Category: News

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.

“The RSF committed a horrific atrocity in the Shaq Al-Noum area of North Kordofan State, killing 11 civilians, including three children, and injuring 31 others, among them nine women,” the Sudanese Doctors Network, a volunteer group, said in a statement.

The network described the attack as “a brutal assault that violates all humanitarian norms and international conventions,” saying that it reflects the RSF’s ongoing pattern of targeting unarmed civilians and spreading fear in previously safe areas.

Meanwhile, the Resistance Committees of North Kordofan, another volunteer group, reported that an RSF unit attacked two villages near the city of Bara on Saturday.

“The RSF attacked the villages of Abu Qaida and Hillat Hamad, killing at least seven civilians and injuring several others,” the group said in a statement on Sunday.

Since June, fighting has raged between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF around the city of Bara, a strategic town northeast of El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan, which the RSF is attempting to seize.

Earlier on Sunday, RSF soldiers claimed in videos on social media that their forces had taken control of the Umm Sumayma area, about 68 kilometers west of El Obeid.

There has been no response yet from the Sudanese army regarding the RSF claim of seizing Umm Sumayma.

Sudan remains gripped by a conflict between the SAF 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, deepening the country’s humanitarian crisis.

In an address to the nation’s armed forces, Macron outlined France’s military direction and strategic vision, and he noted that military spending “is and will continue to be a source of wealth for our gross domestic product, our economy, and our regions.”

The French president also revealed plans to explore the creation of a new national service initiative.

Buhari, who served as Nigerian president from 2015 to 2023, died in a clinic in the British capital where he had been receiving medical treatment.

In a statement, Tinubu said he has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to travel to London to accompany Buhari’s body back to Nigeria.

Born on Dec. 17, 1942, Buhari had a distinguished career in both the military and civilian governance. He spent years in political activism before successfully contesting the presidency in 2015, becoming the first opposition candidate to defeat an incumbent president in Nigeria’s history. He was re-elected in 2019 and handed over power to Tinubu on May 29, 2023.

During his two terms as president, Buhari’s administration focused on three key areas: security, anti-corruption, and economic diversification. He launched significant campaigns against Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast and worked to recover looted public funds.

His tenure also saw efforts to boost agriculture and infrastructure development, though it was marked by economic challenges, including two recessions, and persistent security issues across various regions.

Tinubu has ordered flags to be flown at half-mast as a mark of respect for the late former Nigerian leader.

The event, which regularly brings together citizens from all three districts of the Rwandan capital for communal physical activity, was this time linked to the upcoming International AIDS Society (IAS 2025) conference set to take place in Kigali from 14–17 July.

Among the participants were senior government officials and international delegates, including the Minister of Health, Dr Sabin Nsanzimana, who used the occasion to issue a direct warning to young people that HIV is still a serious public health threat.

“Some people think HIV is no longer an issue, but it still exists. Many young people don’t fully understand how dangerous it is because they didn’t live through the worst years,” Dr Nsanzimana said. “We are urging the youth to protect themselves. There’s still no cure, and prevention is far better than a lifetime on medication.”

The Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) in March this year reported that approximately 3,200 people contract HIV each year in Rwanda, while 2,600 people die from the virus annually.

According to RBC, youth are among the most affected, with sex workers and men who have sex with men (MSM) being at particularly high risk of infection.

HIV was first detected in Rwanda in 1983 and spread rapidly from 1986 onwards, with the peak of infections occurring between 1988 and 1996. Currently, there is no cure or vaccine for the virus, although antiretroviral therapy (ART) helps to suppress its progression.

Dr. Ikuzo Basile, head of the HIV Prevention Department at RBC, revealed that 230,000 people in Rwanda are living with HIV, with 3,200 new infections recorded annually.

“When we examine HIV-related deaths, we estimate that 2,600 people die from AIDS-related complications every year. Among Rwandans aged 15 to 49, 2.7% are living with HIV,” Dr Basile revealed.

Meanwhile, Sunday’s Car Free Day event featured not only fitness activities but also free health services, including screenings for non-communicable diseases and HIV testing. Participants were also educated about preventive measures and encouraged to take personal responsibility for their health.

According to recent research by environmental experts, Car Free Day, held 26 times per year in Kigali, has contributed significantly to public health and environmental protection.

Between 2021 and 2025, the initiative is expected to reduce air pollution by 20% and help prevent up to 100 premature deaths annually. The government also estimates that the country could save up to Frw 160 billion in healthcare costs during that period.

