At a weekly press conference in Tehran, Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei refuted Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s claims that Iran was behind the torching of a kosher cafe in Sydney last October and a major arson attack on a synagogue in Melbourne last December.
He also responded to the Australian government’s decision on Tuesday to expel Iranian Ambassador Ahmad Sadeghi.
“Naturally, any inappropriate and unjustified action at the diplomatic level will receive a reciprocal reaction. This is a new development. My colleagues are considering the issue to decide about the response of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Baghaei said.
The spokesman said over the past two weeks, “we witnessed million-strong demonstrations in Australia in protest to the killing of people in the occupied Palestinian territories,” adding that some of Australia’s politicians had also “in a rare move” leveled minor criticisms against Israel for its actions.
Australia’s recent action against Iran, “which is in fact an action against diplomacy and the two nations’ relations,” was aimed at compensating for those minor anti-Israel criticisms, Baghaei said.
Albanese announced on Tuesday that Australia had withdrawn its ambassador to Iran and suspended operations at its embassy in Tehran.
The clashes broke out on the morning of August 25, 2025, after Wazalendo attempted to block a convoy coming from Burundi that was transporting the body of Colonel Gisore Patrick, a FARDC battalion commander who recently died in a plane crash near Kisangani.
Among those denied passage by Wazalendo were South Kivu Governor Jean-Jacques Purusi, government officials, soldiers, and civilians who were accompanying the late Colonel’s remains from Bujumbura.
Following the incident, FARDC’s “Panther” battalion, which oversees the Kavimvira border, overpowered Wazalendo fighters. In retaliation, on August 26, Wazalendo launched a counterattack aimed at seizing control of the border post located in Uvira territory.
Reports from Uvira indicate that the fighting began at dawn and lasted six hours, forcing residents in nearby areas to flee or suspend daily activities out of fear.
In total, six people were killed and several others wounded. According to FARDC, one of its soldiers was killed, while five Wazalendo fighters lost their lives.
Lt. Reagan Mbuyi Kalonji, spokesperson for FARDC in South Kivu, confirmed that 14 Wazalendo fighters who attempted to defy government forces were captured and handed over to their commander.
Governor Purusi warned that continued hostilities between Wazalendo and FARDC could benefit the AFC/M23 coalition, which already controls Bukavu and large parts of South Kivu. He has called an emergency meeting between the two sides in an effort to seek reconciliation.
The company stressed that the incident was confined to a business-related system. As Google explained, “This issue did not impact consumer Gmail or Google Cloud customer data, and no passwords were compromised.”
Despite these assurances, cybercriminals have been quick to exploit the situation. Reports indicate a surge in phishing emails and vishing calls, with scammers impersonating Google employees.
Many of these fraudulent calls have come from numbers beginning with the 650 area code, which is tied to Google’s California headquarters, giving the impression of authenticity.
Victims have described receiving alarming calls in which they were told their accounts had been hacked and were pressured into resetting their passwords. Once the new credentials were provided, attackers gained full access, locking out the rightful owners.
According to Fox News Technology, security experts have highlighted risks facing Google Cloud customers through what is known as the “dangling bucket” vulnerability. This occurs when outdated or abandoned cloud storage addresses remain active, creating openings for hackers to inject malware or steal data.
Although no consumer passwords were exposed in the Salesforce breach, experts warn that even partial leaks can give cybercriminals the tools to mount larger, more damaging attacks.
The incident illustrates how quickly attackers can weaponize information that might appear relatively harmless on its own. It also underscores how social engineering tactics convincing people to hand over sensitive details remain one of the most effective ways to compromise digital accounts. With Gmail and Google Cloud serving close to 2.5 billion users, the potential scale of harm is enormous.
Google has urged users to remain vigilant and to strengthen their account protections. In its statement, the company encouraged people to review their account activity through Google’s Security Checkup, to use strong and unique passwords, and to adopt two-factor authentication.
It also recommended the use of passkeys, describing them as a “more secure, phishing-resistant” method of logging in. Importantly, Google reminded users that it does not call customers to request password resets or verification codes, warning that such calls are almost certainly fraudulent.
The initiative, led by Ropeways Transit Rwanda Limited (RTRL), seeks to tackle traffic congestion in the capital while offering a greener alternative to road transport. Rather than replacing existing systems, the project is designed to complement Kigali’s urban growth.
The idea was conceived in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic when RTRL Chief Executive, Muyiwa Omololu. With Kigali’s hilly terrain, fast-growing population, and limited road expansion capacity, Omololu saw an opportunity to explore aerial transport.
