Trump announced an agreement with NATO regarding weapons to assist Ukraine while meeting NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in the Oval Office.
The plan will rapidly provide Ukraine with the most sophisticated air defenses and precision missiles, Trump said.
“We are going to be sending them weapons and they’re going to be paying for them,” said Trump, adding that the United States will manufacture those weapons.
Rutte described the arrangement as highly significant, suggesting this demonstrates that Europe is taking on a greater role.
Under the agreement, governments of Germany, Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Canada will finance bulk purchases from U.S. manufacturers and ship the equipment directly to Kiev.
Regarding Russia, Trump said, “We’re going to be doing very severe tariffs if we don’t have a deal in 50 days.” There will be “secondary tariffs” of about 100 percent, he said.
U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick clarified later that Trump meant “economic sanction” when he threatened “secondary tariffs” against Russia if it did not reach a deal to end the war in Ukraine within 50 days.
To that end, Trump backed bipartisan legislation — already supported by most U.S. senators — that will sanction banks and energy traders buying Russian oil above the G7 price cap and freeze Russian sovereign assets until Moscow withdraws its forces.
Speaking to reporters after the Oval Office meeting, Trump said that the deal with the NATO allies was done and fully approved.
“We’ll send them a lot of weapons of all kinds,” Trump said. “And they’re going to deliver those weapons immediately to the site, to the site of the war, different sites of the war, and they’re going to pay for 100 percent of them.”
New York-based defense analysts told the Wall Street Journal that the first wave of supplies could exceed 10 billion U.S. dollars once training, spare parts and munitions are counted. A single Patriot battery alone can reportedly cost over 1 billion dollars when factoring in missiles.
Brookings Institution Senior Fellow Michael O’Hanlon characterized the combined military and economic measures as the most significant U.S. escalation since 2022, saying that the dual approach increases pressure on Russia from multiple directions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on social media that he spoke with Trump and “it was a very good conversation.”
“Thank you for the willingness to support Ukraine and to continue working together to stop the killings and establish a lasting and just peace,” said the Ukrainian president.
The Russian Foreign Ministry warned that supplying longer-range missiles will make Europe a participant in aggression, according to Tass news agency. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov accused Washington of escalating the conflict but did not announce specific countermeasures.
Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev on Tuesday called Trump’s statements against Russia a “theatrical ultimatum” and the country “didn’t care.”
“Trump issued a theatrical ultimatum to the Kremlin. The world shuddered, expecting the consequences. Belligerent Europe was disappointed. Russia didn’t care,” Medvedev wrote on X.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said Berlin will coordinate with allies on deliveries. However, some German lawmakers expressed concern that sending Taurus cruise missiles could provoke Moscow, reported German newspaper Die Welt.
The plan could force Russia to reconsider the security of its rear areas, since assets previously considered safe may now be at risk, RAND Corporation military analyst Dara Massicot told the Washington Post.
Founded in 2006 as Polytechnic Institute of Byumba (IPB) by ADEB (Association pour le Developement et le Bien-être Social), and currently managed by Catholic Diocese of Byumba, UTAB has grown steadily into one of the country’s leading private universities, currently serving nearly 12,000 students across three faculties: Social Sciences, Education, and Agriculture, Environmental Management and Renewable Energy. The university is also preparing to launch a fourth faculty focused on Science and Technology.
According to UTAB Vice Chancellor, Fr. Dr. Gilbert Munana, the decision to establish the Kiramuruzi Campus is a response to growing demand and a commitment to increase access to quality higher education in Rwanda’s Eastern Province.
“After 20 years of service in the Northern Province, we are expanding to Kiramuruzi to bring education closer to the people and offer quality programs aligned with national development goals,” Fr. Dr. Munana said.
“We envision that graduates from the Kiramuruzi Campus will embody hope, knowledge, and strong values, becoming change agents in education, the economy, social wellbeing, and technology, starting from their own communities,” he added.
