In a statement posted on its Facebook page, the presidency said Saied delivered a “strongly worded protest” to Perrone over conduct deemed outside the “official frameworks recognized in diplomatic practice.”
The move came after a meeting held on Monday between Perrone and Noureddine Taboubi, secretary-general of the Tunisian General Labour Union (UGTT), the country’s largest trade union.
Relations between the presidency and the UGTT have been strained in recent weeks after Taboubi announced that the union plans to organize a general strike to defend workers’ rights amid rising living pressures.
According to a separate statement posted by the EU delegation to Tunisia, Perrone reaffirmed during his meeting with Taboubi the EU’s readiness to continue dialogue with the UGTT and to support Tunisia socially and economically across various sectors.
He also praised the UGTT for its role in promoting social dialogue and contributing to the country’s economic development.
Rwanda and the DRC signed a peace agreement on June 27, 2025, with support from the United States. The agreement includes the neutralisation of the FDLR to enable Rwanda to lift its defensive measures along the border with the DRC. These operations are detailed in a project called “CONOPS”, approved in October 2024 during peace talks in Luanda, Angola.
In an interview with Radio France Internationale (RFI) on November 26, Minister Nduhungirehe said that, under the Washington Agreement, dismantling the FDLR is a prerequisite for Rwanda to lift its defensive measures.
“There will be no peace unless the FDLR genocidaires, supported and funded by Kinshasa and even integrated into the army, are neutralised, as required by the CONOPS signed under the Washington peace agreement. Neutralising these FDLR members will pave the way for lifting Rwanda’s defence measures,” he said.
The DRC has indicated that it has launched the process of dismantling the FDLR, referencing a communiqué of October 10 calling on its armed forces to break all collaboration with the group, as well as a “sensitisation campaign” in Walikale territory, North Kivu, aimed at persuading FDLR fighters to lay down their arms.
Minister Nduhungirehe, however, stated that the militia group linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda are still present and continue to receive support from Kinshasa.
“Technical teams are discussing in Washington, and we hope progress will be made. In any case, nothing will happen without Kinshasa’s good faith and political will on the FDLR issue. The FDLR remain integrated into the Congolese army and supported by Kinshasa,” he said.
The Minister stressed that the Washington peace agreement calls for concrete actions, including the effective neutralisation of the FDLR, not just mapping, communiqués, or calls to lay down arms. He assured that Rwanda will honour all its commitments under the U.S.-led process.
Speaking aboard Air Force One as he traveled to Florida for the holiday, Trump told reporters that U.S. negotiators are making “progress” in discussions with both Kyiv and Moscow. He confirmed that his special envoy Steve Witkoff will travel to Moscow next week for talks with Russian leaders.
That announcement comes amid scrutiny over reports that Witkoff allegedly advised Russian officials on how to present the deal to Trump.
Trump defended the move, saying such actions are part of standard negotiating practices.
Details on what Russia may have conceded remain vague. Trump said the concessions are unspecified, and he did not outline what Ukraine would have to give up, raising concern among critics that any agreement could be heavily skewed toward Moscow.
The diplomatic effort remains controversial: while some view it as a chance to end the war, others warn that pushing Ukraine into a deal without broader European and Ukrainian consent could undermine Kyiv’s position.
Chinese automakers delivered hundreds of vehicles to form part of the summit’s shuttle fleet, with Jetour contributing 70 units, the largest share among the Chinese brands.
The vehicle sponsorship was finalized early in February with South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
Jetour International’s President Ke Chuandeng recalled that the department sealed the deal quickly after reviewing their T2 SUV, a model that had not yet entered the market at the time. “It speaks to South Africa’s confidence in Chinese auto brands and in what our products can deliver,” Ke said.
Chinese cars have become an increasingly familiar sight on South Africa’s roads in recent years, with brands such as Jetour gaining popularity among urban buyers, especially younger consumers.
“Chinese automakers are gaining strong traction in South Africa by combining high-tech features, modern styling and competitive pricing in a way traditional brands struggle to match,” said Charmaine Spangenberg, a young South African consumer.
