Curiosity had been studying the ancient rocks of Gale Crater, a place long believed to have once held water. In clay‑rich layers that formed billions of years ago, the rover detected more than twenty different organic molecules. These aren’t just ordinary chemicals. Many of them are deeply linked to the kind of chemistry that makes life on Earth possible.
One of the most exciting finds was a molecule with a structure similar to the building blocks of DNA. DNA is the code that carries the instructions for life on Earth, and discovering something that resembles its ingredients so far away sent ripples of excitement through the scientific world.
But scientists are careful this doesn’t prove that life ever existed on Mars. Instead, it suggests that the ancient Martian environment may have once been much more welcoming than we imagined.
Researchers believe these molecules have been preserved for about 3.5 billion years in the rocks, protected from harsh conditions by clay minerals. These clays act like time capsules, holding onto chemical secrets from Mars’s distant past. The amazing thing is that this preservation gives scientists a rare glimpse into the planet’s ancient chemistry, and possibly its potential to support life long ago.
The discovery came from a carefully planned chemical experiment using Curiosity’s onboard instruments. Because there was only a small amount of the chemical needed for the test, the scientists had to choose the perfect place to conduct the experiment and it paid off in a big way.
While this breakthrough doesn’t mean we’ve found Martian life, it does mean that the ingredients for life were present and preserved. Future missions might build on this work, possibly even bringing samples back to Earth for more detailed study. For now, the molecules discovered by Curiosity remind us that our universe is full of surprises and that even a seemingly barren world like Mars may hold clues about our own origins.
Discovering Mars’ ancient clues and the building blocks of life.
When she stepped into the dining room, all eyes were on Melania as she wore a pale pink haute couture gown by Christian Dior. The strapless silk dress was both graceful and timeless, giving her a soft, radiant look that perfectly matched the evening’s refined atmosphere.
She completed her outfit with off‑white suede gloves and silk pumps, adding an extra touch of sophistication to her look.
Her husband, President Donald Trump, stood proudly beside her in a classic black tuxedo, while guests from both sides of the Atlantic enjoyed the evening’s rich blend of culture and conversation.
President Trump and Melania welcomed the British royal couple with warmth and formality, showing the importance of the event in strengthening ties between their countries.
Earlier in the day, Melania had already shown off her fashion versatility. She wore a crisp white peplum skirt suit by Ralph Lauren along with a chic straw hat and elegant pumps, creating a stylish and confident daytime look.
Prior to that, during the royal couple’s arrival, she greeted guests in a butter‑yellow ensemble, showing her careful planning for each moment of the visit.
The dinner itself was not just about outfits, it was about honoring tradition, celebrating international friendship, and enjoying a beautiful spring evening at the heart of American hospitality. From the beautifully arranged table settings to the gracious hosts and honored guests, the night was a blend of diplomacy and grace.
Melania Trump captivates in a stunning couture Dior pink gown at the White House state dinner with King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
The research shows that internalised stress, particularly feelings of hopelessness and the habit of suppressing emotional struggles, may have a stronger effect on memory decline than many people realise.
Researchers discovered that when older adults tend to hold stress deep inside themselves, instead of sharing it or finding ways to cope, it may quietly weaken their memory over time. In other words, it is not just ageing itself that affects memory; the way people respond to stress also matters.
“Stress and hopelessness may go unnoticed in ageing populations, yet they play a critical role in how the brain ages,” said Chen, who is also an assistant professor of neurology at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
“Because these feelings are modifiable, our goal is for this research to inform culturally sensitive stress-reduction interventions to mitigate these feelings in older adults.”
The study looked at more than 1,500 Chinese American adults over the age of 60 living in the Chicago area. This group was considered significant because older Asian Americans have been studied less in relation to brain ageing, despite their growing population.
Researchers found that people with high levels of internal stress, especially those experiencing hopelessness and a tendency to keep problems to themselves rather than discussing them, showed faster declines in memory over time.
This pattern appeared stronger than the influence of other social factors, such as feeling connected to a community or having support from neighbours.
The scientists believe that cultural pressures may also contribute to this issue. For example, stereotypes around always appearing strong, successful, and resilient can make some people feel they should not show weakness or ask for help.
Such expectations may cause emotional struggles to go unnoticed or be ignored, even when they have a serious impact on mental and cognitive health.
One of the most hopeful findings from the study is that internal stress is something that can be addressed. Since it is closely linked to feelings such as hopelessness, which can be treated, researchers say there is an opportunity to improve emotional well-being and protect brain health.
