The House of Representatives passed the legislation on Tuesday by 427–1, with Republican Clay Higgins casting the sole vote against it. Just hours later, the Senate cleared the bill through unanimous consent, fast-tracking it without debate or amendments. The rare bipartisan alignment ensures the legislation will reach the president’s desk within days.
The vote followed a rapid turn in political dynamics after President Trump abruptly reversed his opposition to releasing the files, urging Republicans to support the measure.
The change came amid significant pressure from his supporters and renewed public attention on Epstein after more than 20,000 pages of documents, including emails referencing Trump, were published last week. The White House has maintained that the president did nothing wrong and has criticised the release of selective correspondence.
The legislation, co-authored by Republican Thomas Massie and Democrat Ro Khanna, requires Attorney General Pam Bondi to publish all unclassified records, communications, flight logs and investigative materials relating to Epstein and his long-time associate Ghislaine Maxwell within 30 days of enactment.
However, Bondi may withhold or redact information that would reveal victims’ identities or compromise active federal investigations.
The push for disclosure has been driven in large part by survivors of Epstein’s abuse, several of whom watched Tuesday’s vote from the House gallery and gathered earlier outside the Capitol to demand full transparency.
Annie Farmer, an Epstein survivor and key witness in Maxwell’s trial, said concealing the files amounted to “institutional betrayal”, arguing that investigative failures had allowed further harm. Sky Roberts, brother of the late Virginia Giuffre, praised his sister’s longstanding advocacy: “She paved the way for us to come forward… and we won’t stop.”
Political tensions around the effort have been significant. Republican leaders, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, had previously echoed Trump’s earlier stance and opposed the release, with Johnson describing it as a “Democrat hoax”.
He later voted yes but continued voicing concerns about protecting victims’ privacy. Massie, meanwhile, criticised colleagues who resisted disclosure, warning that blocking the legislation would be seen as shielding abusers.
The issue has also strained relationships within Trump’s political circle. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, once a steadfast supporter of the president, accused him of undermining efforts to secure justice for survivors. Survivors themselves voiced frustration with Trump’s handling of the matter, with Jena-Lisa Jones urging the president to “stop making this political”.
The bill reinforces and expands upon the House Oversight Committee’s ongoing investigation, which has already released tens of thousands of pages of records from the Epstein probe.
Recent documents include email exchanges between Epstein, Maxwell and author Michael Wolff that reference Trump, though none allege wrongdoing by the president. The White House has condemned the release of selected emails as politically motivated.
Epstein, who socialised in elite circles for decades, was convicted in 2008 of soliciting prostitution from a minor. In 2019, he was charged with federal sex trafficking offences but was found dead in his New York jail cell weeks later, in what authorities ruled a suicide. Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year sentence for her role in procuring victims.
As lawmakers await Trump’s signature, survivors and advocates say the coming release represents a crucial step toward transparency in a case that has spanned decades and implicated powerful figures across politics, finance and international society. Whether the files will answer long-standing questions, or raise new ones, is likely to become clear within weeks.
Using food supplements is a modern approach to obtaining nutrients from a variety of plants, all compressed into a single pill or spoonful of powder.
This method is commonly used in developed countries, where people seeking a diverse range of fruits, including rare ones, turn to supplements to access the nutrients they cannot easily obtain.
In Rwanda, there is only one factory producing these supplements, known as Alpha Natural Resources Company (ANARECO Ltd).
It was founded by Dr. Emmanuel Manirafasha, a visionary dedicated to developing food products that function as medicine without causing any harm to the body.
Dr. Manirafasha is one of Rwanda’s leading experts in Biochemistry and Chemistry, specializing in the creation of non-toxic medicines derived from natural resources. He pursued his studies in China at one of the world’s top universities, where he earned a Ph.D. His work has resulted in the development of several innovative formulas for various projects.
The Chinese government offered him considerable financial support to implement his formulas, including a hefty sum of $5 million, as well as other assets, including land and properties in China. However, he turned down the offer and decided to bring his innovative work back to Rwanda.
One of the formulas he developed allows for the creation of nutritional supplements that combine various plants into a single pill or spoonful of powder.
These products help the body gain the required strength and energy and efficiently eliminate waste.
This formula was so valuable that the Chinese government tried to secure it by offering Dr. Manirafasha $5 million, along with further perks, but he chose to remain in Rwanda to develop it.
Among the supplements he developed is METABOOSTa, a combination of 12 different plants, some found in Rwanda, others imported. The ingredients include fruits, vegetables, grains, and seeds, such as bananas, maize, papaya, and chia seeds, all combined into a single supplement.
