The men, identified as Edris Aali, Azad Shojaei, and Rasoul Ahmad-Rasoul, were hanged in a prison in the northwestern city of Urmia after being convicted of cooperating with Israel and importing equipment used in the assassination of Iranian figures, the report said.
Their executions followed full judicial proceedings and were upheld by Iran’s Supreme Court, it added.
Iran has executed several men on charges of spying for Mossad in recent months.
This decision, outlined in a public notice issued on June 24, 2025, aims to allow the RMB to review and enhance the current regulations governing mineral trading licenses.
The suspension is part of a broader initiative to improve service delivery and strengthen regulatory compliance across the mineral trading sector.
The RMB emphasized that this necessary measure will not affect the renewals and amendments of existing licenses, ensuring continuity for current license holders.
Supported by the Government of Ireland, the workshop was a collaborative effort between FAO, Rwanda’s Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), and the University College London Institute for Innovation & Public Purpose (IIPP).
This publication captures key insights from the workshop, highlighting Rwanda’s progress in areas such as sustainable farming, food security, and gender inclusion, while underscoring key problems that remain, particularly around malnutrition, climate impacts, and fragmented action.
Working in cross-sectoral groups, participants applied a range of tools to unpack the country’s agrifood challenges, helping to shape a national agrifood strategy that better reflects the complexity of Rwanda’s agrifood systems.
In terms of next steps, Rwanda’s existing innovation efforts, such as policy labs and circular economy pilots, were recognized as valuable opportunities to scale through structured learning and cross-sector coordination.
The workshop introduced participants to a range of methods, as well as institutional and policy tools, to improve agrifood systems transformation.
FAO and IIPP are using insights from the workshop to develop a handbook for facilitators supporting governments interested in improving the design and implementation of agrifood systems policies and plans.
The report is a recommended read for policymakers, development partners, academics, and other stakeholders involved in providing guidance to governments on the sustainable development of agrifood systems.
By rethinking conventional policy processes, policymakers can help drive change – ensuring better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life for all.
For more insights into Rwanda’s approach to agrifood transformation, access the full report here: [Workshop Report on Agrifood Systems Transformation in Rwanda ->https://openknowledge.fao.org/items/e3f532dd-759c-480a-9b4b-9866aa5b5875]
Links: [Workshop Report on Training for Policymakers on Agrifood Systems Transformation->https://openknowledge.fao.org/items/e3f532dd-759c-480a-9b4b-9866aa5b5875]
Links: [Strategic Plan for the Transformation of Agriculture 2025-2030->chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.minagri.gov.rw/index.php?eID=dumpFile&t=f&f=121834&token=b03443f215e68c19e0523ae2cb91c140262bcaea]
The day began with heavy police deployment in Nairobi and other urban centres, where key roads were barricaded and access to the Central Business District (CBD) severely restricted.
Authorities sealed off all routes leading to the State House using razor wire, while Parliament buildings were heavily fortified. Commuters were forced to disembark at designated drop-off points far from the city centre as security forces tried to pre-empt disruptions.
Despite the heightened security, protests erupted in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and several other towns. Predominantly led by Gen Z demonstrators, the rallies drew thousands, many dressed in black and waving Kenyan flags, chanting calls for justice, transparency, and good governance.
What began last year as resistance to new tax laws has morphed into a broader citizens’ movement demanding structural reforms. The protests, now in their second year, have gained momentum, drawing support from across the political and generational divide.
In Nairobi’s CBD, prominent figures such as MP Babu Owino and former Chief Justice David Maraga joined demonstrators, further energising the crowds.
The mood was defiant yet hopeful, until riot police intervened. Tear gas canisters were fired to disperse the swelling crowds, affecting even humanitarian spaces, including a medical camp near Jamia Mosque.
Scenes of chaos and confrontation mixed with solidarity circulated widely on social media. Livestreams captured moments of unity and police aggression, galvanising more supporters across the country, until a government-ordered media blackout came into effect.
The Communications Authority of Kenya issued a directive Wednesday afternoon, instructing all television and radio broadcasters to cease live coverage of the demonstrations. The regulator accused media houses of airing content that could incite public disorder.
Despite the information clampdown, protesters vowed to continue demonstrating, citing a moral obligation to honour the memory of those killed in last year’s protests.
Human rights groups say at least 60 people lost their lives during the 2024 unrest, which reached its peak when protesters stormed Parliament over the Finance Bill.
This position was conveyed by Foreign Minister Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe, during a phone conversation with Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, on June 24, 2025 as indicated in a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
Al Udeid Air Base, situated in the desert southwest of Doha, is the most recent American military installation established in the Middle East.
