On Friday, Putin and Trump concluded a high-stakes summit in Anchorage, the U.S. state of Alaska.
“President Putin expressed satisfaction with the manner in which his talks with President Trump proceeded and the emerging alignment on the peace process,” the South African presidency said in a statement.
According to the presidency, Ramaphosa appreciated the briefing from Putin while also stressing the need for “more compromise on key issues for lasting peace to be attained between Russia and Ukraine.”
Both leaders once again pledged to maintain open lines of communication and to continue their cooperation on issues of bilateral interests, the presidency added.
Ramaphosa, along with other African leaders, has also been mediating to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
On Monday, Trump is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and some European leaders at the White House.
In a statement, the government said it is “astonished” by the persistence of certain UN agencies in Burkina Faso in deliberately and carelessly using ambiguous terminology, concealing a clear intention to legitimize or redefine the barbarity that the Burkinabe people have suffered for a decade.
It said an official clarification had already been issued on March 25, after representatives of the agencies concerned were summoned.
The statement added that for her role in co-chairing the drafting of a report “compiling data without objective sources, without evidence or justification, and conveying serious and false information,” Flore-Smereczniak had been declared “persona non grata.”
Given that she unilaterally confirmed information without legally acceptable evidence and submitted it to such a strategic body as the UN Security Council, and to preserve and strengthen the important achievements of cooperation between Burkina Faso and the UN, the government considered that Flore-Smereczniak is “no longer a credible interlocutor,” read the statement.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to the UN ideals, acknowledging its contributions in the context of security and humanitarian challenges, and reiterated its readiness to continue working with the UN through its representatives and country teams “for genuine and sincere cooperation,” it said.
Earlier in 2025, the UN published a report titled “Children and armed conflict in Burkina Faso”, alleging violations against children in the West African country.
The discussions took place at the White House in a high-stakes meeting that brought together Zelensky, Trump, and top European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte was also present.
“If everything works out today, we’ll have a trilat,” Trump said, referring to potential three-way talks between himself, Zelensky, and Putin. “We’re going to work with Russia, we’re going to work with Ukraine.” Zelensky responded positively, stating, “We are ready for trilateral. I think this is very good.”
The meeting follows Trump’s summit with Putin in Alaska last Friday.
Trump has urged Zelensky to consider concessions, including abandoning Ukraine’s goal of joining NATO and giving up Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014. European leaders, excluded from the Alaska talks, attended Monday’s session to ensure Ukraine’s security and safeguard the continent from potential aggression.
During the White House meeting, discussions also focused on NATO-style security guarantees for Ukraine, which could provide a durable framework for peace. While Putin opposes Ukraine joining NATO outright, Trump’s team indicated that Russia might accept Western powers committing to defend Ukraine if attacked.
Despite the high tensions surrounding the war, the atmosphere between Trump and Zelensky was calm, a contrast to their February Oval Office meeting, where Trump publicly criticised Zelensky over US military aid.
Trump even complimented Zelensky on his black jacket, joking, “I love it,” a lighthearted moment that drew attention to the Ukrainian leader’s decision to wear his signature war-leader attire rather than a formal suit. The choice of attire was a change from his previous visit in February, when he was criticised by a reporter for not wearing a formal suit and said he would wear one “after the war is finished.”
Air raid sirens sounded over Kyiv as the European delegation arrived in Washington, underscoring the ongoing threat from Russian strikes that killed at least seven people overnight.
Zelensky described the talks as “very serious” and emphasised the need for “reliable and lasting peace for Ukraine and the whole of Europe,” highlighting the importance of Western security guarantees.
Trump said he planned to speak with Putin later on Monday, maintaining that while a ceasefire may not be necessary for negotiations, there remains a “good chance” of ending the conflict that began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.
Four of the victims were struck by lightning, while one died when a house collapsed. The fatalities were reported in Burera, Gicumbi, Ngororero and Rusizi districts.
The rains also damaged 15 houses and caused localised flooding in parts of Kigali and other districts, though officials said river levels remained stable.
MINEMA Permanent Secretary Aristarque Ngoga warned that unusual August rainfall highlights shifting weather patterns linked to climate change. He urged the public to take precautions during storms, including staying indoors, avoiding electrical appliances, and reinforcing rooftops against strong winds.
