Category: News

AFC/M23 spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, said on the morning of October 15, 2025, that the attacks were conducted in coordination with other armed groups and militias allied with the FARDC, including the Wazalendo coalition.

“AFC/M23 informs citizens and the international community that, as has often been the case, the coalition of forces under Kinshasa’s command launched heavy bombardments on densely populated areas and on our positions in South and North Kivu, just hours after the ceasefire mechanism was signed in Doha on October 14, 2025.”

Kanyuka explained that other AFC/M23 positions also came under ground assaults, including Kadasomwa and Lumbishi in Kalehe territory, South Kivu Province, as well as Kasake in Masisi territory, North Kivu Province.

The DRC government forces launched these attacks in AFC/M23-controlled zones shortly after representatives from both sides signed an agreement on Tuesday, October 14, in Doha establishing a joint ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism aimed at consolidating peace efforts in the country’s volatile east.

Facilitated by the State of Qatar, the agreement builds on the Doha Declaration of Principles signed on July 19, 2025, and outlines a structured process for monitoring compliance with the permanent ceasefire. The mechanism will be responsible for investigating and verifying alleged violations and engaging relevant actors to prevent renewed hostilities.

This was considered a significant step forward, aimed at helping both sides continue dialogue without obstacles and ultimately reach a lasting peace accord.

Kanyuka has emphasized that, beyond endangering civilians, the government coalition’s attacks undermine ongoing peace efforts.

They made the call during the official opening of the Second Africa Skills Week, which is jointly organized by the African Union (AU) and the Ethiopian Ministry of Labor and Skills under the theme “Powering Africa’s Industrial Future: Skills for Innovation, Growth, and Sustainability,” running from Monday to Friday at the AU headquarters in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.

Addressing the event, AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf emphasized the strategic importance of skills development to advance inclusive growth, create decent jobs, and realize the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement.

“The urgency of skilling our youth cannot be overstated. We must convert our demographic dividend into a productive, inclusive, and globally competitive workforce. This is why the African Union has placed skills at the heart of Agenda 2063,” he said.

Youssouf also outlined key imperative actions, including harnessing the transformative potential of artificial intelligence and strengthening policy coherence and regional integration for skills development.

The continental gathering brought together policymakers, experts, industry leaders, educators, development partners, and young innovators to deliberate on skills development and youth empowerment across the continent. The event also witnessed the official launch of the 10-year Continental Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Strategy 2025-2034.

“We are not simply discussing the future. We are here to build foundations that will drive our ambitions and aspirations. The crucial and key force that transforms Africa’s potential into economic power is skill,” said Ethiopian Minister of Labor and Skills Muferihat Kamil.

The Second Africa Skills Week is a platform dedicated to advancing Africa’s skills transformation agenda, focusing on strengthening skills for industrial growth, enhancing TVET, and fostering public-private partnerships.

Zhang Wei, charge d’affaires at the Mission of China to the AU, reaffirmed China’s commitment as a “reliable friend and sincere partner.”

“China stands ready to work hand in hand with the AU and African countries to further deepen cooperation on education and skills development, and help more young Africans master the golden key to employment and contribute to realizing the grand vision of Agenda 2063,” Zhang said at the opening ceremony.

The week-long event features high-level dialogues, technical sessions and exhibitions.

According to the AU, the gathering is expected to generate tangible results, including accelerated implementation of the continental TVET strategy, stronger alignment between skills and industrialization, and greater participation of youth and women in shaping Africa’s industrial future.

According to media reports, Odinga, 80, collapsed at the Ayurvedic facility, a center for traditional Indian medicine, where he had been staying for the past six days and was quickly taken to the Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eye Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 9:52 am.

It is reported that Odinga had been following a routine of morning walks and treatments at the hospital, accompanied by his daughter and close family members.

Odinga served as Kenya’s Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013, playing a key role in national reconciliation and constitutional reforms.

He was instrumental in the power-sharing agreement that ended the 2007–08 post-election violence.

Known for his fiery speeches and grassroots connections, he also led the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and remained a prominent political figure, contesting several presidential elections.

On October 9, Odinga’s brother, Oburu Odinga, confirmed that Raila was unwell and receiving treatment but reassured the public that he was on the path to recovery.

He dismissed rumors about Raila’s health, clarifying that his illness was minor and required medical attention abroad.