Since its creation in 1996, it has functioned as the forward headquarters for U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), overseeing U.S. military activities across a vast area that spans from Egypt in the west to Kazakhstan in the east.
Rwanda and Qatar have a strong partnership across various sectors, including investment, tourism, and transportation.
This relationship underscores Rwanda’s commitment to promoting a diplomacy rooted in mutual respect, peace, and development.
Meanwhile, Iran launched attacks on United States military bases in Qatar and Iraq following strikes against it on Sunday, June 22, 2025.
Qatar’s Ministry of Defense released a statement saying the country’s air defense systems intercepted missiles launched by Iran toward the Al-Udeid base, with no casualties reported.
Local officials reported that the confrontation happened shortly after the soldiers had received their paychecks. According to Fiston Misona Tabashile, president of the civil society in Walikale, tensions escalated into violence during an argument among the soldiers stationed in the area.
The region’s army spokesperson Major Nestor Mavudisa, confirmed the casualties and said that the eight wounded soldiers are currently receiving medical treatment.
“The perpetrators have been apprehended and are in custody,” said Mavudisa, urging the local population to continue their daily activities without fear.
Jean Kokwe, a local miner, noted that initial confusion led many residents to suspect armed groups were involved, but eyewitness accounts later clarified that the incident involved members of the Congolese military.
Mungazi is situated near the frontlines of ongoing military operations in eastern Congo, a region marked by complex security challenges and the presence of numerous armed groups competing for control.
The announcement was made during the Kigali City Council meeting held on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. The meeting, attended by leaders from the village level upwards, aimed to assess the progress made in the city’s development, identify ongoing challenges, and discuss strategies for improvement.
One of the key projects highlighted was the second phase of the Rwanda Urban Development Project (RUDP II), which focuses on upgrading informal settlements. The initial phase will include the Ramba Hills development in Kacyiru, featuring two adjacent high-rise buildings—one with 26 floors designated for office space and another with 24 floors for residential apartments.
The project also includes the construction of 160 housing units in Vision City, which will contribute to giving the entire hill a modern look and enhancing the image of Gasabo District.
In Nyabisindu, 680 housing units will be built to resettle residents currently living in informal settlements, reinforcing the city’s efforts to combat unplanned housing.
Kigali City Mayor Samuel Dusengiyumva emphasised the importance of building a resilient economy to achieve the city’s long-term goals. He called on all stakeholders to play an active role in this transformation.
“For us to make real progress as the City of Kigali, we must first develop a strong and resilient economy. As leaders, we must continue working together to build a safe and sustainable African city,” he said.
Dusengiyumva added that while much progress has been made, there is still a long way to go, especially in addressing informal settlements.
“We’ve already achieved a lot. Several infrastructure projects are underway, particularly in the upgrading of informal settlements. We started in Mpazi, where we built homes to improve residents’ living conditions. We are now working in Nyabisindu and will soon expand to Gatenga, Kimihurura, and other areas,” he explained.
Minister of Local Government Dr. Patrice Mugenzi commended the progress made by the City of Kigali during the 2024/2025 fiscal year and urged local leaders to help shift public attitudes.
“We urge local leaders to guide their communities in changing mindsets and to promote awareness, especially about avoiding informal settlements and encouraging people to live in designated areas with proper documentation,” he said.
Dr. Mugenzi further stressed that urban development should go hand-in-hand with quality service delivery, public health, and security.
In a briefing to the Security Council on the implementation of its Resolution 2231, which endorses the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and the six world powers of Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States, DiCarlo regretted that with less than four months left until the termination of its provisions, the objectives of the resolution and those of the Iran nuclear deal have yet to be fully realized.
Resolution 2231 expires on Oct. 18, 2025.
The nuclear deal, adopted in the summer of 2015 to ensure that Iran’s nuclear program would be exclusively peaceful, has faced many challenges since its inception, including the withdrawal of the United States from the agreement in 2018 during Donald Trump’s first term of office as U.S. president, said DiCarlo.
Over the last few months, participants of the deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), increased their efforts to identify a way forward for full implementation of the plan.
In addition, Iran and the United States engaged in five rounds of bilateral talks, facilitated by Oman, said DiCarlo. “Regrettably, neither of these initiatives produced a way forward to ensuring the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program.”
The military escalation between Israel and Iran since June 13 and U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities on Saturday (New York time) complicated prospects for achieving full implementation of Resolution 2231. Iran’s strikes on Monday on a U.S. military base in Qatar further exacerbated insecurity in an already tense region, she said.
Monday’s announcement by the United States, in coordination with Qatar, of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran is a significant achievement that potentially pulls Iran, Israel and the region back from the brink, she said.