The new campus will offer undergraduate degrees in Education, including English and Kinyarwanda, English and French, and Mathematics and Computer Science, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting. Classes are scheduled to begin on July 21, 2025.
Dr. Jean Pierre Nshimiyimana, the Principle of the Kiramuruzi Campus, confirmed that the necessary facilities, including classrooms, computer laboratories, and qualified staff, are in place to support effective learning. Registration for the new campus is open through UTAB’s website and physical offices.
“Our vision is for Kiramuruzi Campus to become a model of educational excellence in Rwanda. We plan to continue expanding its infrastructure and academic offerings. So far, we have secured over 4 hectares of land for campus development. This is not a beginning – it is the continuation of a journey we started with commitment and purpose,” Dr. Nshimiyimana stated.
The expansion is supported by the Higher Education Council (HEC), which has worked closely with UTAB to ensure that the new campus meets national standards for quality education, infrastructure, and faculty qualifications.
Fr. Dr. Munana expressed confidence that graduates from Kiramuruzi will contribute significantly to Rwanda’s education sector, economy, social welfare, and technological advancement.
While many believe stress relief requires long breaks, vacations, or expensive therapy sessions, science tells us something powerful: just five minutes of the right activity can reset your nervous system and calm your mind. According to Harvard Medical School, short, intentional pauses throughout the day can significantly lower cortisol levels and boost mood, productivity, and mental clarity.
Whether you’re at your desk, in traffic, or on a crowded train, here’s how to bring your stress down, no equipment, no cost, no excuses.
{{Deep breathing
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According to the American Psychological Association, deep breathing is one of the fastest ways to interrupt the body’s stress response. In just five minutes, deep belly breathing can slow the heart rate, lower blood pressure, and send a signal to the brain that it’s safe to relax.
Try this anywhere: sit or stand comfortably, place one hand on your belly, and inhale deeply through your nose for four seconds. Hold your breath for four more seconds, then exhale slowly through your mouth for six seconds. Repeat for five minutes, focusing only on your breath. This simple practice can bring immediate calm, even in the middle of chaos.
{{Grounding through the senses
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When your thoughts are spinning, grounding exercises help bring you back to the present. According to the Mayo Clinic, engaging your senses can disrupt anxious thoughts and regulate your emotional state.
One effective 5-minute method is the 5-4-3-2-1 technique: name 5 things you can see, 4 you can touch, 3 you can hear, 2 you can smell, and 1 you can taste or imagine tasting. This practice not only reduces stress but also trains your brain to focus mindfully, a technique often used in cognitive behavioural therapy.
{{Mini stretch or movement break
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According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, gentle movement, even for a few minutes, can reduce muscular tension and boost endorphins, the brain’s natural stress fighters.
If you’ve been sitting for hours, stand up, roll your shoulders, gently twist your spine side to side, or stretch your arms overhead while taking deep breaths. These small actions increase circulation and release physical tension. If space allows, a quick walk or stair climb can also help reset your mood and sharpen focus.
{{Visualisation
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According to the Cleveland Clinic, visualisation, or guided imagery, is a proven technique for calming the nervous system. In just five minutes, imagining a peaceful place such as a beach, forest, or your favourite room can slow brain activity associated with stress.
To try it, close your eyes, breathe slowly, and mentally place yourself in a calming environment. Engage all your senses: feel the warmth, hear the sounds, notice the colours.
This mental “mini-vacation” helps reset your emotional state and is especially effective before meetings, exams, or sleep.
{{The science of micro-breaks}}
According to the University of California, Irvine, short, regular breaks during the day can reduce fatigue, improve focus, and prevent burnout. Even a five-minute pause every 60–90 minutes boosts cognitive performance and emotional regulation.
Stress doesn’t always come from major events; often it builds silently from small, unaddressed pressures. These micro-breaks serve as “pressure valves,” helping you stay mentally and emotionally balanced.