Another supplement, MetabAsta, is made in capsule form. The capsule dissolves in the stomach to protect it from stomach acid and supports the body’s energy production.
Dr. Manirafasha has leveraged advanced technology in his factory, ANARECO Ltd, to create these products.
When the Chinese government realized he refused to sell his formula to them, they decided to collaborate, offering access to their high-tech laboratories for his work.
METABOOSTa is easy to use; one takes two spoons of powder, mixes it in water, and drinks it like tea without needing sugar, as the formula replaces the need for sweeteners. It is taken before consuming any other food or supplements. On the other hand, MetabAsta requires the consumption of two capsules in the morning and evening after meals.
According to Dr. Manirafasha, a 250g pack of METABOOSTa costs Frw 20,000, which is affordable compared to other similar products on the market, which can cost up to Frw 400,000 for various packages taking into consideration the variety of blended ingredients.
For MetabAsta, Dr. Manirafasha says, one can buy 60 capsules for just Frw 40,000 at ANARECO Ltd, while elsewhere the same package could cost up to Frw 800,000.
Dr. Manirafasha imports certain ingredients from China, where high-tech factories help in manufacturing a variety of plant-based powders. These ingredients are then blended in Rwanda, using machines capable of processing up to 400kg at a time.
In an interview with IGIHE, Dr. Manirafasha stated his plan to export 80% of his products abroad.
He explained, “We combine various ingredients like papaya, maize, chia seeds, and bananas into METABOOSTa, providing every type of nutrient needed without missing any. That’s the power of our formula.”
For MetabAsta, the capsules are produced in machines at ANARECO Ltd, which ensure the proper filling and sealing of each capsule. The factory uses high-tech equipment to ensure the quality of each batch.
Once the process is complete, each product is labeled with a unique technological mark that prevents counterfeiting.
Dr. Manirafasha also shared his ambitious plans for the future. “We are expanding our factory. In three years, we aim to have a major production facility with 12 different manufacturing lines for products like METABOOSTa. We are also looking to hire over 3,000 employees.”
The capsules produced at the factory are highly efficient, with one machine able to produce 400 capsules per minute. Soon, another machine will be introduced, capable of producing 1,000 capsules per minute. With plans for a large-scale factory, Dr. Manirafasha’s vision is to be able to produce up to 10,000 capsules per minute.
“We are in the process of acquiring land for the factory, which will include research and testing labs to ensure our products meet the highest standards,” he added.
Through his innovative work, Dr. Manirafasha is not only revolutionizing the nutritional supplement industry in Rwanda but is also positioning the country as a leader in advanced health supplements on the global market.
In late January 2025, during intense battles in Goma, some DRC soldiers sought refuge at the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) bases, while others fled to South Kivu. Some crossed into Rwanda, while others headed towards the northern regions of North Kivu.
Those who took refuge in North Kivu continued their journey, crossing the Ugandan border, where they were accepted as refugees.
On November 17, the Governor of North Kivu, Maj Gen Evariste Kakule Somo, appointed by the DRC government, along with other military and civilian officials, traveled to the Kasindi-Lubiriha border to welcome the returning soldiers.
“We have come to witness the handover, by Uganda’s migration services, of the FARDC soldiers who had crossed into Uganda from the areas of North Kivu controlled by the attackers. We observe that they were being well cared for by this friendly country,” said Maj Gen Somo as quoted by 7sur7.
The DRC government has not disclosed the exact number of soldiers repatriated by Uganda.
The U.S.-drafted Resolution 2803 won the support of 13 council members. Russia, which has presented a competing draft resolution, abstained, along with China.
The resolution endorses the 20-point Comprehensive Plan for Gaza announced by U.S. President Donald Trump in September.
It welcomes the establishment of a Board of Peace (BoP) as a “transitional administration” that will set the framework and coordinate funding for the redevelopment of Gaza “until such time as the Palestinian Authority (PA) has satisfactorily completed its reform program … and can securely and effectively take back control of Gaza.”
After the PA reform program is faithfully carried out and Gaza redevelopment has advanced, conditions may finally be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood. The United States will establish a dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians to agree on a political horizon for peaceful and prosperous coexistence, reads the resolution.
It authorizes UN member states and the BoP to establish a temporary ISF in Gaza to deploy under a unified command, with forces contributed by participating states, and to use all necessary measures to carry out its mandate consistent with international law.
The ISF is tasked, among others, to help secure border areas, stabilize the security environment in Gaza by ensuring the process of demilitarizing the Gaza Strip, protect civilians, and coordinate with relevant states to secure humanitarian corridors, according to the resolution.
