Addressing the ongoing war, Trump made it clear that the United States will no longer tolerate diplomatic deadlock.
“If they don’t start talking, there will be massive sanctions or tariffs, or both,” Trump told reporters at the White House on Tuesday, stressing that his administration is prepared to act decisively. He explained that it would ultimately fall on him to determine which side is responsible for obstructing progress.
“It’s my responsibility to figure out where the fault lies,” he added.
Traditionally, Washington has placed the greatest pressure on Moscow. However, Trump’s remarks suggest a shift in approach, as he signaled that Ukraine could also be subject to punitive measures if peace negotiations continue to stall.
“We’re not just going to keep giving and giving while nothing happens,” the president stated.
The warning underscores Trump’s belief in the power of economic leverage. He emphasized that tariffs or sanctions could be imposed swiftly if the situation does not improve.
“We will act quickly, and we will act strongly,” he declared.
Trump’s comments come at a time when global pressure is mounting for a resolution to the conflict.
By directly threatening both sides, he introduced a new element of unpredictability into U.S. foreign policy, signaling that America’s priority is not simply to back one side, but to push both leaders — Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskiy — toward the negotiating table.
The delegation included U.S. Representatives Austin Scott of Georgia and Salud Carbajal of California, both members of the House Armed Services Committee, along with Jimmy Panetta of California, who serves on the House Committee on Ways and Means.
According to a communique from the Office of the President, talks between the Head of State and the visiting lawmakers centred on strengthening existing partnerships between Rwanda and the United States in areas such as regional security, education, and health.
The visit follows recent U.S.-led diplomatic efforts to ease tensions between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, which resulted in the signing of a peace agreement in Washington on June 27, 2025. The accord committed both countries to ending hostilities and working together to promote economic development.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Monday, Trump emphasised that his administration is making strong progress and insisted that “it does have to end,” reiterating a sense of urgency amid a devastating humanitarian crisis.
He, however, provided few specifics to support his prediction.
Trump later appeared to defer to Special Envoy Steve Witkoff for further details on diplomatic efforts, who echoed praise for the president’s leadership in advancing peace talks farther than contemplated.
Trump also acknowledged the deep-rooted nature of the conflict, saying it is “a hard thing to say” that it will end soon, given that tensions in the region have spanned generations. Still, he maintained an optimistic outlook, asserting that the current efforts were producing positive momentum.
Analysts and observers note that Trump has frequently employed similar short-term timelines—most commonly a “two-week” window—to forecast resolution of various international issues, from the Russia-Ukraine war to nuclear negotiations with Iran and trade discussions. These forecasts, however, have often fallen short of fruition.
Meanwhile, the situation on the ground remains daunting. Israel has made clear that it is not inclined toward a phased ceasefire proposal accepted by Hamas. Instead, the Israeli government is proceeding with plans to advance into Gaza City, a campaign expected to span several more months.
At the same time, 25 other defendants, including journalists and Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS) employees, have been released on bail.
The case involves 28 individuals in total, including three RDF officers, two RCS staff, and several civilians, including sports journalists and APR FC supporters.
The disputed tickets are linked to APR FC’s trip to Egypt in September 2024 to play against Pyramids FC in the CAF Champions League, as well as other trips involving RCS officers.
During a hearing on August 18, the prosecution requested 30 days’ provisional detention for the defendants, while the accused asked to be tried without detention.
Today, the military tribunal ruled that the three RDF officers—Major Vincent Murigande, Captain Peninah Umurungi, and Captain Peninah Mutoni—should remain in remand, citing sufficient grounds to justify continued detention.
Meanwhile, the court granted provisional release to the other 25 defendants, including RCS officers CSP Hillary Sengabo and CSP Olive Mukantabana, journalists Reagan ‘Rugaju’ Ndayishimiye and Ricard Ishimwe, and former journalist Mucyo ‘Antha’ Biganiro, citing insufficient grounds to continue holding them in custody.
The competition will draw participants from around the world, with races across elite and under-23 divisions for both men and women.
Australia arrives well-prepared for the week-long event, fielding a mix of experienced stars and promising young riders across all categories.
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Australia’s men’s elite squad features some of the biggest names in world cycling, including Jai Hindley, Michael Matthews, and Luke Plapp.
Jai Hindley made history by winning the 2022 Giro d’Italia, becoming the first Australian to win the race and only the second Australian to win a Grand Tour. He also wore the yellow jersey as leader of the 2023 Tour de France for one stage.
Michael Matthews has claimed stage wins in all three Grand Tours—the Tour de France (4), Giro d’Italia (3), and Vuelta a España (3)—and won the green jersey at the 2017 Tour de France.
