The decision follows Trump’s earlier statement that any country doing business with Iran would face a 25 percent tariff on trade with the United States.
Despite the escalating rhetoric, the White House said diplomacy remains Washington’s preferred option.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt noted on Monday that while dialogue is favored, the administration is not ruling out military action if circumstances require it.
In a series of posts on his Truth Social platform, Trump urged Iranians to continue protesting and called on them to “take over your institutions,” condemning what he described as the killing of demonstrators. He claimed that “help is on the way,” without providing further details.
Trump said the suspension of meetings would remain in place until the “senseless killing of protesters stops.”
In recent days, he has again raised the possibility of U.S. military strikes, warning that a harsh crackdown by Iranian authorities could trigger a strong response from Washington.
Iranian authorities have, for their part, consistently blamed the United States for stirring instability in the country.
In the latest accusation, Iran’s top military commander, Abdolrahim Mousavi, claimed that the US and Israel had sent members of the armed group ISIL (ISIS) into Iran to conduct attacks, though he did not present any evidence to support the claim.
The EAC Secretariat flagged off the mission to observe the electoral process in the Republic of Uganda on Tuesday, January 13. The mission comprises a delegation of 61 observers drawn from EAC Partner States and the EAC Secretariat.
The EAC Election Observation Mission will monitor the entire electoral cycle, including the pre-election environment, polling day activities and the post-election phase, with the aim of providing a comprehensive, independent and objective assessment of the conduct of the elections.
Ambassador Mukabagwiza brings to the role extensive experience in public service, diplomacy and regional affairs. The EAC said her leadership, integrity and deep understanding of governance processes will provide strategic guidance and credibility to the mission.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, Mukabagwiza underscored the mission’s commitment to impartiality and professionalism.
“We are here to observe and assess the electoral process in an independent, impartial and objective manner, in accordance with the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community, the EAC Election Observation Principles, the laws of the Republic of Uganda and applicable African Union and international standards,” she said.
Uganda concluded a three-month presidential campaign period on Tuesday ahead of the general elections. Incumbent President Yoweri Museveni, seeking a seventh five-year term, held his final rally in Kampala, while his main challenger, Robert Kyagulanyi, also wrapped up his campaign by urging voters to turn out. Six other candidates are contesting the presidency after campaigning across the country.
The EAC mission is expected to issue a preliminary statement outlining its initial observations and findings shortly after polling. A comprehensive final report will later be prepared and submitted to the EAC Council of Ministers, the Government of the Republic of Uganda and other relevant stakeholders.
“The report will include practical recommendations aimed at strengthening future electoral processes and enhancing democratic governance within the EAC,” said Veronica Mueni Nduva, the EAC Secretary General.
Mukabagwiza is a prominent figure in Rwanda’s public life, with more than 23 years of service in various national responsibilities. She previously served as Minister of Justice, Deputy Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies responsible for legal affairs and government oversight, and Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Canada and Cuba between 2007 and 2013. She later served as a Member of Parliament from 2013 to 2018 and was part of the leadership of the Chamber of Deputies.
An expert in law, Mukabagwiza studied at the University of Rwanda and holds a Master’s degree in Diplomacy from Washington International University in the United States, alongside other legal qualifications. She has worked in several ministries and non-governmental organisations and recently took the oath as a legal advocate, founding EM Pathways Legal & Advisory Ltd after concluding her political career.
The AU said in a statement that the chairperson has taken note of the recent presidential memorandum issued by the United States, directing the cessation of the country’s participation in, and funding to, certain United Nations (UN) entities, as well as the withdrawal from selected non-UN international organizations.
“The chairperson aligns with the statement of the Secretary-General of the UN underscoring the importance of a strong, effective, and inclusive multilateral system at a time when the international community faces intersecting global challenges, including conflict, climate change, economic uncertainty, and public health threats,” the statement read.
Youssouf stressed that these institutions “play an important role in supporting Africa’s development, peace-building, humanitarian response, and the implementation of Agenda 2063 of the AU and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”
“Any reduction in their operational capacity may have implications for development gains, peace consolidation efforts, and the resilience of communities, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected settings,” he said.
