Kabila, who is a lifetime senator, is accused of crimes including being part of an illegal armed group, crimes against humanity, premeditated murder, rape, and persecution.
The Prosecution stated that these crimes were committed in the provinces of North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri in the eastern part of the DRC.
Kabila’s trial began in July 2025 after he was stripped of his immunity. The prosecution claims he committed these acts as the leader of the AFC/M23 coalition, though he has denied any connection to it.
The verdict was initially expected on September 12, but on that day, lawyers representing the interests of the state revealed that new witnesses had come forward, willing to testify against him.
While the trial was expected to resume on September 19, state lawyers informed the judges that the three new witnesses were no longer available.
Military prosecutors have requested the death penalty for Kabila. However, state lawyers have asked for life imprisonment so that he can be visited by the victims of the alleged crimes.
Prosecutors have also asked the court to confiscate all of Kabila’s assets in the Democratic Republic of Congo and to order him to pay 24 billion U.S. dollars in compensation.
This law introduces previously unseen measures, including penalties for deceitfully carrying a pregnancy on behalf of another person and granting individuals below or above the required age.
The most severe offence in the law published in the official Gazette recently is outlined in Article 98, which addresses providing assisted reproductive technology to alter human genetic material.
Anyone convicted of this crime is subject to imprisonment of no less than 20 years but not more than 25 years, and a fine of no less than Frw 40 million but not more than Frw 50 million.
Other offences covered by the law include performing medical procedures that involve placing non-human embryos or gametes into a woman’s reproductive system. Those found guilty face 10 to 15 years in prison and a fine of Frw 20 million to Frw 25 million.
The law also punishes any medical professional who imports or exports gametes or embryos unlawfully, with sentences of 7 to 10 years in prison and fines of Frw 10 million to Frw 15 million.
Similarly, a doctor who provides assisted reproductive technology services aimed at choosing the sex of an unborn child faces six months to one year in prison and a fine of Frw 5 million to Frw 7 million.
Furthermore, the law states that placing gametes or embryos in a woman’s reproductive system without full and verifiable donor identity constitutes a criminal offence. Those convicted face six months to one year in prison and a fine of Frw 2 million to Frw 5 million.
Medical facilities are also held accountable under the new regulations. A facility that matches donors and recipients who are closely related by blood — up to the seventh degree of kinship — is liable to a fine ranging from Frw 5 million to Frw 10 million, along with the possible suspension of assisted reproductive services for three to six months.
Similarly, a facility that accepts anonymous or unlawfully obtained gametes or embryos, or uses gametes and embryos from individuals who are underage or above the permissible age, may face fines between Frw 2 million and Frw 10 million and suspension of services for one to six months.
Facilities that supply gametes or embryos from a single donor to more than one recipient are also subject to the same penalties.
The law further identifies other serious breaches, including using non-human genetic material, importing or exporting gametes or embryos illegally, manipulating human genetic material, and selecting a child’s sex through medical technology.
Facilities found guilty of these offences may be fined no less than Frw 80 million but not more than Frw 100 million, and their authorization to provide assisted reproductive technology services may be suspended for one to three years.
Peskov told Russia’s TASS news agency that the invitation extended by Putin to Trump remains on the table.
Peskov added that Putin is ready and willing to hold the meeting with Trump in Moscow. “Everything depends on Trump’s decision,” he said.
In August, following their meeting in Alaska, Putin proposed holding their next meeting in Moscow. The U.S. leader described the proposal as possible, though he acknowledged that he would face criticism for it.
In a statement, the Abu Shouk Camp Emergency Room said 73 children under five and 22 elderly individuals had died from hunger and illness among camp residents.
“The security and humanitarian situation in El Fasher remains dire, with residents facing severe shortages of food, water, and healthcare, especially displaced people cut off from aid and basic services,” the statement said. The group warned of a looming health crisis, citing unburied bodies across the city amid ongoing insecurity, and urged international organizations to establish safe corridors for civilians fleeing the conflict.
The Coordination of Resistance Committees in El Fasher, another volunteer group, confirmed the deaths and reported a sharp deterioration in humanitarian conditions, citing ongoing shelling, the collapse of basic services, and the shutdown of most charity kitchens amid funding shortfalls and rising prices.
On Thursday, the Sudan Doctors Network, a non-governmental organization, reported 23 deaths from malnutrition among children and women in El Fasher during the month. In July, the group said 239 children had died in the city since January due to shortages of food and medicine.
Violent clashes have been ongoing in El Fasher since May 2024, between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and allied forces on one side and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on the other, with fighting intensifying in recent days.
Sudan remains gripped by a broader conflict between the SAF and RSF, which erupted in April 2023. The fighting has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions, deepening the country’s humanitarian crisis.
According to a statement from the Office of the President , Kagame was given the belt as he received Carlos Takam on the evening of September 28, 2025, shortly after the conclusion of the 2025 UCI Road World Championships hosted in Rwanda.