As an economic powerhouse on the African continent, South Africa is known as a country “built on wheels” for its well-established automotive industry. Since Chinese automakers entered the market more than a decade ago, a dozen Chinese brands have gained a foothold and posted solid sales.
According to the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa, the country’s automotive market continued to expand in 2024, with new-vehicle sales reaching 515,800 units, a 5.6 percent increase from 2023. Meanwhile, Chinese brands continued to show strong momentum, accounting for 12.8 percent of total market sales.
Marly Vivier, a young South African who previously owned a Chinese car, said she has always found Chinese models stylish and reliable. She has noticed that Chinese brands are gaining ground on long-established brands. “I really think they are going to take over, and I love that,” she said.
As part of the official escort fleet at the G20 Leaders’ Summit, Jetour deployed the T2 SUV, a model that combines comfort and safety and is well-suited to the demands of high-level diplomatic events.
Launched in South Africa in October, the T2 comes with L2 driving-assistance features and a 360-degree panoramic camera system, giving drivers a comprehensive view for easy maneuvering. Its spacious and quiet cabin, equipped with ergonomic seating and an infotainment system, provides a comfortable, composed ride for dignitaries.
The presence of Chinese automobiles in the G20 fleet signals a shift in the international perception of China’s carmakers, who are no longer seen just as market players but as reliable partners capable of supporting major global events.
“I think the G20 summit provides a favourable wind for China-South Africa relations. For Chinese automakers, the path to greater brand influence lies in complementing their successful sales strategies with deeper, more visible local investment and community integration,” said Spangenberg.
Ke said Jetour is proud to be part of the Chinese automakers providing vehicles for the G20 summit. “We hope this collaboration gives the world a clearer sense of our capability and confidence, and shows our ambition to keep raising the bar as we expand globally.”
The book, authored by Mireille Karera, Executive Chairperson of KORA Coaching & Business Academy (KCA), follows its [international debut in Lagos, Nigeria->https://en.igihe.com/social/article/africa-re-partners-with-rwanda-s-kora-academy-to-launch-mentorship-programme-on].
It is part of a pan-African initiative aimed at addressing the profound social impact of fatherlessness in Africa.
Speaking at the launch, Karera reflected on her personal journey and why she felt compelled to write the book.
“I had to tell my story because as a coach, this is the process I went through,” she explained. Although initially hesitant due to cultural perceptions around sharing personal stories, Karera realized her experience could empower others.
The book is not just a testimony of overcoming fatherlessness but also a self-coaching guide that helps readers navigate a 30-day healing journey.
The 30 chapters are designed to encourage introspection. Each chapter combines storytelling and research, allowing readers to reflect on their own experiences while offering practical tools for healing.
At the end of each chapter, guided questions prompt readers to reflect on their past, uncover hidden traumas, and move forward without being held back by past wounds.
“30 days are powerful. In psychology, 30 days can transform a mind,” Karera emphasized, highlighting the importance of this timeframe for self-reflection and renewal.
The book’s flexible structure allows readers to engage with it at their own pace; whether in the morning, at lunch, or before bed, providing a manageable approach that doesn’t require professional intervention unless necessary.
The book delves into the impact of fatherlessness, with Karera tracing the issue across generations.
“My story starts with my grandfather, who worked for the king, then my father, and now I am the third generation dealing with fatherlessness,” Karera shared.
Her narrative illustrates the crucial role fathers play in shaping a child’s identity and the harmful effects of their absence.
“The book focuses on fatherlessness because fathers are the pillar of a child’s identity,” she said, noting that while the book centers on fathers, it does not diminish the significance of mothers.
She added that no child comes into the world without a mother, emphasizing their essential role in nurturing and supporting a child’s development.
Karera also revealed that she is working on another book dedicated to women as part of her self-coaching trilogy, underscoring her commitment to highlighting the influence of both parents in shaping a child’s life.
This was a key motivation for her to write a book that addresses the needs of both women and men in Africa, acknowledging that fatherlessness profoundly affects society and future generations.