He said that multilateral platforms have historically served as effective vehicles through which shared global objectives have been advanced, delivering tangible results for both Africa and the broader international community.
The AU commission also expressed its hope that continued dialogue between the United States, the UN and international partners will help identify pathways to sustain critical multilateral functions, enhance efficiency and accountability, and ensure that the most vulnerable are not disproportionately affected.
U.S. President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order, suspending U.S. participation in and funding for 66 international organizations, agencies and commissions, including a number of UN-affiliated bodies.
Felix Plasencia, Venezuelan ambassador to Britain and former foreign minister, is planning to meet U.S. senior officials in Washington at Rodriguez’s behest, said the report, citing people familiar with the plans.
Maria Corina Machado, one of Venezuela’s major opposition figures, is expected to visit the White House.
A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department said Friday that personnel from the department’s Colombia-based Venezuela Affairs Unit will “conduct an initial assessment for a potential phased resumption of operations” in Venezuela, where the U.S. embassy was closed in 2019 with all embassy staff withdrawn.
On Friday morning, U.S. President Donald Trump praised cooperation from the Venezuelan acting president, announcing that a second U.S. strike against Venezuela “will not be needed.”
Incumbent President Yoweri Museveni held his final rally in Kampala, the capital, where his supporters donning yellow attires marched through the streets singing and chanting.
Museveni, who is seeking a seventh five-year term in office, told his supporters gathering at Kololo Independence Grounds that the campaign was successful. He said some rallies turned out to be celebrations highlighting the achievements the country has registered.
Museveni urged voters to turn out in large numbers, assuring them that the elections would proceed without disruption.
His main challenger, Robert Kyagulanyi, a pop star-turned politician, also urged voters to turn up and vote at his final rally.
Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, is running on the ticket of the opposition National Unity Platform. This marks his second bid for the presidency after facing off with Museveni in the 2021 elections.
Six other candidates are also vying for the presidency after traversing several parts of the country and seeking support from voters.
Simon Byabakama, chairperson of the Electoral Commission, told reporters that after the close of the campaigns, no candidate is supposed to converse for votes, noting that culprits would be penalized. He assured the country that a free and fair election will be delivered.
The elections are scheduled to start on Thursday at 7:00 a.m. local time (0400 GMT) and close at 4:00 p.m. (1300 GMT), with about 21 million registered voters expected to turn up at polling stations across the country, according to the electoral body.
The meeting marked the end of Ambassador Kneedler’s tenure in Kigali, during which he engaged with Rwandan leadership on bilateral cooperation and diplomatic relations between Rwanda and the United States.
Earlier in the day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, also bid farewell to Ambassador Kneedler.
Ambassador Kneedler formally assumed his role as U.S. Ambassador to Rwanda on October 18, 2023, after presenting his letters of credence to President Kagame at Urugwiro Village. He succeeded Peter H. Vrooman. His appointment followed his nomination by U.S. President Joe Biden on August 3, 2022, confirmation by the U.S. Senate on July 27, 2023, and swearing-in later in August 2023.
A career member of the Senior Foreign Service, Ambassador Kneedler previously served as Chargé d’Affaires ad interim at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, bringing extensive diplomatic experience to his role in Rwanda.
His departure comes amid a broader diplomatic reshuffle in which the United States has recalled nearly 30 ambassadors from dozens of countries. The changes have largely affected Africa, where envoys from 15 countries, including Rwanda, Burundi, Cameroon, Nigeria, Senegal, Uganda and others, have been recalled. Additional recalls have also affected countries in Asia, Europe, and the Western Hemisphere.
Rwanda and the United States continue to maintain diplomatic relations spanning health, development, security and economic cooperation, with both sides reaffirming engagement through ongoing bilateral frameworks.
The campus is dedicated to the School of Business Management and Economics. Located in the heart of Kigali’s bustling Remera neighbourhood, the campus, formerly home to AIMS, has been transformed into a cutting-edge learning environment designed to inspire innovation, leadership, and high-impact business education.