The bodies were transferred to Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet personnel inside the Gaza Strip, the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement. They were later transferred across the border into Israel under escort by Israeli forces, the military and Shin Bet said in an updated joint statement.

The remains are being taken to the National Center of Forensic Medicine in Tel Aviv for identification. Unlike a similar handover on Monday, Hamas did not disclose the identities of the bodies in advance, and Israeli authorities said their identities remain unclear.

“After the identification process is completed, an official notification will be delivered to the families,” Netanyahu’s office said.

On Monday, Hamas returned the bodies of four hostages along with 20 surviving captives as part of a ceasefire deal under which Israel released about 2,000 Palestinian detainees and prisoners.

Israel said about 20 more bodies of hostages remain in Gaza and demanded that Hamas hand them over as well.

According to the report, advanced economies are expected to grow by 1.6 percent in 2025, while emerging market and developing economies are projected to grow by 4.2 percent — both 0.1 percentage point higher than previously projected.

IMF chief economist Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas said in a blog post that the increase in U.S. tariffs and its effect have been “smaller than expected so far.” But given that the effective tariff rate remains high and trade tensions continue, with other factors simultaneously at play, it would be premature and incorrect to claim that the tariff surge has had no impact on global growth, he wrote.

The report also projects the world economy to grow 3.1 percent in 2026, the same as the July forecast.

However, it pointed out that the tariff shock is further dimming growth prospects, and risks remain tilted to the downside.

“We expect a slowdown in the second half of this year, with only a partial recovery in 2026,” Gourinchas wrote.

The IMF suggests that resolving policy uncertainty, raising total factor productivity through artificial intelligence (AI), and establishing a pragmatic and adaptive multilateral system that fosters cooperation can help meet economic challenges.IMF raises global growth forecast to 3.2 pct in 2025

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Tuesday raised its global economic growth for 2025 to 3.2 percent, 0.2 percentage point higher than the July forecast, the latest World Economic Outlook report said.

According to the report, advanced economies are expected to grow by 1.6 percent in 2025, while emerging market and developing economies are projected to grow by 4.2 percent — both 0.1 percentage point higher than previously projected.

IMF chief economist Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas said in a blog post that the increase in U.S. tariffs and its effect have been “smaller than expected so far.” But given that the effective tariff rate remains high and trade tensions continue, with other factors simultaneously at play, it would be premature and incorrect to claim that the tariff surge has had no impact on global growth, he wrote.

The report also projects the world economy to grow 3.1 percent in 2026, the same as the July forecast.

However, it pointed out that the tariff shock is further dimming growth prospects, and risks remain tilted to the downside.

“We expect a slowdown in the second half of this year, with only a partial recovery in 2026,” Gourinchas wrote.

The IMF suggests that resolving policy uncertainty, raising total factor productivity through artificial intelligence (AI), and establishing a pragmatic and adaptive multilateral system that fosters cooperation can help meet economic challenges.

Chakrabarti joins Airtel Rwanda with an outstanding record in business transformation, commercial excellence, and operational leadership across multiple business verticals within Bharti Airtel India.

He most recently served as Circle CEO for the Bihar & Jharkhand region, and previously as Circle CEO for Madhya Pradesh & Chhattisgarh, as well as National Operations Head for Airtel Digital TV.

A seasoned leader with deep expertise in driving growth in competitive markets, Mr. Chakrabarti brings extensive experience in strategy execution, customer experience, and digital adoption, qualities that align strongly with Airtel Rwanda’s growth ambitions.

He holds an MBA from the University of Calcutta and an Executive Management Certification from the, Haas School of Business at University of California, Berkeley.

Mr. Chakrabarti succeeds Mr. Emmanuel Hamez, who retires after nearly 10 years of distinguished service with Airtel Africa, including four years as Managing Director of Airtel Rwanda.

During his tenure, Mr. Hamez led the company through a remarkable transformation, achieving 100% 4G coverage across all Airtel sites, making Airtel the only mobile network operator in Rwanda with full 4G coverage.

Hamez also spearheaded the launch of Voice over LTE (VoLTE) and eSIM services, positioning Airtel as the first telecom operator to introduce these innovations in the country.

Under his leadership, Airtel successfully executed the “Airtel Imagine” 4G smartphone program, in partnership with the Ministry of ICT and Innovation, enabling over 1.2 million customers to transition from feature phones to smartphones and driving Rwanda’s digital inclusion journey.