According to an officer who spoke with the Congolese media, the shooter killed three fellow servicemen on the spot before taking his own life on Saturday morning. The platoon leader was also seriously wounded and is currently receiving treatment at a military hospital.

Despite the tragic event, airport operations continued as usual, with security personnel maintaining order at the scene.

The shooting comes just weeks after a similar deadly incident in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

In late June, a Congolese soldier opened fire on fellow troops in Mungazi, North Kivu province, killing three and injuring eight others. The confrontation reportedly followed an argument among soldiers shortly after they received their paychecks.

Major Nestor Mavudisa, the army spokesperson for the region, confirmed the casualties and stated that the injured soldiers are receiving medical care. The perpetrator was apprehended and taken into custody.

The five-month course, now in its 12th intake and designed to enhance leadership and operational effectiveness, concluded on Friday with a pass-out ceremony officiated by Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) in charge of Administration and Personnel, DCG Jeanne Chantal Ujeneza.

In her address, DCG Ujeneza congratulated the graduates for their discipline and commitment, and urged them to apply the knowledge and skills they acquired with confidence and professionalism.

“The conduct and knowledge you have gained will serve you well in your institutions,” she said. “This training marks a significant step forward in your professional journey.”

She emphasised that their responsibilities go beyond simply executing orders. “You are expected to think critically, offer sound advice, lead by example, and inspire those under your command,” she told the graduates.

DCG Ujeneza also highlighted the evolving nature of global security threats and the need for prepared, strategic leadership within security institutions.

“We live in a world increasingly challenged by insecurity. To overcome these threats, we need visionary leaders who can plan effectively and work closely with the communities they serve,” she said.

The course combined academic instruction with a field study tour, allowing participants to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical application.

ACP Augustin Ntaganira, Director of Training at NPC, commended the officers for their dedication and discipline throughout the training period. He expressed confidence that the course would enhance their professional performance and leadership capacities.

The proposed tariffs, set to take effect on Aug. 1, target EU imports and were justified by Trump as a correction of a “far from reciprocal” trade relations.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned on Saturday that the tariffs would “disrupt essential transatlantic supply chains, to the detriment of businesses, consumers and patients on both sides of the Atlantic.”

While emphasizing the EU’s continued commitment to a negotiated solution, she said the bloc “will take all necessary steps to safeguard EU interests, including the adoption of proportionate countermeasures if required.”

European lawmakers and national leaders voiced growing frustration, with many urging immediate retaliatory steps.

Bernd Lange, chair of the European Parliament’s committee on international trade, said the U.S. letter is “both impertinent and a slap in the face” after weeks of negotiations.

He urged the EU to begin retaliatory measures on Monday as scheduled, stating that “the period of waiting is over.”

European Council President Antonio Costa said the tariffs would drive inflation, fuel uncertainty and stall growth. “The EU remains firm, united and ready to protect our interests,” he said, urging progress toward a “fair agreement” with Washington.

French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his “strong disapproval” of the U.S. move, and said the EU must speed up preparing “credible countermeasures” using all tools, including anti-coercion, available if talks fail.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson condemned the move as a “unilateral escalation,” and said the EU is prepared to respond with tough countermeasures if necessary.

“Everyone loses out from an escalated trade conflict, and it will be U.S. consumers who pay the highest price,” he warned.

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala criticized the U.S. tariffs for negatively impacting transatlantic trade and called for “unity and determination” to protect the EU’s interests.

European industries voiced alarm over the fallout, particularly in sectors tightly integrated with the U.S. market.

Germany’s major industry lobby group, the BDI, called the U.S. move “an alarm signal,” warning that it could derail recovery and undermine innovation on both sides of the Atlantic.

“Tariffs as a means of exerting political pressure lead to higher costs, jeopardize jobs and undermine international competitiveness, both in Europe and in the United States,” said Wolfgang Niedermark, a senior BDI executive.

Isabel Schnabel, a European Central Bank board member, said the tariffs could trigger medium-term inflation and supply chain shocks.

The automotive sector, which is already deeply integrated with the EU and the U.S., is already feeling the pain.

Slovakia, one of Europe’s top car-exporting nations, reported a noticeable drop in orders for the coming third quarter. Economy Minister Denisa Sakova said relocating production to the U.S. was not feasible in the short term and emphasized that the damage had already begun.

The German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) said the cost to manufacturers was already in the billions and climbing daily.

“It is regrettable that there is a threat of a further escalation of the trade conflict,” said VDA President Hildegard Mueller.

“The costs for our companies are already in the billions, and the sum is growing every day,” she said, noting that suppliers were also significantly affected by the import duties.