No matter how busy or overwhelming life feels, you always have five minutes, and that five minutes can make all the difference. Whether it’s deep breathing, grounding, stretching, or simply visualising a peaceful space, these practices are supported by science and used by professionals worldwide.
Stress relief isn’t a destination, it’s a daily habit. And with just five minutes at a time, you can build a calmer, clearer, more resilient version of yourself anytime, anywhere.
Developed by the U.S.-based company Gilead Sciences, Lenacapavir underwent Phase III trials, with key interim results reported in June and September 2024. The results demonstrated that the drug was 99.9% effective in preventing HIV infection. It received FDA approval for HIV prevention in June 2025.
Dr. Meg Doherty, Director of Global HIV, Hepatitis, and STI Programs at the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Geneva, highlighted the significance of this new prevention method at the ongoing conference in Kigali.
“Lenacapavir PrEP is a really important innovation that can be taken every six months to prevent new HIV infections,” said Dr. Doherty. “We are pleased to bring new WHO guidelines on this long-acting injectable prevention option to the IAS meeting here in Kigali.”
The new WHO guidelines also recommend the use of rapid diagnostic tests to simplify and improve access to PrEP before, during, and after treatment. This helps in efficiently monitoring infections.
The Global Fund and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) have committed to supplying lenacapavir to at least nine early adopter countries starting in early 2026, with Rwanda currently engaged in discussions on how to access and roll out the drug.
“The medicine will be provided free of charge initially, but countries will need to invest in healthcare workers and delivery systems to support its distribution,” Dr. Doherty explained. “Over time, prices are expected to be comparable to or slightly above current oral PrEP costs.”
The initial global target is to reach two million users per year, with plans to expand coverage based on demand and forecasting.
The injectable is expected to be especially impactful among populations with high HIV transmission rates, including men who have sex with men, sex workers, transgender people, prisoners, as well as adolescent girls, young women, and pregnant women.
“This intervention could be a game-changer in reducing HIV infections in key populations and vulnerable groups,” Dr. Doherty said.
Rwanda has made remarkable strides in the fight against HIV/AIDS. According to the Ministry of Health (MINISANTE), the latest data shows only 7 out of every 100 daily deaths in Rwanda are HIV-related, down from 20 a decade ago.
Rwanda has surpassed the United Nations 95-95-95 targets by reaching 96% of people living with HIV knowing their status, 98% of those on treatment, and 98% achieving viral suppression, which effectively prevents onward transmission.
Minister of Health Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana told IGIHE that Rwanda is already transitioning from daily multi-pill regimens to simpler treatments, including monthly pills and now long-acting injectables like lenacapavir.
“We are moving from multiple daily pills to once-a-day dosing and soon to monthly or bi-annual injections. This shift aligns with our national HIV strategy and promises to improve adherence and health outcomes,” Dr. Nsanzimana said.
The IAS Conference on HIV Science is the world’s premier forum for sharing cutting-edge HIV research and innovations.
The 2025 edition, themed “Breakthroughs amid Crisis: the Future of HIV Innovation,” gathers about 4,000 global experts focused on accelerating equitable access to new prevention and treatment options despite funding challenges.
Crystal Ventures Ltd (CVL) is a leading investment company and the largest private sector employer in Rwanda, with a diverse portfolio of subsidiaries including Inyange Industries, NPD Ltd, ISCO Security, Real Contractors, and East African Granite Industries.
In a statement released on Tuesday, July 15, the company’s Board of Directors and Management expressed confidence in Barigye’s leadership, citing his extensive cross-sector experience and strong track record in delivering operational excellence, innovation, and sustainable growth.
“Mr. Barigye is a seasoned leader with broad experience across multiple sectors, and a strong track record of driving operational excellence, innovation and sustainable growth,” the statement read.