The ISF operates under the strategic guidance of the BoP and will be funded through voluntary contributions from donors and BoP funding vehicles and governments.
The resolution authorizes the BoP and the international civil and security presence in Gaza until Dec. 31, 2027, subject to further action by the Security Council.
It requests the BoP to provide a written report on progress to the Security Council every six months.
In a statement released by the official WAFA news agency, the PA welcomed the adoption of the resolution, reiterating its readiness to assume full responsibilities in the Gaza Strip within the framework of the unity of land, people, and institutions, and stressing that Gaza is an inseparable part of the State of Palestine.
The PA also voiced readiness to work with all relevant parties “to implement the resolution in a manner that ends the suffering of the Palestinian people in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem, and advances a political path leading to peace, security, and stability between Palestinians and Israelis based on the two-state solution in line with international law and legitimacy.”
Hamas issued a statement on the same day, criticizing the resolution for not meeting the political and humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people, particularly those in Gaza.
It added that the proposal seeks to impose outcomes that Israel “failed to achieve militarily,” and separates Gaza from the rest of the Palestinian territory in a way that undermines Palestinian national rights.
Hamas also warned that assigning tasks to an international force inside Gaza would compromise the force’s neutrality and turn it into a party to the conflict. It said that any international force should operate only along the borders under full UN supervision and in coordination with official Palestinian institutions, and should focus on monitoring a ceasefire and facilitating humanitarian aid.
In a televised address from Chamwino State House in the capital Dodoma, Hassan confirmed that Mahmoud Thabit Kombo will continue serving as Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation.
Khamis Mussa Omar has been appointed as the new minister for finance, succeeding Mwigulu Nchemba, who recently assumed the position of Prime Minister.
The president also appointed Rhimo Simeon Nyansaho as minister for defense and national service, replacing Stergomena Lawrence, who retired from public service.
As part of the restructuring, Hassan announced the creation of a new ministry dedicated to youth development, underscoring the government’s focus on empowering young people.
The newly appointed ministers are scheduled to be sworn in on Tuesday at Chamwino State House.
The two-day event, co-hosted by Xinhua News Agency, the African Union (AU) and South Africa’s Independent Media, among other partners, gathered more than 200 representatives from over 160 media outlets, think tanks, government organizations and other institutions from China and 41 African countries, as well as the AU.
It focuses on how collaboration between media and think tanks can contribute to shaping a fairer and more inclusive global governance under the theme “Reforming Global Governance: New Roles and Visions for China-Africa Cooperation.”
{{Strengthening China-Africa synergy}}
Against the backdrop of profound changes unseen in a century, the awakening of the Global South and its growing cooperation have become an indispensable part of the international landscape, with China-Africa cooperation at the core.
In 2015, 2018 and 2021, China successively announced at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) the implementation of the 10 cooperation plans, eight major initiatives and nine programs, drawing a blueprint for China-Africa cooperation.
Quoting an African proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together,” Lyu Yansong, editor-in-chief of Xinhua News Agency, called on media and think tanks to take the conference as an opportunity to build consensus, strengthen solidarity and collaboration, and jointly create a better future in his keynote speech at the opening ceremony.
Addressing the event, Chinese Ambassador to South Africa Wu Peng shared three keywords on China-Africa cooperation — partnership, practicality and prospects.
“China is ready to work with African countries to implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, further expand win-win cooperation across all fields, and speed up the common modernization of China and Africa,” said Wu.
Noting that the relationship between Africa and China has evolved over decades of solidarity, mutual respect and shared aspirations for development, Leslie Richer, the AU director of information and communication, said that Africa will work with China and other Global South partners to make its voice heard more strongly, while promoting more balanced narratives through closer media and think tank cooperation.
The event featured the launch of the Global South joint communication partnership network “United in Heart, Path and Action — 2026 China-Africa Partnership Empowerment Action Plan,” with the aim of better supporting the shared development of China and Africa.
Applauding the development of the Africa-China relationship, Jonathan Titus-Williams, deputy minister of planning and economic development of Sierra Leone, said that the partnership has long been characterized by solidarity and shared purpose grounded in mutual respect, equality, and a collective aspiration for a just and peaceful world.
As the permanent host of the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, China’s Hunan province has made great efforts in recent years to promote cooperation in various fields such as agriculture, green energy and industrial chains with African partners.
