“Iran is all talk and no action,” Trump said on Truth Social. “They’ve taken too long to negotiate a deal that would have been great for them, now they will have to pay the price.”
Trump also suggested he may order new strikes on Iran’s power plants and bridges, Fox News reported on Wednesday, citing a phone interview.
“I may keep going,” Trump said during the interview. “They had a chance to sign a deal and survive.”
The president claimed Tehran has been “tapping the U.S. along” in peace talks that have ultimately made little progress.
The U.S. military reportedly hit about 20 targets in its strikes on Iran on Tuesday in response to the downing of a U.S. Army helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz.
The targets included Iranian air defenses, radar sites and ground control stations, U.S. Central Command said in a statement on Tuesday.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that Iran has “taken too long to negotiate a deal” over the Mideast conflict and will now “have to pay the price.”
The new brand was officially launched in Rabat, Morocco, during the bank’s 45th Annual Meetings, marking a major milestone in the institution’s evolution and long-term strategic repositioning within Africa’s development finance landscape.
Speaking at the unveiling, Thierno-Habib Hann, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Shelter Afrique Development Bank, said the rebranding represents far more than a cosmetic change.
“Rebranding means more than a name change. It is not only changing the institution’s framework of operations. The transition is expanding the role of the institution into a development bank, making it more nimble and impactful across the housing value chain while creating jobs,” he said.
The bank has in recent years pursued a deliberate strategy to expand its financing capacity in response to rising demand for affordable housing and urban infrastructure across the continent. With a membership of 44 African states and institutional shareholders including the African Development Bank and the African Reinsurance Corporation, Shelter Afrique says it is increasingly aligning its operations with Africa’s broader development priorities.
Board Chairman Lionel Zinsou said the institution’s success will be measured by its tangible impact rather than policy declarations or strategic plans.
“Our success will not ultimately be measured by strategies adopted, policies approved or meetings held. It will be measured by homes financed, cities improved, jobs created and lives transformed. The reform phase of the institution must now become the delivery phase,” he said.
The transition to a Multilateral Development Bank is expected to place Shelter Afrique in the same category as other pan-African lenders, strengthening its ability to mobilise capital for large-scale housing and urban development projects.
The institution is now targeting Africa’s estimated 53 million housing deficit, which requires approximately $1.3 trillion in investment to address, according to the bank.
Hann said the next phase of the bank’s strategy will focus on scaling impact across the housing ecosystem.
“Our vision for the next five years and beyond is to lead the transformation of the African housing sector to address urban infrastructure challenges and create jobs,” he said.
The rebranding also comes amid increased collaboration among African multilateral development banks aimed at unlocking greater pools of capital for infrastructure and housing.
This year’s Annual General Meeting was held under the theme: “The Future of Cities: Financing Inclusive, Green, and Resilient Urban Development,” reflecting the growing urgency around sustainable urbanisation across Africa.
Established in 1981 in Lusaka, Zambia and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, Shelter Afrique Development Bank is a Pan-African MDB dedicated to financing sustainable housing, urban development, and related infrastructure. It is owned by 44 African governments alongside institutional shareholders including the African Development Bank and Africa-Re.
The institution, of which Rwanda is a member, operates through four business lines: the Financial Institutions Group (FIG), the Project Finance Group (PFG), the Sovereign and Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) Group, and the Fund Management Group (FMG).
Speaking at the unveiling, Thierno-Habib Hann, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Shelter Afrique Development Bank, said the rebranding represents far more than a cosmetic change.The new brand was officially launched in Rabat, Morocco, during the bank’s 45th Annual Meetings, marking a major milestone in the institution’s evolution and long-term strategic repositioning within Africa’s development finance landscape.The rebranding also comes amid increased collaboration among African multilateral development banks aimed at unlocking greater pools of capital for infrastructure and housing.
The Urban Consumer Price Index (CPI), which serves as the headline measure for monetary policy purposes, increased by 12.9 percent compared to May 2025 and by 0.5 percent compared to April 2026. The annual average inflation rate between May 2025 and May 2026 stood at 8.7 percent.
The report also showed that overall inflation across Rwanda reached 12.3 percent on an annual basis, while rural inflation stood at 11.8 percent.