“Road construction and maintenance require huge government spending. Kigali is expanding rapidly. The alternative is to take transport into the skies,” he said.
Drawing inspiration from systems in La Paz, Medellín, and Mexico City, Omololu believes Kigali is well-placed to become the first African city to implement a large-scale cable car network.
Plans call for nine routes, linking high-traffic areas from residential zones to business districts, sports facilities, and leisure centres.
The Rwandan government has already granted RTRL approval to proceed, starting with two routes in phases. The first will connect Nyabugogo Bus Station to downtown Kigali, while the second—dubbed Route 10—will link the Kigali Convention Centre (KCC) to Remera, home to Amahoro Stadium, BK Arena, and Zaria Court.
These initial routes, costing $100 million (approximately Rwf 145 billion), are expected to take 24 months to complete. A later extension will reach Sonatube and Gatenga, with the system eventually carrying up to 5,000 passengers per direction, per hour—equivalent to removing 2,000 cars or 5,000 motorcycles from Kigali’s roads.
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Omololu confirmed that discussions are underway with Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote to participate in financing the project.
Dangote, recently appointed to the World Bank’s Private Sector Investment Lab, is part of a global initiative linking private sector leaders to solutions for investment challenges in developing economies.
So far, the African Development Bank has pledged $500,000 (about Rwf 725 million)grant for preparatory feasibility studies, while Afreximbank, Africa50, and the Africa Finance Corporation have all signalled investment commitments.
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The system will be built by Doppelmayr, an Austrian company and global leader in cableway construction, with support from Outdoor Engineers (Switzerland) and Rwanda’s Planet Projects.
Omololu stressed that safety is paramount, citing Doppelmayr’s recovery concept, which allows cabins to automatically descend to the nearest station in case of a power cut. Sensors will also detect and halt operations if obstacles are detected on the lines.
The cable car system is expected to create around 3,000 jobs in its first phase. Rwandans will receive training to operate and maintain the technology, ensuring long-term local management.
Each cabin will carry 10 passengers, consuming minimal power—comparable to a hair dryer every two kilometres.
The project aligns with Rwanda’s climate targets to cut emissions by 38% by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050. According to Omololu, transporting 10,000 people per hour could remove up to 2,000 vehicles from the city’s roads.
Real estate and business owners also stand to benefit, as land values around the stations are expected to rise, attracting new developments.
To familiarise the public with the technology, RTRL plans a Public Adoption Programme, including study visits to Bolivia’s Mi Teleférico and the creation of a demonstration site in Kigali.
Feasibility studies are set to conclude this year. If financing is secured on time, construction could begin in 2026, lasting 18–24 months, with operations expected to launch in 2028.
Ahead of his arrival, senior Mozambican officials traveled to Kigali, including Minister of Defence Maj. Gen. Cristóvão Artur Chume, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Maria Manuela dos Santos Lucas, Chief of Defence Forces Maj. Gen. André Rafael Mahunguane, and Inspector-General of Police CP Fabião Pedro Nhancololo.
On August 26, the delegation held talks with their Rwandan counterparts in a meeting chaired by Gen. (Rtd) James Kabarebe, Rwanda’s State Minister in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The discussions focused on strengthening existing bilateral cooperation and exploring new areas of collaboration.
According to Mozambique’s Ambassador to Rwanda, Amade Miquidade, cooperation between the two countries dates back to 1990. It gained momentum in 2018 with the creation of a joint cooperation commission, and in 2021 when Rwanda deployed troops to Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province to support counter-terrorism operations.
Ambassador Miquidade explained that President Chapo’s first visit to Rwanda as Head of State will reaffirm commitments in defence and security—particularly in counter-terrorism efforts—while also broadening economic cooperation.
On the afternoon of August 27, President Chapo is expected to visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial at Gisozi, where he will pay tribute, hear testimonies, and view exhibits reflecting Rwanda’s tragic past and path to recovery.
Later that day, he will be formally received by President Paul Kagame at Village Urugwiro. The two Heads of State will hold a private meeting, followed by a broader session bringing together officials from both countries to discuss cooperation, with emphasis on security and economic development.
On August 28, President Chapo will meet with Rwandan investors interested in Mozambique and tour the Kigali Special Economic Zone at Masoro to observe Rwanda’s industrial achievements and identify opportunities for shared growth.
