC, harboured by the Kinshasa government and collaborating with government forces in the fight against the M23 rebel group.
Emmanuel Twagirumukiza, a former FDLR fighter, says the militia group remains entrenched, continues to recruit youth, and has not abandoned its longstanding plan to destabilise Rwanda.
The upcoming announcement by the Tony Elumelu Foundation will mark the unveiling of the 12th cohort of its flagship programme, which continues to support early-stage entrepreneurs across Africa with funding, training, and mentorship.
According to the foundation, this year’s programme attracted more than 265,000 applications from all 54 African countries, underscoring the strong demand for startup financing and the growing interest in entrepreneurship across the continent. Applicants largely focused on key sectors including agriculture, artificial intelligence, healthcare, and the green economy.
Under the 2026 cohort, a total of 3,200 entrepreneurs are expected to benefit through various TEF programmes implemented in partnership with global and regional organisations. These include collaborations with institutions such as the European Commission, OACPS, BMZ, GIZ, DEG, the IKEA Foundation, UNICEF’s Generation Unlimited, the Dutch Government, as well as the United Nations Development Programme and the Rwandan Ministry of Youth and Arts.
The upcoming announcement by the Tony Elumelu Foundation will mark the unveiling of the 12th cohort of its flagship programme
Each selected entrepreneur is expected to receive $5,000 (approximately 7 million Rwandan francs) in non-refundable seed capital, along with access to business management training through TEFConnect, personalised mentorship, and entry into a continental network of entrepreneurs, investors, and partners.
The selection process is independently conducted by Ernst & Young, ensuring a rigorous evaluation of applicants ahead of the final cohort reveal.
In Rwanda, the 100 entrepreneurs set to benefit from the 2026 cohort, will join a growing group of beneficiaries under TEF-supported initiatives. According to programme data, 300 young Rwandans have benefited from TEF-backed entrepreneurship support to date, receiving funding, training, and mentorship to launch and scale their businesses.
The Rwandan entrepreneurs have benefitted through the Aguka Ideation Entrepreneurship Programme, a partnership involving TEF, UNDP, the European Union, and the Ministry of Youth and Arts, now in its fourth edition. The programme focuses on supporting Rwandan youth to develop ventures in sectors aligned with national development priorities, including technology, agriculture, health, education, and renewable energy.
Applications for the 2026 Aguka cohort opened on November 1, 2025, and closed on January 11, 2026.
Among past beneficiaries, several Rwandan entrepreneurs have already launched impactful ventures. Naomi Iradukunda, founder of Ira EcoSolutions, developed biodegradable packaging using banana fibres, helping reduce plastic waste while creating jobs for women in Musanze District. Jean Bosco Hirwa, through AgriSmart Rwanda, introduced solar-powered irrigation systems for smallholder farmers, contributing to improved agricultural productivity and food security. Meanwhile, Keza Umutoni expanded her Kigali-based startup Tech4Teens, a digital literacy initiative that has trained more than 500 secondary school students in coding and digital skills.
Across Africa, TEF continues to position entrepreneurship as a key driver of economic transformation. Since its inception, the Foundation has empowered over 2.5 million young Africans through its TEFConnect platform, disbursed more than $100 million in seed capital, and supported over 24,000 entrepreneurs who have collectively created millions of jobs and generated billions in revenue.
TEF Founder Tony O. Elumelu has reiterated the Foundation’s commitment to supporting young entrepreneurs.
Speaking ahead of the announcement, TEF Founder Tony O. Elumelu reiterated the Foundation’s commitment to supporting young entrepreneurs, noting that empowering business creators remains central to Africa’s long-term economic growth.
“The future of Africa will be built by Africans who create businesses, generate jobs and solve the challenges of our continent. At the Tony Elumelu Foundation, we believe that empowering entrepreneurs is the most sustainable path to Africa’s economic transformation,” Elumelu said, adding, “I look forward to announcing and congratulating the 2026 cohort and witnessing the impact they will create across the continent.”
According to programme data, 300 young Rwandans have benefited from TEF-backed entrepreneurship support to date, receiving funding, training, and mentorship to launch and scale their businesses.
