Category: News

António Guterres was speaking at UN Headquarters in New York following the ninth conference between the global body and the African Union (AU).

The high-level talks focused on progress in implementing cooperation frameworks but also on joint action and challenges in the areas of peace, security, development, human rights and climate action.

“Cooperation between our organizations has never been stronger — or more necessary,” the Secretary-General said at a press briefing alongside the Chairperson of the AU Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.

“Our world is in turmoil, rocked by deadly conflicts, widening inequalities, climate chaos and runaway technologies. The impacts are felt deeply on the African continent.”

Youssouf said the partners have aligned their respective development agendas.

They also are working closely on flagship peace programmes, including the AU’s efforts to ‘Silence the Guns’ by 2030, and are now “very much involved” in advancing climate justice and energy transition.

He also highlighted commitment to work with all parties and stakeholders at the UN on Security Council reform.

“These reforms are indeed of paramount importance and would ultimately consolidate the multilateral system,” he said.

The two organizations also face financial strains and “need to adapt our actions and programmes to the new realities.” They also must continue to support peace operations, the fight against terrorism, conflict prevention and resolution, and focus most of their efforts on humanitarian affairs.

The Secretary-General outlined three areas where decisive action is needed, starting with simply prioritizing Africa.

He noted that the Pact for the Future, adopted last year by Member States, also called for Africa to have permanent seats on the Security Council, “correcting once and for all an intolerable injustice faced by the African continent.”

His second point concerned financing for development and innovation. Although Africa has vast resources, “its progress is held back by an outdated and unfair global financial system,” he said.

“The time has come to reform this financial architecture – so it reflects the world of today and better serves the needs of developing countries, particularly in Africa.”

He recalled that “African leadership helped secure the Sevilla Commitment,” an agreement reached by Member States this year, which includes steps to advance issues such as easing debt burdens and lowering borrowing costs.

The Secretary-General will urge the G20 group of industrialized nations “to lead on these long-overdue reforms” when he attends their summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, later this month.

Finally, turning to investing in peace, the UN chief reaffirmed his full support for the Silencing the Guns initiative.

“And its time is now,” he added. “Today, Africa is home to too many conflicts and too much suffering.”

On Sudan, he expressed grave concern over recent reports of mass atrocities and gross human rights violations in El Fasher and worsening violence in the Kordofans.

He also voiced alarm over rising insecurity in the Sahel, and highlighted other situations across the continent, including in Mali, South Sudan, Somalia, Libya and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

“The world must not turn its back on Africa, home to nearly one-fifth of humanity,” the UN chief underlined, warning that “the stakes are too high. And the potential is too great.”

The House voted 222-209 to pass the deal, two days after the Senate voted 60-40 to approve the spending package. The legislation now goes to President Donald Trump, who is expected to sign it soon.

The package would fund most federal agencies at current levels through Jan. 30, while providing full fiscal year funding for the Agriculture Department, the Veterans Affairs Department and military construction projects and the operations of Congress as well as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, whose funding was put in jeopardy amid the prolonged government shutdown.

The latest measure rescinds layoffs implemented by federal agencies since the government shutdown began on Oct. 1 and prohibits any further reductions in force before the expiration of the continuing resolution on Jan. 30.

The bill also provides back pay to all federal employees who did not receive pay during the shutdown. Although providing back pay after a shutdown is standard practice, Trump has warned that furloughed federal employees may not receive such payments.

As part of Democrats’ agreement to end the shutdown, Senate Majority Leader John Thune promised Senate Democrats a vote “no later than the second week in December” to enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies.

Some Democrats voiced objection, arguing that the agreement merely promises a vote and does not ensure the continuation of the subsidy, which is set to expire at the end of the year. Protecting health care benefits remains the Democrats’ central demand in the record-long shutdown standoff.

Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent who caucuses with Democrats, called the deal a “disaster,” saying that Democrats gained almost nothing from it except a symbolic vote on health insurance subsidies. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker wrote on X that this was not a deal but an “empty promise.”

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York is among those who voted against the package. However, some Democrats are still furious with him and believe that he should be removed from the leadership position.

U.S. media have widely described the eight Democrats as “caving in,” but the lawmakers said that their compromise with the Republicans was primarily driven by the fact that the government shutdown had already caused too much pain for the American people.

This package covers only three of the 12 annual appropriations bills Congress must pass each year, leaving nine bills to be finalized.

During the period when the temporary funding measure is in effect, both parties will continue negotiating the remaining appropriations, meaning the U.S. government could face another potential shutdown in just over two months.

