“We’re going to talk to them next week, with Iran. We may sign an agreement,” Trump said during a press conference in The Hague following the NATO summit.
Earlier on Wednesday, Trump said that a ceasefire between Iran and Israel is going “very good.”
“I think it’s (going) very good. Israel came back yesterday,” Trump told reporters at the NATO summit in The Hague, referring to his Tuesday warning to Israel to halt airstrikes on Iran.
On June 13, Israel launched major airstrikes on different areas in Iran, including nuclear and military sites, killing senior commanders, nuclear scientists and civilians. Iran responded by launching several waves of missile and drone attacks on Israel, inflicting casualties and heavy damage.
On Saturday, the U.S. Air Force bombed three Iranian nuclear sites of Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan. In retaliation, Iran on Monday attacked the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar with missiles.
Following Iran’s attack, Trump announced that a ceasefire between Iran and Israel would begin around 0400 GMT on Tuesday. Both sides later confirmed the start of the ceasefire.
Obasanjo, who co-chairs the Panel of Facilitators for the eastern DRC peace process alongside former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, was appointed in March during a joint summit of heads of state from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) as part of a five-member team of former African leaders tasked with steering dialogue in the region.
During his meeting with President Tshisekedi, Obasanjo reaffirmed his commitment to finding peaceful solutions to the prolonged armed conflict in eastern DRC.
“The discussions I had with my two brothers from Rwanda and the DRC are on the right track,” Obasanjo said.
His remarks came after a high-level meeting with President Kagame in Kigali a day earlier.
Obasanjo and his team of facilitators are working to mediate between the Congolese government and armed groups, including the AFC-M23 rebels.
The team’s mandate includes promoting direct dialogue, coordinating international peace efforts, and ensuring the implementation of measures such as the disbandment of the FDLR militia linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. The FDLR continues to collaborate with the Kinshasa administration, a situation that has contributed to ongoing tensions with Kigali.
Obasanjo is expected to proceed to Lomé, Togo, where he will report to Faure Gnassingbé, who was appointed by the African Union as an additional mediator in the Rwanda–DRC conflict.
“We have a mediator named by the African Union, Faure Gnassingbé, President of the Togolese Council of Ministers. I will travel to Lomé to present my report and consider what needs to be done to achieve lasting peace in the region,” Obasanjo said.
Parallel to the efforts of African mediators, international actors, including Qatar and the United States have been supporting complementary peace initiatives.
The plant, once operational, will generate 43.5 megawatts (MW) of electricity and will feature a dam that enables consistent energy production by storing water. The dam will also support irrigation in surrounding areas.
Speaking before the Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on June 25, 2025, during a hearing on the Auditor General’s 2024 report, EDCL Director General Felix Gakuba confirmed that significant progress has been made on the project.
“We have completed 50% of the construction work and expect to make substantial additional progress by the end of the year,” he said.
Gakuba explained that the powerhouse has already begun to take shape and now stands at its first-floor level. At the same time, the dam’s foundation is fully in place, and work has progressed onto the upper sections—an effort that is projected to require an additional five to six months to complete.
Beyond these primary structures, planning is well underway for the subsequent phases of the project, which include constructing access roads and installing other critical structural components.
The official noted that most of the plant’s equipment has been manufactured in China and is already in transit to Rwanda.
“Construction of the transmission infrastructure has also begun, and contractors are already on-site. Much of the required equipment is on the way from China, where it was produced. Our team travelled there to inspect the materials while the Auditor General’s audit was underway.”
Gakuba reaffirmed the project’s positive momentum, noting that close supervision and adequate resource allocation are helping to keep the work on track.
“We are closely monitoring the project and have not encountered any major setbacks. We are confident it will be completed to standard, as we are dedicating all necessary resources to ensure its success.”
The Nyabarongo II hydropower plant is being built by Sino Hydro Corporation. It spans 600 hectares across Rulindo and Gakenke districts in the Northern Province, and Kamonyi District in the Southern Province.
Although the project was originally scheduled for completion by December 2026, construction delays have pushed the expected completion date to 2027 or 2028.
Electricity is a vital component of infrastructure, playing a key role in enabling job creation and accelerating economic development. However, as global population and industrial activities grow, so do energy demands, contributing to rising temperatures worldwide.
Although Rwanda is not among the hottest countries, its climate is generally warm, with temperatures ranging between 10°C and 26°C during the rainy season and between 27°C and 30°C in the Eastern Province during the dry season.
Fidèle Abimana, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Infrastructure, informed the parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) that Rwanda plans to generate up to 200 megawatts of electricity from solar energy.
In an interview with IGIHE, Abimana confirmed that Rwanda has high solar potential, and initial discussions have begun to determine how this potential can be harnessed.