Barigye steps into the new role after more than five years at the helm of the Kigali International Financial Centre (KIFC), where he successfully led efforts to position Rwanda as a Pan-African financial hub.
Under his stewardship, KIFC gained global recognition and attracted strategic international partnerships and investments that bolstered Rwanda’s financial ecosystem.
Barigye’s appointment also marks a notable return to familiar ground, having previously served as a Senior Executive at Crystal Ventures Ltd from 2008 to 2014. The board expressed pride in welcoming him back into the fold.
“We’re especially proud to welcome him back as an alumnus of CVL and are confident that under his leadership, with valuable global and local perspective, CVL will continue to thrive and advance its strategic goals,” the statement added.
Founded in 1995 as Tri-Star Investments Limited and rebranded to Crystal Ventures Ltd in 2009, CVL has grown into a leading investment firm in Rwanda. Its diversified portfolio spans key sectors such as engineering and infrastructure, construction materials, fast-moving consumer goods, hospitality, security services, agriculture, and mining, with operations expanding across several African countries.
Beyond profitability, CVL is known for its commitment to national development, having played a pivotal role in Rwanda’s post-1994 Genocide against the Tutsi economic recovery by investing in ventures that create wealth and improve lives.
Organised by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) in partnership with the Rwanda Space Agency (RSA), the conference will take place in Kigali from June 2 to 4, 2026.
Held under the theme “Uniting Space and Earth for Climate Resilience,” GLOC 2026 aims to foster global dialogue on how space-based solutions can help address the pressing challenges of climate change.
The event will provide a platform for discussions on programmatic, technical, and policy issues related to climate adaptation, sustainability, and resilience.
The conference is expected to attract participants from around the world, including representatives from space agencies, governments, academia, private industry, non-governmental organisations, and institutions involved in climate-related work.
By bridging the space and climate communities, GLOC 2026 will facilitate knowledge sharing, innovation, and collaboration aimed at advancing global climate goals.
Among the key topics to be discussed are climate adaptation and resilience, greenhouse gas monitoring, the use of artificial intelligence for climate solutions, disaster and emergency management, access to space-based data and services, and the role of policy and governance in achieving climate targets.
The conference will also address investment opportunities in climate technologies, as well as education, outreach, and international cooperation.
As part of the lead-up to the event, the IAF has launched a call for abstracts, encouraging researchers, professionals, and institutions to submit proposals for presentation. Selected abstracts will be featured in interactive sessions during the conference.
Submissions are open until November 7, 2025, with further details available on the official GLOC 2026 website at [www.gloc2026.org->www.gloc2026.org].
GLOC 2026 follows the inaugural edition of the conference, which was held in Oslo, Norway, from May 23 to 25, 2023. The event, themed “Fire and Ice – Space for Climate Action,” brought together over 600 participants from 45 countries and laid the foundation for an ongoing series of global conversations on space and climate change.
Since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda ended, the defeated Ex-FAR and Interahamwe forces fled to what is now the DRC (formerly Zaire), where they were supported by local authorities aiming to use them to launch attacks on Rwanda.
Successive governments in the DRC have collaborated with the forces, and many former combatants have been integrated into the national army.
The FDLR militia, established in the early 2000s, has been involved in documented instances of collaboration with the Congolese army in military operations against the M23 rebel group.
In recent peace agreements between Rwanda and the DRC, signed in Washington, the two countries committed to eradicating the FDLR, with Rwanda expected to lift its defensive measures thereafter.
Speaking in a recent interview, Senator Evode Uwizeyimana said the DRC cannot dismantle the FDLR because the militia effectively forms part of the country’s national army.
“Even though the Congolese government has agreed to dismantle the FDLR, it knows that it will not be able to carry this out. I even wondered if they truly believe they can do it. Asking the DRC government to dismantle the FDLR is the same as asking it to dismantle the FARDC [the national army],” the senator said.
The FARDC is the principal security force in the DRC. Uwizeyimana asserted that many of its key leaders come from the FDLR.