Students began classes shortly after the official opening, filling the campus with renewed energy as they explored its smart classrooms, advanced computer labs, collaborative study areas, and modern academic facilities. University leaders praised the campus as a bold step toward delivering world-class, industry-aligned education and enriching the student experience.
Professor George Kimathi, Vice Chancellor, expressed profound pride during the historic first day of classes.“These state-of-the-art facilities reflect our collective vision for a globally competitive institution. The lecture halls, computer and research labs, hostels, and recreational areas were all designed to offer a holistic, inspiring, and world-class academic experience. This is where champions will be created.”
Speaking on the broader impact of the new campus, Mr. Philibert Afrika, Chairman of the Governing Body, emphasized UoK’s ambition to lead regional business education and strengthen Africa’s professional talent pipeline. “This new campus is not merely an expansion of our physical footprint; it is a dedicated centre of excellence. Here, we will nurture exceptional talent across Financial Management, Marketing Strategy, Entrepreneurship, and Leadership, skills urgently needed in Rwanda’s evolving economy and across the continent.”
Professor Manasseh Nshuti, Chairman of the Board of Promoters, connected the inauguration to the university’s long-term institutional transformation agenda. “This milestone aligns perfectly with our 2025–2029 strategic pillars, infrastructure development, digital transformation, and industry engagement. By investing in world-class learning spaces like Remera, UoK affirms its commitment to becoming a beacon of innovation and sustainability in higher education.”
In the first week of December 2025, barely weeks after its official opening, the Remera Campus achieved another historic first as UoK, in partnership with EduHubAfric, hosted the inaugural Pan-African Economics Olympiad (PAEO).
The four-day event brought together 120 brilliant secondary school students from Rwanda, Kenya, and Nigeria, turning the campus into a buzzing centre of innovation, collaboration, and youthful intellectual competition.
Students competed in Economics, Financial Literacy, and an intense Business Case Challenge. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Professor Ogechi Adeola, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation & Enterprise) of the University of Kigali, underscored the importance of nurturing economic thinking among Africa’s youth.
“Africa’s future will be shaped by young people who can think critically, understand economic systems, and apply financial literacy to real-world challenges. Initiatives such as the Pan-African Economics Olympiad go beyond competition; they cultivate a Pan-African mindset, encourage collaboration across borders, and prepare the next generation of economists, entrepreneurs, and policy leaders our continent urgently needs,” she said.
Rwanda excelled in Economics and Financial Literacy, earning top positions across multiple categories, while Kenya’s iconic Alliance High School clinched the Business Case Challenge, demonstrating outstanding creativity and analytical depth. These achievements mark a powerful step forward for the region’s future economists, innovators, and business thinkers.
The Remera Campus’s modern design enriched the Olympiad experience, with smart classrooms, tech-enabled halls, innovation-friendly lounges, and business-focused study areas helping to set a continental standard for academic competitions.
Mr. Nasser Okoth, Minister Counsellor at the Kenyan Embassy in Rwanda, delivered inspiring remarks at the ceremony. “What we have witnessed here is truly remarkable: unity, brilliance, and the spirit of Pan-African excellence. The University of Kigali has provided an environment worthy of Africa’s future leaders, and these young economists will shape the continent’s next chapter.”
As Rwanda’s official partner for the International Economics Olympiad, one of only four recognized countries on the continent, UoK continues to cement its growing reputation as a regional hub for academic advancement and global-standard talent development.
The Olympiad aligns with UoK’s broader commitment to Pan-African academic excellence and regional talent development, university officials noted.
The bill is expected to be passed by March 2026, marking a significant step in Africa’s evolving approach to AI governance.
The proposed legislation is part of the National Digital Economy and E‑Governance Bill, which expands regulatory authority especially that of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) over AI systems, algorithms, digital platforms, and data across sectors.
Under the framework, regulators would have the power to request information, issue enforcement directives, and block or restrict unsafe or harmful AI tools.