Speaking about his appointment, Sujay said, “I’m excited to join Airtel Rwanda at such a dynamic time. I look forward to driving growth, enhancing customer experience, and expanding digital and financial inclusion across the country.”

Airtel Rwanda has extended its sincere appreciation to Hamez for his exceptional leadership and contributions and warmly welcomes Chakrabarti as he takes on this new role to lead the company into its next phase of growth and innovation.

Facilitated by the State of Qatar, the agreement builds on the Doha Declaration of Principles signed on July 19, 2025, and outlines a structured process for monitoring compliance with the permanent ceasefire. The mechanism will be responsible for investigating and verifying alleged violations and engaging relevant actors to prevent renewed hostilities.

According to the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the United States, the African Union, and Qatar itself will take part in the mechanism as observers, ensuring transparency and reinforcing international and regional support for the peace process in the Great Lakes region.

The ministry described the accord as a “pivotal step” toward confidence-building and advancing the journey toward a comprehensive peace settlement between Kinshasa and the AFC/M23 movement. It also expressed Qatar’s appreciation to the African Union, the United States, and the Togolese Republic for their “constructive contributions” to supporting the initiative.

The signing comes after months of counter-accusations of ceasefire violations between Congolese government forces and the rebel group, which took control of large territories in eastern DRC early this year.

Reacting to the latest development, U.S. Senior Advisor for Africa Massad Boulos commended both parties for their commitment to dialogue and restraint.

In a statement posted on X, Boulos said the agreement “brings the DRC and AFC/M23 closer to a comprehensive peace accord while advancing the implementation of the Washington Peace Agreement.”

“This critical step will ensure compliance through investigation and verification of any alleged violations, strengthen trust between parties, and reduce tensions on the ground,” he added, thanking Qatar for its leadership in facilitating the process.

The Doha mechanism is expected to provide a framework for sustained monitoring and accountability, a move diplomats hope will lay the groundwork for a durable peace and stability in eastern DRC after years of conflict.

Colonel Michael Randrianirina, flanked by senior officers, addressed the nation from outside the ceremonial presidential palace in Antananarivo, announcing that the military had “taken power” and dissolved most state institutions. “We have taken the power,” he said, pledging the formation of a transitional council composed of officers from the army, gendarmerie, and national police.

Randrianirina said a prime minister would soon be appointed to establish a civilian-led government and that a referendum would be held within two years to determine Madagascar’s future political direction. The colonel also announced the suspension of the constitution, the High Constitutional Court, the Senate, and the National Independent Electoral Commission, leaving only the lower house of parliament intact.

The dramatic turn followed a day of extraordinary political upheaval. Earlier Tuesday, the National Assembly voted 130 to 1 to impeach President Rajoelina during a special session, rejecting his attempt to dissolve the chamber just hours before. The assembly’s vice president, Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko, called the president’s dissolution decree “devoid of legal validity.”

Rajoelina, who first came to power in a 2009 coup before being elected in 2019 and re-elected in 2023, fled the country over the weekend after soldiers joined the youth-led anti-government protests that have gripped the Indian Ocean island for weeks.

Reports indicate that Rajoelina departed Madagascar aboard a French army aircraft on Sunday, though French President Emmanuel Macron declined to confirm his government’s involvement.

The latest turmoil was triggered by street demonstrations that began on September 25 over crippling power cuts and water shortages but quickly evolved into a broader movement denouncing corruption, poverty, and the soaring cost of living.

Led by Gen Z activists, the protests drew tens of thousands to the streets, gaining momentum after the army’s elite CAPSAT unit — the same force that propelled Rajoelina to power in 2009 — declared it would “refuse orders to shoot” demonstrators.

According to United Nations figures, at least 22 people have been killed and more than 100 injured since the unrest began, though government officials have disputed the toll.

By Tuesday evening, Madagascar’s police had also joined the military and gendarmerie in supporting the protesters, effectively ending Rajoelina’s grip on power.

Randrianirina said the military council would act “to meet the aspirations of the Malagasy people” and restore stability, but offered few details about the transition ahead in a nation once again thrust into uncertainty.

The initiative, launched through UAE Aid Agency, will support the Emirates Nature–WWF, in partnership with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), to implement the “Community Resilience to Natural Disasters Programme.”