“Telling the DRC government to dismantle the FARDC is like telling the President to remove the unit that protects him and replace it with DASSO [a paramilitary group]. The powerful branches of the FARDC are largely made up of former FDLR members, many of whom were trained in prestigious military schools in Belgium and at the Rwanda Military Academy (ESM),” he added.
“Many who started as lieutenants and second lieutenants are now generals. The Omega [Pacifique Ntawunguka] you hear about is a well-trained soldier; he is even a pilot.
Uwizeyimana confirmed that many FDLR members received advanced military training, and that President Felix Tshisekedi has incorporated them into his army.
“Therefore, when you ask Tshisekedi to dismantle the FDLR, it is like asking him to cut off his own hands, to destroy himself. In other words, it is impossible.”
On July 4, 2025, during a media engagement, President Kagame affirmed that as long as the FDLR remains near Rwanda’s borders, problems will persist, and Rwanda is prepared to take necessary action.
“Rwanda will always do what it has to do when FDLR is along our border. There is no magic word here to be used by anybody,” President Kagame said in response to a journalist’s question about what would happen if the DRC fails to honour its commitment to dismantle the militia group.
President Kagame further emphasised that Rwanda is committed to fulfilling its obligations.
“You will never find Rwanda at fault with implementing what we have agreed to do. You will never,” he added.
His tenure from 2015 to 2023 was defined by bold initiatives, regional diplomacy, and domestic challenges with continental implications. While he earned praise for his leadership in regional security and anti-corruption efforts, Buhari also faced criticism over economic protectionism, suppression of dissent, and a perceived reluctance to engage in wider African affairs fully.
Here are 11 key achievements and controversies that shaped Buhari’s African legacy:
{{Achievements
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{{1. Leadership in Regional Security (ECOWAS Interventions)
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Buhari’s legacy in West African diplomacy is perhaps best illustrated by his active role in preserving constitutional order within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). His government was instrumental in resolving The Gambia’s 2016–2017 political crisis, in which long-time ruler Yahya Jammeh refused to step down after losing elections.
Nigeria, under Buhari’s leadership, mobilised diplomatic and military pressure alongside other ECOWAS states to ensure a peaceful transfer of power to Adama Barrow. Buhari’s insistence on a peaceful resolution, without plunging the region into violence, was widely hailed.
This leadership was replicated in Mali, where Buhari and Nigeria took a stand following the 2020 military coup. Though not leading ECOWAS at the time, Buhari used Nigeria’s influence to push for the restoration of civilian governance, even as the regional body tried to mediate with the coup leaders. His position reflected an understanding that instability in Mali could spill across borders and threaten regional peace.
More broadly, Buhari consistently advocated for regional cooperation in responding to political instability and security threats. While some critics felt his approach lacked aggressive follow-through, Buhari’s willingness to position Nigeria as a stabilising force reflected Nigeria’s traditional role as a regional hegemon. His tenure reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to peacekeeping, democracy, and ECOWAS protocols.
{{2. Counterterrorism collaboration through the MNJTF
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One of Buhari’s top priorities after assuming office was counterterrorism, especially the containment and rollback of Boko Haram and Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP).
Recognising that terrorism respects no borders, Buhari revived and strengthened the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) with Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Benin. The task force conducted joint operations that weakened Boko Haram’s territorial control in Nigeria’s northeast and bordering countries.
This regional collaboration marked a turning point. Whereas earlier efforts under previous administrations were more nationally focused, Buhari’s security strategy acknowledged that Nigeria could not succeed alone. He personally engaged regional leaders to share intelligence, coordinate border patrols, and mobilise funding and logistics for counterinsurgency.
Despite ongoing attacks, particularly in Borno State and Lake Chad regions, the MNJTF under Buhari’s tenure successfully reclaimed territory and disrupted major insurgent operations. The Buhari government’s leadership in the MNJTF model is now seen as a framework for regional responses to insurgencies elsewhere in Africa, such as the Sahel.