The latest figures indicate that inflationary pressures remain elevated after a sharp acceleration in recent months. Urban inflation rose from 8.9 percent in January to 9.2 percent in February and March before surging to 13.0 percent in April and remaining high at 12.9 percent in May.
Transport, housing and health costs were among the biggest drivers of the increase in consumer prices.
Urban transport prices rose by 24.5 percent compared to May last year and increased by 1.1 percent on a monthly basis. Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels increased by 19.4 percent annually, although the category declined by 0.9 percent compared to April.
Health services recorded the steepest increase among major expenditure categories, rising by 71.6 percent over the past 12 months. Restaurants and hotels also registered a significant increase of 16.6 percent, while prices for alcoholic beverages, tobacco and narcotics rose by 16.1 percent.
Food and non-alcoholic beverages, which account for 27 percent of the urban consumer basket, increased by 6.2 percent annually and 0.9 percent monthly. Within the category, vegetable prices rose by 9.0 percent, meat prices increased by 12.9 percent and non-alcoholic beverages climbed by 11.0 percent compared to May 2025.
The report shows that transport and housing costs made the largest contributions to annual urban inflation, adding 3.2 and 3.1 percentage points respectively to the overall 12.9 percent inflation rate. Food and non-alcoholic beverages contributed a further 2.3 percentage points.
NISR also reported strong inflationary pressures in energy-related products. The urban energy index increased by 44.4 percent compared to May 2025, making it one of the fastest-rising components of household expenditure. However, the energy index declined by 0.5 percent compared to April 2026.
Meanwhile, the local goods index increased by 13.7 percent on an annual basis,
outpacing the imported goods index, which rose by 10.5 percent.
Underlying inflation, which excludes fresh food and energy prices and is considered a key indicator of broader price trends in the economy, rose by 12.0 percent year-on-year and 0.7 percent on a monthly basis. The annual average underlying inflation rate reached 9.2 percent.
The CPI is compiled using a basket of approximately 1,622 goods and services monitored across urban and rural areas of Rwanda. Each month, NISR collects more than 40,000 prices from markets, shops, schools, hospitals and other outlets to track changes in the cost of living.
Rwanda’s inflation rose to 12.9 percent in May 2026, driven by sharp increases in transport, housing, energy and health-related costs, according to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report released by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR).
Hundreds of supporters, government officials and members of Somalia’s football community gathered from early morning at Aden Adde International Airport, waving Somali flags and chanting as they waited for Artan’s arrival.
When he finally landed at about 8:30 a.m. local time, the crowd surged forward, draping him in the national flag and escorting him through the airport amid cheers.
Artan had been set to become the first referee from Somalia to officiate at a World Cup after earning a place on FIFA’s final list for the tournament. Widely regarded as one of Africa’s top referees, he was named the continent’s best male referee in 2025, marking a rapid rise in his international career.
His journey to the United States was cut short on Saturday when he was denied entry at Miami International Airport over what U.S. Customs and Border Protection described as “vetting concerns,” without providing further details.
FIFA subsequently removed him from its list of referees for the tournament. The decision came despite Artan having been issued a visa last week, according to the Somalia Embassy in Kenya, which processed the travel documents. He had been expected to join other selected referees at a training base in Miami ahead of the tournament, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Back home, his arrival transformed into a public show of support and national pride. After being escorted by police to the VIP terminal, Artan was welcomed by Somalia’s Minister of Youth and Sports, officials from the Somalia Football Federation and other dignitaries before addressing the media.
“It is up to all of us to defend the Somali name,” he said. “Somalia belongs to us, whether it is in a bad state or a good state. That flag belongs to us, and that passport belongs to us.”
He also struck an optimistic tone despite the setback, telling supporters: “I promise you, God willing, that I will attend the next one. I want the Somali public to take comfort in this and remain confident.”
The incident has drawn international attention, with questions raised about the circumstances surrounding his denial of entry. Somalia is among nearly 40 countries affected by recent travel restrictions under the Trump administration’s immigration policy overhaul.
The controversy also sparked wider reactions in the football world. World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised Artan’s achievement, saying his World Cup selection “stands no matter what” and that being kept off the pitch did not erase the milestone he had already reached.
Omar Artan is draped in a Somali flag upon his arrival in the capital, Mogadishu.Hundreds of supporters, government officials and members of Somalia’s football community gathered from early morning at Aden Adde International Airport, waving Somali flags and chanting as they waited for Artan’s arrival.