Luke Plapp, a multiple-time Australian National Champion, has won the road race three times (2022–2024) and the time trial four times (2021, 2024, 2025). He also earned a bronze medal in the men’s team pursuit at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
The rest of the men’s elite squad includes Chris Hamilton, Chris Harper, Callum Scotson, Michael Storer, and Jay Vine, all accomplished riders with international racing experience.
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Among the women, Amanda Spratt stands out as Australia’s leading rider. She is a three-time Australian National Road Race Champion and has won two medals at the UCI Road World Championships—a silver and a bronze—highlighting her long-standing success at the highest level of the sport.
Joining Spratt are Neve Bradbury, Brodie Chapman, Lauretta Hanson, Alexandra Manly, and Ruby Roseman-Gannon, all of whom bring strong performances in domestic and international competitions.
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Australia will also field competitive under-23 squads. The women’s U23 team includes Alli Anderson, Mackenzie Coupland, and Felicity Wilson-Haffenden, while the men’s side features Matthew Greenwood, Zac Marriage, Hamish McKenzie, and Jack Ward, all promising talents in the Australian cycling development pathway.
Most races will be held on a 15.1-kilometre circuit around Kimihurura, with riders completing between five and 15 laps depending on their category.
Australia will aim for strong performances across all events as the world’s top cyclists converge in Rwanda.
The ongoing conflict in eastern DRC between Kinshasa and the AFC/M23 rebels, who have seized large swaths of territory, stems from decades of ethnic persecution of Kinyarwanda-speaking communities and longstanding governance failures.
The latest initiative, championed by the Catholic Church, the Anglican Church, and other denominations under an interfaith forum, is rooted in the belief that peace requires inclusive dialogue that brings together all Congolese, regardless of political or military alignment. It follows weeks of consultations with government supporters, opposition leaders, armed groups, and regional heads of state.
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The first phase, described as a “month of peace,” seeks to build trust across the nation. Religious institutions will organise collective prayers, reconciliation campaigns, and civic awareness activities in every province, including zones under the control of the armed coalition AFC/M23. According to the forum, this will serve as a visible gesture of forgiveness, unity, and reconciliation.
Churches will also urge rival factions to embrace dialogue, uphold the Doha ceasefire signed between the Kinshasa administration and the rebel coalition last month, and allow humanitarian operations to reach vulnerable communities.
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The second phase will bring together experts from diverse fields — education, governance, research, technology, and the diaspora — to identify the structural causes of DRC’s crises since independence in 1960.
This stage will scrutinize political agreements and peace accords signed over the decades, the country’s security and governance track record, economic policies, management of natural resources, environmental issues, and ethnic relations.
It will also revisit DRC’s relations with neighbouring countries and the enforcement of human rights and justice. Findings from this process will provide the foundation for broader national dialogue.
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The third phase will convene political actors, civil society leaders, armed groups, traditional authorities, and nonpartisan experts to deliberate on the recommendations from the experts’ dialogue.
The goal is to reach consensus on durable solutions to the root causes of conflict, from governance reforms to security guarantees. To ensure fairness, the forum said participation will be balanced across groups, preventing any one side from dominating.
Resolutions from this stage will be formally submitted to President Félix Tshisekedi.
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The final phase focuses on implementation. A “technical secretariat” will be created to coordinate the process, ensure follow-up, and mobilise international support. Religious leaders emphasised that external backing will be vital, both for fostering improved relations with Great Lakes neighbours and for financing reconstruction in a post-conflict DRC.
The interfaith coalition called on President Tshisekedi to take swift steps as Head of State to launch the roadmap. It also appealed to regional and international partners to provide diplomatic and financial support.
“The Forum of Religious Denominations in the DRC solemnly calls on the President of the Republic to exercise his role as Head of State to initiate this process without delay, and urges regional and international partners to support these efforts so that peace may finally return to Congo,” the church leaders said in a communique.
Announcing his trip in a message posted on X on August 25, 2025, Grandi said ongoing peace initiatives could help restore stability in the volatile eastern DRC if all parties act in good faith.
“On my way to the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. Ongoing political initiatives may allow harsh realities on the ground (violence against civilians and forced displacement in Eastern DRC) to be finally addressed, if all actors cooperate. UNHCR stands ready to do its part,” the post reads.
His visit comes on the heels of a high-level tripartite ministerial meeting held in Addis Ababa on July 24, 2025, during which Rwanda, the DRC, and UNHCR adopted a new 2025–2026 Roadmap for Voluntary Repatriation and Reintegration.
The meeting, convened under the framework of the 2010 Tripartite Agreements on Voluntary Repatriation, was attended by Charles Karamba, Rwanda’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union.