{{3. The P&ID legal victory
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In a landmark moment for Nigeria’s sovereignty and anti-corruption drive, Buhari’s government successfully challenged a $10 billion arbitration award in a UK court.
The P&ID legal victory culminated in October 2023 when a UK High Court ruled in favour of Nigeria, overturning the massive arbitration award against Process & Industrial Developments Ltd. (P&ID). The dispute stemmed from a failed 2010 gas processing contract, which led to the hefty claim due to alleged non-compliance.
Under President Buhari, Nigeria aggressively challenged the arbitration, presenting evidence that P&ID engaged in corrupt practices, including bribery and manipulation of the contract and arbitration process. The UK court found these allegations credible and ruled that enforcing the award would violate public policy, effectively nullifying the payout.
This legal victory significantly boosted Buhari’s anti-corruption agenda and Nigeria’s national sovereignty, preventing a potentially crippling financial loss. Beyond Nigeria, the case resonated across Africa as a precedent highlighting vulnerabilities in international arbitration, encouraging greater vigilance and reform in contract negotiations and enforcement.
{{4. Promotion of African self-sufficiency through agriculture
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Buhari’s agricultural reforms, including the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP) and the Presidential Fertiliser Initiative, sought to boost Nigeria’s food production and reduce dependence on imports.
Though domestically focused, these initiatives aligned with broader African Union goals for self-reliance and food security. His government empowered smallholder farmers with access to credit and inputs, helping revive key staples like rice and maize.
Buhari’s push for agricultural transformation sparked interest among other African nations, particularly in West Africa. Countries such as Ghana and Senegal examined Nigeria’s policy tools as templates for improving their own rural economies. Nigeria’s food import bill dropped significantly between 2016 and 2020, and Buhari regularly promoted these achievements in regional and AU fora as evidence that Africa could feed itself.
However, challenges such as poor post-harvest infrastructure, inflation, and insecurity limited long-term gains. Still, Buhari’s push for agriculture laid an ideological marker: that Africa’s prosperity depends less on aid and more on domestic productivity. That message resonated with many African leaders confronting similar food security challenges.
{{5. Combating corruption on a continental scale
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Buhari’s reputation as a corruption fighter extended beyond Nigeria’s borders. In 2018, he was named African Union Anti-Corruption Champion, a symbolic nod to his high-profile campaigns against graft. He promoted measures such as Nigeria’s Treasury Single Account (TSA) and pursued asset recovery from overseas, including the repatriation of over $300 million in “Abacha loot” from Switzerland and Jersey.
These actions resonated continentally. Buhari used regional and international platforms, including the African Union summits, to call for cooperation in asset recovery, transparency in public service, and international banking reforms to block illicit flows. His rhetoric found favour among African youth disillusioned by kleptocratic elites and governance decay.
Yet, Buhari’s anti-corruption stance was not just rhetorical. His administration worked with other African governments to tighten financial regulations and encourage whistleblower policies. Though critics at home questioned the consistency of his enforcement, his image as a corruption fighter elevated Nigeria’s soft power among reform-minded leaders and civil society actors across the continent.
6. Support for AfCFTA and pan-African economic integration
Initially hesitant, Buhari signed the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement in 2019 after extensive domestic consultations. Though Nigeria was the last major economy to join, its signature was crucial: without Nigeria’s participation, AfCFTA would have lacked continental weight. Buhari’s eventual support was seen as a commitment to Africa’s collective economic future.
Before signing, Buhari expressed concern about potential job losses and trade imbalances, fears shared by many African countries. His caution sparked useful debate on how to design AfCFTA to protect weaker economies. After joining, Nigeria took part in technical discussions and policy frameworks that sought to balance trade liberalisation with economic fairness.
