Lumumba, who became prime minister of the newly independent Democratic Republic of Congo in 1960, was reportedly overthrown and killed in January 1961 by Belgian-backed mercenaries, just months after taking office. In 2002, a Belgian parliamentary investigation acknowledged Belgium’s “moral responsibility” for Lumumba’s death.
Davignon, who was a junior diplomat at the time, is facing charges of war crimes, including complicity in the unlawful detention, transfer, and mistreatment of Lumumba.
He is also accused of being involved in the murder of Lumumba’s political allies, Maurice Mpolo and Joseph Okito. Prosecutors claim that Davignon participated in depriving Lumumba of a fair trial and subjected him to degrading treatment.
According to Reuters, the trial is a significant victory for Lumumba’s family, with his granddaughter, Yema Lumumba, describing it as a “step in the right direction.”
It also signals a reckoning with Belgium’s colonial history, as Davignon becomes the first Belgian official to face trial in connection with the 1961 killing.
Congo’s Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba waves as he sits in car for the drive from Idlewild Airport, New York July 24, 1960 [AP]
Senegal had beaten Morocco 1-0 in the January 18 final, but the match was marred by controversy when Senegal’s players refused to continue after Morocco was awarded a stoppage-time penalty with the score level.
Play resumed after a 17-minute delay. Brahim Diaz’s penalty was saved before Pape Gueye scored the winner for Senegal in extra time.
CAF said an appeals board had since ruled that Senegal forfeited the match. The result was recorded as a 3-0 victory for Morocco.
Morocco has been awarded the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title after the Confederation of African Football overturned the result of the final following Senegal’s walk-off.
Senegal had beaten Morocco 1-0 in the January 18 final, but the match was marred by controversy when Senegal’s players refused to continue after Morocco was awarded a stoppage-time penalty with the score level.
Play resumed after a 17-minute delay. Brahim Diaz’s penalty was saved before Pape Gueye scored the winner for Senegal in extra time.
CAF said an appeals board had since ruled that Senegal forfeited the match. The result was recorded as a 3-0 victory for Morocco.
In a statement, CAF said Senegal breached Article 82 of the Africa Cup of Nations regulations, triggering the application of Article 84.
Article 82 states that a team that refuses to play or leaves the field without the referee’s authorization is considered to have lost and is eliminated from the competition. Article 84 adds that such a violation results in a 3-0 defeat and permanent elimination.
Senegal players celebrate with Africa Cup of Nations trophy after the final against Morocco in Rabat, Morocco, Jan. 18, 2026.Players of Morocco express their despair after the Africa Cup of Nations final between Senegal and Morocco in Rabat, Morocco, Jan. 18, 2026.
The courses have equipped them to serve as professional company commanders, platoon commanders, company sergeant majors, and platoon sergeants.
While presiding over the graduation ceremony, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen MK Mubarakh congratulated the trainees for their dedication and achievement. He noted that the courses are essential in shaping professional military leaders.
The CDS commended the discipline and commitment demonstrated throughout the training.
He emphasized the relevance of the training in modern operations, highlighting that the experience gained is critical for today’s complex security environment.
He further stressed that training goes beyond theory, urging the graduates to apply what they have learned in their respective duties.
The comprehensive training focused on enhancing military skills, tactical thinking, leadership, and management, marking a significant step in ongoing efforts to professionalise the force and prepare for current and future security challenges.
The comprehensive training focused on enhancing military skills and tactical thinking among others. The CDS commended the discipline and commitment demonstrated throughout the training.Trainees underwent militart career courses at Gabiro Combat Training Centre.
The concert, attended by a large crowd from various nationalities, also saw the foreign minister in attendance. Amb. Nduhungirehe shared his thoughts on the event in a post on his ‘X’ account, noting that, although he has attended many concerts at BK Arena, Doja Cat’s concert was by far the most exciting.
“I have been to many concerts at BK Arena, but this one was certainly the best performance and entertainment I’ve ever seen in that place. Doja Cat is indeed an incredible showgirl with a unique energy from outer space!” he wrote.
Amb. Nduhungirehe’s sentiments echoed the feelings of many concertgoers who, despite not being familiar with Doja Cat’s music, were captivated by her talent and the high energy she brought to the stage.
During her hour and a half-long performance, Doja Cat entertained the crowd with hit songs such as ‘Paint the Town Red,’ ‘Woman,’ ‘Get Into It (Yuh),’ ‘Agora Hills,’ ‘Say So,’ ‘Cards,’ ‘Gorgeous,’ ‘Take Me Dancing,’ and many others.
After her performance in Kigali, Doja Cat, who is also in the process of promoting her new album ‘Tour Ma Vie,’ is expected to perform next in South Africa on March 20, 2026.
Move Afrika is a pioneering music touring circuit by Global Citizen, that aims to drive economic growth, job creation, and entrepreneurship across Africa through world-class entertainment events.
