The move follows a four-month export halt announced in February. The extension was announced on Saturday by the DRC’s Regulatory and Oversight Authority for Strategic Mineral Substances Markets (ARECOMS), the national body responsible for regulating the trade of critical mineral substances.
Established in 2019, ARECOMS oversees the regulation of strategic minerals such as coltan, cobalt and germanium. Its mandate includes stabilizing markets, formalizing the artisanal sector, and ensuring compliance with international anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulations.
According to an official statement, the extended ban covers all cobalt extracted from industrial, semi-industrial, small-scale and artisanal mining operations, and takes effect immediately from the date of signature, June 21.
ARECOMS said that a new decision will be issued before the end of the suspension period, which may either modify, extend, or lift the current export ban, depending on market developments.
According to London-based data analytics and consulting firm GlobalData, the DRC’s cobalt production is projected to reach 244 kilotonnes in 2024. The country is the world’s largest cobalt producer, supplying over 80 percent of global output.
Cobalt is a critical raw material used across various industries, particularly in the production of rechargeable batteries for electric vehicles, smartphones, and other electronic devices. The DRC’s cobalt mining industry is primarily concentrated in the Katanga region, where both industrial and artisanal operations are prevalent.
President Donald Trump, addressing the nation from the White House, confirmed the precision strikes on Iran’s key nuclear facilities—Fordo, Natanz, and Esfahan—describing the operation as a “spectacular military success.”
“Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated,” Trump declared. “Our objective was the destruction of Iran’s nuclear capacity and to eliminate the threat posed by the world’s number one state sponsor of terror.”
The strikes were carried out without congressional authorisation.
According to senior Pentagon officials, three B-2 bombers dropped GBU-57 “bunker-buster” bombs on the underground Fordo enrichment site, buried nearly 300 feet beneath a mountain. Tomahawk missiles launched from U.S. Navy submarines struck the Natanz and Esfahan sites.
All aircraft reportedly exited Iranian airspace without incident. The United Nations’ nuclear watchdog, the IAEA, said it had not detected elevated radiation levels following the strikes.
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Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi denounced the attack as a “heinous and illegal use of force” and warned on social media that the strikes “will have everlasting consequences.”
“Iran reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interests, and people,” Araghchi said. Iran’s ambassador to the UN has requested an emergency Security Council meeting.
Iran’s Atomic Energy Organisation confirmed damage to the nuclear facilities but said the attacks would not deter the country’s nuclear ambitions.
“This will only strengthen our resolve,” the agency said.
Flanked by Vice President JD Vance and senior officials in the White House Situation Room, Trump warned that “there will either be peace, or there will be tragedy for Iran far greater than what we have witnessed over the last eight days.”
In a follow-up post on Truth Social, Trump warned: “Any retaliation by Iran against the United States of America will be met with force far greater than what was witnessed tonight.”
Photos released by the White House showed top administration figures, including Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, monitoring the operation.
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While some Republicans praised the strikes, others expressed concern. House Speaker Mike Johnson supported the action, but Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene posted: “This is not our fight.”
Democrats were more critical. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries condemned the president for acting unilaterally and bypassing Congress.
“President Trump misled the country and took action that risks entangling the United States in another endless war,” Jeffries said.
Senator Mark Warner of Virginia added: “He campaigned on ending foreign wars. Tonight, he may have started a new one.”
The event brought together women in business, COPEDU Plc clients, and the institution’s leadership to exchange ideas on improving collaboration and maximizing opportunities designed specifically for women within COPEDU’s financial services.
Among the participants was Mediatrice Niwemutoni, who shared her personal journey of growth through COPEDU’s support.
She began with a group loan of Frw 200,000 while running a small potato business. With time, she advanced to an individual loan of Frw 2.4 million and expanded her business. Today, she is a distributor for Bralirwa’s non-alcoholic beverages, managing a business worth over Frw 100 million.
Niwemutoni encouraged other women to pursue their goals with courage and commitment, noting that success stems from dedication and a strong work ethic.
The Managing Director of COPEDU Plc, Raissa Muyango, explained that the training aimed to help women scale their businesses by easing access to credit and promoting the use of digital platforms.