Buhari’s endorsement of AfCFTA added momentum to the idea of “African solutions to African problems”, not just politically but economically. By the time he left office, Nigeria was positioning itself as a future trade hub, with a growing emphasis on infrastructure, border digitisation, and export-led growth aligned with the AfCFTA vision.
{{Controversies}}
1. Persistent insecurity and expansion of non-state actors
Despite gains against Boko Haram, Nigeria remained plagued by widespread insecurity during Buhari’s presidency. Kidnappings, banditry, and violent clashes between farmers and herders spread from the northeast to the north-central and southern regions. The rise of non-state actors created a climate of fear and lawlessness, undermining national and regional stability.
Buhari’s critics argued that his administration was reactive rather than proactive in dealing with security threats. While the military launched offensives, they were often under-resourced or hampered by poor coordination. In many rural areas, local populations felt abandoned, leading to the emergence of vigilante groups and further erosion of state authority.
Regionally, Nigeria’s instability had cross-border consequences. Armed groups and displaced persons moved into Niger and Cameroon, straining diplomatic and humanitarian capacities. Observers feared that Buhari’s failure to resolve Nigeria’s internal security crisis weakened his credibility as a regional security anchor.
{{2. Human rights concerns and police brutality (EndSARS)
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The October 2020 #EndSARS protests, sparked by police brutality, especially by the notorious Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), marked a turning point in Buhari’s international image. Though initially praised for allowing youth protests, the violent crackdown at the Lekki Toll Gate, where security forces allegedly opened fire on peaceful demonstrators, triggered global outrage.
Buhari’s delayed response and refusal to acknowledge the alleged shootings intensified tensions. International bodies, including the United Nations and African Union, expressed concern over human rights abuses and shrinking civic space in Nigeria. The government’s dismissal of some reports and reliance on state media narratives further deepened public mistrust.
Across Africa, the EndSARS movement resonated with youth confronting similar police abuses. Buhari’s perceived mishandling of the crisis stained his reputation as a democratic leader and empowered regional autocrats to justify harsh crackdowns on dissent by citing security concerns.
{{3. Protectionist border closure and trade fallout
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In 2019, Buhari controversially closed Nigeria’s land borders to curb smuggling and protect local producers. The move, lasting over a year, was meant to enforce customs regulations and encourage self-reliance. However, it had negative consequences for neighbouring countries like Benin, Togo, and Ghana, who relied on Nigeria’s market.
ECOWAS protocols promoting free movement and regional integration were effectively suspended by Nigeria’s unilateral action. Small traders and transporters across West Africa bore the brunt, as border communities plunged into economic distress. Critics argued that the closure contradicted Buhari’s commitment to AfCFTA and regional cooperation.
Though Buhari eventually reopened the borders in late 2020, the policy left a bitter aftertaste. It showcased how Nigeria’s domestic economic decisions could upend regional stability. Buhari’s border closure is now frequently cited in discussions on the need for continental trade rules that balance national interests with regional obligations.
{{4. Twitter ban and digital repression
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In June 2021, Buhari’s government banned Twitter after the platform deleted a tweet deemed inciting violence. The ban lasted for seven months and was condemned globally as an attack on freedom of expression and digital rights. Nigeria’s youth, entrepreneurs, and activists—many of whom relied on Twitter for work, advocacy, and mobilisation—were most affected.
The government justified the ban by accusing Twitter of undermining Nigeria’s sovereignty and threatening national unity. It demanded that the platform register locally and comply with Nigerian laws. Though eventually lifted in January 2022 after negotiations, the ban raised fears of increasing digital authoritarianism.
Other African governments took note. Zimbabwe, Uganda, and Ethiopia, among others, would later invoke “national security” to justify internet shutdowns and censorship. Buhari’s digital crackdown thus unintentionally set a precedent for state-led internet repression in Africa’s fledgling democracies.