He was speaking in Conakry, Guinea, on Wednesday, at the opening of the Transform Africa Summit (TAS) 2025, organised by the Smart Africa Alliance under the theme “AI for Africa: Innovate Locally, Impact Globally.”

The Transform Africa Summit (TAS), held annually, brings together Heads of State, policymakers, and innovators to accelerate Africa’s ongoing digital revolution.

In his remarks, President Kagame said that Africa’s success in the age of artificial intelligence will depend not only on how fast countries deploy new technologies, but also on how well they apply them to solve real, local problems.

“Artificial intelligence, the theme of this year’s conversation, is a case in point. For Africa, success will not only depend on how quickly we deploy this new tool, but also on which problems we choose to apply it to,” he said.

He added that Rwanda has already laid the groundwork for a national AI policy aimed at guiding innovation in key sectors such as healthcare, education, and agriculture, with projections showing that AI could contribute up to 5 percent of Rwanda’s GDP in the near future.

{{Closing Africa’s digital gap
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President Kagame noted that despite Africa’s youthful and tech-savvy population, many countries still face challenges in digital infrastructure, skills development, and regulatory frameworks.

“The investment deficit in digital infrastructure, skills, and regulatory framework is what slows us down. Closing these structural gaps requires close collaboration between the public and private sector,” he said.

He commended Smart Africa for spearheading initiatives such as the Africa Artificial Intelligence Council and the AI Fund, describing them as “important foundations to advance our continent’s priorities.”

President Kagame also urged African nations not to be swayed by fears surrounding AI’s impact on jobs and privacy, noting that while some of these concerns are valid, they should not overshadow the transformative opportunities AI brings.

“Right now, there is a lot of uncertainty surrounding artificial intelligence, especially regarding the future of work, privacy, and safety. Some of it is completely unjustified, and some of it is just fear of the unknown,” he said.

“Regardless of the sentiment, this new reality is here to stay with us, and we must learn how to adapt and live with it.”

Technology won’t replace anyone

In a reassuring message, President Kagame emphasised that technological progress has historically uplifted, rather than replaced, humanity.

“This is not the first nor the last wave of technological progress that Africa and the world will witness,” he said.

“Science and technology are powerful engines of creativity and performance that are not here to replace anyone. Almost always, humanity has been better for it. Let’s make the most of these times.”

President Kagame arrived in Conakry on Tuesday, where he joined President Mamady Doumbouya for the launch of the Simandou Iron Ore Project, one of the largest ongoing mining initiatives in the world.

The Simandou deposit is regarded as the world’s largest known untapped iron ore reserve, estimated to contain between 3 and 4 billion tonnes of high-grade recoverable iron ore.

The project, expected to reach full production by 2030, will produce around 120 million tonnes of iron ore annually, positioning Guinea as a key player in the global mineral economy.

The event was attended by Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and Sarah bint Yousef Al Amiri, Minister of Education, in addition to a number of senior officials and partners.

The event concluded with the participation of public figures from different sectors, who took the very first steps “towards Mars” on the stationary treadmills, marking the initial contributions to the national collective countdown and goal.

The national ‘Walk to Mars’ initiative looks to transform movement into achievement, encouraging participants to collectively cover 54 million kilometres together, equivalent to the distance between Earth and Mars, and thereby also marking the 54th year of the nation.

Through walking, running, cycling, swimming, and other physical activities, participants of all ages and fitness levels are invited to take part under the theme “Every Step Makes a Difference.”

The initiative aims to promote daily movement, community wellbeing, and a culture of active living across the UAE, ensuring that the goal is attained in time for the upcoming Games.

Sarah Al Amiri said, “Walk to Mars embodies the spirit of the continual pursuit of progress that distinguishes the United Arab Emirates. Just as our passion for science led us to explore space and reach Mars, today this national, social movement leads us toward a unified goal that reflects the power of will and collective action.

“Every step we take is not merely a distance covered, but an investment in our health and in a more prosperous, vibrant future for coming generations. Through this journey, we affirm that ambition begins with each and every individual, and their constant ability to move, learn, and grow.”

Aref Hamad Al Awani, Secretary-General of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, stated, “This first-of-its-kind national movement embodies the spirit of collective ambition that defines the UAE. Through this initiative, we aim to inspire every individual to move with purpose and take part in a collective challenge that goes beyond fitness, it’s about unity, progress, and pride. Together, we can show the world what it means to dream big and achieve as one community.”