“The process begins with a study… You need to identify land where solar panels will be installed and assess how the solar power can be integrated into the existing grid. The feasibility study will show us if achieving 200 megawatts is possible,” he explained.
“It’s a study that is about to be conducted, but based on preliminary assessments, it seems that the 200 megawatts could be achievable. However, this will be confirmed by the feasibility study, which will indicate where to install the solar panels, how much electricity they can generate, some are placed over water, others on land. When all these factors are considered together, the study will clearly show us how much electricity we can obtain, how we’ll use it, and what will be required to make it work,” he added.
While the Eastern Province receives a lot of sunlight, Abimana did not confirm whether this would be the location for the solar panels.
“We asked the consultants to look for underutilized or idle land, rather than using farmland or residential areas. Rwanda has some steep and less fertile land, and if such areas are suitable, we’ll prioritize those to avoid disrupting agriculture and settlements.”
He also mentioned that solar panels might even be installed on water surfaces such as the Nyabarongo River using floating solar technology, although such decisions will depend on the final feasibility report.
Abimana emphasized that Rwanda’s electricity demand is increasing every year, requiring more power generation capacity.
“As our energy needs grow annually, the additional 200 megawatts would not only meet domestic demand but could also allow us to export surplus power.”
Rwanda already has major power generation projects underway, including Nyabarongo II and Ruzizi III, both expected to significantly increase national electricity output.
The preliminary feasibility study for the solar power project is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
“We’ve started initial discussions with the World Bank, which will help fund the study. By December 2025, we should have a baseline report. By next year [2026], we’ll have a clear direction for solar energy generation.”
According to the National Energy Policy released in February 2025, Rwanda’s total installed electricity generation capacity stands at 406.4 megawatts.
Findings from the EICV7 household survey show that 72% of Rwandan households have access to electricity, with 22% relying on off-grid solar solutions.
This new solar energy project could be a game-changer for Rwanda’s sustainability ambitions and energy independence.
“We are happy to welcome you back to your second home. We look forward to a strong partnership with Qatar Airways as we continue to position Kigali as a key hub in the region,” said Charles Habonimana, Managing Director of Rwanda Airports Company.
Qatar Airways, one of the world’s leading airlines, will operate four weekly flights between Doha and Kigali on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. This expansion promises more connectivity, convenience, and choice for passengers travelling to and from Rwanda.
Yasser Mohamed Ali, Regional Manager for Qatar Airways, expressed enthusiasm about the relaunch: “We are happy to return to Kigali. Our aim is to work with our partners, RwandAir
to offer travellers more options, and greater convenience, especially as we look ahead to the opening of the new airport in 2028.”
The relaunch is also hailed as a reflection of the vision of Rwanda and Qatar’s leaders. “This relaunch reflects the vision of our leaders, H.E. President Paul Kagame and the Emir of Qatar. Together, we are building a new airport and deepening partnerships, including with Rwanda’s national carrier,” said Jules Ndenga, CEO of Aviation Tourism Logistics (ATL).
Ndenga added, “This relaunch will enhance the passenger experience, and we’re here to support Qatar Airways in raising the bar of operations in Rwanda.”
Rwanda is steadily positioning Kigali as a key regional aviation hub, with plans underway to open the state-of-the-art Bugesera International Airport by 2028. The Government of Rwanda initiated the project in 2017.
In 2019, Qatar Airways joined the venture by acquiring a 60% stake in the airport project, becoming the majority shareholder.
The return of Qatar Airways is expected to play a pivotal role in driving tourism, trade, and economic growth.
In a statement, the Office of the President said the duo’s meeting at Urugwiro Village focused on the enduring partnership between Rwanda and the AfDB, and the transformative development projects achieved under Dr. Adesina’s leadership over the past decade.
“Their discussion focused on the fruitful partnership between Rwanda and the African Development Bank, and the successful collaboration across key economic sectors under Dr.
@akin_adesina’s leadership,” the statement reads.
The visit coincides with the AfDB’s latest [approval of a $500,000 grant ->https://en.igihe.com/science-technology/article/afdb-backs-kigali-cable-car-project-with-500-000-grant] to fund a feasibility study for the Kigali Urban Cable Car Project, a pioneering 5.5 km aerial transit system set to be sub-Saharan Africa’s first urban cable car.
The project, valued at $100 million, aims to improve urban mobility, reduce emissions, and better connect communities to essential services.
“This transformative project aligns perfectly with the Bank’s vision for sustainable, green, climate-resilient urban mobility infrastructure,” said Dr. Adesina in a separate statement issued by AfDB.
