Category: News

During an interview with CBS News’ 60 Minutes that aired Sunday, Trump was asked by host Norah O’Donnell whether he believed Maduro’s regime was nearing its end.

“I would say yeah. I think so,” Trump responded, highlighting the growing pressure the U.S. is placing on Caracas.

While the president did not explicitly call for military intervention, his comments reflect the U.S. administration’s ongoing focus on applying pressure to Maduro’s government. In recent months, the U.S. has increased its military presence in the Caribbean, citing concerns over regional security and the activities of criminal networks alleged to be linked to Maduro’s administration.

The Trump administration has accused the Venezuelan government of involvement in drug trafficking, indicting Nicolás Maduro and other senior officials on federal drug-related charges, and has repeatedly stated that it will not shy away from confronting these activities.

However, Trump emphasised that military action is not yet on the table, though continued pressure remains a key part of U.S. policy.

“I wouldn’t be inclined to say that I would do that,” Trump said when asked about potential military strikes inside Venezuela, without providing further details. On Friday, he also denied media reports suggesting that attacks on Venezuelan military installations could be imminent.

Several U.S. media outlets had reported that the administration planned strikes on military targets in Venezuela as part of its efforts against “narco-terrorism,” with the possibility of operations in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific.

Washington has accused Maduro of leading the Cartel de los Soles, a criminal network designated as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist organization earlier this year. At least 14 U.S. strikes have reportedly been carried out since early September, resulting in over 60 deaths.

Rights groups and legal experts have raised concerns over the legality of these operations, arguing that strikes on alleged drug vessels may violate international law. UN human rights chief Volker Türk called the attacks “unacceptable” and urged an independent investigation into what his office described as extrajudicial killings.

Meanwhile, Maduro has dismissed U.S. allegations as “vulgar” and “totally fake,” insisting that Venezuela does not produce cocaine leaves. He warned that U.S. military movements near the country’s coast signal preparations for “a new, eternal war.” Maduro also accuses Trump of seeking regime change in Venezuela to steal the country’s oil.

This modern campus embodies UoK’s commitment to innovation, world-class learning environments, and student-centered growth.

Designed to inspire excellence, collaboration, and creativity, the Remera campus offers a vibrant space where knowledge meets opportunity.

Located in the heart of Kigali’s vibrant Remera neighborhood, the new Remera Campus, formerly home to the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS), represents a transformative investment in the University’s vision to provide world-class education and foster innovation for national and continental development.

This modern campus boasts cutting-edge facilities, including contemporary lecture halls, advanced computer and research laboratories, spacious student hostels, a modern cafeteria, sports courts, lush green open spaces, and ample parking. Together, these features create a holistic environment for academic excellence, comfort, and innovation.

The acquisition marks a defining chapter in UoK’s evolution as one of Rwanda’s most future-oriented universities, reaffirming its commitment to “Pioneering a Sustainable and Innovative Future” under the UoK Strategic Plan 2025–2029.

The expansion also increases the institution’s capacity to accommodate a growing student population and strengthens its ability to nurture globally competitive graduates.

Beyond infrastructure, the Remera Campus reflects UoK’s Green University Ambition, integrating eco-friendly design, energy-efficient systems, and sustainable landscaping aligned with Rwanda’s green economy goals.

The new facilities will enhance digital learning, foster research-driven innovation, and promote community engagement through partnerships with industries, government, and local organizations.

By revitalizing the former AIMS facility, a globally recognized hub for science and innovation, UoK reinforces its strategic focus on internationalization and partnerships, opening doors for collaborations with global institutions, visiting scholars, and international students.

Adding to this momentous milestone, UoK has also earned a place in the prestigious Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings for the very first time. This recognition highlights UoK’s growing global presence and dedication to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through impactful teaching, research, and community engagement.

This recognition places the University of Kigali among a select group of African institutions demonstrating measurable impact in education, research, and community development. It underscores UoK’s growing international reputation and its dedication to fostering inclusive, high-quality education that transforms lives and societies.