{{5. Selective anti-corruption enforcement
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While Buhari’s anti-corruption rhetoric won praise, critics frequently pointed to selective enforcement. High-profile opposition figures were often investigated, arrested, or prosecuted, while alleged corruption within the ruling party appeared overlooked. This dual standard raised questions about the true impartiality of his campaign.
Several corruption scandals involving Buhari’s appointees, such as the mismanagement of funds in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), drew public ire. Yet, accountability for those within the president’s political camp was inconsistent.
This perceived bias undermined Buhari’s message of reform. Regionally, while some countries admired his stance, others pointed to the flaws as justification for inaction. His legacy, therefore, remains one of aspirational anti-corruption leadership—inspiring, but not entirely credible in execution.
The death, confirmed by Buhari’s former aides Garba Shehu and Bashir Ahmed, has prompted an outpouring of grief across the country and among African leaders.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced a seven-day national mourning period on Sunday, as a mark of respect for Buhari’s service and legacy. As part of the observance, all national flags will fly at half-staff throughout the mourning period.
An emergency session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has also been convened for Tuesday to honour the former leader’s memory and contributions.
Buhari, a military ruler from 1984 to 1985 before returning as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023, was known for his austere lifestyle, his strong stance against corruption, and his reputation for discipline and integrity.
Leaders and citizens alike have hailed him as a patriot who dedicated his life to national unity, economic reforms, and the fight against graft.
In a statement, President Tinubu described Buhari as a “dedicated servant of the nation” whose leadership left a significant imprint on Nigeria’s political landscape.
Tinubu emphasised the former president’s legacy of reforms and the difficult battles he waged against corruption, insecurity, and economic instability.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has been dispatched to London to coordinate the repatriation of Buhari’s remains. Plans are in motion for a state funeral, with the late president expected to be buried in his hometown of Daura, in Katsina State, on Monday, July 14, with full military honours.
Buhari’s passing marks the end of an era for many Nigerians who lived through both his military rule and his democratic presidency.
Tributes have been pouring in from political figures, foreign governments, and ordinary citizens, all highlighting his firm commitment to discipline, his modest personal life, and his efforts to steer Nigeria through turbulent times.
The strike, carried out on June 16, allegedly involved six precision-guided bombs aimed at entrances to a secret underground facility in western Tehran, where the president and other top officials were attending a session of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.
Iranian outlet Fars reported that the blasts cut off power and blocked exits, forcing the president to evacuate through an emergency shaft, during which he sustained minor leg injuries.
A senior Iranian official, speaking to Al Jazeera, described the attack as a failed assassination attempt targeting the heads of Iran’s executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
“This attempt will not pass without Israel paying a price,” the official warned.
The incident occurred during a 12-day war between Israel and Iran, which ended with a U.S.-brokered ceasefire on June 24. During the conflict, Israeli air raids reportedly killed several senior Iranian commanders and nuclear scientists.
The Israeli operation was said to be modelled after the 2024 strike in Beirut that killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.
Last week, President Pezeshkian publicly confirmed the assassination attempt in an interview with U.S. journalist Tucker Carlson.
“They did try, yes… but they failed,” he said. “It was not the United States that was behind the attempt on my life. It was Israel.”
Israel has not officially commented on the claims. However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the broader military operation, saying it was necessary to halt Iran’s alleged nuclear weapons programme.
While Tehran insists its nuclear activities are purely civilian, the Israeli strikes came just days before scheduled talks between the U.S. and Iran aimed at reviving diplomatic negotiations.
The June conflict resulted in heavy casualties. According to Iran’s Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs, at least 1,060 people were killed in Iran. Israel also suffered losses, with 28 fatalities reported due to retaliatory Iranian drone and missile attacks.
Fars has called for an investigation into possible espionage, citing the “accuracy” of Israel’s intelligence in targeting the meeting location. As tensions continue to simmer, observers warn the episode may further complicate prospects for renewed diplomacy in the region.