The cable car will connect major routes including Nyabugogo to the Central Business District, and Kigali Convention Center to Sports City, integrating landmarks such as Amahoro Stadium, BK Arena, and Zaria Court. Construction is expected to begin in late 2026, with operations launching by 2028, and a projected capacity of over 50,000 passengers daily.
Dr. Adesina’s visit also comes ahead of his scheduled departure from the Bank. He is set to be succeeded by Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, former Mauritanian finance minister, who was elected in May and will assume office on September 1, 2025, after winning more than 75% of the shareholder vote.
The announcement was made on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, during the U.S.-Africa Business Summit in Luanda, Angola, marking a milestone for the first tri-national Public-Private Partnership (PPP) of its kind, involving Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Rwanda.
The 206 MW hydropower plant, located on the Ruzizi River between western Rwanda and eastern DRC, is expected to deliver reliable electricity to approximately 30 million people across the three nations.
The project will nearly double Burundi’s current power capacity, increase Rwanda’s by 30%, and provide critical baseload power to eastern DRC, fostering economic growth, regional integration, and energy security in one of Africa’s most underserved regions.
Anzana, known for developing and operating power projects across Africa, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, with plans to acquire a minority equity interest in RHPCL.
“As an American company committed to powering opportunities across Africa, Anzana is proud to join RHPCL and the governments of Burundi, DRC, and Rwanda at this pivotal moment,” said Brian Kelly, CEO of Anzana.
“Through this partnership, we are not only powering homes, communities, and industries, we are helping to drive regional integration, strengthen energy security and stability, and pave the way for expanded U.S. investment and trade in Africa’s energy future,” he added.
RHPCL’s Director, Aleem Karmali, echoed this sentiment, stating, ““The Directors of RHPCL are enthusiastic about this potential strategic alliance and, assuming a successful outcome of the partnering process, look forward to harnessing Anzana’s expertise and experience to realize the full potential of the Ruzizi III Project, extending critical energy access and fostering development in the region.”
The two parties aim to finalize a binding Partnership Agreement by September 15, 2025, with Anzana acquiring at least a 10% equity stake in RHPCL.
The agreement will define governance, investment commitments, and future collaboration, setting the stage for a project that promises to transform the energy landscape of Rwanda, Burundi, and the DRC.
Speaking at the event, RSF Joint Task Force Commander, Maj Gen Emmy K. Ruvusha, reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to regional peace, cooperation and the shared legacy of African independence.
On behalf of the Government of Mozambique, the District Administrator of Mocímboa da Praia, Sérgio Cipriano expressed heartfelt gratitude to the RSF for their unwavering support in the fight against terrorism.
“Rwanda Security Force stood with us when our unity and peace were under threat. Today, as we celebrate 50 years of independence, we are reminded that true partnership is shown not only in moments of victory but also in the struggle that precedes it,” he said.
Since 2021, the Rwanda Security Force has been operating in Mozambique in close coordination with the Mozambican Defense and Security Forces to restore peace and stability in Cabo Delgado. The joint efforts have resulted in the recovery of key towns, restoration of civil authority, and the return of displaced communities.
The Pretoria High Court intervened following an urgent application by the Zambian government, which opposed the family’s decision to bury the late president abroad without state involvement.
The court said the burial would not proceed, citing an “agreement between the parties,” and scheduled a special hearing on the matter for August 4 2025.
This means Lungu’s remains will not be laid to rest until at least that date.
Lungu died on 5 June 2025 in Pretoria at the age of 68, where he had been undergoing specialised treatment for an undisclosed illness. A former leader of the Patriotic Front, he served as Zambia’s sixth president from 2015 to 2021 before losing the presidency to Hakainde Hichilema by a wide margin.
The dispute over his final resting place is the latest chapter in a long-running feud between Lungu and President Hichilema—one that appears to have outlived the former leader.
While Lungu’s family insists he wished to exclude his successor from his funeral, the government maintains that, as a former head of state, he belongs to the nation and should be accorded a state funeral in Zambia.
Initially, both sides agreed on a state funeral. However, the deal collapsed over disagreements on the logistics and symbolism of the ceremony, leading the family to plan a private burial in South Africa instead. This move prompted the government to seek legal redress in South Africa to reclaim control over the burial process.
In its filing, the Zambian government argued that private wishes should not override national interest, citing the precedent set with Zambia’s founding president Kenneth Kaunda, whose family also objected to a state burial in 2021, but was overruled.
Zambia’s Attorney General Mulilo D Kabesha has until July 4 to submit an amended motion supporting Lungu’s repatriation. The former president’s family has until July 11 to respond with their opposing papers. The Pretoria High Court will then hear the case in August and decide who has the final say over the burial and who will bear the costs of the legal proceedings.
