Category: News

The twins, both males, were discovered on Saturday, January 3, 2026, by community trackers, who observed 22-year-old female Mafuko cradling her newborns. The park confirmed that “both appeared to be in healthy condition at the time of the observation.”

Twin births among mountain gorillas are exceptionally uncommon, occurring in roughly 1% of all births, and require extra care, as newborns rely entirely on their mother for survival during the first months of life. The last birth of mountain gorilla twins in Virunga National Park was in September 2020.

The birth of the twins increases the Bageni gorilla family to 59 individuals, making it the largest family in the park.

“This birth of twins constitutes the first birth recorded in 2026 at the Park. Twin births among mountain gorillas are rare and present additional challenges, particularly during the early months,” the park noted:

Authorities said that “additional monitoring and protection measures will be deployed to closely observe the twins and support their health and survival during this critical early period.”

Virunga National Park, Africa’s oldest and largest protected area, spans 7,800 square kilometers of rainforest, mountains, lakes, and active volcanoes. The park is home to fewer than 1,100 mountain gorillas, which are found only in Virunga and in neighbouring national parks in Rwanda and Uganda.

The Extraordinary Meeting of the Specialized Committee of Defense Experts of the ICGLR is expected to lay the groundwork for the Extraordinary Meeting of Chiefs of Defense Forces/Staff scheduled for Friday, followed by the Extraordinary Meeting of the Committee of Ministers of Defense on Saturday.

The meetings aim to forge a unified and coordinated regional response to the security situation in eastern DRC.

Among the key issues under consideration are the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism Plus (EJVM+), the terms of reference for the ceasefire, and the oversight and monitoring mechanism signed in Doha.

In his opening remarks, Zambia Army Commander Geoffrey Zyeele said the security challenges facing the region call for strengthened collective efforts, deeper information sharing, and enhanced coordinated cross-border operations.

He noted that armed groups have continued to destabilize peace and security in the region, describing the challenges as immense. “Only through unity of purpose and decisive action can we overcome these destabilizing forces and secure a future of lasting stability for the Great Lakes Region,” Zyeele said.

Zyeele added that the humanitarian situation in eastern DRC remains precarious, requiring urgent attention, as families are being displaced and communities continue to live under constant threat.

Yasir Ibrahim Ali Mohammed, deputy executive secretary of the ICGLR, said the humanitarian and security situation in eastern DRC has deteriorated significantly, threatening the sovereignty and territorial integrity of member states and risking peace and stability.

He expressed concern that the situation has worsened following the signing of the Washington Agreements last month, intended to reaffirm commitments to peace and prosperity.

“This underscores the urgent need for all parties to respect their engagements and honor the commitments they have made under regional and international agreements,” he said.

The meeting, he added, is a response to an escalating crisis that demands collective and decisive action.

The call came at a sensitive moment in the U.S.-Colombia relations, which have been strained over a series of disputes, including disagreements on drug policy and recent U.S. military action in the region. Trump recently called Colombia a “sick man” and suggested military action in the country “sounds good to me.”

According to a Colombian official familiar with the exchange, the leaders discussed issues related to drug trafficking and other disagreements, and both sides considered the dialogue a “180‑degree change” in rhetoric compared with previous statements.

President Trump confirmed the call and described it as “friendly,” even as tensions had escalated recently with sharp public criticism and accusations traded between the two leaders. Trump’s administration previously accused Petro of failing to control drug production and trafficking, and at times used harsh language in public about Colombia’s leadership.

Petro, who is Colombia’s first left‑leaning president in decades, has also been an outspoken critic of some U.S. policies, particularly military actions in neighbouring Venezuela. He condemned what he described as a violation of regional sovereignty and sharply criticized U.S. military involvement.

Despite the earlier tensions, both Trump and Petro expressed satisfaction with the tone of Wednesday’s call. The leaders agreed that diplomatic engagement was a priority and indicated plans to continue discussions and cooperation, including potentially meeting in Washington in the near future to address shared challenges.

The diplomatic shift comes as both countries face pressure to maintain cooperation on issues such as drug trafficking, regional security, and economic ties. Colombia has historically been a key ally of the United States, particularly in efforts to combat drug cartels and organized crime, and the renewed conversation suggests both governments are seeking to manage tensions and strengthen collaboration.

Analysts note that while the phone call represents a positive sign of diplomatic dialogue, significant issues remain unresolved. Both sides are expected to continue negotiations to find common ground on security concerns and policy differences that have previously driven a wedge between the two nations.