Recognizing the expo as an important initiative under the FOCAC’s major action plans, Shen Yumou, head of the Hunan provincial commerce department, said that Hunan has been aiming to enhance China-Africa cooperation, focusing on building six major centers for trade in non-resource products, cross-border e-commerce, industrial development, financial cooperation, logistics and trade promotion, to serve as a strategic hub for China-Africa economic ties.
{{Promoting inclusive governance}}
At the conference, the Xinhua Institute, a think tank affiliated with Xinhua News Agency, released a report titled “Jointly Building a New Model of Global Leadership — Work Together in Pursuit of a More Just and Rational Global Governance System.”
The report argues that the world faces a global leadership deficit, reflected in the failure of peace, imbalance in development and discord among civilizations. It calls for a “new model of global leadership,” one that does not emanate from any single country, bloc or international organization, but rather represents a multilateral form of leadership — a synergy forged by the international community in active response to global challenges.
Noting the Global Governance Initiative put forward by China at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Tianjin Summit in September, Lyu said, “Let us put the initiative into practice and jointly shape a just and equitable international order.”
He emphasized that media and think tanks from China and Africa should comprehensively expound on the Global South’s solutions for advancing the reform of the global governance system, and demonstrate the Global South’s strength reflected in the solidarity and cooperation of developing countries.
The remarks by Xinhua’s editor-in-chief resonated strongly with the participants.
“Tunisia and many African countries are key partners in the Global Governance Initiative and support China’s aspiration for a fairer and more equitable world order,” said Najeh Missaoui, chairman and CEO of the Tunis Africa News Agency.
Stressing the media’s role in advancing shared governance, Missaoui noted that the media is no longer just a tool for delivering news or sharing information; it has become a powerful force of cultural influence — shaping public opinion, contributing to decision-making, and nurturing dialogue and mutual understanding among peoples.
Similarly, Ismaila Ceesay, minister for information of The Gambia, said that it is believed that the future of global governance must be inclusive, multipolar and reflective of the rich diversity of human experience.
“China’s support in fostering training, technology transfer and infrastructure development across Africa’s media landscape is a valuable contribution toward this goal,” he added.
{{Forging shared future}}
The highlights of China-Africa cooperation represent the Chinese vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity.
Since the establishment of FOCAC 25 years ago, China and Africa have cooperated on building or upgrading nearly 100,000 km of roads and more than 10,000 km of railways across Africa. Over the past three years, Chinese enterprises have created more than 1.1 million jobs on the African continent. The results of China-Africa cooperation are visible and palpable, and have truly benefited the people of both sides.
Iqbal Surve, chairman of South Africa’s Independent Media, hailed the Africa-China partnership as a beacon of what genuine cooperation can achieve, one grounded in mutual respect, shared goals, and a commitment to building a fairer, more inclusive world order.
“Together, we can build a world that is more balanced, more just, and more humane — a world where every voice counts and every nation thrives,” he added.
From Madagascar’s hybrid rice to agricultural poverty reduction demonstration villages in Sao Tome and Principe, from Ethiopia’s Eastern Industrial Zone to the China-Egypt TEDA Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone, and from Mauritania’s China-Africa Green Technology Park to the geothermal power plant of Sosian Energy in Kenya, the Chinese solutions are boosting the continent’s modernization drive.
Erastus Mwencha, former deputy chairperson of the AU Commission, praised China as one of the countries that really speak and advocate for the Global South, noting that Africa’s Ubuntu philosophy, which means “I am because we are” holds that no one should be left behind, and reflects values that align closely with China’s vision and advocacy.
Noting the importance of an action-led global governance model to address the practical concerns of sustainable peace and development, Peter Kagwanja, president and chief executive of the Africa Policy Institute, said that Africa and China should partner in the proposed Global Governance Initiative as the surest pathway to a reformed and inclusive global governance system.
“It is key to realize the noble dream of a community with a shared future for humanity in a multipolar order,” he added.
The event took place at the university’s main campus in Masoro, Kigali, Rwanda, where AUCA conferred degrees for the 31st time. Among the graduates, 528 received bachelor’s degrees in various fields, including Theology, Education, Information Technology, Nursing, Finance, and more.
Additionally, 199 students graduated with master’s degrees in programs such as Master of Business Administration, Master of Education, and Master of Science.
The graduates hailed from Rwanda and 22 other countries, predominantly from across Africa.
Aimé Nduwayesu, a graduate from the Education department and representative of the master’s degree holders, spoke about how the education received at AUCA will enable them to become catalysts for positive change and contribute solutions to Rwanda’s challenges.