According to Lawrence Kanyuka, spokesperson for AFC/M23, the attacks occurred on the night of March 21–22, 2026, targeting densely populated areas, including the villages of Gakenke and Kalingi, as well as the centre of Minembwe.
“These indiscriminate attacks have caused deaths, triggered massive displacement, and inflicted significant destruction on local communities,” Kanyuka said in an official update on Sunday. “They mark a serious escalation aimed at annihilating entire communities.”
The AFC/M23 called on the Congolese people to bear witness to what it described as systematic, deliberate, and openly committed attacks against civilians, which have taken place in full view of all, while the international community remains silent.
The group emphasised that the continued targeting of civilian populations represents an intolerable situation requiring urgent attention.
Repeated ceasefire violations and ongoing hostilities have hampered efforts to stabilise the region, despite multiple declared ceasefires.
Lawrence Kanyuka, spokesperson for AFC/M23, said the attacks occurred on the night of March 21–22, 2026, targeting densely populated areas, including the villages of Gakenke and Kalingi, as well as the centre of Minembwe.
The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) said the strike on Friday evening also injured 113 people, completely destroyed the upper floor of the hospital’s emergency department, and caused extensive damage to the hospital’s infrastructure and medical equipment, adding that a number of victims remain trapped under the rubble as search and rescue operations continue.
The RSF called the strike a “blatant violation of international humanitarian law,” urging an independent international investigation to hold those responsible accountable.
Meanwhile, Mohamed Idris Khater, head of the civil administration in East Darfur, put the injuries at more than 90, and noted that most of the victims were women and children.
He said the strike, which completely destroyed the hospital’s emergency department, was a “direct targeting of a vital civilian institution.”
In a post on social media platform X, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Sudan said it is “appalled” by the strike, and stressed the need to protect civilians and healthcare workers.
The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) has not immediately commented on statements accusing it of launching the strike.
The SAF and RSF have been at war since April 2023. The conflict has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions inside Sudan and across the region. East Darfur, including its capital Al-Daein, has been under the control of the RSF since the early months of the conflict.
More than 60 people, including 12 children, were killed in a drone strike on Al-Daein Teaching Hospital in East Darfur, western Sudan, local and UN sources said.
During the assembly, a new national executive committee was established to steer the League’s agenda for the coming term. Uzamukunda, who currently serves as the National General Secretary of the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) in Rwanda, will be deputised by Emilienne Kabega. The committee also includes Virginie Mukandayisenga, who was elected as the League’s Secretary General.
Other members of the executive committee include Christine Hitimana Niyotwambaza, in charge of governance, Ninette Umurerwa, in charge of justice, Marie Alice Kayumba Uwera, in charge of social welfare, and Maryse Mbonyumutwa Kangabo, in charge of economic affairs.
The Congress served as a platform to review the significant milestones achieved by the League over the past two years. A primary highlight was the success of the “One Hundred Women” (Ijana ry’Abagore) program, a self-reliance initiative that has provided Rwf 100,000 in startup capital to at least 100 vulnerable women in every sector across Rwanda.
Furthermore, the League highlighted the impact of the “Triple Roles” framework, which assists parents in balancing household responsibilities with their contributions to national development. This sits alongside the “Women in Vision 2050” program, an initiative aimed at fostering knowledge-sharing and economic autonomy at the village level.
Reflecting on the 2023–2025 period, the League noted its success in transitioning women from informal street vending into organized cooperatives and enhancing participation in the Ejo Heza long-term savings scheme. Beyond economic gains, the League remained a key player in social advocacy, driving campaigns to return school dropouts to the classroom and addressing critical health issues such as stunting and teenage pregnancy.
Looking toward the 2025–2027 strategic period, the party aims to further entrench financial inclusion and justice for women. In her inaugural remarks, Uzamukunda expressed her readiness to work closely with women across all structures to accelerate these development goals.
The RPF-Inkotanyi Secretary General, Amb. Christophe Bazivamo, called on members to maintain the momentum of citizen mobilisation, while the party’s Vice Chairperson, Consolée Uwimana, reminded the assembly that while progress has been substantial, the journey toward total empowerment requires consistent and collective effort from both men and women.