Professor George Kimathi, Vice Chancellor of the University of Kigali, hailed these developments as a reflection of collective effort and institutional resilience:“These two milestones, a new campus and global recognition, symbolize our shared vision for a stronger, more inclusive, and globally competitive University of Kigali. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to all staff and students for their dedication and contribution to this success. Together, we will continue to make UoK a source of pride for Rwanda, Africa, and the world.”

The Remera expansion and international recognition collectively reaffirm UoK’s position as a leading private university investing in people, innovation, and sustainable development.

Strategically located near Kigali’s business and academic ecosystem, the campus strengthens UoK’s engagement with industry and the community while serving as a launchpad for the next generation of thinkers, entrepreneurs, and leaders.

As the University continues its upward trajectory, the Remera Campus stands as a living symbol of UoK’s promise, to pioneer a sustainable, inclusive, and innovative future, one student, one idea, and one campus at a time.

The inauguration ceremony was held at a military base in the administrative capital, Dodoma, amid restrictions following violent protests that marred the election, during which opposition leaders say hundreds were killed. The event, closed to the public, was broadcast live on state television.

Wearing a red headscarf and dark glasses, Suluhu, 65, officially took the reins of power and will be deputised by Emmanuel Nchimbi.

Suluhu, of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, was declared the winner on Saturday with 97.66% of the vote. She faced little opposition, with leading rival Chadema’s Tundu Lissu detained on treason charges.

According to the Independent National Electoral Commission, Suluhu secured more than 31.9 million votes, with nearly 87 percent of Tanzania’s 37.6 million registered voters turning out.

Suluhu first became president in 2021 after the death of her predecessor, John Magufuli. She is the first woman to hold the Tanzanian presidency and the first to be born in Zanzibar.

A long-serving member of CCM, Suluhu began her political career in Zanzibar and later served in multiple ministerial roles. In 2010, she was elected to Tanzania’s National Assembly and appointed Minister of State for Union Affairs. She also served as vice chair of the Constitutional Assembly, tasked with drafting the country’s new constitution.

In 2015, she made history as Tanzania’s first female deputy president alongside Magufuli. Monday’s inauguration marks the start of her first full term as an elected president.

According to the Integrated Household Living Conditions Survey 7 (EICV7) in Rwanda, the percentage of households with electricity has doubled, rising from 34% in 2017 to 72% in recent years.

The survey also highlights that 68% of households in Rwanda are located in areas more accessible for infrastructure development, such as electricity.

The Ministry of Infrastructure’s performance report for the 2025/26 fiscal year indicates that over 2.1 million households across the country have been connected to the national electricity grid, while 893,000 households rely on solar-powered electricity.

The report also outlines that by the end of the 2025/26 fiscal year, which will conclude in June 2026, over 210,898 households will be connected to the national grid, and more than 50,000 will be powered by solar energy.

The government has allocated over 110.4 billion Rwandan Francs to expand electricity access to households across the country in this year’s budget.

The Government of Rwanda has also announced that by 2029, efforts will be intensified to ensure all villages in the country have access to electricity.

In August 2025, during the presentation of the government’s five-year program to the Rwandan Parliament, Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva emphasized that the government would make significant efforts in expanding electricity across all cells in the country.

“To achieve this, we will increase efforts to expand electricity access across the country. Priority will be given to industries, commercial buildings, schools, health centers, and other facilities that contribute to the development and well-being of the population,” he said.

The Cabinet meeting on September 15, 2025, was informed that the number of households with access to electricity has increased to 85% in 2025, compared to less than 2% in 2000.

The updated sanctions list now includes several other senior Ukrainian officials, such as Minister of Finance Sergii Marchenko, Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture Oleksii Sobolev.

The measures include freezing the individuals’ non-cash funds, uncertificated securities, and property in Russia, as well as prohibiting them from transferring capital out of the country.

Svyrydenko was approved as Ukraine’s prime minister by the Verkhovna Rada (parliament) in July, having previously served as first deputy prime minister and economy minister.

Tshisekedi made this claim during an address to the Congolese diaspora in Cairo, Egypt, on Saturday, November 1, 2025.