The initiative, titled “Soil & Water: Kigali Crossings,” is being launched by the NIROX Foundation, an independent non-profit organisation dedicated to environmental and contemporary art, in partnership with QA Venue Solutions Rwanda, the company that manages the park alongside BK Arena and Amahoro Stadium.
Scheduled to run from August 2026 to March 2027, the long-term programme will merge art, ecology, and public engagement within the park’s boundaries.
The event will feature public exhibitions, artist residency programmes, performances, concerts, and research-driven creative installations. Participating creators will develop works responding directly to environmental challenges, utilizing both technology and sustainable materials.
According to Benji Liebmann, founder and director of the NIROX Foundation, the project builds on more than two decades of using art to connect people with nature and conservation. He believes that art speaks to people differently, emotionally and intuitively, creating a deeper connection with the earth that inspires humanity to fall in love with nature again so they can protect it.
This marks the first time the programme will be hosted in Rwanda. Having previously been held in Europe and South Africa, Rwanda becomes only the second African country to host the initiative.
Liebmann noted that discussions to bring the project to Kigali emerged through a connection with Nyandungu Eco-Park Manager Ildephonse Kambogo, who visited the NIROX Sculpture Park in South Africa, a landscape famous for integrating open-air sculptures made of natural and recycled materials into the environment.
Liebmann recalled visiting about four years ago to assess its feasibility and realizing that the concept was more than feasible, describing it as both necessary and desirable.
“It has taken this long to reach the first stage, which is a pilot exhibition project,” he said, adding, “Art speaks to people differently, emotionally and intuitively, and we believe that creates a deeper connection with the earth. Humanity needs to fall in love with nature again.”
The programme is expected to feature some of Africa’s leading contemporary artists, including Ibrahim Mahama and Serge Attukwei Clottey from Ghana, alongside Willem Boshoff from South Africa. They will be joined by additional participants from France, Spain, and Austria, while local Rwandan artists, including creators from the Inema Arts Center, will also take part in the initiative.
Nyandungu Eco-Park Manager Ildephonse Kambogo welcomed the partnership, stating that it will expand the park’s role by integrating cultural and artistic engagement into its core conservation mission.
He explained that the wetland’s primary role is to filter polluted water and improve its quality, and through art, they hope to find creative ways of showcasing this water purification process.
This will make the process easier for people to understand while supporting the wetland’s conservation mission.
Kambogo added that the residency will allow local Rwandan artists to collaborate with international practitioners, helping to further scale local creative talent.
“Visitors usually come to enjoy the natural beauty, but there has been something missing, art that connects them to the park, culture, and creativity. These artists will create works displayed across the park so that every visitor can enjoy them,” he said.
Nyandungu Eco-Park officially opened in 2022 following a massive ecological restoration of the local wetland. Since its opening, visitor attendance has experienced sharp exponential growth, rising from 48,813 in its inaugural year to 67,222 in 2023. This steady upward trajectory solidified in 2024 when the park recorded 76,754 visitors.
By late 2025, attendance experienced its strongest growth spike yet, surging past 100,000 visitors to register a growth rate of over 30% compared to the previous year. The incoming art installations will be distributed throughout the park’s 121 hectares, establishing a permanent creative layer for future visitors to experience.
Nyandungu Eco-Park officially opened in 2022 following a massive ecological restoration of the local wetland. Organisers of the upcoming event at Nyandungu Eco-Park.Nyandungu Eco-Park Manager Ildephonse Kambogo welcomed the partnership, stating that it will expand the park’s role by integrating cultural and artistic engagement into its core conservation mission.Benji Liebmann (left), founder and director of the NIROX Foundation visiting Nyandungu.
According to a statement released by the Commission, the proposed measures include suspending the automatic adjustment mechanism of the oil price cap until next January, which would allow oil markets to stabilise while maintaining pressure on Russian revenues.
Thirty additional vessels would be added to the sanctions list, on top of the 632 already designated. For the first time, sanctions would also target vessels providing support services to the “shadow fleet,” including bunkering operations.
In addition, the proposal includes restrictions on ports, airports and refineries involved in trading or processing Russian oil. The sale of liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers to Russia would also be restricted.