She highlighted Igire Mugore, a loan product designed for women entrepreneurs, which offers financing from Frw 500,000 up to Frw 5 million. The initiative targets women who face challenges in securing traditional collateral for loans.
Muyango also emphasized that such events are valuable opportunities for two-way dialogue, enabling the institution to listen to clients, respond to their needs, and improve service delivery.
Also speaking at the event was Herve Christian Gombaniro, a business development manager at RSwitch, a digital financial services provider.
He introduced eKashi, a new platform that allows clients from COPEDU and other financial institutions to make digital payments conveniently and securely without having to travel.
Currently, COPEDU Plc operates 11 branches across Rwanda, including its headquarters in Kicukiro and additional locations in Remera, Batsinda, Nyabugogo, the Nyarugenge Market, Gisozi, Kimironko, Kicukiro (branch), CHIC, Rwamagana, and Kabuga.
Under the new system, students will no longer choose from the existing 11 subject combinations. Instead, they will follow one of three broad “learning pathways”: Mathematics and Science, Arts and Humanities, or Languages.
This change, presented during the second day of the National Education Conference, on June 20, 2025, is part of broader efforts to align the country’s education system with Rwanda’s Vision 2050.
“All existing subject combinations will be organized under these three pathways,” the Minister of Education, Nsengimana Joseph said. “This change is part of our broader vision to equip students with knowledge and skills to make informed choices, whether they continue to university or enter the job market [after secondary school].”
“We’re working closely with schools during the summer holidays to assess their readiness. There will be no surprises,” the minister added.
The reform aims to ensure students graduate with skills that meet labor market demands, both locally and internationally, while fostering a knowledge-based economy.
Previously, after completing the Ordinary Level and passing national exams, students would select from 11 subject combinations within general education or opt for technical and vocational training.
The revised approach will simplify this by offering just three clearly defined tracks, each focusing on a specific cluster of knowledge and competencies.
The Ministry emphasized that although students will choose from the three new pathways, certain core subjects will be mandatory for all, regardless of their specialization.
These include Mathematics, English, ICT (Information and Communication Technology), and Entrepreneurship. The rationale is to equip every student with essential skills for further education or employment.
The reform process involved consultation with over 5,500 stakeholders, including students, parents, teachers, school leaders, and local leaders.
According to the Ministry, the shift to learning pathways will not only simplify implementation but also improve quality.
While the reform will be rolled out gradually to avoid disruption, students currently enrolled in the existing combinations will not be affected as they will complete their studies under the current framework.
Similarly, past graduates with diplomas based on previous subject combinations will continue to have their qualifications recognized.
This recognition was made on June 19, 2025, by the Mayor of Musanze District, Nsengimana Claudien, during the inauguration of two new buildings. These facilities are designed to support women with various challenges and to house an Early Childhood Development (ECD) center aimed at nurturing young children.
Handspun Hope is a Christian, non-governmental organization operating in Rwanda’s Northern Province, particularly in Musanze District. Its mission is to combat poverty affecting vulnerable women and their families by offering holistic support.
The newly inaugurated buildings will host a daycare center, which marks a significant step in promoting quality early childhood education.
Additionally, the infrastructure will be used for vocational training for women, prayer gatherings, health consultations, and includes a multi-purpose hall with a capacity of over 300 people, along with classrooms and other facilities.
Nsengimana emphasized that Handspun Hope has been a valuable partner since 2007. The organization primarily supports women who have faced severe trauma, including domestic abuse, HIV/AIDS, and social marginalization.
“The organization provides a monthly salary of Frw 120,000 to its beneficiaries, with an additional Frw 16,700 deposited into a savings scheme. But beyond the financial support, Handspun Hope offers psychological care and promotes Christian values to encourage women to rebuild their lives,” he stated.
The district also noted that Handspun Hope’s work aligns with Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST 2), particularly in the areas of financial and economic development, women empowerment, and infrastructure improvement.
In light of this, the district has requested the organization to expand its services, including increasing the number of children served by the ECD center, supporting more women, contributing to road construction, improving access to clean water, and helping single mothers.