Since its inception in 2023, Move Afrika has already created over 2,500 jobs.
Doja Cat becomes the third artist to perform in the ‘Move Afrika’ series, following Kendrick Lamar, who performed in 2024, and John Legend, who performed in 2025.
The 30-year-old artist has been in music for almost 15 years. She is well known for songs like “Say So,” “Kiss Me More” featuring SZA, “Streets,” and many others.
oja Cat’s performance at the ‘Move Africa’ concert left everyone in awe.Kigali was buzzing with excitement at the ‘Move Africa’ concertDoja Cat took Kigali by storm with her signature style and energetic performance at the ‘Move Africa’ concert
The news about the supreme leader being in Russia for treatment is a “new psychological war,” Jalali said on X. “Iranian leaders do not need to flee and hide in shelters; their place is on the streets among the people.”
Kuwaiti daily Al-Jarida reported over the weekend that Mojtaba Khamenei was transported to Russia on a military aircraft and had already undergone surgery at a private clinic, citing a high-ranking source close to the new supreme leader.
Kremlin Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on the report during his briefing on Monday.
Iran has denied the transfer of recently selected Supreme leader to Russia for treatment.
He said in a social media post that Argentina communicated this decision through a note addressed to the United Nations Secretary-General on March 17, 2025.
In accordance with the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, the withdrawal takes place one year after that notification.
“Our country will continue to promote international cooperation in health through bilateral agreements and regional forums, fully safeguarding its sovereignty and its capacity to make decisions regarding health policies,” Quirno said.
The Argentine government announced the decision to withdraw from the global health body in February last year.
Presidential spokesperson Manuel Adorni told a press conference at the time that President Javier Milei had instructed the Argentine foreign minister to withdraw the country’s participation in the UN specialized agency.
The spokesperson said that the decision “gives the country greater flexibility to implement policies adapted to the context and interests that Argentina requires, as well as greater availability of resources, and reaffirms our path towards a country with sovereignty also in matters of health.”
President Javier Milei had instructed his foreign minister to withdraw the country from WHO
“Hours ago, U.S. forces successfully employed multiple 5,000-pound deep penetrator munitions on hardened Iranian missile sites along Iran’s coastline near the Strait of Hormuz,” the command said.
“The Iranian anti-ship cruise missiles in these sites posed a risk to international shipping in the strait,” it added.
Earlier on Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters that Washington is “not ready” to end its strikes on Iran, now in its third week.
Trump admitted that his demand for a joint escort mission through the Strait of Hormuz has been rejected by most NATO members and U.S. allies, saying he is “disappointed” in NATO’s decision and asserting the United States does “not need the help of anyone.”
He said Japan, Australia and South Korea also rejected his escort call.
Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, Iranian parliament speaker, said in a post on X on Tuesday that the Strait of Hormuz “won’t return to its pre-war status” but gave no further details.
In a recent report by J.P. Morgan, analysts warn that oil producers in the Middle East could sustain output for “no more than 25 days” if the Strait of Hormuz were completely shut.
Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, alongside Iran itself, depend on this narrow passage to export their crude oil.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told U.S. media last week that the strait remained open to international shipping, except for vessels belonging to the United States, Israel, and their allies.
The United States and Israel launched massive attacks on Iran on Feb. 28, disrupting global shipping, sending oil prices soaring and shaking the global economy.
U.S. has claimed a strike near the Strait of Hormuz
Move Afrika, a pioneering music touring circuit by Global Citizen, aims to drive economic growth, job creation, and entrepreneurship across Africa through world-class entertainment events.
According to Rwanda’s Office of the President, their discussion highlighted the partnership’s positive impact on Rwanda’s creative economy, and the wider work being done across key sectors including health and education.
Hugh Evans is in Rwanda for the ‘Move Afrika’ concert featuring American artist Doja Cat, which is expected to take place at BK Arena on the night of March 17, 2026.
Doja Cat becomes the third artist to perform in the ‘Move Afrika’ series, following Kendrick Lamar, who performed in 2024, and John Legend, who performed in 2025.
The 30-year-old artist has been in music for almost 15 years. She is well known for songs like “Say So,” “Kiss Me More” featuring SZA, “Streets,” and many others.
After performing in Kigali, Doja Cat is expected to head to South Africa, where she will perform on March 20, 2026.
Since its inception in 2023, Move Afrika has already created over 2,500 jobs.
President Kagame has met withGlobal Citizen founder, Hugh Evans ahead of Move Afrika concert at BK Arena. Hugh Evans and his delegation were hosted at Urugwiro Village on March 17, 2026.
Scheduled for Saturday, March 28, 2026, the event will take place at KCC Roundabout, Kigali Heights, delivering a professional boxing showcase designed to elevate the sport in Rwanda while creating a vibrant cultural experience for fans.