On financial and crypto-related measures, the Commission would expand transaction bans to 31 additional Russian banks, as well as to 20 banks, crypto firms, platforms and oil traders in third countries.
On trade, the proposed package introduces new export restrictions on goods and technologies used by Russia’s military-industrial sector, as well as drone-related equipment.
The Commission also proposed import bans on goods worth around 60 million euros (69.4 million U.S. dollars), including certain metals and automotive parts, as part of efforts to reduce dependence on Russian imports.
For the first time, the EU would also target Russia’s fisheries sector, proposing substantial restrictions on imports of certain fish products and a complete ban on others, including cod.
Von der Leyen also announced a new measure under the package to ban entry into the EU of individuals who have served in the Russian armed forces since the start of the Ukraine conflict.
The proposal still requires approval by all EU member states before it can enter into force.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen talks to the press on the 21st sanctions package against Russia in Brussels, Belgium, June 9, 2026. The European Commission has proposed the 21st package of sanctions against Russia, targeting key sectors including energy, financial services and crypto, trade and, for the first time, fisheries, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Tuesday.
The delegation was led by Rogelio Romero, Chapter Representative of YPO Gold Panama and Chief Executive Officer of Concretex Panama.
According to the Office of the President, the meeting explored Rwanda’s development journey, the country’s growing entrepreneurship ecosystem, and prospects for strengthening business and economic partnerships between Rwanda and Panama.
YPO is a global leadership community that connects more than 38,000 business leaders across over 130 countries. Its members include chief executives, entrepreneurs, and senior executives who lead companies and organizations across a wide range of sectors.
The Panama Chapter brings together senior executives from some of the country’s leading firms and investment groups, creating a platform for business networking and investment opportunities.
The visit reflects growing international interest in Rwanda as a destination for investment and innovation, driven by the country’s business-friendly environment, economic reforms, and expanding private sector.
The discussions also highlighted the potential for increased cooperation between Rwandan and Panamanian businesses, particularly in areas that support entrepreneurship, trade, and investment.
Rwanda has continued to position itself as a hub for business and innovation in Africa, attracting investors and business leaders from around the world seeking new opportunities and partnerships.
In 2025, Rwanda recorded a significant increase in investor commitments, underscoring the country’s growing appeal as a destination for business and investment. According to official figures, total registered capital reached $2.62 billion (approximately Rwf 3.8 trillion) across 799 pipeline projects, a substantial increase from the 612 projects registered the previous year.
Once fully implemented, these projects are expected to create more than 38,000 jobs, further supporting Rwanda’s economic growth and employment objectives. The real estate, manufacturing, and mining sectors attracted the largest share of the registered capital, highlighting the diversity of opportunities available to investors.
President Paul Kagame on Tuesday received a delegation of 19 members of the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) and their spouses at Urugwiro Village.According to the Office of the President, discussions focused on Rwanda’s economic transformation, entrepreneurship, and opportunities for business collaboration with Panama.The delegation was led by Rogelio Romero, Chapter Representative of YPO Gold Panama and Chief Executive Officer of Concretex Panama.The meeting explored Rwanda’s development journey, the country’s growing entrepreneurship ecosystem, and prospects for strengthening business and economic partnerships between Rwanda and Panama.
The emerging “anti-slop” trend reflects a backlash against AI-generated visuals, which critics say often feel overly smooth, uncanny, and detached from human labour. Instead, creatives are turning to analogue techniques and unpolished, DIY-inspired design choices as a way of reasserting human authorship in visual culture.
At industry events in the US promoting generative AI tools, technology advocates have highlighted how quickly campaigns can now be produced using artificial intelligence. Rob Wrubel, co-founder of ad firm Silverside, pointed to significantly shortened production timelines enabled by AI systems, though some outputs have faced criticism for lacking authenticity and emotional depth.
Concerns also extend to how AI models are trained on vast datasets that include existing creative work. Photographer and designer Michael Schmelling, whose work features intentionally scribbled, hand-drawn-style covers and artwork, says the shift is already visible in the creative sector.
“This AI stuff has just been rammed down our throats,” he said. “AI is everywhere. And all of a sudden there’s a backlash.”
He also criticised the economic model behind generative AI, arguing that it often benefits from artists’ work without fair compensation.