He is also scheduled to meet Mozambican nationals residing in Rwanda, many of whom are engaged in sectors such as construction. The state visit will conclude with a press briefing during which President Chapo will outline the key outcomes of his trip.
Addressing the ongoing war, Trump made it clear that the United States will no longer tolerate diplomatic deadlock.
“If they don’t start talking, there will be massive sanctions or tariffs, or both,” Trump told reporters at the White House on Tuesday, stressing that his administration is prepared to act decisively. He explained that it would ultimately fall on him to determine which side is responsible for obstructing progress.
“It’s my responsibility to figure out where the fault lies,” he added.
Traditionally, Washington has placed the greatest pressure on Moscow. However, Trump’s remarks suggest a shift in approach, as he signaled that Ukraine could also be subject to punitive measures if peace negotiations continue to stall.
“We’re not just going to keep giving and giving while nothing happens,” the president stated.
The warning underscores Trump’s belief in the power of economic leverage. He emphasized that tariffs or sanctions could be imposed swiftly if the situation does not improve.
“We will act quickly, and we will act strongly,” he declared.
Trump’s comments come at a time when global pressure is mounting for a resolution to the conflict.
By directly threatening both sides, he introduced a new element of unpredictability into U.S. foreign policy, signaling that America’s priority is not simply to back one side, but to push both leaders — Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskiy — toward the negotiating table.
The delegation included U.S. Representatives Austin Scott of Georgia and Salud Carbajal of California, both members of the House Armed Services Committee, along with Jimmy Panetta of California, who serves on the House Committee on Ways and Means.
According to a communique from the Office of the President, talks between the Head of State and the visiting lawmakers centred on strengthening existing partnerships between Rwanda and the United States in areas such as regional security, education, and health.
The visit follows recent U.S.-led diplomatic efforts to ease tensions between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, which resulted in the signing of a peace agreement in Washington on June 27, 2025. The accord committed both countries to ending hostilities and working together to promote economic development.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Monday, Trump emphasised that his administration is making strong progress and insisted that “it does have to end,” reiterating a sense of urgency amid a devastating humanitarian crisis.
He, however, provided few specifics to support his prediction.
Trump later appeared to defer to Special Envoy Steve Witkoff for further details on diplomatic efforts, who echoed praise for the president’s leadership in advancing peace talks farther than contemplated.
Trump also acknowledged the deep-rooted nature of the conflict, saying it is “a hard thing to say” that it will end soon, given that tensions in the region have spanned generations. Still, he maintained an optimistic outlook, asserting that the current efforts were producing positive momentum.
Analysts and observers note that Trump has frequently employed similar short-term timelines—most commonly a “two-week” window—to forecast resolution of various international issues, from the Russia-Ukraine war to nuclear negotiations with Iran and trade discussions. These forecasts, however, have often fallen short of fruition.
Meanwhile, the situation on the ground remains daunting. Israel has made clear that it is not inclined toward a phased ceasefire proposal accepted by Hamas. Instead, the Israeli government is proceeding with plans to advance into Gaza City, a campaign expected to span several more months.
The Head of State did not mention the leaders, but his remarks appear to point toward Burundi’s President Evariste Ndayishimiye and the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Félix Tshisekedi, given their history of hostile remarks against Rwanda.
In January 2024, while in Kinshasa, President Ndayishimiye stated that he would do everything possible to help Rwandan youth overthrow the current government.
“In the region, people live together peacefully. I know very well that there are no problems among the citizens; the problem lies with bad leadership. Our struggle must continue until even the people of Rwanda begin to feel pressure, because I believe Rwandan youth cannot accept remaining prisoners in the region,” he noted.
These words appeared to echo those of Tshisekedi, who publicly expressed his determination to topple Rwanda’s leadership.
While addressing over 6,000 soldiers, police, and prison officers at Rwanda Defence Force (RDF)’s Gabiro Combat Training Center on August 25, 2025, President Kagame revisited the plans these two leaders had for Rwanda.
“When you hear people on radio, shamelessly and fearlessly, claiming they will destroy Rwanda, remove its government, impose their own, kill and save people they wish. Imagine heads of state making such utterances!”
President Kagame emphasized that statements like these serve as a reminder that there are people harboring intentions to harm Rwanda.
“We must always be prepared because the enemy comes unpredictably; we never know from where or when, but we must always be ready,” he noted.
Kagame noted that these leaders eventually realized that harming Rwanda would not be easy.
“Those who shouted loudly, claiming they must harm Rwanda. I could not overlook this, but I will not disclose everything. This is where I began by thanking you [ Rwandan security forces] because they saw that harming Rwanda is not simple.