Emanuele Orsini, president of Confindustria, Italy’s major association representing manufacturing and service companies, condemned the U.S. approach as “unpleasant,” while Paolo Mascarino, president of the Italian food and drink industry federation Federalimentare, said the tariffs “exceed any threshold of tolerability” and would trigger significant drops in exports.

Dan O’Brien, chief economist at the Institute of International and European Affairs, said the U.S. move was “provocative” and significantly raised the risk of a wider economic confrontation between the two economies.

This commitment was underscored during a reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Rwanda at the Kigali Marriott Hotel on the evening of Friday, July 11, 2025, to celebrate the 98th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

The event coincided with the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

It brought together members of the Defence Attachés Association in Rwanda, the diplomatic corps, Rwandan government officials, the Chinese community in Rwanda, and friends of China.

Speaking at the event, Chinese Defence Attaché to Rwanda, Senior Navy Captain Li Dayi, highlighted the PLA’s historic role in safeguarding national independence, promoting peace, and supporting global stability.

Since its founding on August 1, 1927, the PLA has undergone nearly a century of transformation, aligning military growth with China’s national rejuvenation and its commitment to international peace.

Senior Navy Captain Li noted that peacekeeping is embedded in the PLA’s ethos, pointing out that China has contributed more than 50,000 personnel to 25 UN peacekeeping missions since 1990, the highest among the five permanent members of the UN Security Council.

He also acknowledged China’s naval efforts in protecting international shipping routes in the Gulf of Aden and off the coast of Somalia.

On China-Rwanda military ties, Li praised the growing relationship between the PLA and the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), citing increasing mutual trust, training exchanges, and ongoing military cooperation.

“The relations between the Chinese People’s Liberation Army and the Rwanda Defence Force have yielded fruitful outcomes over the years. Mutual trust has been continually enhanced as a result of deepened cooperation in high-level exchanges, personnel training, and military aid and trade,” he noted.

“China is willing to continue to work together with African brothers including Rwanda, to deepen cooperation in national defense, to jointly address regional security challenges, to support “African solutions to African problems,” Li added.

Maj Gen Alex Kagame, the Rwanda Reserve Force Chief of Staff (RFCOS) who represented the RDF Chief of Defence Staff, emphasized that the history of the Chinese People’s Revolutionary Army is a powerful symbol of courage, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to safeguarding national sovereignty and unity.

He observed that these are values Rwandans also hold in high regard and strongly identify with.

Maj Gen Kagame further praised the role of the Chinese People’s Revolutionary Army in advancing the professionalization and capacity building of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF).

To date, over 300 RDF personnel have graduated from Chinese military institutions in the past decade, with many more currently undergoing training in China.

“I therefore wish to reiterate that Rwanda’s commitment deepens our cooperation and promotes mutual understanding. With that in mind, the upcoming signing of an MOU on defence cooperation will further strengthen our defence capabilities,” he noted.

The longstanding relations between Rwanda and China span 76 years, marked by substantial cooperation in various areas.

The announcement, made public on July 11, 2025, did not specify the reasons for the dismissal of Dr. Ruterana and his colleagues.

In the same statement, it was revealed that President Kagame also granted retirement to several high-ranking officers.

These include Commissioner of Prisons (CP) Jean Bosco Kabanda, as well as ACP Camille Gatete, ACP Salim Munana Mugisha, and ACP Emmanuel Nshoza Rutayisire.

Further, the President granted retirement to 10 senior officers, 14 junior officers, numerous non-commissioned officers, and 60 warders.

Eight individuals were reintegrated into civilian life, and two others were discharged.

The announcement also included several promotions within the institution. Chief Superintendent of Prisons (CSP) Moses Ntawiheba, CSP John Dusa, and CSP Michael Kamugisha were promoted to the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Prisons (ACP).

In addition, Senior Superintendent of Prisons (SSP) Beatrice Uwamahoro, SSP Olivier Mukantabana, SSP Jean Pierre Olivier Bazambanza, and SSP Emmanuel Hillary Sengabo, who once served as the RCS spokesperson, were promoted to the rank of Chief Superintendent of Prisons (CSP).

Eleven officers who previously held the rank of Superintendent of Prisons (SP) were elevated to Senior Superintendent of Prisons (SSP), while three Chief Inspectors of Prisons (CIP) were promoted to SP.

Ten Assistant Inspectors of Prisons (AIP) advanced to Inspector of Prisons (IP).

Among non-commissioned officers, 62 Sergeants were promoted to Senior Sergeant, 20 Corporals to Sergeant, and 77 Warders were elevated to the rank of Corporal.