They recommend developing support programmes and care strategies that are sensitive to the cultural backgrounds and lived experiences of older adults.
This approach, they say, could help preserve memory, improve emotional resilience, and support healthier ageing.
Stress is not only something people feel emotionally; it can also shape how the brain functions over time. By understanding its impact better and helping older adults manage it in healthier ways, researchers believe memory problems could be reduced and ageing made easier for many people.
A new study by researchers at Rutgers University has found that older adults who keep stress bottled up instead of talking about it may face faster memory decline, highlighting how emotional health can quietly shape brain ageing.
This breakthrough comes from researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder, who have found a small but powerful region of the brain called the caudal granular insular cortex (CGIC).
It turns out that this part of the brain might play a key role in deciding whether pain sticks around or fades away after an injury.
In their research, scientists found that when this part of the brain is activated, pain signals continue to be sent long after the injury has healed and that’s when pain can become chronic.
But if they could switch off this brain circuit, they found that pain would either stop or never even become chronic in the first place.
The cool part? They used advanced neuroscience techniques to pinpoint exactly how this area of the brain is linked to the rest of the nervous system. By turning off the CGIC’s neurons in animal models, they were able to stop chronic pain in its tracks. This could be a game‑changer in how we think about treating pain.
So, why does this matter? Well, many pain treatments, like opioids, try to block pain signals throughout the body, but they come with some pretty serious side effects, including addiction.
If doctors could target this specific part of the brain, it might allow them to treat chronic pain without those dangerous risks.
Instead of masking the pain, we could be looking at a way to actually stop the brain from sending the pain signals in the first place.
Though the research is still in its early stages (and has only been tested in animals so far), it’s a huge step forward in understanding why chronic pain sticks around.
This discovery suggests that chronic pain might not just be a physical issue, but something that the brain decides to keep sending.
If scientists can figure out how to turn that “switch” off, it could lead to new treatments that finally offer relief for those who suffer from long‑lasting pain.
Researchers have identified a hidden brain circuit that can turn short-term pain into chronic suffering.
In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, she reflects on her journey from Australia to Rwanda, her evolving relationship with wellness, and her experience building a purpose-driven business rooted in community care.
Cynthia moved to Rwanda in 2022 with her husband, a heart surgeon, and their three children. Having previously lived in Israel and Ethiopia, she arrived in Kigali with little prior knowledge of the country, but quickly found inspiration in its vision, culture, and openness to new ideas.
“I didn’t know much about Rwanda initially, but as I started researching, I became inspired by the country’s vision, community, and culture,” she said.
This excitement fueled her transition into building the Kigali Wellness Hub, a space that blends wellness with a deep sense of community.
Drawing from her background in business and leadership, particularly her experience in fashion and marketing, Cynthia utilized her expertise to establish Kigali Wellness Hub.
“The vision for Kigali Wellness Hub came from recognizing a need in Kigali, a space where people could reconnect with themselves physically, mentally, and emotionally,” she explained.
Cynthia Fayman says Rwanda’s investment-friendly environment helped turn a vision into a thriving wellness hub in Kigali.
Rwanda, with its rapid growth and reputation for ease of doing business, stood out as the ideal place for Cynthia to establish her venture.
She noted that the country’s welcoming environment for foreign investment, along with its openness to new ideas and innovation, made the process of starting Kigali Wellness Hub both smooth and efficient.
Kigali Wellness Hub is unlike typical gyms or fitness centres.
“What sets us apart is our intention behind every class and practice. Authenticity is key,” Cynthia shared.
In a sector often driven by trends, Cynthia emphasized the importance of staying true to the mission of supporting the local community’s well-being.
Kigali Wellness Hub offers more than just fitness; it’s a place to reconnect and recharge.
The wellness hub offers reformer Pilates, aerial yoga, Tai Chi, kids’ classes, and sound healing, focusing on genuine service rather than chasing fleeting trends.
The wellness center also supports local causes, such as running monthly movement sessions for the Rwandan Down Syndrome Organization, where children, youth, and families can experience the joy of movement together.
Like many entrepreneurs, Cynthia faced challenges, especially navigating cultural sensitivities in a new country.
“As someone who isn’t Rwandan, I’m always learning, asking for feedback, and evolving with deep respect for the culture,” she explained.
One of the major hurdles was creating a space that offered a sense of reconnection in a fast-paced city like Kigali, where people often find it difficult to slow down.