The bill also seeks to promote ethical standards in AI, prioritizing fairness, accountability, and transparency in how AI systems operate. It would adopt a risk‑based approach to oversight and give regulators stronger enforcement powers, including the authority to impose penalties on developers or users who fail to comply with the rules.
In addition to oversight mechanisms, the legislation is designed to support innovation and protect emerging technology businesses, creating a safer ecosystem for startups and fostering responsible AI development across the country.
If passed, Nigeria’s AI regulatory framework would place the country at the forefront of AI governance in Africa, ahead of many other nations that have adopted AI strategies but not yet established binding legal frameworks.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of a security conference in Sweden’s Salen, Kubilius said he shared Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen’s view that a forced takeover would deal a fatal blow to NATO and severely damage transatlantic ties. He added that such a move would also trigger a strong negative reaction among Europeans.
Kubilius said he did not believe a U.S. invasion was imminent, but noted that Article 42.7 of the EU treaty obliges member states to provide mutual assistance if a member country is subjected to armed aggression. He said the bloc could step up support for Greenland at Denmark’s request, including by deploying troops and expanding military infrastructure such as naval presence and counter-drone capabilities.
Denmark and the United States, both NATO members, are scheduled to meet this week to discuss the Greenland issue. Greenland and Denmark have repeatedly said the territory is not for sale, while U.S. President Donald Trump has insisted Washington must “own” Greenland without ruling out the use of force.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said Europeans within NATO were discussing ways to strengthen the alliance, but stressed that such work should not be based on any presumption that NATO would stop functioning.
Also at the security policy conference in the western resort town of Salen, Kristersson on Sunday criticized recent U.S. actions in Venezuela and Trump’s “threatening rhetoric” toward Denmark and Greenland, warning that such moves undermine international law and increase risks for smaller countries.
Kristersson said Washington should instead show gratitude toward Denmark, as it has been a longstanding ally. He also pledged Swedish support for Denmark.
Since taking office in January 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in acquiring control of Greenland, stating that he would not rule out the use of “military or economic coercion” to achieve that goal.
Last month, Trump appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as U.S. special envoy to Greenland, renewing diplomatic tensions between Washington and the Danish Realm. Trump said in a recent interview that the United States “absolutely” needs Greenland.
Jeune Afrique, citing sources privy to the tensions that followed the capture of Uvira, reports that Kinshasa feared the conflict could spread to other provinces, including Kalemie in Tanganyika, and sought help to counter the rebel advance.
However, Angola refused to send troops, reminding President Félix Tshisekedi that even when the Southern African Development Community (SADC) force was deployed in North Kivu, Angolan soldiers had not been involved. Instead, Luanda proposed political mediation.
On December 14, Tshisekedi visited Angola to meet President João Lourenço, who also chairs the African Union (AU), to discuss dialogue options. Tshisekedi returned on January 5, 2026, agreeing with Lourenço that discussions should include a broad range of Congolese actors, from political opponents to armed groups such as AFC/M23, with talks planned for Kinshasa.
Following the meetings, Lourenço conducted discreet consultations with potential participants, including former President Joseph Kabila and his close associates Moïse Nyarugabo and Raymond Tshibanda. The aim was to prepare a new phase of dialogue, although both governments have avoided calling it a “new peace process.”
AFC/M23 leader Corneille Nangaa, who had earlier communicated the withdrawal of M23 fighters from Uvira in a “confidence-building measure”, requested clarification on how these discussions would differ from the ongoing Doha talks. The rebels were invited to Luanda as part of preparations for the Kinshasa talks, but sought assurances that the initiative would not undermine previous agreements.
Tshisekedi returned to Luanda on January 8 to finalise the list of participants, according to diplomatic sources.
Angola is said to be engaging church leaders and opposition figures in the proposed Kinshasa talks, while carefully avoiding the term “new peace process.”
The behind-the-scenes efforts mark a subtle relaunch of Angola’s role as a mediator in the DRC conflict after President Lourenço had announced he was stepping back from mediation following his election as African Union chair in March 2025.