The ceremony was held on January 7, 2026, at the RWABG VII Base Camp in Bria, Sector East, Haute‑Kotto prefecture under the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).

The medals were presented to personnel from Rwanda Battle Group VII (RWABG VII) and the Rwanda Level II+ Hospital (RWAMED X).

The ceremony was presided over by the MINUSCA Deputy Force Commander, Major General Maychel Asmi, who commended the Rwandan contingents for their professionalism, discipline, and operational effectiveness.

He particularly highlighted their vital role in supporting the electoral process, in line with MINUSCA’s mandate.

Major General Asmi praised RWABG VII for its sustained efforts in securing the Bria, Ouadda, and Sam-Ouandja areas, and commended RWAMED X for providing critical medical services to both United Nations personnel and the local population.

In his remarks, Lieutenant Colonel Willy Ntagara, Contingent Commander of Rwanda Battle Group VII, described the medal parade as one of the highest honours in a military career. He noted that the recognition serves as strong motivation for continued commitment to the mission’s objectives and mandate.

Similarly, Colonel Dr. Simon R. Nyagasaza, Commander of RWAMED X, highlighted the achievements of the Rwandan level 2+ hospital over the past year since their deployment in January 2025. He said that RWAMED X has provided medical services to MINUSCA personnel and local civilians that contributed to the achievement of their mandate.

The United Nations service medals recognize peacekeepers who have completed their tour of duty with distinction, reflecting discipline, courage, and unwavering dedication to the mission.

The group included Police Constable Patrick Kithinji and Police Constable Ahmed Ali, both attached to the Tononoka Police Station Crime Office in Kenya. They were reportedly pursuing a suspect wanted in Kenya in connection with an alleged fraud case involving obtaining money by false pretence when they crossed into Tanzanian territory on Tuesday.

Also among those detained were the suspect’s wife, Sophia Menza Mbogo, their driver, Abdikadir Adan, and a government official from the Coast Development Authority, who were travelling together in a Kenyan government vehicle.

At the time of their arrest, Tanzanian authorities confiscated two loaded Ceska pistols, each held by one of the police officers, along with ammunition and the vehicle. The Tanzanian side said the group breached immigration laws and East African Community regulations by entering the United Republic of Tanzania without permission and carrying firearms on foreign soil without prior coordination.

Tanzanian officials stated that the group’s actions violated both national immigration laws and the East African Community One‑Stop Border Post Act, 2016, which governs the operation of joint border controls and requires partner states to coordinate cross‑border activities.

“I would like to confirm that five Kenyans were arrested for conducting the arrest of a suspect in violation of the law and the East African Community One‑Stop Border Post (OSBP) Act of 2016. I request that they be presented for further action,” said Earnest Lukaza, the Tanzanian officer in charge of the One‑Stop Border Post (OSBP) at Lunga Lunga, while confirming the arrest.

The detained Kenyans were initially held at the Horohoro border. A letter from Tanzanian authorities to Kenyan border officials notified them that the individuals entered Tanzania unlawfully and lacked the necessary authority to conduct an arrest on Tanzanian soil.

Following diplomatic engagement between the two countries, the five Kenyans were later handed over to Kenyan authorities at Lunga Lunga.

Among the fresh graduates, 15 specialized in e-commerce, while the remaining 15 pursued electrical automation technology under a program that allowed them to complete two years’ foundational training at RP-Musanze College before spending their final year in China.

For Aimable Tuyishime, a 23-year-old graduate in e-commerce, the year in China was a life-changing experience. “I spent almost a year in China, and now I am back to implement what I studied there,” he said in an interview with Xinhua.

Tuyishime described China’s e-commerce sector as “highly developed,” adding that the teaching approach is strongly practical rather than theoretical.

“We studied all aspects of e-commerce and improved our skills through hands-on experience,” Tuyishime said, adding that the study enabled him to gain extensive, real-world exposure to e-commerce in one of the world’s most advanced digital markets.

During their studies, students interacted with major Chinese e-commerce companies such as Alibaba and regularly used platforms like Pinduoduo, Taobao, and JD.com for online shopping.

Inspired by this experience, Tuyishime is already working toward launching his own e-commerce platform in Rwanda. Together with friends and team members, he is developing a website and application designed to offer Rwandans a similar online shopping experience.

“This is the right time to put all the skills and experience I gained into practice,” he said, adding that he hopes the platform will have a positive impact on Rwanda’s economy.

Protais Muhire, a graduate in electrical automation technology, also described the year in China as a turning point, saying the exposure to advanced equipment and technologies significantly strengthened his skills.