Despite the obstacles, Cynthia’s commitment to authenticity and community has allowed Kigali Wellness Hub to thrive, and the feedback from clients has been overwhelmingly positive.
“When people leave here feeling more confident and in control of their body and mind, that strength ripples into their work, relationships, and daily life,” she shared.
Kigali Wellness Hub is a space designed for holistic well-being where physical, mental, and emotional health come together.
Cynthia shared that the wellness hub sees an average revenue of 8.5 million Rwandan francs in slower months, with busy months reaching up to 13 million. A large portion of this revenue goes toward supporting the hub’s instructors.
Additionally, part of the business’s mission is to support local causes, and Cynthia is proud to contribute to these initiatives.
For those looking to enter the wellness industry or any other sector, Cynthia’s advice is clear: “Be authentic and have clear intention.”
She emphasized the importance of staying grounded and patient as growth takes time.
“Find something that inspires and connects with the community, stay consistent with your intention, and the business will expand naturally.”
As the interview wrapped up, Cynthia expressed her gratitude for the Rwandan government’s initiatives, particularly those that promote wellness, like eco-parks and car-free days.
“Thank you for creating spaces that minimize stress. You’re doing a great job, and we’re here to support,” she said.
Watch the full conversation in the video below.
In a sector often driven by trends, Cynthia emphasized the importance of staying true to the mission of supporting the local community’s well-being. A space for mind and body wellness in Kigali.The founder’s mission is to support individuals to live their best lives through authentic wellness practices.The hub is a place to reconnect and recharge.In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, Cynthia shares her journey from Australia to Rwanda and her passion for building a community-focused wellness hub.
Around 300 million years ago, Earth looked very different. The continents were joined into a supercontinent called Pangaea, and vast swampy forests covered much of the land.
During this time, many animals and plants thrived in the high‑oxygen environment and among them were insects with astonishingly large bodies.
Some of these creatures, often called griffinflies, were dragonfly-like insects with wingspans reaching about 70 centimeters (27 inches) far larger than any flying insect alive today.
Insects don’t breathe like humans do. Instead of lungs, they rely on a complex network of tubes called the tracheal system, which carries oxygen directly to their muscles and tissues.
At the tiny ends of these tubes are structures called tracheoles, where oxygen enters the cells. Scientists once thought that bigger bodies needed much more oxygen and that only an oxygen‑rich atmosphere could support such huge insects.
However, in the new study published in the journal Nature, researchers used advanced electron microscopy to examine how insect body size relates to the space occupied by tracheoles in flight muscles.
They found that even in very large insects, tracheoles make up a surprisingly small portion, often only about 1% or less of the flight muscle volume. That tiny proportion suggests that oxygen delivery through the tracheal system wasn’t a limiting factor in how large insects could grow.
Because tracheoles take up so little space, insects could theoretically increase the number of these tubes without facing serious physical constraints.
In comparison, animals like birds and mammals depend on networks of tiny blood vessels (capillaries) that take up much more space in muscle tissue. This difference further supports the idea that oxygen levels weren’t the main barrier to giant insect size.
These findings don’t completely rule out oxygen’s influence on insect evolution, but they do show that the old explanation was too simple.
Scientists now need to explore other possibilities that might explain why insects grew so large in the past and why such giants no longer exist today.
Possible ideas include changes in predators, environmental conditions, or the inherent limitations of insect body structures.
Giant prehistoric insects may not have needed extra oxygen to grow so large after all.
1. Project Hail Mary – A Space Odyssey of Survival and Hope
If you loved The Martian by Andy Weir, you’re going to want to clear your weekend for Project Hail Mary.
Directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, this grippingscience fiction (sci-fi) adventure stars Ryan Gosling as Ryland Grace, a lone astronaut who wakes up in space with no memory of how he got there.
His mission? To save humanity from an extinction-level catastrophe. Packed with mystery, space exploration, and an emotional rollercoaster, this film will keep you on the edge of your seat. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey to the stars!
2. No Time to Die – Bond Is Back
James Bond is back with a vengeance! No Time to Die marks Daniel Craig’s final outing as the iconic MI6 agent, and it’s an action-packed thrill ride from start to finish.
In this installment, Bond comes out of retirement to face off against a mysterious villain armed with dangerous new technology.
With high-speed chases, explosive fight scenes, and that signature Bond charm, this film is a must-see for both die-hard fans and newcomers to the series.
Prepare for intense action, emotional moments, and an unforgettable conclusion to Craig’s Bond legacy.