“Ordinarily, August is not known for heavy rains, but this time we recorded storms that claimed lives and caused damage. It is further evidence that weather patterns are changing,” Ngoga told RBA.
Authorities said emergency teams are working with districts to support affected families and provide assistance to those who lost relatives or property.
The donation took place on Sunday, 17 August 2025, in Kinyinya Sector, Gasabo District, Kigali City, where the foundation routinely carries out initiatives to assist individuals affected by cancer.
This contribution was part of the foundation’s ongoing awareness campaign, ‘Turi Kumwe’ (We Are Together), which seeks to demonstrate solidarity with cancer patients, survivors, and those currently undergoing treatment, ensuring they feel supported and not alone.
Raissa Umutoni, founder of the organisation and sister of Yvan Buravan, explained that the ‘Turi Kumwe’ initiative was inspired by her brother’s passing.
“This is our third year running the campaign. We aim to reach out to those who have lost loved ones to cancer, support those currently battling the disease, and remind the healthy to take care of their health. Even minor health concerns should prompt a medical checkup. We want people to understand that cancer should not create fear but awareness,” she stated.
Umutoni emphasized the critical message that early detection significantly increases the likelihood of successful treatment. She reflected that if Buravan had been aware of his condition earlier, it might have been manageable.
“Understanding that early intervention can save lives is crucial. Among us are survivors, patients still fighting, and others unaffected by the disease, we thank God for their wellbeing,” she added.
She also noted the emotional challenge of facing a cancer diagnosis and the importance of encouraging frequent screenings to avoid late detection.
“Buravan remained strong despite our initial disbelief. Had he known the possibilities of early detection, the outcome could have been different. There were times we thought it was impossible, and doctors sought alternative explanations before sharing the prognosis. We are grateful that his actions and legacy continue to guide us today.”
In addition to the awareness campaign, YB Foundation aimed to provide practical support to patients at Bethania Home Care by donating 1,109 liters of fuel, valued at over Rwf 2 million, to facilitate easier access to medical services.
Sr. Helena L. Katebera, Executive Director of Bethania Health Care, expressed gratitude to YB Foundation, noting that despite Buravan’s passing, he left a lasting impact.
“We are deeply grateful. Your late colleague left a remarkable legacy, which continues to positively impact lives. This was part of God’s plan, ensuring he left something meaningful behind.”
Bethania Health Care continues to assist individuals affected by cancer, particularly those with limited resources for treatment.
The ‘Turi Kumwe’ campaign began in Bugesera in 2022, following the death of Yvan Buravan on 17 August 2022 at a hospital in India, where he had sought treatment for aggressive cancer.
The campaign’s most recent activities were held last year during a commemorative concert at BK Arena, which included voluntary cancer screenings and other initiatives to raise awareness.
The Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) battalion, known as Rwanbatt-2, relieved their colleagues at the Sector North base in a routine troop rotation aimed at maintaining continuity in peacekeeping operations.
Upon their arrival, the RDF said in a statement, Maj Gen Rayamajhi received a detailed briefing from Lt Col Robert Rwagihungu, the Rwanbatt-2 Contingent Commander, on the battalion’s operational readiness and deployment plan.
In his address to the troops, the Sector Commander commended the outgoing contingent for their professionalism and dedication, urging the incoming personnel to uphold the highest standards of discipline and training.
He reminded them that their mission—protecting civilians, supporting humanitarian assistance, and contributing to lasting peace in South Sudan—was both critical and demanding.
With the handover completed, Rwanbatt-2 has now fully assumed its duties in Sector North, reinforcing Rwanda’s longstanding contribution to international peacekeeping.
Rwanda remains one of the world’s top contributors to UN peace operations. According to the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations, as of May 31, 2025, Rwanda was the second-largest troop-contributing country with 5,886 personnel, following Nepal with 6,119. Other leading contributors included Bangladesh (5,686), India (5,393), and Ghana (2,845).
[Amb. Kacyira died of natural causes on June 12, 2025->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/amb-aissa-kirabo-kacyira-dies-at-61], leaving a profound void among colleagues, friends, and the international community.
According to The New Times, the final vigil is scheduled for Monday at her home in Kabeza, Kigali City.
After Kacyira’s demise, the President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, extended sympathies to her family and to the people of Rwanda.