“Carlos Takam also gifted the President with an original WBC World Champion belt as a tribute to Rwanda and the mission of the Foundation,” reads the statement.
Carlos Takam, is a heavyweight boxer who has competed at the highest levels of the sport against world-class opponents such as Anthony Joshua and Joseph Parker.
Carlos Takam is a heavyweight boxer, known for his toughness and willingness to face strong opponents, including a world title challenge against Anthony Joshua in 2017.
He is the founder of the Carlos Takam Foundation, which supports education, healthcare, and sports for children in Africa. Born in Cameroon in 1980, he moved to France to pursue his boxing career and is currently considered one of Africa’s leading boxers.
On the same day, President Kagame also met Magdeleine Vallieres Mill, the Canadian cyclist who made history by winning the elite women’s road race at the 2025 UCI Road World Championships — becoming the first Canadian woman ever to earn the rainbow jersey.
Magdeleine Vallieres Mill triumphed in the 164.6 km women’s race, completing 11 laps in Kigali and finishing 23 seconds ahead of New Zealand’s Niamh Fisher-Black. The 24-year-old Canadian crossed the line in 4 hours, 34 minutes, and 48 seconds to claim the gold medal.
The championships, held in Rwanda from September 21 to 28, 2025, marked the first time the prestigious cycling competition took place on the African continent.
Slovenia’s Tadej Pogačar claimed the elite men’s road race title, followed by Belgium’s Remco Evenepoel in second place and Ireland’s Ben Healy in third.
Following the week-long race, President Kagame took to X to applaud everyone involved in the event’s success.
“Rwanda is proud to have hosted this historic UCI Road World Championships. I congratulate all the riders who competed across our capital city for their remarkable achievements and resilience.
“My sincere appreciation to my friend, David Lappartient [UCI President] , the UCI team, our partners, the security organs who kept the race route secure and the people of Rwanda whose energy and support made #Kigali2025 [the race] truly unforgettable,” he said.
The men’s road race started with 165 riders but only 30 managed to finish. None of the six Rwandan cyclists completed the challenging race.
According to the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), nearly one million fans lined the streets to watch the elite men’s road race finale in Kigali.
UCI President David Lappartient also praised the event’s success on social media, expressing how the global cycling community was deeply moved by Rwanda’s passion and organization.
Pogačar, who successfully defended his world road race title, said the competition in Rwanda stood out for its challenging but well-organised ourse compared to his experience in Australia.
The 2026 UCI Road World Championships are scheduled to take place in Montreal, Canada.
Among individuals frequently associated with efforts to glorify the First and Second Republics are Antoine Mukiza Zigiranyirazo, son of Protais Zigiranyirazo, and Jean-Luc Habyarimana, son of former President Juvenal Habyarimana who led Rwanda until 1994, along with other similar figures.
These individuals often claim that their parents and other officials of those regimes committed no wrongdoing, despite well-documented evidence that many played a key role in planning and carrying out the genocide against the Tutsi in 1994.
In a message shared on X , Minister Bizimana stressed that one way to preserve historical truth is to counter those who spread false narratives about the country’s past.
“The journey of building unity starts with acknowledging the truth of our history — showing how our unity was destroyed. Rwandans had lived in unity for centuries, but this was deliberately broken and culminated in the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994.
“Let me also remind you that the genocide was planned before that year and, in some areas, killings began earlier [Kibilira, Mutara, Nasho, Rwankuba in Murambi, Mbogo in Kigali, Shyorongi, Bugesera, Gisenyi, Kibuye, Ruhengeri…].”
He explained that the real root of Rwanda’s disunity lies in Belgian colonial policies, missionary influence, and the governments of PARMEHUTU and MRND.
“To legitimize the regimes that planned and carried out the genocide is to keep destroying Rwandan unity. The genocide and its ideology defined the rule of Habyarimana and deeply fractured our unity. We cannot stand by and watch this happen. Instead, we must work together to ensure the truth prevails. That is how we strengthen, support, and safeguard our unity from those who seek to undermine it,” Dr. Bizimana stated.
According to the 2020 Rwanda Reconciliation Barometer (RRB), national reconciliation in Rwanda was measured at 94.7%, indicating a remaining 5.3% gap where continued education and engagement are needed to further strengthen social cohesion.
In an interview with the media about preparations for the elite men’s road race scheduled for Sunday, 28 September 2025, Pogačar did not hold back in comparing the two events.
Asked how he viewed the Rwanda championships compared to the 2024 edition in Australia, he said: “This is much better. Honestly, the layout of the roads here is ten times more challenging than in Australia. Please understand, I don’t mean to disrespect the Australians who designed their course, but it just didn’t feel as tough as this one.”
The 27-year-old, who won the 2024 UCI Road World Championships, said his preparations have gone well and he is determined to work with his teammates to reclaim the gold medal.
“I came here very motivated for the road race on Sunday. I have big ambitions and my legs are ready. We brought a strong team and believe we’re among the top favorites. Our goals are clear, and the energy from the fans along the roads is incredible.”