At the heart of this conflict is the nature of Iran’s nuclear program. Following the deadly clashes of the past 12 days, the ceasefire agreement is an opportunity to avoid a catastrophic escalation and achieve a peaceful resolution of the Iran nuclear issue, she said.
“Diplomacy, dialogue and verification remain the best option to ensure the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program and to bring about concrete economic benefits to the people of Iran.”
The United Nations stands ready to support all efforts that advance peace, dialogue and stability in the region, she said.
The floods, which swept through the province earlier this month, have caused widespread loss of life, disruption to livelihoods and significant damage to infrastructure.
“As per the latest report, 94 bodies have been positively identified and handed over to their families, while processes are ongoing to identify the six remaining bodies,” the Eastern Cape provincial government said in a statement.
“Out of the 100 deceased persons, 63 are adults and 37 children, of which 22 are learners,” it said, adding that OR Tambo District, which bore the brunt of the floods, recorded 76 deaths.
“The numbers are likely to increase, as there are individuals that are still reported missing by their families and next of kin, and search operations persist in the affected areas,” the government noted.
Meanwhile, OR Tambo District reported that 95 percent of its affected areas have had water services restored, though some parts remain without water and are being served by water tankers.
The provincial government also assured residents that its teams have been working around the clock to repair damaged infrastructure, restore stability, and ensure access to clean water across the affected areas.
“The government remains committed to accelerating recovery programs and ensuring that displaced and affected communities receive the assistance they need to rebuild their lives,” it said.
Hosted at the International School of Kigali (ISK), the festival became a rallying point for Rotarians, youth, and dignitaries who gathered to champion a cause to raise funds to procure an electric minivan to support cancer patients cared for at Bethania home care in Kinyinya.
The Festival of Sports – Rotary Edition was proudly organised by Wura Holdings Ltd, led by a committed Rotarian, on behalf of the Rotary Club of Kigali Virunga, in collaboration with Rotary Sport and the Rotary Club of Kigali Golf.
For many of these patients, treatment means a gruelling 30-kilometre journey to and from Kanombe Military hospital each day, a journey that had grown increasingly difficult without reliable transport.
Jacqueline Duniah, President of the Rotary Club of Kigali-Virunga, reflected on how a simple visit to Bethania inspired meaningful action.
“We believed that through sport, the awareness of our cancer patients’ needs could reach a wider audience. This is a continuation of our efforts, and we hope it inspires others to join us in providing solutions for our community,” she said.
Her words carried the spirit of the festival, a vibrant day filled with football, basketball, cricket, tennis, and pickleball, fencing and a variety of other games not just for fun but for a greater purpose.
The Rotary Club’s resolve turned sports into a symbol of solidarity, channelling community energy into practical support. A total of 57 million Rwandan francs was raised to support cancer patients during the event.
Among the many supporters at the event was Dr. Tunde Adelakun, President of Rotary Sport in the UK, whose presence underscored the global nature of Rotary’s reach. He brought an impassioned message about the power of sport to influence lives far beyond the field.
“Through our sporting projects, we’re raising awareness of mental health, lifestyle choices, eating well, and reducing the risks of debilitating diseases like cancer. It goes back to healthy living and doing good in the community,” Tunde said.
He went further, painting sport as a tool not only for awareness but also for youth development and leadership.
“We want to build leaders through sports. Sports are unique because they teach us rules. If from a very young age, our children understand that rules guide sports that there are offside lines, fouls, boundaries, then they will grow up respecting structure and responsibility. That’s how leaders are built,” he noted.
Tunde pledged that all future fundraising efforts through his Rotary Sport network would be focused on sporting initiatives with a purpose, pointing to the Kigali event as a model of what sport can achieve when tied to compassion.
This commitment was deeply felt by the staff at Bethania Home Care, where every day is a delicate balance of care, logistics, and hope. Sister Helena Katebera, the program coordinator, spoke of the relief this donation would bring.
“We often face different challenges, but the most pressing was transporting patients over 30km daily from our centre in Kinyinya to the treatment facility in Kanombe,” she said.
“Our old ambulance could only carry one patient. Through the support raised from this sports festival, our charity journey will continue smoothly, and this van will be a tremendous relief,” she added.
Founded in 2018, Bethania Home Care, operated by the Sisters of Our Lady Queen of Africa, provides food, shelter, and psychological support for over 250 patients undergoing cancer treatment. For many, it is the only place they can find care and dignity amid the hardship of illness.
The Festival of Sport was a declaration that community-driven action can lift the burdens of those most in need. As Rotarians, diplomats, and athletes came together in Kigali, they demonstrated that with the right intention, even a game can save lives.
