Guterres “urges both countries to respect the agreement fully and to create an environment conducive to addressing long-standing issues and achieving lasting peace,” Farhan Haq, the UN chief’s deputy spokesperson, said in a statement.
“The Secretary-General commends Malaysia, the current ASEAN Chair, as well as the United States and China, for their dedicated efforts towards the peaceful resolution of the situation,” the statement said.
The United Nations stands ready to support efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability in the region, it added.
The leaders of Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to implement a ceasefire from midnight on Monday, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said following a meeting hosted by him in Putrajaya, Malaysia.
Addressing the official opening session on Monday, African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf emphasized the need to transform global food systems to address critical sustainable development challenges.
“Food systems transformation is not just a moral imperative. It is a strategic necessity central to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially ending hunger, reducing poverty, and building climate-resilient economies,” he said.
The AUC chief highlighted Africa’s “bold steps” in food systems transformation, supported by collective continental commitments and investment targets to build resilient, inclusive, and climate-smart food systems. He further called on global partners to support African-led solutions.
In a video message, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres underscored the vital need to realize shared commitments in ensuring global food systems that are inclusive, sustainable, equitable, resilient, and rooted in human rights.
“Global hunger is rising, trade shocks are pushing food prices out of reach, and one-third of the world’s population cannot afford a healthy diet while one-third of the world’s food is lost or wasted,” Guterres said, warning that climate change and conflict are further driving hunger across the globe.
For her part, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stressed the need to address the major drivers of global food insecurity. She noted that although food insecurity has drastically decreased over the past decades, the phenomenon still affects about 10 percent of the world’s population.
“This percentage is largely concentrated here in Africa, where one in five people suffer from hunger and do not have access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to lead a healthy life. This situation, already complex, has been exacerbated by the crises the world is currently facing,” Meloni said.
Describing food insecurity as a critical global political and economic issue, she warned of the catastrophic consequences, including poverty and conflicts, as communities become more vulnerable to violence, terrorism, and forced migration.
Echoing the sentiment, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed highlighted the importance of ensuring predictable financing to support investments in agriculture, rural transformation, infrastructure, and nutrition in Africa and beyond.
Abiy, in particular, emphasized the need to put in place fair access to technology and finance for agricultural modernization in Africa. He further emphasized the importance of fair trade rules that create a level playing field and a strong global partnership that empowers local solutions.
The summit, held on July 27-29, is expected to reflect on global progress in food systems transformation, strengthen collaboration, and unlock finance and investments to accelerate action toward the UN SDGs.
Beya is on trial alongside Vanda Nowa Biama Guy, Colonel Cikapa Tite Mokili, Commissioner General Lily Tambwe Mauwa, Lieutenant Colonel Kalenga Pierre, and Brigadier General Tonton Twadi Sekele. The group is facing charges, including plotting to harm the President and inciting members of the armed forces to disobey their duties.
With the exception of Brig. Gen. Sekele, who remains at large, the co-accused were previously held in custody but were released on bail while proceedings continue.
Beya was arrested in February 2022 and later granted provisional release in August 2022 to receive medical treatment abroad. He is currently residing in France.
In submissions made last week, the prosecution argued that Beya should be sentenced to a one-year term, half of which would be suspended, citing his advanced age and deteriorating health. If the court accepts the recommendation, Beya would not be returned to custody, as the six-month custodial portion has already been served.
The court is expected to hear final submissions from Beya’s legal team on July 31. His lawyers have consistently challenged the proceedings, describing the charges as unfounded and lacking legal merit.
According to media reports, the meeting on Monday brought together Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet in an effort to halt fighting that has killed at least 35 people and displaced over 270,000 from both sides.
Anwar described the outcome as a positive step toward peace, with the ceasefire set to take effect at midnight on July 28 (1200 GMT). He added that military commanders from both countries will meet Tuesday to discuss further de-escalation.
US and Chinese diplomats were present, with Anwar noting that leaders from both nations, including US President Donald Trump, played a role in supporting the peace process.
Hun Manet praised the talks, expressing hope that the ceasefire would help rebuild trust between the neighbors. Meanwhile, Phumtham affirmed Thailand’s commitment to the agreement, despite earlier doubts about Cambodia’s intentions.
Recent clashes included rocket fire by Cambodia into Thailand’s Sisaket province, and accusations from both sides of troop buildups and attacks near contested temple sites.
Cambodia’s defense spokesperson accused Thai forces of using heavy weapons and smoke bombs in the disputed areas but said Cambodian troops successfully repelled the assaults.