The Musanze administration affirmed its readiness to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Handspun Hope to enhance their collaboration and promote the welfare of the population more effectively.
Confiance Igiraneza, the Country Director of Handspun Hope, stated that the organization’s primary mission is to promote the development of Rwandan society, especially rural women, by ensuring holistic education for children, improving child nutrition, and supporting other community-based development activities.
Igiraneza also highlighted that the organization employs specialized staff who support daily wellbeing, including mental health professionals, general practitioners, a social worker, and a nurse.
Their goal is to provide sustainable wellbeing for the women and their families. Currently, Handspun Hope supports over 200 women dealing with challenges such as HIV/AIDS, diabetes, and other conditions, along with their more than 100 children.
The organization has built schools, a health clinic, an early childhood development center, and other facilities to improve the quality of life for its beneficiaries.
The appreciation was voiced on June 19, 2025, during an evening celebration that brought together the management of BPR Bank Rwanda Plc and its clients from Rusizi and Nyamasheke Districts.
The gathering celebrated the milestones the bank has achieved in its 50 years of existence and served as a platform for exchanging ideas on priorities for the future.
The districts of Rusizi and Nyamasheke are home to professional farmers and many cross-border traders who have been actively engaged in business for years.
When the bank was established in 1975, residents quickly began using its services due to concerns over the safety of their money. The bank also helped boost their capital through the provision of loans.
Nsengiyumva Innocent, who spoke on behalf of the clients in Rusizi, commended BPR Bank Plc for supporting the development of rice farming in Bugarama Valley, which spans more than five of the district’s 18 sectors.
“We appreciate the special loans offered to farmers, especially rice growers in Bugarama Valley. We also value the bank’s technology, which enables us to access fast services. Business moves quickly, like grabbing an opportunity while it’s still hot. Please continue offering us quick and efficient services,” he said.
Umulisa Yvette praised the idea of client appreciation events, noting that during a previous gathering in Rusizi in 2023, they had requested a special loan scheme for women, and the bank responded.
“I saw that you introduced a program called ‘Ikamba’ which trains women and girls in project planning and management, and even offers loans without collateral. We thank you for that,” she said.
The CEO of BPR Bank Rwanda Plc, Patience Mutesi, underscored the event was organized to appreciate the loyalty and support that clients have shown the bank over the past 50 years.
“The Western Province, especially Rusizi District, holds a special place in our history. This district has played a key role in economic development and is home to some of our most loyal clients who have supported us for a long time,” she noted.
Mutesi emphasized that BPR Bank is proud to have contributed to Rusizi’s development through university sponsorships, support for the rice value chain from farmers to processing industries, and financing cross-border small businesses.
“We identified potential in small cross-border traders and offered them loans that helped them grow. We will continue investing in this region so that Rusizi can achieve even greater progress in the years to come,” she added.
The Mayor of Rusizi District, Sindayiheba Phanuel, noted that BPR Bank Rwanda Plc was among the first banks to be established in what used to be the Cyangugu Prefecture, now known as Rusizi and Nyamasheke Districts.
“It’s clear that the bank played a major role in increasing private sector investment. It was among the first banks to operate here and served both large and small-scale businesspeople,” he said.
BPR Bank Rwanda Plc assured its clients in Rusizi that it will continue to promote digital banking services to offer fast and quality service, and it pledged to increase its representation in commercial centers where it does not yet operate.
The update was shared by Dr. Usengumukiza Félicien, RGB’s Deputy CEO, during a press briefing on June 20, 2025, where new guidelines were unveiled.
The new guidelines are intended to ensure that religious teachings align with Rwandan values and include related regulations.
The guidelines aim to promote responsible conduct in religious preaching and to prevent the spread of messages that may incite division, promote hatred, or undermine the core values of Rwandan society.
Last year, RGB inspected nearly 14,000 places of worship, and 7,709 were closed due to various issues deemed to pose a risk to the safety and well-being of congregants.
“You may recall that across the country, we had about 14,000 places of worship. After conducting a joint inspection with other agencies, around 8,000 were closed because they failed to meet requirements and posed a threat to public safety. They have not been reopened,” Dr. Usengumukiza explained.