The roadmap, detailed in a joint communiqué, outlines operational steps, responsibilities, and timelines for facilitating the voluntary, safe, and dignified return of refugees between the two countries.
It is viewed as a key pillar of post-conflict recovery and regional stability in the Great Lakes region, following recent diplomatic breakthroughs—including the Washington Peace Agreement signed between Rwanda and the DRC in June, and the Doha Declaration of Principles signed in July between Kinshasa and the AFC/M23 rebel group.
The new plan reaffirms the right of all refugees to voluntarily return to their country of origin in safety and dignity, without restrictions. It also calls for closer coordination between Kigali, Kinshasa, and UNHCR, better information-sharing with refugees, and the creation of conditions that enable sustainable reintegration.
Among the immediate actions agreed upon is the expedited repatriation of 600 Rwandan refugees currently at a transit centre in Goma, with logistical support from UNHCR. The roadmap further emphasises inclusive reintegration efforts, including access to housing, education, health services, livelihoods, and civil documentation, alongside engagement with donors and development partners to support long-term recovery.
On August 25, in line with these commitments, UNHCR successfully repatriated 533 Rwandan refugees who had been held hostage by the FDLR militia, handing them over to the Government of Rwanda.
Grandi’s visit to Rwanda and the DRC is expected to reinforce diplomatic and humanitarian efforts, particularly in tackling the remaining challenges that hinder voluntary return.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the decision on August 26, 2025, describing the incidents as “extraordinary and dangerous acts of aggression orchestrated by a foreign nation on Australian soil.”
This is the first time since World War II that Australia has taken the step of expelling an ambassador. Operations at Australia’s embassy in Tehran were also suspended.
The attacks, which took place in late 2024, targeted two key Jewish institutions. In October, a kosher restaurant, Lewis Continental Kitchen, in Bondi, Sydney, was firebombed. Two months later, in December, a fire was deliberately set at the Adass Israel Synagogue in the Melbourne suburb of Ripponlea.
Although both incidents caused significant property damage, no lives were lost.
According to the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), investigations revealed that Iran and its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) orchestrated the attacks through multiple layers of intermediaries, including local criminal networks.
This method was designed to conceal Tehran’s role while destabilising Australia’s Jewish community and undermining social cohesion.
In response, the Australian government declared the IRGC a terrorist organisation, expelled four Iranian diplomats, including Ambassador Ahmad Sadeghi, and gave them one week to leave the country. Foreign Minister Penny Wong emphasised that such measures were both necessary and proportionate, while a national travel warning was issued advising Australians not to travel to Iran.
The executive body of Australian Jewry condemned the attacks as a direct assault on the Jewish community and on the sovereignty of Australia. Israel’s embassy in Canberra welcomed the firm stance, stressing that Iran’s activities represented a threat that extended well beyond the Middle East.
The revelations come at a time of rising antisemitism in Australia, particularly since the outbreak of the Israel-Gaza war in October 2023. Jewish institutions have reported a surge in threats, vandalism, and violent incidents, making the arson attacks part of a broader climate of fear.
ASIO’s report detailed how Iranian proxies used encrypted communications, cryptocurrency transfers, and covert recruitment networks to organise and finance the attacks.
Investigators said the sophistication of the plot underscored Iran’s intent to destabilise Australia’s domestic security.
The Australian government stressed that its response sends a clear message that hostile acts directed by foreign powers against communities in Australia will not be tolerated.
Gao, who officially presented his credentials to President Paul Kagame on July 29, 2025, succeeds Wang Xuekun as China’s envoy to Rwanda.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with IGIHE, he expressed admiration for Rwanda’s transformation and enthusiasm for expanding ties that have been described as being in their “best period.”
Having arrived in Rwanda just recently, Gao expressed awe at the country’s stunning landscapes, pleasant weather, and vibrant culture.
“The city is clean and safe. The culture is very unique. I enjoy the Intore dance very much,” he said, noting his participation in Rwanda’s Car Free Day and his eagerness to join Umuganda, the national community service day.
His initial impressions, shaped by limited prior knowledge and media portrayals, have been surpassed by Rwanda’s dynamic energy and warm hospitality.
“The country brings me surprise almost every day,” he added.
Reflecting on his first meeting with President Kagame, Gao described it as “exciting” and a significant moment in his diplomatic career.
“The President says that China is a reliable good friend of Rwanda,” Gao recounted, conveying warm greetings from Chinese President Xi Jinping.
He praised Rwanda’s unique development path under Kagame’s leadership, noting its success in promoting national unity, social harmony, and strong economic growth. Field trips to remote villages in Rwanda’s north and south affirmed his belief in the people’s support for their leader and pride in their nation’s restored dignity and prosperity.