A similar emphasis on human-made craft can be seen in stop-motion advertising work by Stoopid Buddy Stoodios for the Green Bay Packers in the US, which used physical models and frame-by-frame animation instead of digital generation.
Co-founder John Harvatine IV said: “We do everything here by hand.” He added that audiences responded strongly to the visible craftsmanship behind the project.
While the studio does use some digital tools, it prioritises physical production over automated creation, a contrast that has resonated with audiences amid growing debate over AI-generated media.
Observers say the shift echoes earlier technological disruptions in art history. The rise of photography in the 19th century, for instance, pushed painters toward movements such as impressionism and surrealism rather than strict realism. Some analysts suggest AI may be triggering a similar redefinition of creative value today.
Still, some creatives remain cautious about the durability of the trend. As journalist John Semley notes, there may eventually be a “backlash to the backlash” as AI tools become further embedded in everyday creative workflows.
For now, however, the divide is increasingly visible: while AI accelerates polished production in global advertising and media hubs, a growing counter-movement is reasserting imperfection, texture, and the unmistakable mark of human creation.
Behind the scenes of Stoopid Buddy Stoodios’ stop-motion animation ad for the Green Bay Packers. As artificial intelligence reshapes creative industries across the world, including in major media and advertising markets such as the United States and Europe, a growing number of artists are responding with a contrasting aesthetic: visibly handmade, imperfect, and deliberately rough design.
Now, the rising comedian is setting his sights beyond Rwanda’s borders.
Having established himself as one of the standout performers on Kigali’s popular Gen-Z Comedy platform, Muhinde is increasingly performing in English as part of a broader ambition to reach audiences across East Africa and eventually on the global comedy stage.
“It wasn’t really about leaving Kinyarwanda behind; it was about realising that I could do both,” Muhinde told IGIHE, emphasising that performing in English does not mean abandoning the Kinyarwanda roots that helped shape his career.
The comedian, who recently completed his studies at Rwanda Polytechnic in Musanze, believes performing in English is a necessary step if he is to take Rwandan comedy to international audiences.
“Over the years, we’ve invited international comedians to Rwanda, and some of them have been willing to share their platforms and opportunities with us. That made me realise that if I want to reach international audiences and grow beyond Rwanda, I need to be able to perform in English as well,” he explained.
Muhinde’s journey into comedy began long before he stepped onto a professional stage. Born on April 10, 2003, he grew up entertaining friends, neighbours, and family members with his natural ability to find humour in everyday situations.
He credits Rwandan comedy pioneer Babu Joe as one of his earliest inspirations.
“I used to make everyone laugh and leave them in stitches. Anywhere you could find me, people around were always laughing,” he recalled.
That talent eventually led him to perform at a show organised by Babu before joining Gen-Z Comedy in 2022, where he quickly became one of the platform’s most recognisable young comedians.
His rise, however, was not without challenges.
While building his comedy career, Muhinde was also pursuing higher education in Musanze, often travelling between Musanze and Kigali to perform.
“The hardest part was when comedy shows happened on the same days as exams or important classes. There were times when I had to make difficult decisions and manage my time very carefully,” he said.
Those sacrifices paid off on May 28, 2026, when he headlined the highly anticipated “Graduation Comedy Special” at Camp Kigali, a show organised by his mentor Fally Merci to celebrate both his academic achievement and his growth as a comedian.
The event marked a symbolic transition from student comedian to a performer with regional ambitions.
Although performing in English presents new challenges, Muhinde says he has invested significant time in improving his craft through workshops, preparation and learning from experienced comedians.
One lesson that has transformed his performances is learning to think directly in English rather than translating jokes from Kinyarwanda.
“If you’re going to perform comedy in another language, you need to think in that language. If you think in your native language and then translate the joke later, it can lose its rhythm, meaning and impact,” he said.
Known for his crowd work and roasting skills, Muhinde acknowledges that performing outside Rwanda will require adaptation, especially in front of audiences unfamiliar with local celebrities and cultural references.
“When performing for an international audience, I know I can’t rely on references to Kigali celebrities or local inside jokes. That’s why research becomes very important,” he noted.
Despite those adjustments, he believes Rwandan comedy has something unique to offer international audiences.
“What makes our humour unique is our perspective and the way we tell stories,” he said. “I’ve learned how to turn my struggles, challenges and even things people might see as weaknesses into comedy. People connect with that because it’s honest.”