The Chief of Staff in the Office of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Souef Mohamed El-Amine, also expressed sorrow over her passing, describing her as a leader dedicated to building connections between people from Kigali to the United Nations.
Dr. Kacyira’s career spanned senior roles both in Rwanda and abroad. She served as a Member of Parliament from 2003 to 2006 before becoming Mayor of Kigali from 2006 to 2011. She was then appointed Governor of the Eastern Province, serving briefly in that capacity.
During her tenure as Mayor of Kigali, she was recognised in 2008 by UN-Habitat for transforming the city into a model of cleanliness, tranquillity, and sustainable development.
Her efforts also included promoting affordable housing and creating accessible job opportunities for residents.
From 2011 to 2018, Dr. Kacyira was the Deputy Executive Director of UN-Habitat. She also held the role of Project Director in Rwanda’s Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources and worked with international organisations such as Oxfam and Care International.
In 2020, she was appointed Rwanda’s Ambassador to Ghana, with concurrent accreditation to Benin, Togo, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, and Liberia. In 2023, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres appointed her Head of the UN Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), a position she held until her passing.
Dr. Kacyira held a master’s degree in Veterinary Science in Animal Production and Economics from James Cook University in Australia, and a bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Medicine from Makerere University in Uganda.
The initiative reflects Uganda’s broader strategy to enhance local mineral processing, add value to natural resources, and increase national revenue.
The Bank of Uganda reports that the country earned $3.4 billion from gold exports last year. This figure includes both domestically mined gold and gold imported from other countries.
President Yoweri Museveni has repeatedly emphasized that exporting unprocessed minerals undermines Uganda’s economic potential, while nations that refine their minerals locally generate substantially higher profits.
On August 16, 2025, President Museveni officially inaugurated the Wagagai gold processing plant, located in the Busia District. The facility spans nine square kilometers and is equipped to refine gold to a purity level of 99.9 percent.
During the inauguration ceremony, President Museveni ruled out the possibility of exporting unprocessed gold in the future , to ensure that Uganda captures the full value of its resources.
The Wagagai plant is expected to significantly contribute to Uganda’s economic development by creating jobs, increasing revenue, and fostering a sustainable gold industry that retains more of the country’s wealth within its borders.
The signing, held in Doha on Sunday, August 17, 2025, was attended by Ambassador Igor Marara.
“This partnership strengthens healthcare cooperation between Rwanda and Qatar,” the Rwandan Embassy in Qatar said in a post on X.
In a related deal, Philex Pharmaceuticals also signed a joint venture and technology transfer agreement with Rwanda’s Labophar Ltd. The agreement will enable Labophar to locally manufacture Philex’s solid dosage forms, boosting Rwanda’s capacity to produce high-quality medicines domestically.
The deal was signed by Labophar CEO Pascal Gatete and Philex CEO Waseem Hamad.
Founded in 1983, Labophar produces a range of pharmaceutical products, including oral solutions, suspensions, and topical products. The company is currently expanding to manufacture intravenous (IV) fluids, syrups, and other products, and the partnership with Philex is expected to accelerate these efforts.
Philex Pharmaceuticals, based in Oman’s Salalah Free Zone, serves markets across the Middle East, North Africa, and East Africa. The company specialises in research, development, and production of high-quality pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical products, with a focus on generics.
The agreements mark a significant step in Rwanda’s drive to improve access to affordable medicines and strengthen local pharmaceutical manufacturing.
In 2024/2025, Kigali had set a goal of collecting Frw 60 billion, which was achieved. Building on that success, the city has now raised its target for the coming year.
The Director General in charge of Communication and Education at the City of Kigali, Emma Claudine Ntirenganya explained that strategies to meet this target include raising awareness among business owners about the importance of timely tax payment and guiding them through the process.
“We continue to remind taxpayers about deadlines and show them the systems they can use to pay, since many get caught up in their work and end up missing the due dates,” she said.
According to Ntirenganya, higher tax revenues directly strengthen the city’s ability to finance infrastructure projects such as roads, health centers, and other public services.
Officials from the City’s Department of Economic Development acknowledged that some business operators still do not fully recognize the value of paying taxes, a gap that slows down economic growth. New measures are being introduced to improve compliance.
The City of Kigali’s total budget for 2025/2026 is projected at Frw 250 billion. If the Frw 80 billion revenue target is achieved, the city will cover nearly one-third of its budget through its own resources.