He told his citizens that Rwanda, under President Paul Kagame, is plotting to divide the Democratic Republic of Congo, with plans to annex the eastern part of the country.

“His goal is to divide our country and annex it, particularly the eastern region, which is rich in minerals and agricultural land,” he stated.

Despite Tshisekedi’s allegations, Rwanda has consistently shown that it has no intention of looting Congo or annexing its territories.

In March 2025, President Paul Kagame reaffirmed that the security of Rwanda is the primary concern, not the natural resources of the DRC.

In a conversation with Marioo Nawfall, the President emphasized that Rwanda is not one of the countries exploiting the mineral resources of the DRC.

“If you look at the list of hundreds of entities from China, Europe, U.S., Canada, and so on, including all of us in the region, who are interested in the minerals in Congo, Rwanda would come as a 100th. We would come at the bottom,” he said.

President Kagame further clarified that Rwanda’s primary concern is its security, not minerals.

“Once we are not assured of our security, we can’t be thinking about minerals in that situation. That would be the last thing on our minds,” he added.

Tshisekedi continues to fuel hostile rhetoric against Rwanda, despite the peace agreements signed between both countries in June, raising doubts about his commitment to their implementation.

The funds were collected through an auction organized as part of the event. The first item auctioned was a PSG (Paris Saint-Germain) jersey signed by the team’s players, which was bought by Mutesi Jolly for $1,000 (approximately Frw 1,449,500).

Other bids included $800 for a two-night stay at a hotel in Kibuye, $2,900 for a gorilla trekking experience, $1,200 for another charity activity, $1,800 for a one-night stay at a hotel in Kiyovu, and $2,000 for a night at a luxury hotel. The total amount raised reached Frw 14,132,625.

The funds will support over 1,000 children under the Sherrie Silver Foundation.

In addition to this contribution, BK Foundation pledged to cover the school fees for 100 children supported by the Sherrie Silver Foundation, whether enrolled in public or private schools.

Ingrid Karangwayire, the Executive Director of BK Foundation, said the initiative reflects their commitment to promoting education.

Sherrie Silver expressed gratitude to everyone who attended and contributed to the event, saying the funds will be used to support education, health, and the well-being of vulnerable children assisted by her foundation.

The gala also featured other highlights, including awarding the fashion brand “Icyacumi” with $5,000, and Bwiza, who was named Best Dressed, received $1,000.

Artists such as Ross Kana, Chriss Eazy, Massamba Intore, Chella from Nigeria, Sherrie Silver, Vex Prince, Juno Kizigenza, and Butera Knowless entertained the audience throughout the night.

Genomics is the study of an organism’s complete set of DNA, including all of its genes and their interactions with each other and the environment.

The development was highlighted during a week-long visit to China, which ended on October 25, where Dr. Claude Mambo Muvunyi, Director General of the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) held discussions with executives and researchers from BGI Genomics, BGI Research, and BGI College, all subsidiaries of the world-leading BGI Group.

The meetings focused on collaboration in genomics, joint research, capacity building, and technology transfer.

Speaking to The New Times, Dr. Claude Mambo Muvunyi, Director General of the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), said the move aligns with Rwanda’s vision to build a sustainable healthcare system powered by artificial intelligence and bioinformatics.

“We are exploring how partnerships in genomics and precision medicine can strengthen our disease surveillance, diagnosis, and treatment capacity,” he said. “Our goal is to localize advanced genomic research and training to make Rwanda a regional hub for precision health.”

While touring BGI’s laboratories in Shenzhen, Muvunyi observed how genomic data is used to guide clinical decisions and improve public health planning.

He also delivered a keynote address at the 20th International Conference on Genomics (ICG-20), where he presented Rwanda’s genomic sequencing achievements during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Although there are gaps in pathogen genomics for surveillance across Africa, Rwanda built sequencing capacity during COVID-19,” he said. “That foundation helped us identify and trace the Marburg virus in bats. Genomics play a role in strengthening public health resilience.”