3. Dune – A Masterpiece of Sci-Fi and Epic Storytelling
For fans of epic fantasy and grand storytelling, Dune is a visual and cinematic masterpiece. Directed by Denis Villeneuve and based on Frank Herbert’s acclaimed novel, the film transports audiences to the desert planet of Arrakis, where the future of humanity’s survival is at stake.
With incredible performances from Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, and Oscar Isaac, this film delves into political intrigue, family struggles, and a battle for power. The stunning visuals and immersive world-building make Dune a must-see for anyone who loves a great sci-fi epic.
4. The French Dispatch – Wes Anderson’s Visual Feast
If you’re a fan of quirky, visually stunning films, The French Dispatch by Wes Anderson is the perfect pick for you. This star-studded ensemble film follows the final issue of a fictional American magazine published in a fictional French city.
Filled with Anderson’s signature symmetrical shots, vibrant colors, and eccentric characters, this film is a visual and comedic delight. With actors like Bill Murray, Tilda Swinton, and Frances McDormand, The French Dispatch is a charming and eccentric tale that will leave you thinking long after the credits roll.
5. The Last Duel – A Historical Drama That Will Keep You Thinking
For those who enjoy a mix of history and drama, The Last Duel is a powerful choice.
Directed by Ridley Scott, this film is based on the true story of the last legally sanctioned duel in France. Starring Matt Damon, Adam Driver, and Jodie Comer, the movie explores themes of justice, honor, and betrayal.
Set in medieval France, it brings to life the story of two knights fighting over accusations of rape and their respective quests for vengeance.
With breathtaking action scenes and compelling performances, this film is a gripping tale of power and retribution.
6. A Quiet Place Part II – A Thrilling Return to Silence
If you’re in the mood for a heart-pounding horror thriller, A Quiet Place Part II is sure to satisfy. Directed by John Krasinski, this sequel picks up where the first film left off, with the Abbott family continuing their fight for survival in a world overrun by sound-sensitive creatures.
Tension is high as they venture out into the unknown, encountering new dangers while still trying to stay silent to survive. Filled with suspense and emotional depth, this film is perfect for fans of edge-of-your-seat thrillers that also tug at the heartstrings.
Located about 17 kilometers from downtown Kigali, Gasogi sits in Ndera Sector of Gasabo District and has increasingly attracted interest from both residents and prospective settlers.
Gasogi covers three cells: Cyaruzinge, Rudashya, and Bwiza. Before entering the neighborhood, visitors are welcomed by the market area commonly known as ku Mulindi.
As you continue uphill toward Gasogi Hill, you will find shops selling a variety of goods, along with several small businesses that reflect the determination of residents to improve their livelihoods.
Further ahead is an area known as ku Ikona, a commercial center once considered the heart of Gasogi. Many important community activities used to take place there before the expansion of the surrounding residential neighborhoods.
Many people first came to know Gasogi because of a school formerly called Collège de l’Espoir de Gasogi. It was a secondary school located in Cyaruzinge Cell, but it was later converted into a primary school.
Although that once-famous institution no longer exists in its original form, another school, the School of Tourism and Hotel Management of Gasogi (ES/TH Gasogi), has since gained prominence and become one of the leading educational institutions in Ndera Sector.
Others became familiar with Gasogi through Radio 1 and TV1, owned by KNC, who also resides in the area. It would be fair to say that he has played a significant role in promoting Gasogi. For more than a decade, hardly a day passes on his radio station without mention of the neighborhood.
When discussing education in Gasogi, it is impossible not to mention Hope Haven Christian School, founded by Hollern Susan, who also serves as its director.
Located in Rudashya Cell, Hope Haven Christian School is among the respected private schools in Rwanda. It has supported many nearby families by offering free education opportunities to their children.
This year, the school outperformed many others in innovation projects involving robotics and artificial intelligence (AI). It also earned the honor of representing Rwanda in international competitions scheduled to take place in the United States and Switzerland.
From a higher viewpoint, Gasogi can be seen as an area with modern residential development.
Tarmac roads transform Gasogi
One of the main challenges that previously affected residents of Gasogi was the lack of improved roads, which often turned muddy during the rainy season and dusty during the dry season.
To address this, the City of Kigali constructed a tarmac road linking Mulindi to Kabuga. The project is now in its final phase, with ongoing works focusing on pedestrian walkways and drainage systems.
After the completion of this main road, further development efforts shifted to the residents themselves, who began mobilizing resources to build additional roads within their neighborhoods.