Following the event, interactive and community activities will be held to encourage participation and raise awareness of healthy lifestyles.

The Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 application will allow participants to track progress and record their contributions from across the Emirates. It is open to everyone aged 30 and above, with no fitness or experience limits.

The Congolese army had previously stated that it was on a mission to eliminate the FDLR. However, skepticism surrounding this statement arises from the group’s longstanding ties with the Congolese army, which has collaborated with the militia for years.

The FDLR emerged in 2000, originating from the ALiR group. Its founders were former members of the Interahamwe, the militia responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, along with defeated soldiers (Ex-FAR) and some Rwandan refugees.

On June 27, 2025, Rwanda and the DRC, with the support of the United States, signed a peace agreement that included clauses for dismantling the FDLR. According to the Concept of Operations (CONOPS), before launching the operation, an awareness campaign would first urge the group’s fighters to surrender their weapons and prepare for repatriation.

On October 10, 2025, the DRC army called on FDLR fighters to surrender their arms to the DRC government or to the United Nations peacekeeping forces (MONUSCO). Following this, a group of DRC soldiers, led by Brigadier General Patrick Sasa Nzita, head of the country’s military intelligence, was sent to Walikale to lead a “campaign” urging the FDLR fighters to disarm.

However, the soldiers reported that “no FDLR fighters were seen.” When asked why the campaign was conducted in areas where the fighters were not present, they explained that these areas were the closest to the militia’s main strongholds.

{{Where is the FDLR located?}}

FDLR fighters were initially based in various areas of North Kivu, such as Rutshuru and Masisi, but attacks by the AFC/M23 group forced them to retreat to remote areas controlled by the DRC army and local militias, including Wazalendo.

AFC/M23 has indicated that some FDLR fighters have sought refuge in South Kivu, where they are collaborating with Burundian forces and other groups to launch attacks on the Banyamulenge people in the Fizi, Uvira, and Mwenga territories.

According to Rwanda’s Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), senior leaders of the FDLR are located in the Walikale territory, areas controlled by the DRC government, such as Buhaya.

These leaders include FDLR President Lt Gen Gaston Iyamuremye and the group’s military commander, Pacifique Ntawunguka, also known as ‘Gen Omega.’

The DRC army has suggested that FDLR fighters are now located in areas controlled by AFC/M23, attempting to evade responsibility for dismantling the group, although it has not officially acknowledged this.

{{FDLR’s resistance to disarmament}}

In an interview with Radio France Internationale (RFI), Lt Col Octavien Mutimura, the spokesperson for FDLR-FOCA, reiterated the group’s stance that its fighters remain in the forests of the DRC to protect “abandoned Rwandan refugees.”

Lt Col Mutimura stated that the FDLR has no intention of laying down arms, asserting that its fighters are not afraid of potential attacks in the future.
He said, “We are here to defend ourselves and protect the abandoned Rwandan refugees. Asking us to lay down our arms without honoring our request is just a dream.”

Although the FDLR claims to be protecting Rwandan refugees, Rwanda continues to receive many individuals who were held captive by the group, with support from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

The Rwandan government reports that over 5,000 Rwandans have returned since January 2025, with 222 returning in the most recent repatriation on November 6, 2025.

The FDLR targets those it knows are planning to return to Rwanda, either killing them or subjecting them to severe punishments, including torture.

Ntawiha Feza, a returnee, shared her experience with IGIHE, saying, “I feel relieved because I have made it back home. I have three children. My husband was killed. We were about to return when they killed him, and I came back alone. I am hopeful we will live well now that we’re home.”

{{Fighters}}

As AFC/M23 resumed fighting in November 2021, the DRC government repeatedly claimed that the FDLR was a small group of aging fighters, incapable of threatening Rwanda’s security.

In September 2022, President Félix Tshisekedi stated that his country had disarmed hundreds of FDLR fighters more than twice, claiming this demonstrated political will. He further asserted that the FDLR was no longer a security threat.

However, the DRC army’s collaboration with this terrorist group has been confirmed by UN experts, who have documented the ongoing ties in reports approved by the UN Security Council.

Various reports estimate the number of FDLR fighters to be between 1,500 and 3,000. Lt Col Mutimura disputed these figures, stating that the number of fighters is much higher.

In June 2025, Rwanda’s military spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Ronald Rwivanga, stated that the FDLR’s fighters were estimated to number between 7,000 and 10,000. He also noted that when they expect an attack, they blend in with civilians to shield themselves.