“Perhaps after resting, they may try again in five years, but it will be in vain
or even worse for those who wage war against Rwanda. This is precisely the responsibility of the RDF, the national army, and all national security forces collectively,” he stated.
President Kagame added that for Rwanda’s security forces to execute this responsibility effectively, they must clearly understand their duties.
“Whether you are working in challenging circumstances like I described, you must act as if you own the task. No one should hold back; you treat it as your responsibility, and collaborate with others who do the same. That is where the national army unites with the Rwandan society they belong to.”
He further emphasized the importance of discipline, reminding the security personnel that it allows them to focus on duties and fulfill them diligently.
Visiting the lodge, one can immediately feel its story. Volcanic rocks scattered across the property hint at the land’s history long before the hotel was built, while other details showcase the journey of the lodge from its humble beginnings to the present day.
Rugamba is widely recognized as a cornerstone of Rwanda’s tourism sector. After years of service in government tourism roles, she decided to venture into private enterprise, creating a business that provides high-quality tourism experiences.
In 2003, she was appointed the head of the Rwanda Development Board’s predecessor, ORTPN, tasked with implementing strategies to promote Rwanda’s tourism industry in the challenging post-genocide period.
Reflecting on the origins of Amakoro Songa Lodge, Rugamba shared that the idea came from a memorable visit: “In 2003, a well-known international entrepreneur toured Volcanoes National Park and loved it. On his way out, he said he was exhausted and wanted to stay overnight in Kinigi. I offered him accommodations in Kigali, but he insisted and decided to stay in a tent. That’s when I realized we needed a place to host guests like him.”
She recalled moving downwards and sitting on the volcanic rocks that would later become the lodge’s grounds, reflecting on the moment and realizing that this experience could inspire something lasting.
“That’s how the idea for Amakoro Songa Lodge was born, right there where I sat,” she explained.
Starting with a single room and just a few staff members, the lodge has grown steadily. Today, it employs more than 79 people, 49 of whom are permanent staff, and offers ten rooms, enough to provide top-tier luxury service. Rugamba’s vision has always been to deliver high-end tourism experiences—‘luxury tourism’—that are rooted in local culture and resources.
From the beginning, she committed to employing local staff, ensuring that at least half of her employees came from the surrounding district. Today, that number has grown to 80%.
“It’s deeply rewarding to demonstrate that Rwandans can excel, and that everything we do benefits our own community,” she said. Many of her employees started in basic roles like cleaning and farming, but over time they have developed the skills needed to run a luxury hotel.
Rugamba has long believed that tourism should serve a broader purpose to alleviate poverty and showcase Rwanda positively drawing inspiration from the guidance of President Paul Kagame. She carried this mission into her private enterprise as well.
Local farmers who supply the lodge have transitioned from subsistence farming to professional operations, paying taxes and contributing to the local economy.
She also founded a cooperative, ‘Abagore ku Isonga mu Kubungabunga Ibidukikije,’ aimed at empowering women to protect the environment and understand that neglecting it could ultimately harm them.
Projects like poultry and sheep farming were introduced to strengthen livelihoods in communities around the lodge.
“Supporting women strengthens households, communities, and the nation as a whole,” she emphasized.
The lodge also invests in local education. Recently, it built toilets for Ninda Primary School, plans to expand to early childhood classrooms and support children who cannot afford regular meals.
Today, Amakoro Songa Lodge directly supports over 140 families while offering visitors an enriching experience that also benefits the local population.
Environmental conservation is another pillar of the lodge. Initially, there were almost no trees around the property, but today over 3,000 trees have been planted with the participation of both staff and guests, each tree marked with the name of the person who planted it.
Tree planting has become a meaningful ritual for visitors, who often follow up on the growth of their trees, prompting Rugamba to assign staff to keep them informed.
Looking ahead, she plans to expand tourism operations to Nyungwe National Park through a new project called Icyayi Songa Lodge, expected to be completed by the end of this year.
“Songa Lodge gave birth to Amakoro Lodge, and now it is giving birth to Icyayi Lodge. At Icyayi Songa Lodge, I want to highlight tea cultivation and support visitors exploring this World Heritage site,” she said.
Amakoro Lodge has traditionally welcomed guests from the United States, but in recent years, it has seen a growing number of visitors from Mexico, Europe, and across Africa.
{{Photos showing members of women-led organisation focused on leadership and environmental conservation}}