Through a community initiative known as “Reliable Family,” residents first came together to support one another in daily social matters such as mutual assistance and solidarity during events. Over time, the group evolved into a platform for local development.
Kayumba Fred, the coordinator of the initiative, told IGIHE: “We said that since the government had given us a main road, how could we make good use of it without ending up with dirty and poorly maintained streets in our neighborhoods? That is when we decided to construct an 800-meter road ourselves.”
The road starts from Cyaruzinge center and connects to the main highway. Its construction was funded through a partnership between residents and the City of Kigali. Seventy-five residents contributed 64 million Rwandan francs, covering about 30% of the total cost, while the City of Kigali covered the remaining amount. The total project cost exceeded 202 million Rwandan francs.
For street lighting, residents raised Rwf 13 million to install electricity infrastructure, pay technicians, and purchase a transformer worth Rwf 7 million. Streetlights and poles were provided as support from the City of Kigali.
After this road was completed, residents continued to develop additional feeder roads connecting to it, with households near each road taking responsibility for improving access routes to their homes.
In total, four roads have been paved and equipped with streetlights, each measuring about 360 meters. The lighting infrastructure alone cost over Rwf 12 million per road, bringing the total cost of street lighting to nearly Rwf 50 million.
Residents also take responsibility for maintaining the roads whenever they are damaged, including organizing repairs and monitoring their use.
These improvements have enabled public transport to reach Gasogi, especially for residents traveling to areas such as Remera and Kimironko, where many go for work and business activities.
In Cyaruzinge Cell, a dedicated water intake point was also established to supply water to Inyange Industries, which processes drinking water and produces various juice products.
Gasogi is also widely known for Gasogi United FC. Some people even associate the area with the club itself. Founded in 2016, the team initially competed in the second division under the name Unity FC. In its first season, it played as Unity of Gasogi, before becoming a full member of FERWAFA.
The club has played a key role in popularizing Gasogi, as many football fans came to know the area through it, largely thanks to its president and co-founder, Kakoza Nkuriza Charles (KNC).
KNC has also contributed to the area’s social life and development, including the rise in popularity of a well-known bar called “Ijuru rya Gasogi,” which once attracted visitors from different parts of Kigali.
In recent years, Gasogi has also seen the growth of hospitality services, including two hotels Novaland Hotel and Mountain Blue which have significantly improved the image of the area.
Novaland Hotel is one of the developments that has enhanced the appeal of Gasogi.
Land prices and housing in Gasogi continue to rise sharply
Anyone who visited Gasogi in 2013 would have easily mistaken it for a rural area. At the time, even many residents of Kigali did not consider it a place for residential living; it was mainly associated with farming and livestock activities.
During that period, a plot of land measuring between 300 and 700 square meters could be purchased for between Rwf 1 million and Rwf 3 million. Today, the same plots cost between Rwf 30 million and Rwf 50 million, and in some cases, prices can rise to around Rwf 80 million depending on location and characteristics of the land.
A standard residential house in Gasogi now costs between Rwf 70 million and Rwf 150 million. Renting such a house ranges from Rwf 300,000 to Rwf 350,000 per month.
These houses typically feature four bedrooms, a living room, a dining area, an indoor kitchen, three bathrooms with toilets, an outdoor kitchen, a parking space, and a garden.
A two-storey house is even more expensive, costing between Rwf 150 million and Rwf 200 million. It usually includes four bedrooms, a living room, a dining area, an indoor kitchen, three bathrooms with toilets, a parking area, a garden, and an external annex.
Despite the rapid development in Gasogi, residents still face challenges related to water access. In some areas, households can go up to four days without access to running water for daily use.
Gasogi still has plots of land available for purchase.Gasogi has experienced significant population growth over the past decade.Gasogi Hill is shared by three cells: Cyaruzinge, Bwiza, and Karubibi.In most areas of Kigali, almost every place you visit shows noticeable changes when you return the following day.Gasogi features new buildings, including those dedicated to commercial activities.Commercial buildings are mainly concentrated along the roadside.The area known as “Ku Ikona” is a busy commercial hub where various types of businesses operate.The building at “Ku Ikona” is among the most recent developments in Gasogi.Before drainage channels are covered, measures are put in place to allow residents to safely cross them.The tarmac road was greatly needed by the residents of Gasogi.Infrastructure developments, including fuel stations, are currently being constructed in Gasogi.ITS Kigali is a school located in Gasogi that specializes in Information Technology, hospitality, and tourism studies.ITS Kigali is a school that was established in Gasogi before the area experienced significant development.A bar known as “Ijuru rya Gasogi” played a significant role in making Gasogi widely known to many people.You no longer need to leave Gasogi to learn driving skills.