Gao, who previously served as Deputy Mayor of Changsha, Hunan’s capital, brings a wealth of experience to his role. Changsha, a hub for China-Africa cooperation, has been a gateway for Rwandan products like dried chilli and coffee, which sold out in seconds during Changsha’s online shopping festival.
“Rwanda was under the spotlight, thanks to your perfect and wonderful exhibition and roadshows,” Gao said, referencing the fourth China-Africa Economic Trade Expo in June 2025, attended by Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe.
The ambassador underscored the elevation of Rwanda-China relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, formalised at the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit in Beijing.
This milestone, driven by strategic guidance from Presidents Kagame and Xi, has positioned China as Rwanda’s top trading and investment partner. Rwanda’s exports to China hit a record high of $160 million (approximately Frw 230 billion), fueled by Rwandan exports like coffee, tea, and chilli, which resonate with Chinese consumers.
Looking ahead, Gao highlighted emerging sectors for collaboration, particularly electric vehicles (EVs), AI, and information and communication technology (ICT). Chinese EV brands like BYD, Chang’an, and Dongfeng have entered the Rwandan market, marking a “promising start.”
Gao anticipates more brands will follow, supported by maintenance services to ensure sustainability.
In AI and ICT, Rwanda’s forward-thinking approach to innovation makes it a compelling partner for collaboration. Huawei’s smart education project has connected approximately 1,500 Rwandan schools to educational networks, enhancing digital access. Additionally, a digital truck initiative is training local ICT professionals, bolstering Rwanda’s growing tech ecosystem.
Chinese universities and the embassy are also fostering AI capacity through workshops for Rwandan students.
“‘We have set up the Confucius Institute at the University of Rwanda and the Luban Workshop at IPRC Musanze…AI shouldn’t be exclusive to the wealthy,’ Gao emphasised, highlighting China’s establishment of the World AI Cooperation Organisation, announced last month, to narrow the digital divide.”
The new envoy also highlighted China’s long-term contributions to the healthcare sector.
“In healthcare, the Chinese medical team has been serving Rwanda for over 40 years, and Masaka Hospital is set to become one of the largest hospitals in the country,” he said.
Addressing criticisms of China’s engagement with Africa, Gao dismissed the “debt trap diplomacy” narrative as a “narrative trap.” He stressed that China attaches no political conditions to its financing, which has built railways, ports, and jobs across Africa without causing debt stress.
“Facts speak louder than words,” he said, citing President Kagame’s rejection of the debt trap narrative at the 2024 Doha Forum and former Namibian President Hage Geingob’s defense of African nations’ agency in managing their affairs.
Gao described Rwanda–China relations as comprehensive, constructive, and congenial, built on mutual respect, shared values, and people-centred development models.
He reiterated that both nations are guided by long-term visions — China’s centenary goals and Rwanda’s Vision 2050 — which provide a strong foundation for cooperation and which he is eager to deepen during his tenure in Rwanda.
“I am not just a visitor passing through. My mission is to observe, to learn, to love, and most importantly, to share. Congratulations on Rwanda’s achievements, and I wish the country greater success on the path of peace and development,” he remarked.
On global trade challenges, particularly U.S. tariffs, Gao argued that openness remains the dominant trend. Despite the 2018 U.S.-China trade war, China’s foreign trade grew from $30 trillion to $43 trillion, underscoring the resilience of global cooperation.
As the world’s second-largest economy, China offers 100% zero-tax access to 53 African countries, including Rwanda, to bolster market access for the least developed nations.
Gao also reaffirmed China’s stance on Taiwan, emphasising the one-China principle and Rwanda’s consistent support, as reiterated at the 2024 FOCAC Summit.
“Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory,” he said, noting the historical mandates of the Cairo Declaration, Potsdam Proclamation, and UN General Assembly Resolution 2758.
The returnees were received by the government on Monday, August 25, 2025, and will be accommodated at the Nyarushishi Transit Center in Rusizi district before resuming normal life.
The repatriation follows decisions made during a high-level tripartite ministerial meeting between Rwanda, the DRC, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on July 24, 2025.
Most of the returnees had been staying in the temporary Goma camp after fleeing areas in eastern DRC, where they were previously held captive by the FDLR militia group.
Egide Twagirumukiza, 65, who has lived in the DRC since 1994, said the FDLR had instilled fear among residents, preventing anyone from returning.
“They really prevented us from returning! They would either kill you or detain you if you tried to go back,” he said.
The group joins over 1,100 Rwandans who returned in May 2025 with UNHCR’s support. According to UNHCR, as of August 6, 2025, the temporary Goma camp still hosted 630 Rwandans awaiting return, with another 31 at various sites in Kitshanga, Karuba, and Mweso.