“In Kinyarwanda, it is said that those who seek to wear a crown must bear its weight. That’s why we won’t disappoint; we are young leaders ready to be on the front lines,” said Nduwayesu.
AUCA Vice Chancellor Dr. Pacifique Nizeyimana, congratulated the graduates for their dedication and hard work.
“I know you worked hard and prayed to reach this goal,” he said, urging them to uphold integrity as they navigate the challenges ahead.
Dr. Edouard Kadozi, the Director-General of the Rwanda Higher Education Council (HEC), also commended AUCA for its continued contribution to the nation’s development through quality education.
He emphasized that the graduates are expected to play a pivotal role in the country’s efforts to build a knowledge-based economy, aligning with Rwanda’s Vision 2050 and the broader National Strategy for Transformation (NST2).
“As the country progresses towards a knowledge-based economy, you will be at the forefront as professionals driving these changes. No country can develop without a workforce equipped with the necessary skills in the labor market,” Dr. Kadozi said.
AUCA, which has been in existence for 41 years, was the first private university in Rwanda. It currently operates three campuses, two in Kigali and one in Karongi, Western Province.
The suspect, a 30-year-old dual Kenyan-US national, was apprehended on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at the Sirari border crossing in the Tarime-Rorya area, located near the border with Kenya.
According to Tanzanian police, the man, who was driving a Toyota Land Cruiser, was stopped during a routine security check as he crossed into Tanzania from Kenya.
During the search, the grenades were found in his possession. The police stated that even with permission, bringing hand grenades or any explosives into Tanzania is prohibited under the country’s arms ownership law.
The motive behind the suspect’s possession of the grenades remains unclear, and investigations are currently underway.
Tanzanian authorities have not yet disclosed further details regarding his destination or plans. He is being questioned, and authorities assured that appropriate legal action would be taken after the conclusion of the investigation.
The arrest comes amid nationwide crackdown on foreigners suspected of involvement in violent incidents following Tanzania’s elections held on October 29, 2025.
The elections saw President Samia Suluhu securing 98% of the votes.
Speaking to his cabinet, Netanyahu said Israel’s position has “not changed one bit”.
“Our opposition to the establishment of a Palestinian state on any land has not changed. I do not need affirmations, tweets, or lectures from anyone,” he added. Netanyahu has long argued that a Palestinian state would reward Hamas and could lead to a larger Hamas-run entity on Israel’s borders.
The U.S. resolution proposes a U.N. mandate to establish an international stabilisation force in Gaza, following the ceasefire deal brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump. Unlike previous drafts, it references a potential future Palestinian state, a prospect Netanyahu and his hard-line coalition partners reject.
Netanyahu also addressed the disarmament of Hamas in Gaza, saying, “Either this will happen the easy way, or it will happen the hard way.” Hamas and Palestinian factions criticised the U.S. proposal, describing it as biased toward Israel and a violation of Palestinian self-governance, insisting any international force should operate under U.N. supervision without Israel’s involvement.
International pressure on Netanyahu has grown following recent moves recognising Palestinian statehood. In September, the U.K., Australia, and Canada formally recognised Palestine, prompting Netanyahu to condemn the countries for offering what he called a “prize” to Hamas.
Netanyahu also commented on rising violence in the West Bank, including attacks by Jewish settlers and clashes with Palestinians. He described the violence as the work of a small minority, though Palestinian officials and human rights groups report a broader pattern, including seven deaths in recent weeks.
Defence Minister Israel Katz reiterated Israel’s position, stating, “Israel’s policy is clear: no Palestinian state will be established.” Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said the government “will not agree to the establishment of a Palestinian terror state in the heart of the Land of Israel,” while National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir dismissed the Palestinian identity as an “invention.”
The first phase of the U.S.-backed ceasefire deal has already seen the release of 20 surviving Israeli hostages and nearly all of the 28 deceased captives held by Palestinian militants. In return, Israel freed nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and returned 330 bodies.
As the Security Council prepares to vote on Monday, Netanyahu’s stance signals that Israel will not accept Palestinian statehood under any circumstances.
According to the Greek official news agency AMNA, the letter of intent between Greece’s DEPA Commercial and Ukraine’s Naftogaz will enable the transport of American liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Ukraine through the so-called Vertical Corridor from December 2025 to March 2026.
The agreement was signed in Athens in the presence of Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Zelensky.
Mitsotakis said the deal would provide Ukraine with “diversified and reliable energy sources,” noting that Greece has become an important hub for gas flows to Central and Eastern Europe.
During the visit, the two leaders also discussed reconstruction efforts in Ukraine, defense cooperation and Euro-Atlantic integration.