Organized and promoted by Silverback Sports, Kigali Fight Night will feature professional boxers from across Africa, including fighters from Rwanda, Uganda, Cameroon, Gabon, Tanzania, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, and beyond, competing in a high-level lineup of bouts under the lights.
Adding to the international profile of the event, renowned boxing coaches and trainers from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Dubai are expected to be in Kigali for the tournament, creating a rare opportunity for knowledge exchange, talent scouting, and exposure for local fighters.
This level of participation signals a significant moment not only for Rwanda but for African professional boxing, positioning Kigali as an emerging hub for the sport and opening new pathways for fighters across the continent to access global networks, training standards, and competitive platforms.
The event blends boxing with live DJ performances, music, dramatic fighter walkouts, and an electric ringside atmosphere, transforming the venue into a celebration of athleticism, entertainment, and African sporting culture.
According to Bashir Ntwari, President of the Rwanda Boxing Federation, the event is a strategic investment in the long-term future of boxing in the country.
“Kigali Fight Night is about more than one night of boxing. It is about creating a pathway for Rwandan fighters to transition from amateur boxing into professional careers, compete in international tournaments, and gain global exposure. Events like this help us build the foundations of the sport by strengthening local clubs, developing talent, and moving toward the creation of a professional boxing competition in Rwanda,” he said.
Beyond developing athletes, Kigali Fight Night is also opening doors for local economic growth and business development. The organizers have created opportunities for Rwandan businesses, entrepreneurs, and brands to participate directly in the event by offering free vendor spaces at the venue.
This initiative allows small and emerging businesses to showcase their products and services to hundreds of attendees, creating new opportunities for visibility, networking, and sales. From food vendors and fashion brands to lifestyle products and creative enterprises, the vendor marketplace ensures that the economic impact of the event extends beyond the ring.
By integrating local businesses into the event ecosystem, Kigali Fight Night aims to stimulate micro-enterprise growth, strengthen local supply chains, and deepen collaboration between sports, entertainment, and commerce, reinforcing the role of sports as a driver of economic activity in Rwanda.
Jermaine Burke, CEO of Silverback Sports and promoter of the event, said the vision goes beyond hosting a single tournament.
“Kigali Fight Night is not just about boxing. It is about building an ecosystem around sports that benefits athletes, businesses, and communities. By bringing international fighters and coaches to Rwanda while creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs, we are helping to position Kigali as a serious destination for global boxing and sports entertainment,” he said.
The official fight card will feature a series of high-profile matchups, including Tamba Merlin vs Yusufu Changarawe (Main Card), Jerry Katamba (DRC) vs Ali Mkojani (Tanzania), and Kingbo Hans (Gabon) vs Taafu Odoyi (Uganda). The event will also highlight women’s boxing with bouts such as Daniella Muleketsi (DRC) vs Martha Akinyi (Uganda) and Nene Joy Ojo (Nigeria) vs Leila Yazidu (Tanzania).
In addition to the professional bouts, Kigali Fight Night will feature seven amateur fights showcasing Rwanda’s most promising young boxers, giving emerging athletes the opportunity to compete on a major stage and gain valuable exposure.
Doors will open at 2:00 p.m. for amateur bouts and the vendor village, with the main event scheduled for 5:00 p.m., offering fans an afternoon and evening filled with fights, music, and entertainment. Attendees will be able to choose from multiple ticket categories, including Diamond Ringside, Platinum VIP, and Gold Regular seating options.
Open to fans of all ages, Kigali Fight Night is expected to attract a diverse audience of sports fans, entertainment lovers, and business communities. By combining world-class boxing with opportunities for local entrepreneurship, the event positions itself as both a sporting spectacle and a platform for economic participation.
With international fighters, global coaching presence, rising Rwandan talent, and a strong emphasis on community and commerce, Kigali Fight Night promises to be one of the most exciting and impactful sporting events of the year in Rwanda and a key step forward for African professional boxing.
Kigali Fight Night will feature professional boxers from across AfricaIn addition to the professional bouts, Kigali Fight Night will feature seven amateur fights showcasing Rwanda’s most promising young boxers.
He made the remarks in a post on social media platform X early Tuesday while reacting to a report by U.S. media outlet Axios claiming so, as the military campaign launched by the United States and Israel against Iran has entered its 18th day.
“My last contact with Mr. Witkoff was prior to his employer’s decision to kill diplomacy with another illegal military attack on Iran,” Araghchi said.
He added, “Any claim to the contrary appears geared solely to mislead oil traders and the public.”
On Feb. 28, Israel and the United States launched joint attacks on Tehran and several other Iranian cities, killing the country’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, high-ranking military commanders, and civilians. Iran responded through several waves of missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and U.S. assets and bases in the Middle East.
Speaking at a press conference in Tehran on Monday, Araghchi stressed that Iran had not sent any message to the United States requesting a ceasefire, noting that the war must end in a way that it will not be repeated in the future.
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has roundly rejected having had any new contact with U.S. president’s special envoy