According to the July 2025 edition of the index, Rwandan passport holders can travel visa-free or obtain a visa on arrival in 63 destinations. This places Rwanda in the 23rd position in Africa and 73rd globally, ahead of several countries in the region, including Mozambique (62) and Togo (60).
At the top of the African continent, Seychelles leads the ranking with access to 156 destinations, followed by Mauritius (149) and South Africa (103). These nations remain Africa’s strongest performers on the global mobility scale.
Other East African nations in Rwanda’s neighborhood rank closely: Kenya has access to 71 destinations, Tanzania to 70, Uganda and Zambia to 67, while Burundi lags behind with 48.
Globally, Singapore tops the 2025 index with a visa-free score of 193, while Afghanistan remains at the bottom, with access to only 25 countries without a visa.
The Henley Passport Index, based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), is widely regarded as the most authoritative passport ranking system. The index tracks 199 passports and 227 travel destinations, providing a unique snapshot of each country’s passport power.
Rwanda’s upward mobility in the rankings reflects its growing diplomatic reach and continued efforts to strengthen bilateral and multilateral ties, especially across Africa and Asia.
The most recent country to grant [visa-free access to Rwanda is Antigua and Barbuda->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/rwanda-antigua-and-barbuda-ink-deals-on-visa-waiver-health-tourism], through a bilateral agreement signed on July 18, 2025.
Here is the full list of how African countries are ranked:
The announcement was made at a joint press briefing Sunday afternoon following trade talks at the Trump Turnberry in South Ayrshire, Scotland.
Although both leaders described the deal as a step toward restoring “trade balance” and promoting more equitable two-way commerce, the agreement allows the United States to impose a broad 15 percent tariff on EU goods while securing zero-tariff access for a range of strategic American exports.
In contrast, the EU has pledged to purchase 750 billion U.S. dollars’ worth of American energy and commit an additional 600 billion U.S. dollars in investments in the United States.
At the press briefing, Trump claimed the agreement would enable American cars to re-enter the European market and make U.S. agricultural exports more accessible in the EU. He also said that pharmaceuticals were excluded from the agreement, while existing 50 percent tariffs on EU steel and aluminium exports to the United States will remain in place.
However, at a separate press briefing, von der Leyen clarified that the EU and the U.S. had agreed to include pharmaceuticals under the 15 percent tariff framework. She did not rule out the possibility of further U.S. trade actions in the future.
When asked whether a 15 percent tariff for EU carmakers-up from 2.5 percent under the Biden administration-was a favorable outcome, von der Leyen responded that, prior to this agreement, European vehicles faced a total tariff of 27.5 percent when entering the U.S. market. This included a 25 percent levy imposed during Trump’s previous term in addition to the original 2.5 percent. The new 15 percent rate, she argued, represents a reduction from that level.
Bernd Lange, chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on International Trade, criticized the newly reached deal as “unsatisfactory” and “significantly imbalanced,” warning that it could undermine the EU’s economic stability and job security.
“This is a deal with a slant. Clearly, concessions have been made that are difficult to bear,” Lange said in a statement on Sunday.
Prior to the agreement, over 70 percent of EU exports to the United States were subject to tariffs, including 50 percent on steel and aluminium, 25 percent on automobiles and parts, and a 10 percent duty on most other goods. Trump had warned that if no deal was reached by Aug. 1, the 10 percent tariff would be raised to 30 percent.
“The Ministry strongly condemns and denounces in the strongest terms the step taken by the terrorist RSF militia in announcing a fake government, claiming to assign government positions to run Sudan,” the statement said.
The ministry urged neighboring countries, the international community, regional and international organizations, as well as all governmental and non-governmental entities, to denounce the declaration of the parallel government and refrain from recognizing or engaging with it.
It emphasized that any form of engagement with the parallel government would constitute an infringement on Sudan’s legitimate authority and sovereignty over its entire territory, and a clear violation of the rights and resources of the Sudanese people.
On Saturday, the Sudan Founding Alliance, led by the RSF, announced the formation of a parallel government.
The parallel government was announced in a televised statement broadcast via Telegram, naming Mohamed Hassan Al-Taishi as the “prime minister.”
According to the statement, RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo was selected as “President of the Presidential Council,” the highest sovereign authority, while leader of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North Abdelaziz Adam Al-Hilu was appointed as “Vice President of the Presidential Council.”
The RSF signed a founding charter with various political and armed groups in February, setting the groundwork for the parallel government.
Sudan remains gripped by a conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF, which erupted in April 2023. The fighting has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions, both internally and across borders.
According to local media reports, ADF fighters stormed a Catholic church early Saturday in the town of Komanda, Ituri Province. A local civil society leader in Komanda said most of the victims, primarily Catholic worshippers, were preparing for Sunday celebrations when the attack took place. Several houses were burned, and an unknown number of people remain missing.