The event in Kigali also featured a mentoring program, where mothers and fathers shared their personal experiences with fatherlessness.
They discussed how the absence of fathers impacts children and explored strategies for overcoming these challenges through mentorship and self-awareness.
It was clear that maintaining strong communication and creating time for children, despite busy schedules, are essential for raising resilient individuals.
This program is part of the larger Forsaken for a Sake initiative by KCA and the Africa Re Foundation, which seeks to empower Africa’s youth and women, in alignment with the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
The initiative focuses on providing solutions to the challenges of fatherlessness, especially through intergenerational mentorship.
Karera’s [book->https://forasake.com/#] is now available on platforms like Amazon and at the Kigali Public Library, offering a valuable resource for anyone looking to overcome the challenges of fatherlessness.
He made this statement on November 25, 2025, at the opening of Africa Energy Expo, which is taking place in Kigali.
The energy sector in Rwanda has visibly progressed. In 2000, only 2% of the population had access to electricity. By 2010, this had increased to 10%, and today, 85% of the population have access to electricity.
Rwanda is a member of the “Eastern Africa Power Pool” (EAPP), which consists of 13 countries from East Africa, working together in the energy sector.
The countries in the Eastern Africa Power Pool plan to connect their grids so they can share electricity as needed, and Rwanda has made significant progress in this initiative.
Currently, Rwanda is connected to Uganda, Tanzania, the DRC, and Burundi at three points. These connections include the Rusizi II hydroelectric plant, which provides 36 megawatts of electricity to Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Burundi, with each country receiving 12 megawatts.
Rwanda is also connected to Burundi through the Rusumo Hydro Plant, which has a capacity of 80 megawatts, serving Rwanda, Tanzania, and Burundi. Each country receives 26.6 megawatts, powering over 1 million citizens, including 520,000 Burundians, 467,000 Rwandans, and 159,000 Tanzanians.
Minister Dr. Gasore also mentioned that work is ongoing on the power line connecting Rwanda and Burundi through Huye District.
“We are also building a third line connecting us with Burundi. […] The project is nearing completion, connecting Rwanda and Burundi through the South. The line is complete. This way, if there are issues elsewhere, we will have this third option. […] This shows the willingness of the countries to connect their grids to ensure we have a unified power supply,” he said.
The new power line connecting Rwanda and Burundi will span 143 kilometers, starting from Kigoma in Rwanda, passing through Huye, and reaching Ngozi in the northern part of Burundi, ultimately reaching Gitega, the political capital of Burundi.
On Rwanda’s side, the line will be 62 kilometers long, while on Burundi’s side, it will be 81 kilometers long. The project, which started in 2022, is expected to be completed in 2024, with an estimated cost of $24.4 million.
This line is designed to transmit 220-kilovolt electricity, but initially, it will operate at 110 kilovolt.
In the next five years, Rwanda plans to invest over $1 billion in projects aimed at generating 1000 megawatts of electricity for various national activities.
Dr. Gasore mentioned projects such as the Nyabarongo II plant, which will provide 43.5 megawatts, scheduled for completion by the end of 2027 at a cost of over $214 million.
He also highlighted the upcoming Rusizi III hydroelectric project, which will provide electricity to over 300,000 people in Rwanda, DRC, and Burundi, with an estimated cost of $800 million.
Additionally, investments in methane gas energy projects are expected to generate 136 megawatts of electricity from methane gas over the next five years.
For solar power, Dr. Gasore also mentioned projects that will generate electricity from the Nyabarongo II hydroelectric plant, providing 43.5 megawatts, with water from the plant being used to create a reservoir that will supply the districts of Gakenke, Kamonyi, Muhanga, Nyabihu, and Ngororero.
This reservoir will also have solar panels to generate electricity, as part of a large-scale solar energy project in Rwanda, aiming for a total of 200 megawatts from solar energy.