He highlighted the overwhelming support already present even during training: “Spectators fill the roads during training — it already feels like race day. The roads are in great condition. Yes, the weather is different from home, but that’s fine. We were lucky to train on the outskirts of the city, it’s beautiful and the air is fresh. It’s good that the World Championships are coming to Africa too.”
Having just reclaimed the Tour de France title for the fourth time, the Slovenian rider shared insights about the Kigali course and the challenges it presents: “The roads I’m focusing on include Mont Kigali and the cobblestones at Kwa Mutwe. The cobbles here are different from Belgium — these ones climb in a circular pattern, while others are sharper. But that’s good; it adds to the difficulty of the race.”
“I don’t know why Mont Kigali is only included once and mid-race. We have plenty of other hills to play with, so it’s fine. Overall, the course is great, and we’re ready to compete.”
Pogačar will lead Team Slovenia, joined by top riders such as Primož Roglič, Gal Glivar, Matevž Govekar, Luka Mezgec, Matej Mohorič, Domen Novak, Jaka Primožič, and Matic Žumer.
They will face powerhouse teams including Belgium with Remco Evenepoel; Denmark with Casper Phillip Pedersen; Great Britain with Tom Pidcock; and strong competitors from 57 other countries in the 267.5-kilometer race.
The side event held on Thursday, titled “Peace, Governance, and the Right to Development: Lessons Learned from the Great Lakes Region and Beyond,” gathered diplomats, experts, and civil society representatives to examine practical ways to build resilient and inclusive societies.
Urujeni Bakuramutsa, Permanent Representative of Rwanda to the United Nations in Geneva, highlighted Rwanda’s experience, emphasizing that unity has been built on the rule of law and a right-to-development agenda.
“Systems had to be strengthened and continue to be improved to ensure that the cornerstone of all development is based on the rule of law. From justice, development is advancing in step: we are talking about concrete rights such as access to water, electricity, education, financial inclusion, and rising life expectancy with universal health coverage,” she stated.
Opening the discussion, Ms. Trisha Riedy, Manager and Senior Trainer at UNITAR, affirmed the Institute’s commitment to advancing governance and human rights.
She stressed that “the right to development is not a privilege — it is a fundamental human right. One that must be realized through accountable governance, inclusive institutions, and the rule of law.”
Moderating the panel, Dr. Bojana Coulibaly, Political Discourse Analyst, underlined the need for decisive leadership. She noted: “Durable solutions require political courage: leaders must reject sectarianism and embrace policies that unite rather than divide.”
Panelist Dr. Alex Mvuka, Researcher and Consultant (Great Lakes Region of Africa), reflected on lessons from international and national approaches to post-conflict governance, underscoring that while strengthening state institutions has been central, lasting peace and development require participatory models that empower local actors.
He pointed to Rwanda’s homegrown solutions, such as imihigo and Ubudehe, as successful initiatives demonstrating how inclusive governance can drive social transformation.
Drawing on decades of legal and field experience in the Great Lakes region, particularly in eastern DRC, Advocate Bernard Maingain stressed the consequences when impunity prevails and ethnic groups are targeted. He emphasized that hatred and divisive ideology remain present in the region and must urgently be addressed and combated at all costs.
The side event underscored the importance of Rwanda–UNITAR collaboration in spotlighting the nexus between governance, peace, and development.
In closing, Ambassador Bakuramutsa thanked UNITAR and the panelists for their contributions, reiterating Rwanda’s conviction that the right to development must remain anchored in justice, inclusivity, and effective governance to achieve lasting peace.
The revocation followed remarks President Petro made during a street protest.
The State Department confirmed the decision in a post on X, stating: “Earlier today, Colombian president Gustavo Petro stood on a NYC street and urged U.S. soldiers to disobey orders and incite violence. We will revoke Petro’s visa due to his reckless and incendiary actions.”
The actions in question occurred when the leftist Colombian leader joined thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators outside the UN headquarters.
During his address, President Petro was filmed urging American service members to defy authority. According to multiple reports, he said: “I ask all the soldiers in the United States army not to point their rifles at humanity. Disobey Trump’s order! Obey the order of humanity!”
The remarks came amid escalating tensions between the two countries, which have historically been strong allies.
The incident followed President Petro’s formal address to the UN General Assembly earlier in the week. In that speech, he had already delivered sharp criticism toward the US, accusing President Donald Trump of being “complicit in genocide” in Gaza and calling for “criminal proceedings” against US officials over missile strikes on suspected drug-running boats in the Caribbean.
In response to the visa revocation, Colombia’s Interior Minister, Armando Benedetti, wrote on X that the action was politically motivated. The minister suggested that the US was targeting Petro because he “dared to denounce the genocide against Palestine at the UN.”
Colombian media reported that President Petro was already en route to Bogotá from New York on Friday night when the State Department made the announcement.
Petro is the second Colombian president whose US visa has been revoked; the first was Ernesto Samper in 1996, over alleged drug trafficking ties, according to TRT World.