“In China, I studied programmable logic controller (PLC) programming, robotics, hydraulic and pneumatic systems,” he said.

Muhire highlighted the abundance of training equipment at JUVT, which allowed students from Rwanda to engage deeply in practical work. “We had access to many machines, PLCs, robots, pneumatic and hydraulic components, which helped us apply what we learned in real situations.”

Muhire’s cohort also achieved international recognition. While in China, he, together with other Rwandan and Chinese students, won the Excellence Award at the 2025 World Vocational College Skills Competition Championship Finals.

“This achievement showed us that what we study can be applied in practice and can help our community,” he said, adding that the training received in China is highly relevant to Rwanda’s context, especially as local industries increasingly adopt modern technologies to improve productivity.

Looking ahead, Muhire plans to use his skills to contribute to Rwanda’s industrial development. “Industries are moving from old systems to new automated systems. I want to help upgrade industrial processes using automation technologies like PLCs and robotics,” he said.

Speaking to Xinhua, Qian Xiangming, dean of Musanze International College at JUVT, said that under this program, Rwanda has sent 60 students to JUVT for advanced studies for two consecutive years and the feedback from local employers has been very positive.

“Through this program, we aim to cultivate outstanding local talent, support employment, and enhance the quality and efficiency of vocational education in Rwanda,” he said, adding that the initiative ultimately supports national industrial upgrading and development.

Emile Abayisenga, principal of RP-Musanze College, described the graduation as a moment of pride. “This achievement reflects the strength of international collaboration, industry-driven training, and practical, future-oriented education,” he said.

The skills acquired by the graduates align closely with Rwanda’s Vision 2050 and the demands of a rapidly evolving global economy, Abayisenga added.

In a statement on Wednesday, the U.S State Department said Washington is “deeply concerned” by reports that the Federal Government of Somalia authorities demolished a WFP warehouse at Mogadishu port and seized 76 metric tons of food aid. The assistance was funded by U.S. donors and earmarked for some of Somalia’s most at-risk populations.

“The Trump Administration has a zero-tolerance policy for waste, theft, and diversion of life-saving assistance,” the statement said, stressing the seriousness with which the U.S. views the alleged actions.

The State Department said any resumption of aid will depend on Somalia’s leadership taking accountability for what Washington described as “unacceptable actions” and implementing appropriate remedial steps.

According to a WFP spokesperson cited by media reports, the demolished warehouse was located at Mogadishu port and had been used to store specialised nutritious foods. The supplies were intended for the treatment of malnourished pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as girls and children, groups particularly vulnerable amid Somalia’s prolonged humanitarian crisis.

“The warehouse is crucial for WFP’s emergency operations at a moment when almost a quarter of the population, about 4.4 million people, are facing crisis levels of hunger or worse in Somalia,” the spokesperson said.

The WFP added that it is actively engaging with authorities and partners to address the situation and mitigate the impact on ongoing relief efforts.

Somalia has faced recurring droughts, conflict, and economic instability for decades, leaving millions dependent on international humanitarian assistance. The latest incident raises concerns that disruptions to aid operations could further worsen conditions for civilians already struggling with food insecurity.

U.S. officials have not specified how long the pause in assistance will last, but emphasised that future cooperation hinges on transparency, accountability, and assurances that humanitarian aid reaches its intended recipients.

Starting with Trump’s “America First” slogan, the statement said they comprised of 31 UN entities and 35-non UN organizations.

According to the list published on the White House website, most of the targets are UN-related agencies, commissions and advisory panels focusing on climate change, global governance, labor and other issues that the Trump administration has categorized as promoting diversity and “woke” agenda.

The United States will withdraw from UN organizations, including the UN Economic and Social Council’s panels for Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia and the Pacific, and Western Asia, as well as the International Law Commission, the International Trade Centre, and UN Trade and Development.

Among the non-UN organizations are the 24/7 Carbon-Free Energy Compact, the Global Counterterrorism Forum, the Global Forum on Migration and Development, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the International Renewable Energy Agency; as well as the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combatting Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia.

Jan. 20 will mark the first anniversary of Trump’s second presidential term. Since returning to the White House nearly one year ago, Trump has announced plans to quit the World Health Organization, the Paris climate agreement and the UN cultural agency UNESCO. He also cut U.S. funding for the UN, stopped U.S. engagement with the UN Human Rights Council, and extended a suspension of funding for the Palestinian relief agency UNRWA.

Earlier on Wednesday, Trump said in a post on his Truth Social that he is doubting whether NATO would come to the U.S. defense when it is needed, two days after Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that a U.S. military attack on Greenland could effectively end the military alliance.