{{Repeated shielding patterns}}

Under international pressure, in September 2024, the DRC army initiated operations aimed at dismantling FDLR strongholds in areas near the city of Sake, including Shove, Kimoka, Lupango, and Mubambiro.

Before these operations began, Gen Maj Peter Cirimwami, the then Governor of North Kivu, notified senior FDLR leaders, prompting them to relocate their positions.

On September 23 and 24, elite forces led by Lt Col Donatien Bawili carried out attacks in these areas. On September 25 and 26, the 11th Brigade, led by Gen Papi Lupende, also launched an assault in Rusayo. It was later revealed that the forces fighting the DRC army were members of the APCLS group, led by Janvier Karairi, not the FDLR.

While UN experts suggest that these attacks were not specifically targeting the FDLR, Lt Col Mutimura reported that the group lost “many fighters and significant equipment” during the September 2024 operations.

Lt Col Mutimura’s statement attempts to clarify that the FDLR is not collaborating with the DRC army, but strong evidence points to a partnership, particularly in the context of their shared fight against the AFC/M23.

On January 25, 2025, the wife of President Tshisekedi visited wounded soldiers being treated at the Kokolo and Tshatshi military hospitals. Among the injured, one soldier was found with a tattoo representing the elite FDLR unit, known as CRAP.

Ahead of the World Cycling Championship, which took place from September 21-28, 2025, several roads in Kigali were temporarily cleared of speed bumps to ensure smooth traffic flow and facilitate the event’s organization.

Some of the roads affected include Downtown – Nyamirambo, Nyabugogo-Kimisagara – Nyamiramo, and Sopetrade-Kimihurura.

City of Kigali spokesperson Ntirenganya Emma Claudine clarified that the removal of the speed bumps is not permanent, as they play an important role in reducing vehicle speeds.

“The reinstatement of speed bumps will depend on the specific location and its conditions. In some areas, the speed bumps will be restored, while in others, alternative traffic signs and measures will be put in place to manage speed more effectively. Each area will be assessed individually. Reducing speed on the roads is not only about speed bumps; other methods, such as signage, will also be used,” she explained.

Although Ntirenganya did not provide a specific date the work will begin, she confirmed that relevant authorities are currently evaluating the logistics of the restoration, based on the characteristics of each area.

The seventh biennial Scientific Conference on Medical Products Regulation in Africa (SCoMRA VII) was held in Kenya’s coastal city of Mombasa, with delegates reflecting on the growing urgency to address vulnerabilities exposed by emergencies like the Ebola outbreak and COVID-19.

John Munyu, chairperson of Kenya’s Pharmacy and Poisons Board, said unlocking Africa’s potential in health product manufacturing and trade is a continental priority.

“Africa imports over 90 percent of its medicines and produces less than one percent of its vaccines. This is not just a statistic; it reflects our dependence and vulnerability, which the COVID-19 pandemic painfully exposed,” he said.

“SCoMRA VII is not merely a conference; it is a strategic platform to make this vision real to catalyze local manufacturing, support intra-African trade under the Africa Continental Free Trade Area, and ensure that quality, safe, and effective medical products reach every African,” he added.

African Medicines Agency (AMA)’s Director-General Delese Mimi Darko underscored the institution’s commitment to supporting local pharmaceutical manufacturing across Africa.

Darko said increased regional production will improve access to safe, affordable, and high-quality medical products, while reducing dependence on imports.

Symerre Grey-Johnson, director of human capital and institutional development at the African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for Africa’s Development, said Africa has made strategic moves to actualize medical product manufacturing through the establishment of the AMA.

Grey-Johnson noted that the establishment provides predictable regulatory functions and authoritative continental leadership, ensuring long-term sustainability for Africa’s health future.

These Rwandans had spent three days at a temporary disarmament and reintegration center in Goma before their return.

According to MONUSCO, a total of 49 Rwandans were repatriated, all of whom expressed joy at returning home and urged their compatriots still in the forests to lay down their arms and live peacefully with others.

From January to October 2025, MONUSCO facilitated the repatriation of 54 Rwandan ex-combatants, mostly from the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), together with 44 of their family members.

Upon arrival in Rwanda, the ex-combatants are taken to the Mutobo Demobilization and Reintegration Center in Musanze District, operated by the Rwanda Demobilization and Reintegration Commission (RDRC), where they receive training to help them reintegrate into civilian life and achieve self-reliance.

On October 30, the RDRC reintegrated 143 former FDLR combatants who had completed between three and six months of training at the Mutobo center.

The commission reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing support for those who choose to return peacefully.