Many residents of Gasogi prefer building multi-storey houses in order to align with the city’s master plan.Those who can afford it also add gardens in front of their homes.Gasogi is gradually becoming as expensive as other parts of Kigali City.Areas that were once farmland before 2013 are now occupied by modern buildings.The number of people engaged in various businesses in Gasogi has significantly increased.
Modern construction continues to grow steadily in this area.A small market is awaiting renovation.Modern houses in Gasogi can be rented for more than 600,000 Rwandan francs per month.Residents built a road in Gasogi themselves.Neighborhood roads in Gasogi are constructed by the residents themselves.This is one of the roads in Gasogi that residents built and also equipped with street lighting themselves. Those who recognized its potential early chose to settle in Gasogi, especially as Kigali City continues to expand.Residents repair and maintain the roads themselves whenever they are damaged.Many houses located along the roadside are used for commercial activities. Gasogi is located close to Kigali International Airport.From a broader perspective, Gasogi stands out as a well-developed area within Kigali. Many newly built houses are designed to accommodate more than one family.Rental apartments targeting middle- and high-income residents can also be found in Gasogi.The construction style in Gasogi reflects modern urban standards in Kigali.Some roads in Gasogi still require further improvement and maintenance.Residential housing is rapidly increasing in this area.In areas that are not yet fully developed, some farmland is still cultivated by residents. Gasogi has become one of the most densely populated areas.
Some people choose to move into rental houses and gradually purchase them over time.Anyone who gets the opportunity to build in Gasogi tends to adopt modern construction standards.These are some of the shops where small-scale businesses operate in Gasogi.
Construction sites in the area are closely located near shops selling building materials.Some unpaved roads continue to hinder smooth movement and connectivity.That is one of the modern houses in Gasogi.Anyone intending to build in Gasogi is required to follow modern construction standards.Hope Haven Christian School is one of the modern educational institutions in Rwanda.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) announced that on April 23, 2026, it facilitated the voluntary return of the first group of 462 Congolese refugees who had been living in Busuma refugee camp in Ruyigi Commune.
The repatriation follows discussions between representatives of Burundi, the DRC, and UNHCR. These talks came after Burundi reopened the Gatumba border in March, which had remained closed for nearly four months due to security concerns.
According to UNHCR, clashes that took place in the Ruzizi Plain late last year forced more than 100,000 Congolese civilians to seek refuge in Burundi, where they were hosted in camps located across different parts of the country.
Jean-Jacques Elakano, the Deputy Governor of South Kivu Province appointed by the DRC government, said the refugees had been living in extremely difficult and inhumane conditions.
He stated, “Our fellow citizens were living in conditions unfit for human beings, almost like hell. The return of this first group will certainly encourage others to come back as well. They need to feel safe and be welcomed by their families so they can reintegrate smoothly into their communities of origin.”
Refugees in the camps in Burundi also faced serious shortages of food and clean water. More than 40 Congolese refugees died in December 2025 from diseases linked to poor sanitation, while others attempted to flee by crossing the Ruzizi River because the border was still closed at the time.
Congolese refugees in Burundi begin repatriation after nearly four months of hardship.Congolese refugees crossing through the Gatumba border.They were welcomed by leaders from various institutions in South Kivu.
The move follows a week of heightened economic pressure, including new sanctions on shipping companies involved in transporting Iranian oil.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the mission, stating that the U.S. is prepared for “in-person conversations” to move toward a permanent deal, even suggesting that Iran had requested the direct encounter.
However, the nature of the engagement remains a point of intense diplomatic dispute. Shortly after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Islamabad for meetings with Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, Tehran issued a firm denial of direct contact.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei clarified in a statement on X that “no meeting is planned” to take place between Iranian and U.S. officials.
Instead, Iran maintains that it will only convey its “observations” through Pakistani intermediaries, highlighting the deep-seated mistrust that has defined the relationship since the 1979 Revolution and the 2018 U.S. withdrawal from the nuclear deal.
Pakistan continues to play a pivotal role as the “bridge” in this conflict, leveraging its unique diplomatic ties with both Washington and Tehran.
While U.S. negotiators express hope that this round of talks will lead to a breakthrough, the conflicting accounts from both capitals underscore the immense challenges of de-escalating a war of aggression that has disrupted regional peace and global trade for 57 days.
US negotiators to go to Islamabad, but Iran says no direct talks.