The announcement was made on the fourth day of the 2025 IUCN World Conservation Congress, hosted by Abu Dhabi.

The Community Resilience to Natural Disasters Programme is a joint initiative between WWF and the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

The programme aims to harness nature-based solutions to strengthen communities’ ability to withstand and adapt to natural hazards, enhance disaster preparedness, and promote sustainable sources of income.

The UAE’s US$10 million contribution will support the first phase of the programme, designed to attract additional co-financing from public and private sector partners and donor institutions. The goal is to expand the programme’s reach and ensure long-term sustainability through shared responsibility and collaboration.

Dr. Tareq Ahmed Al Ameri, Chairman of the UAE Aid Agency, reaffirmed the UAE’s pioneering global role in advancing international cooperation for the benefit of people and nature.

Dr. Al Ameri said, “This initiative embodies the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to invest in preventive action and enhance the adaptive capacities of local communities in facing natural disasters.

The strategic partnership between Emirates Nature and WWF reflects the UAE’s commitment to moving from crisis response to readiness and resilience, empowering communities to adapt and recover effectively.”

Laila Mostafa Abdullatif, Director General of Emirates Nature–WWF, stated, “This commitment reflects the UAE’s belief that resilience begins within communities. For 25 years, Emirates Nature–WWF has worked hand in hand with the nation’s leadership and local partners to empower people and protect nature. Extending this ethos, by leading this programme across Asia-Pacific allows us to collaborate with communities in strengthening their natural defences, securing livelihoods, and shaping resilient, thriving futures together.”

Kirsten Schuijt, Director-General of WWF International, said, “Nature is one of humanity’s strongest allies in reducing disaster risk. Through this initiative, partners will support communities leading the restoration and stewardship of the ecosystems that protect them – from mangroves to mountains – while laying the foundation for safer, more resilient societies. This is a collective investment in both environmental integrity and human security.

Nena Stoiljkovic, IFRC Under Secretary General for Humanitarian Diplomacy and Digitalisation, stated, “The frequency and intensity of natural hazards are increasing, and the best way to protect and save lives is to build resilience before they strike. This initiative focuses on preparedness, adaptation and the mitigation of disaster risk – ensuring that hazards do not become disasters. By working with nature as our first line of defence, together with WWF, we can strengthen communities, safeguard lives and livelihoods, and reduce the human and economic cost of future crises.”

The Community Resilience to Natural Disasters Programme focuses on three key pillars: the restoration of natural protective systems, including mangrove forests and coral reefs; the promotion of sustainable livelihoods, supporting farmers, fishers and small enterprises through eco-tourism and income diversification; and strengthening community preparedness through early warning systems and risk reduction frameworks developed with local communities.

The programme’s first phase will be implemented in the Philippines, Indonesia, Fiji, and the Solomon Islands, establishing a scalable model for future regional expansion.

According to the company’s Managing Director, Alex Bahizi, this initiative unveiled on October 8, 2025, seeks to make insurance services more accessible and efficient.

“The main goal is to leverage technology to reach a larger number of customers, while also ensuring that existing clients can easily access services quickly,” he explained.

‘Ni Ako Kanya’ was considered after realizing that customers were spending a lot of time traveling to physical branches to access services.

“We realized that the insurance services provided were largely still manual, requiring people to visit branches, call, or wait in line for a long time to receive services. That’s when we decided to introduce a tech-based solution to address these issues,” Bahizi said.

‘Ni Ako Kanya’ allows customers to access insurance services via the internet.

By visiting BK Insurance’s website, they can request various services such as renewing insurance, purchasing insurance, making payments, obtaining insurance certificates, and more – all from the comfort of their location.

These services are also available by dialing 7754# and following the instructions provided.

Bahizi emphasized that technology like this enables “increased access to our services, faster service delivery, and greater awareness of insurance, contributing to a rise in the overall number of insured individuals in the country.”

Alice Rwagasana, the Chief Commercial Officer at BK Insurance, shared that the technology was intentionally introduced during Customer Service Week, an international celebration that promotes companies’ commitment to continuously enhance service delivery.

“We introduced this platform because our goal is to provide insurance services to our customers in a way that is easy, fast, and accessible to everyone. This initiative is designed to make it easier for both current and potential customers to reach out to us,” she said.

BK Insurance’s management also assured that all customer data will be securely stored, just as it is at the company’s physical branches.