Dr. Gasore further explained, “Floating solar panels on water is a new idea for Rwanda, but it’s being done in many places around the world. Rwanda has limited land due to the need for settlement and agriculture, and solar energy requires large areas. By using floating panels, we can generate power without taking up land used for other purposes, such as farming or construction. This provides a new opportunity to increase our solar energy capacity.”
Currently, Rwanda produces 406 megawatts of electricity, with 109.66 megawatts coming from hydroelectric plants, 85.79 megawatts from methane gas, which accounts for 18% of total energy production.
Electricity generated from peat is 85 megawatts, also 18%, while solar power accounts for 12 megawatts, or 3%.
Rwanda also receives 39 megawatts (8%) from joint projects with other countries, while it imports 106.1 megawatts (23%) of electricity, mainly from Uganda. However, the country is committed to various projects that will help provide electricity to 100% of its population.
Speaking at a press briefing, Peng Qingen, a spokesperson for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, reaffirmed China’s stance on Taiwan, stating that the country has a “firm will, strong determination and a strong ability” to defend its sovereignty. He emphasized, “We will crush all foreign interference.”
This warning comes after Japan’s announcement that it intends to deploy missile defense systems on Yonaguni Island, located just 110 kilometers from Taiwan’s eastern coast.
Beijing sees Taiwan as part of its territory and has repeatedly expressed its intention to reunite the island with the mainland, using force if necessary. Taiwan, however, operates as a self-governed democracy and rejects China’s claims, insisting that its future should be decided by its people.
Beijing’s statement reflects its growing frustration over Japan’s increasing involvement in Taiwan’s defense.
Japan’s plans to enhance its military presence near Taiwan have raised concerns in China. The missile deployment, which aims to bolster Japan’s defense capabilities in the East China Sea, is seen by Beijing as a direct challenge to its claims over Taiwan. Chinese officials have described Japan’s actions as “extremely dangerous,” warning that they could escalate tensions and provoke military conflict.
Taiwan’s government has repeatedly asserted that it will not allow any foreign nation to determine its future. In the wake of Japan’s missile defense plans, Taiwan’s foreign ministry reaffirmed its stance, insisting that the island’s future is a matter for its people alone to decide. Despite Beijing’s warnings, Taiwan remains committed to defending its democratic governance and autonomy.
The situation has sparked diplomatic tensions not only between China and Japan but also in the broader East Asia region. The potential for military escalation, particularly in the Taiwan Strait, has drawn international attention.
While the United States has expressed support for Taiwan’s defense and has a security alliance with Japan, the situation remains precarious. The increasing militarization of the region raises concerns about the possibility of conflict and the impact it could have on global security.
As the situation develops, the international community remains on alert, closely monitoring the growing tensions between China, Japan, and Taiwan.
The journey to help these Burundians return home began on the morning of November 25, 2025, in Kirehe and Kigali.
The first group set foot on their homeland at 1:25 PM, after crossing the Nemba border. The returnees included 58 women, 51 children, and 107 individuals from Mahama Camp, along with eight others from Kigali.
They were part of 58 families who had fled Burundi and found refuge in Rwanda.
Gonzague Karagire, Refugee Program Manager at the Ministry of Emergency Management, stated that the decision to repatriate the refugees was made based on their own requests.
“The decision to return was made voluntarily by the refugees themselves. The government of Rwanda, which hosted them, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees [UNHCR] coordinated efforts to prepare for their return. All necessary support was provided to them upon arrival in their home country,” Karagire explained.
Some of the returnees, including those who had children born in exile, spoke to IGIHE about their experiences. While life in exile had been difficult, they expressed gratitude for the support they received in Rwanda.
Eric Ndayishimiye, who fled Burundi in 2015 with his family, said he had continued his education at Mahama and was grateful for the opportunities Rwanda provided.
“Rwanda supported us well, providing food and clothing on time without any issues. I had started my first grade and resumed studies upon arrival in the camp, and I was in my fourth year of secondary school, but I also learned motorbike driving and vehicle mechanics,” Ndayishimiye said.
He also shared that while he was young when he fled, he felt a deep longing to return home after hearing that peace had been restored in Burundi.