The RPF-Inkotanyi Secretary General, Amb. Christophe Bazivamo, called on members to maintain the momentum of citizen mobilisation.Members of the RPF-Inkotanyi Women’s League convened for their Sixth National Congress on March 21, 2026, electing Pudentienne Uzamukunda as the League’s new President. The high-level meeting, attended by First Lady Jeannette Kagame, coincided with the national celebration of Women’s Month, which is being observed under the theme: “Empower Her: Shape the Future Generation.”
What are these additional forces, what is their mission, and can they achieve it?
What are the additional forces?
U.S. media reported on Friday that the U.S. military’s amphibious assault ship USS Boxer, accompanied by the dock-landing ship USS Comstock and amphibious transport dock USS Portland, had left San Diego, California. They are transporting the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, comprising about 2,500 Marines, to the Middle East.
On Tuesday, maritime tracking data showed the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli, carrying Marines and sailors to the Middle East, was nearing the Malacca Strait off Singapore as it made its way to the region. The Tripoli is the Navy’s most updated amphibious warship, known as a “big deck.”
A U.S. Marine Expeditionary Unit typically has over 2,000 Marines. Its ground forces are equipped with armored vehicles and artillery, while its air combat element features Osprey aircraft, helicopters, and F-35 fighter jets.
Based on their location, it will take at least three weeks for the three warships, including the USS Boxer, to reach the Middle East. The USS Tripoli had already reached waters near Singapore earlier this week. Once assembled, U.S. troops in the region will reach 50,000.
A Marine Expeditionary Unit was last used in a U.S. raid on Venezuela earlier this year. The amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima transported the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, along with Delta Force, for that military operation.
This file photo shows visitors watch the USS Iwo Jima as it sailed on the Hudson River during the “Parade of Ships” in New York, the United States, on May 25, 2011.
What is their mission?
Iran has restricted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, targeting ships associated with the United States and Israel. Blockade of this vital global energy route has driven up oil and gas prices worldwide, exacerbating inflation in the United States. Trump recently called on allies to send warships for escort operations in the strait, a request that has so far garnered little response.
U.S. media reported that the Trump administration is also considering deploying ground forces to Kharg Island, Iran’s key oil export hub, to seize it as leverage for restoring free passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
Kharg Island lies about 25 km off Iran’s northwestern Gulf coast. Roughly 6 km long and 3 km wide, it handles about 90 percent of Iran’s crude exports because much of Iran’s coastline is too shallow for large tankers.
On March 12, U.S. forces carried out heavy strikes on the island, while deliberately sparing its oil facilities. Trump warned that any interference with shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, by Iran or any other party, would prompt him to “immediately reconsider” that decision, leaving open the possibility of future strikes on the island’s energy infrastructure.
The photo released on July 21, 2019, shows the British oil tanker “Stena Impero” surrounded by speedboats of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) in the Strait of Hormuz, Iran.
Can they achieve it?
Regarding the U.S. plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, military experts have said that success is unlikely without deploying ground forces to control Iran’s coastline.
“You’ll need to create a buffer zone on the ground if it’s determined that air strikes do not sufficiently decrease Iran’s ability to fire onto traffic transiting the straits,” said retired Army General James A. Marks. “That’s why Marines are en route. It’s a contingency force.”
Jason H. Campbell, a senior fellow on defense and security issues at the Middle East Institute in Washington, also said U.S. forces would need to take control of the Iranian coastline bordering the Strait and create a buffer zone.
However, analysts noted that, given low U.S. public support for military action against Iran and the failure to achieve a quick victory, using ground forces could pose significant political risks for the Trump administration.
A joint public opinion poll completed by Reuters and Ipsos on Thursday showed that 59 percent of Americans disapprove of the U.S. taking military action against Iran, while only 7 percent support sending ground troops to fight in Iran.
A White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, recently told the media that Washington has not yet decided whether to deploy ground forces to Iran, “but President Trump wisely keeps all options at his disposal.”