He emphasised that any churches that address the issues that led to their closure will be eligible for reopening, but this will be done in accordance with the new guidelines, which aim to eliminate ambiguity and provide a clear, objective process, rather than decisions driven by emotion.
Kazaire Judith, the head of RGB’s Department for Political Parties and Civil Society Organisations, explained that beyond structural concerns, some churches were also found to be teaching misleading doctrines, spreading divisive messages, or being led by individuals who lacked the necessary educational qualifications.
She added that, in partnership with Irembo, a digital platform has been developed to streamline the process of assessing whether churches meet the required standards. The system is expected to go live in July 2025.
“The system is nearly complete. We expect it to be fully operational by early July. The portal is available, but those who have complied with the regulations can also directly approach the institution and present their case for review,” she said.
Kazaire revealed that so far, no faith-based organisation (church or denomination) has formally notified RGB that it has fulfilled the requirements for reopening.
She urged leaders of religious organisations to review the requirements, comply with them, and submit their reports to RGB so that eligible churches can be reopened.
“Based on the fact that there’s a substantial chance of negotiation that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go in the next two weeks,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said at a briefing on Thursday.
Iran must agree to no enrichment of uranium, and Tehran must not be able to achieve a nuclear weapon as part of any diplomatic agreement, Leavitt read a statement from Trump.
Correspondence between the United States and Iran “has continued” as the two sides engage in negotiations, Leavitt said, echoing Thursday reports that U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi have talked by phone several times since Israel began its strikes on Iran on June 13, in a bid to find a diplomatic end to the crisis.
Araghchi told Witkoff that Tehran “could show flexibility in the nuclear issue” if the U.S. government pressured Israel to end the war, adding Tehran would not return to negotiations unless Israel stopped the attacks, local media quoted a regional diplomat.
Trump approved attack plans on Iran Tuesday night, but held off making a final decision in case Iran agrees to abandon its nuclear program, media reported.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said Wednesday that the country remains steadfast amid its conflict with Israel and will not surrender to anyone amid pressure, warning that any American military intervention would cause “irreparable damage.”
Since June 13, Israel has launched large-scale airstrikes on multiple locations in Iran, targeting nuclear facilities and military sites, resulting in heavy casualties. In retaliation, Iran carried out multiple rounds of missile and drone attacks on various targets inside Israel.
The aerial conflict has yet shown no sign of easing as it drags into a second week.
On Thursday, Israel and Iran exchanged major airstrikes overnight, targeting each other’s critical infrastructure and military facilities.
The Israel Defense Forces announced in a statement on Thursday that it had launched a broad aerial campaign across Iran, including strikes targeting the inactive Arak nuclear reactor in western Iran, and a nuclear weapons development site in Natanz, central Iran.
In addition to nuclear-related targets, Israeli warplanes reportedly struck a range of military production sites across Iran, including factories manufacturing ballistic missile components, facilities assembling Iranian air defense systems and various logistical infrastructures, the statement said.
In response to the Israeli offensive, Iran targeted Israel’s military intelligence facilities in its strikes on the southern part of the country on Thursday morning, not a hospital as was reported by some media outlets, Iran’s state news agency IRNA said.
The strikes were aimed at the Israeli army’s C4I telecommunications corps headquarters and an intelligence facility, IRNA said, adding that the hospital in question was affected by the blast’s shockwave.
Also on Thursday, Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps appointed Majid Khademi as the new head of its intelligence organization, days after Mohammad Kazemi, the organization’s former chief, and his deputy Hassan Mohaghegh were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Tehran on Sunday, the semi-official Fars News Agency reported.
Besides top military commanders, Israeli strikes have killed a number of nuclear scientists and hundreds of civilians in Iran.
Arash, 33, a government employee in Tehran, was quoted by Reuters as saying that a building next to his home in Tehran’s Shahrak-e Gharb neighborhood had been destroyed in the strikes.
“I saw at least three dead children and two women in that building. Is this how Netanyahu plans to ‘liberate’ Iranians? Stay away from our country,” he said.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said in a statement on Thursday the large-scale attacks have caused serious human rights and humanitarian impacts on civilians and risk igniting a broader regional conflict.