Aziza Bamuhorubusa, who had been at Mahama Camp since 2015, also expressed her appreciation for Rwanda’s help over the past 10 years.
She said, “I arrived with two children, and now I have five. Over the years, we’ve been following news from home and hearing that peace had returned. After ten years of being in Rwanda, we never faced serious problems apart from the usual difficulties of life in exile. But now, it’s time to return to my country, as there’s value in being in your homeland. Rwanda has taken great care of me and my children.”
François Ndabacekure, who arrived in Rwanda in 2002 and moved to Mahama Camp in 2015, mentioned that after hearing the news of peace in Burundi, he and his family decided to return.
“I came to Rwanda in 2002 looking for work, but in 2015, we were relocated to Mahama Camp. Many of the early returnees told us about the peace back home, so we decided to go back. I hope to settle where I was born, but if life proves difficult there, I will seek other opportunities.”
According to the Ministry of Emergency Management, since January 27, 2020, a total of 30,907 Burundian refugees have returned to their home country.
However, there are still 52,862 Burundian refugees in Rwanda, with 42,421 of them living in Mahama Camp and others residing in different locations outside the camp.
Valerie Nyirahabineza, Chairperson of the National Commission for Demobilization and Reintegration (RDRC), confirmed to IGIHE that among those repatriated were five children.
“Today, we received 22 individuals from forests, including 15 former soldiers and seven civilians connected to armed groups,” she said.
Nyirahabineza further explained that upon arrival in Rwanda, these former fighters are taken to Mutobo, where they undergo training to prepare them for reintegration into civilian life.
“When they return voluntarily, they undergo training for three to four months before being discharged and reintegrated into society. We assess them together with various partners, ensuring that their behavior has changed before they are reintegrated with their families.”
She added that the training program is designed to help former fighters shed the harmful ideologies they were taught in the forests of the DRC, particularly the genocidal ideologies.
In addition to the training, the returnees are provided with various forms of assistance, including medical care, especially for those suffering from trauma-related issues, as many of them face such challenges upon their return.
“Besides the training, they receive extensive support, including medical care, housing, food, clothing, and other basic supplies. Women, children, the elderly, and those with disabilities are given additional assistance based on their specific needs,” she noted.
Nyirahabineza also took the opportunity to encourage those who have already returned to Rwanda to urge their comrades still in the forests to lay down their arms and come home, as the country is ready to welcome them.
From January to October 2025, MONUSCO repatriated 54 Rwandan fighters, mostly from the FDLR, along with 44 of their family members.
According to figures from the National Commission for Demobilization and Reintegration, since 2001, Rwanda has successfully reintegrated 12,602 former fighters from armed groups operating in eastern DRC, with a total of 75 repatriation cycles carried out to date.
Annalena Baerbock, president of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), said in a statement that she has signed a joint letter with President of the UN Security Council for the month of November, Michael Imran Kanu, permanent representative of Sierra Leone to the United Nations, formally initiating the selection and appointment process for the next UN secretary-general.
With the issuance of the joint letter, the president of the UNGA and the president of the Security Council invite UN member states to nominate candidates for the position of the UN secretary-general, who will take over the role from Jan. 1, 2027. The letter includes a call to member states to strongly consider nominating women as candidates.
As president of the UNGA, Baerbock said she will “ensure that the process reflects the principles of the United Nations Charter and the very best of our shared commitments and values.”
“The selection of the next Secretary-General comes at a pivotal moment for the United Nations. We are confronted with escalating conflicts, a rapidly advancing climate crisis, expanding humanitarian needs, enduring obstacles to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals, and an increasing pushback against human rights,” Baerbock said.
The multilateral system, with the United Nations at its center, is under mounting financial and political pressure, while “the world needs the United Nations more than ever,” she said.
“The world is looking to the next Secretary-General to provide strong, dedicated and effective leadership in delivering on the three pillars of the United Nations, peace and security, human rights and development, and in making the United Nations fit for the future,” said the UNGA president.
Antonio Guterres, the current and ninth secretary-general of the United Nations, took office in January 2017.