For now, Muhinde’s immediate focus is East Africa.
Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania top his list of countries where he hopes to perform, with Uganda holding special significance due to his connections with the country’s vibrant comedy scene through collaborations with Comedy Store Uganda.
“My goal is to grow across East Africa first before expanding to other international stages,” he said.
To accelerate that journey, Muhinde is increasingly relying on digital platforms. He has begun performing regularly at English-language comedy events in Rwanda and plans to use recordings from those shows to build a presence on YouTube, TikTok and Instagram.
“Social media is one of the most important tools I have for reaching international audiences,” he explained.
Looking ahead, Muhinde sees himself becoming an internationally recognised comedian within the next two to three years. Among his goals are releasing his first English-language comedy special and representing Rwanda on stages abroad.
But his ambitions extend beyond personal success.
“My ultimate dream is not only to build a successful career for myself but also to create opportunities for others,” he said. “I would love to have my own comedy show that gives a platform to young comedians, helping them showcase their talent and grow in the industry.”
For a comedian whose career began with jokes among friends and neighbours, the journey from Kigali to the international stage may still be unfolding. Yet with a growing audience, an expanding English-language repertoire, and clear ambitions beyond Rwanda’s borders, Muhinde appears determined to prove that Rwandan comedy can resonate far beyond home.
Having established himself as one of the standout performers on Kigali’s popular Gen-Z Comedy platform, Muhinde is increasingly performing in English as part of a broader ambition to reach audiences across East Africa and eventually on the global comedy stage.Muhinde sees himself becoming an internationally recognised comedian within the next two to three years. On May 28, 2026, Muhinde headlined the highly anticipated “Graduation Comedy Special” at Camp Kigali, a show organised by his mentor Fally Merci to celebrate both his academic achievement and his growth as a comedian.The comedian, who recently completed his studies at Rwanda Polytechnic in Musanze, believes performing in English is a necessary step if he is to take Rwandan comedy to international audiences.
The court’s governing body, the Bureau of the Assembly of States Parties, announced on Monday that Khan’s case will be referred to a special session of the ICC’s 125-member states, which will ultimately decide his future at the world’s top war crimes tribunal.
The suspension follows a vote by the bureau’s executive committee after reviewing findings from a United Nations investigation, advice from an ad hoc panel of judicial experts, and written submissions related to the case.
In its statement, the bureau emphasised that the suspension “is not an indication of the final outcome” of the proceedings. The decision and supporting documentation will remain confidential.
Khan, 56, has strongly denied the allegations and rejected the suspension. In a statement issued through his lawyers, he described the decision as “unlawful, procedurally unfair and unsupported by evidence.”
The allegations, first reported in 2024, were brought by a female ICC staff member who accused Khan of engaging in coercive and non-consensual sexual conduct between 2023 and 2024. The alleged incidents are said to have occurred during work trips, in Khan’s office in The Hague, and at his residence.
According to media reports, a UN investigation found a “factual basis” for the allegations. However, a three-judge panel tasked with reviewing the findings reportedly concluded that the evidence was not sufficiently conclusive to establish misconduct.
Khan’s legal team has argued that the judges unanimously determined that the investigation’s factual findings did not establish misconduct or a breach of duty. The prosecutor has also maintained that the allegations are part of a politically motivated campaign against him.
The case marks an unprecedented moment for the ICC. Khan is the first chief prosecutor to be formally suspended by the court’s oversight body. The referral of disciplinary proceedings to all member states could ultimately lead to a vote on whether he should be removed from office.
Only the Assembly of States Parties has the authority to dismiss the prosecutor. A majority vote in a secret ballot would be required, meaning at least 63 of the court’s 125 member states would need to support his removal.
Khan has already been on voluntary leave from the Office of the Prosecutor since May while the inquiry was underway. As a result, his suspension is not expected to significantly affect the court’s day-to-day operations.
A date for the special session of member states has not yet been announced.
Khan has served as ICC prosecutor since 2021 and gained international prominence for pursuing investigations and arrest warrants in several high-profile conflicts, including cases related to the war in Gaza and former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s anti-drug campaign.
Karim Khan is the first ICC prosecutor to be formally suspended from his role by the court’s oversight body.