Turk noted that the intense airstrikes and missile and drone attacks have gone far beyond military targets, resulting in significant civilian casualties and widespread damage to civilian infrastructure.
According to official figures, nearly 600 people have been killed in Iran and 24 in Israel since fighting began.
The UN official urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint, fully respect international law, and return in good faith to the negotiating table.
The 13th PSCSC intake was attended by 20 law enforcement officers from Rwanda as well as 14 from allied students from South Sudan, Kenya, Namibia, Lesotho, Malawi, Somalia, Central African Republic, and Botswana.
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Vincent Biruta presided over the colourful graduation, which was also attended by Police Chiefs from Kenya and South Sudan, diplomats as well as families of the graduates.
It was also attended by Deputy Police Chiefs and high ranking law enforcement officers Central African Republic (CAR), Botswana, Eswatini and Namibia.
Minister Biruta congratulated the senior law enforcement officers upon successful completion of the rigorous academic and professional programme.
“Today, we have gathered here to celebrate your achievements, as well as your efforts, hard work, team spirit, commitment, and resilience,” Minister Biruta said.
He reminded them that learning is continuous, where there is still more to do, more to learn, and more to achieve.
“The world’s history shows that conflict is a constant feature of human society. In today’s world, modernization and globalization have made law enforcement more challenging and multifaceted. Maintaining peace and security therefore, requires even greater effort, not only to prevent and combat crimes, but also to address the underlying factors that can lead to conflict,” the Minister stated.
He expressed gratitude to the African countries that sent students to participate in this course, highlighting the importance of collaboration in addressing challenges and fostering a peaceful continent.
The Minister also said that fighting crimes and resolving conflicts on the continent calls for regional and international cooperation, especially in this technological era and globalized world.
The acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Rwanda, Assoc. Prof Didas M. Kayihura, said that a world increasingly marked by tension and volatility, the work of peace-builders and
conflict transformation experts are more vital than ever.
He congratulated them for choosing to be part of the solution—agents of healing, unity, and constructive change.
“The knowledge and competencies you have acquired at the National Police College, through this Masters Programme… place you at the heart of continental and global efforts to promote sustainable peace,” Kayihura said. “From mediation to negotiation, from conflict analysis to post-conflict reconstruction, you are now better equipped to lead with compassion, wisdom, and vision.”
Veda Sunassee, the Chief Executive Office of African Leadership University, said that the graduation reflects a vision rooted in trust, purpose, and progress.
He urged them to carry on with the values of integrity, excellence and nation-building, which define this programme.
The PSCSC is a one-year programme delivered by the National Police College in partnership with the University of Rwanda and the African Leadership University.
It combines three components; the Police Command and Staff, which awards successful participants with the Passed Staff College (Psc) title; Postgraduate Diploma in Strategic Leadership and Management, and a Master of Arts in Peace Studies and Conflict Transformation.
According to the ministry, Tuesday, July 1, 2025, will be observed as Independence Day, while Friday, July 4, 2025, will mark Liberation Day. In addition to the national holidays, the government has granted public holidays on Wednesday, July 2, and Thursday, July 3, 2025, creating a long holiday break for citizens.
Independence Day commemorates Rwanda’s achievement of sovereignty from colonial rule on July 1, 1962, marking the birth of the nation as an independent state. Liberation Day, on the other hand, celebrates the end of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and the country’s subsequent liberation by the Rwandan Patriotic Army, symbolising national unity, recovery, and hope for a peaceful future.
Official government work will resume on Monday, July 7, 2025, following the extended break. The Ministry also emphasised that essential services will remain operational during this period.
“Essential services will remain open to ensure continuity of operations,” the statement issued on Friday, June 20, reads in part.
As the nation prepares to celebrate these important national holidays, the Ministry of Public Service and Labour urged all Rwandans to observe the holidays “responsibly and safely”.
The extended break provides an opportunity for families and communities to come together and reflect on Rwanda’s progress and achievements as the country marks its independence and liberation.