Witnesses said the assailants also looted a local bank and other community properties before retreating into the nearby forest.
The ADF rebels have stepped up assaults in Ituri since early July. In a statement issued earlier this week, the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC condemned the recent ADF attacks, which have killed at least 82 civilians in both Ituri and neighboring North Kivu Province.
The ADF, an affiliate of the Islamic State in Central Africa, is a Ugandan rebel group operating in eastern DRC, prompting joint military operations by Congolese and Ugandan forces to pursue the group since November 2021.
He made the appeal on Sunday at the opening ceremony of the Giants of Africa Festival 2025, a vibrant week-long celebration of basketball, education, and culture taking place in Kigali.
Addressing over 300 young athletes from 20 African countries gathered at BK Arena, President Kagame praised Giants of Africa founder Masai Ujiri and his team for their unwavering commitment to youth empowerment.
“Masai has invested his passion, his time, his own money and mobilised even more resources to put this festival together,” said Kagame. “Through him, I also thank his family and all the friends of this continent who support this vision.”
In his speech, Kagame emphasised the deeper purpose behind the festival.
“I want to urge you to believe in the giants that are in you,” he told the youth. “Put in time on and off the court. That will bring out the giant in you—and that’s what Africa needs to do. Giants grow. They stand tall. They believe in themselves.”
He added: “Africa should not remain lagging behind the rest of the world. In a small way, through this festival, we are reminded that we can grow and bring out the many millions that Africans are, and continue to make Africa proud.”
The President reaffirmed Rwanda’s pride in hosting the festival for the second time, highlighting the country’s commitment to creating spaces that inspire and uplift Africa’s youth.
“We welcome you. We want you to feel at home and we hope you’ll be back, even for other things beyond this festival.”
The 2025 edition of the Giants of Africa Festival runs from July 26 to August 2, bringing together youth from across the continent under the theme “A Borderless Africa.”
The program includes basketball camps led by NBA and WNBA coaches, leadership forums, cultural showcases, fashion events, and concerts featuring international and African artists.
The opening ceremony at BK Arena reflected the energy and vibrance of the festival. South African DJ Uncle Waffles, born Ungelihle Zwane, set the arena alight with a high-energy set that blended her signature Amapiano hits like “Asylum” and “Yahyuppiyah” with other popular tracks, thrilling the crowd.
A breakout star in Africa’s music scene and a social media sensation, she brought not just music but an unforgettable experience to Kigali.
Also returning to the stage was the Sherrie Silver Foundation, whose young performers blended dance with basketball choreography in an inspiring showcase of creativity and movement. Sherrie Silver, the internationally renowned choreographer and philanthropist, thanked both Masai Ujiri and President Kagame for creating platforms that empower African youth.
Christiane Bukuru, Ruti Joel, and Kevin Kade also delivered captivating performances that kept the audience engaged throughout the evening.
Masai Ujiri, the festival’s founder and President of the Toronto Raptors, delivered an emotional speech, declaring his love for Africa and the youth who represent its future.
“You are the future of Africa. Take it. Take it and run. Believe. Grow. Be better. Make this continent something—and when you make it, stay humble and take people with you,” he said.
Ujiri also reflected on the humble beginnings shared by many African leaders and athletes, reminding the youth that they too can achieve greatness.
“We all grew up in Africa. We wore our pants the same. We walked barefoot to school. If we can do it, you can do it even bigger and better.”
Rwanda’s Minister of Sports, Nelly Mukazayire, called the festival a dynamic movement of empowerment.
“Giants of Africa is more than basketball, it’s a celebration of African excellence,” she said. “Thanks to President Kagame’s leadership, Rwanda continues to be a place where dreams are nurtured and Africa’s future is shaped with purpose.”
Mukazayire urged the youth to remain proud of their roots.
“Believe in your potential, work hard, and never lose sight of your dreams. You have all it takes, we believe in you.”
Beyond the courts, the festival integrates community service, leadership workshops, and cultural immersion. Among the highlights is the unveiling of new basketball courts through the Built Within initiative and a showcase of African fashion under the “Threads of Africa” event.
Since its founding over two decades ago, Giants of Africa has built basketball courts and launched outreach programs in numerous African countries.
The decision was reached during an ordinary congress of the party in the CAR capital, Bangui.
The supporters of the MCU praised Touadera for his commitment to peace, stability, and national development in a country affected by ongoing conflict with armed groups, according to local media.
Touadera was elected CAR president in 2016 and reelected in 2020. In his acceptance speech, Touadera announced the decision to run for a third term in the upcoming December 2025 presidential, legislative and local elections.