In Hangzhou, Muvunyi met with officials from the Zhejiang Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to explore cooperation in disease surveillance and epidemic preparedness.

“The Zhejiang CDC model provided valuable lessons for Rwanda as we enhance our surveillance and emergency response capacities,” he noted.

The visit also included talks with Pékin Teaching University of Shenzhen on cervical cancer screening and research training for Rwandan scientists.

“We strongly condemn the false accusations made by U.S. Central Command regarding the alleged looting of an aid truck,” Hamas said in a statement. It described the U.S. allegations as “baseless and unjustified,” accusing Washington of trying to justify “further reductions of already limited humanitarian aid.”

Hamas said no international or local aid agencies, nor any drivers working with convoys, had reported such an incident.

“The continued U.S. adoption of the Israeli narrative only deepens its immoral bias and makes it a partner in the blockade and the suffering of the Palestinian people,” the group said.

U.S. Central Command said Saturday that a U.S. drone had observed suspected Hamas operatives seizing an aid truck from a convoy in southern Gaza. CENTCOM said the truck was part of a humanitarian convoy carrying supplies provided by Israel and that the driver’s fate remained unknown.

In a post on X on Sunday, U.S. Senior Advisor for Arab and African Affairs, Massad Boulos, said he held an in-depth discussion with Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olivier Nduhungirehe, focused on consolidating peace and prosperity across the region.

Boulos said the talks focused on reviewing progress made under the Washington Peace Agreement, particularly the implementation of its Concept of Operations, and on advancing the Doha track, which complements U.S. efforts to secure a peaceful resolution between the DRC and the AFC/M23 rebel coalition.

He noted that the discussions also covered the Regional Economic Integration Framework (REIF), a U.S.-backed initiative aimed at promoting peace and stability through cooperation in trade, infrastructure, energy, and transparent mineral supply chains.

The U.S. envoy stressed that lasting peace in the Great Lakes region hinges on the full and timely implementation of the Washington Peace Agreement, adding that Washington remains confident in President Kagame’s commitment to achieving that goal.

“We are relying on President Kagame’s continued commitment to lasting peace and prosperity,” Boulos said.

Boulos’ statement came shortly after another post on his meeting with DRC President Félix Tshisekedi, on the progress made under the Washington Peace Agreement and the parallel Doha track aimed at restoring sovereignty and reinforcing regional stability.

He noted that a foundation of peace and stability would pave the way for greater U.S. investment in transparent mineral supply chains and infrastructure benefiting the Congolese people.

The renewed diplomatic engagement follows Boulos’s visit to Rwanda in October, when he met President Paul Kagame for talks focused on the U.S.-mediated peace process and regional security.

According to the Rwandan Presidency, the discussions at the time underscored “ongoing efforts to advance peace in the Great Lakes region, and Rwanda’s continuous commitment to lasting peace and security.”

The Washington Accord, signed on June 27, 2025, was brokered by the United States to normalise relations between Rwanda and the DRC. The agreement aims to dismantle the FDLR militia, composed of remnants of the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, and lead to the lifting of Rwanda’s defensive posture along its western border.

However, progress has not been without challenges. Tensions resurfaced last month after the DRC declined, at the last minute, to sign the Regional Economic Integration Framework (REIF), a key pillar of the peace process designed to strengthen economic cooperation between Kigali and Kinshasa.

“The Rwandan delegation in Washington, D.C. was ready to sign the Regional Economic Integration Framework (REIF), which benefits both our countries and the region,” Government Spokesperson Yolande Makolo wrote on X on October 4.

“We are puzzled by the DRC’s last-minute decision not to sign the agreement, given the positive atmosphere of the negotiations … and the diligent mediation work of Senior Advisor Massad Boulos and the State Department,” she added.

Despite the setback, Rwanda has maintained its commitment to the peace accord and the broader U.S.-led process.

“Rwanda believes in the peace agreement and in the approach of the U.S. mediation, and hopes that the REIF will eventually be signed,” Makolo noted. “The peace process must succeed. It is the best chance for stability and economic development for our region.”