“As he has said many times, President Trump does not want TikTok to go dark,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement. “This extension will last 90 days, which the Administration will spend working to ensure this deal is closed so that the American people can continue to use TikTok with the assurance that their data is safe and secure.”
This marks the third extension since Trump took office in January. He initially signed an executive order delaying the TikTok ban by 75 days, saying it would permit his administration “an opportunity to determine the appropriate course of action with respect to TikTok.” In April, he granted another 75-day extension to avoid disrupting the app’s operations. The latest extension expires on June 19.
In his first term, Trump signed an executive order effectively seeking to ban the app in the United States unless ByteDance sold its U.S. operations to an American company, but the order didn’t go into effect amid legal challenges.
In April 2024, then-President Joe Biden signed a law giving ByteDance 270 days to sell TikTok, citing national security concerns that critics called unfounded. Under the law, failure to comply would require app store operators like Apple and Google to remove TikTok from their platforms starting Jan. 19, 2025.
The app went dark for hours and resumed its service on Jan 19, one day before Trump’s inauguration for his second term.
Media reports indicate that Mutamba submitted his resignation on Tuesday, May 17 and has since been accepted by President Félix Tshisekedi.
The resignation comes just days after the National Assembly voted overwhelmingly to authorise legal proceedings against Mutamba before the Court of Cassation.
The vote saw 322 of the 363 participating Members of Parliament support the move, with only 29 opposed and 12 abstaining.
Mutamba’s departure marks a dramatic fall for the young minister, who was appointed to the post in May 2024 with a mandate to reform what he had described as a “sick” judicial system.
However, Mutamba quickly found himself entangled in a scandal over the alleged diversion of funds meant for the construction of Kisangani Prison in Tshopo Province.
A parliamentary commission established to investigate the matter heard testimony from Mutamba in which he admitted that the $19 million had been misappropriated and transferred to the account of a fictitious company. He also issued a public apology during the hearing.
Despite admitting to the financial irregularities, Mutamba has insisted that the charges against him are politically motivated. He claims he is the victim of a personal vendetta led by Prosecutor General Firmin Mvonde, whom he accused of retaliating against his anti-corruption initiatives.
Mutamba also alleged that Mvonde himself is under scrutiny over the purchase of a €900,000 house in Belgium, raising questions about the prosecutor’s integrity.
The unfolding scandal has further exposed deep tensions within the DRC’s justice system and raises serious questions about the government’s ability to implement judicial reforms in the face of entrenched corruption and political infighting.
As the legal case moves forward, Mutamba’s resignation signals the beginning of what could be a lengthy and high-profile prosecution—one that may test the very system he had vowed to clean up.
Rwanda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office, Ambassador Urujeni Bakuramutsa, made the call while delivering a statement during the Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on the situation in eastern DRC at the 59th Session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva.
Ambassador Bakuramutsa expressed deep concern over what she described as an alarming increase in hostile actions against Rwanda originating from the DRC since late 2021.
Top among the concerns is the alliance between the Congolese Army and the FDLR, a UN-sanctioned armed group composed of elements responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The envoy maintained that the FDLR continues to operate in the Great Lakes region, spreading genocidal ideology.
“The reinforced collaboration between the Congolese Army and the FDLR poses a direct threat to regional stability and cannot be ignored,” Ambassador Bakuramutsa stated, noting that the eastern DRC is home to around 200 armed groups contributing to persistent insecurity.
Rwanda also cited multiple acts of aggression from Congolese forces, including cross-border shelling, airspace violations by DRC military jets, and the disappearance of Rwandan nationals within Congolese territory.
The Rwandan envoy also pointed to what she termed an “organised campaign of hate speech and incitement” targeting Congolese citizens of Rwandan descent.
Rwanda expressed concerns over the public call for regime change in Rwanda by President Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC and President Evariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi, which Kigali described as an unprecedented and dangerous escalation.
Ambassador Bakuramutsa also noted that the M23, which the DRC accuses Rwanda of backing, is a movement composed of Congolese citizens from marginalised, Kinyarwanda-speaking communities, whose grievances stem from systemic discrimination and human rights violations, not from foreign sponsorship.
“Their grievances are rooted in structural exclusion, hate speech, and persecution—governance failures that must be addressed by the DRC government,” she said.
Reaffirming Kigali’s commitment to peace, the Rwandan envoy highlighted Rwanda’s active role in the African-led peace framework and parallel initiatives in Doha and Washington. She also endorsed the inclusion of humanitarian corridors within the regional peace process spearheaded by the East African Community and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Rwanda appealed to the international community to support these African-led efforts politically and humanitarianly, stressing that local solutions are essential to resolving regional instability.
“Rwanda stands ready to engage in constructive dialogue, provided that the work of the fact-finding mission remains impartial and free from politicisation,” said Bakuramutsa.
“Only by addressing the structural drivers of conflict in eastern DRC can the Council begin to restore trust and relevance in a region too often failed by the international community.”
The statement comes amid efforts by Qatar and the United States to resolve the conflict, with a peace deal expected to be signed on June 15 between the DRC and Rwanda now delayed.
Rwanda participated in the 59th Session of the Human Rights Council and delivered a statement during the Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on the situation in Eastern DRC.
Key highlights: 1️⃣ Instability stems from the DRC government's failure to address internal governance and… pic.twitter.com/KXscdLxo3h
The announcement was made on June 16 by the Minister of State for Local Government, Marie Solange Kayisire, while addressing the Senate’s Committee on Social Affairs and Human Rights.
The state minister revealed that, of Rwanda’s 60 islands, only 14 are currently inhabited. Following the planned relocations, only three islands, Nkombo, Bugarura, and Birwa, will remain settled.
“These relocations are necessary. The geography of these islands poses serious risks to residents, and delivering services like clean water, electricity, and healthcare is often more expensive than resettlement itself,” Kayisire explained.
The relocation will affect more than 4,600 households, impacting over 25,000 people.
The islands earmarked for resettlement include Mwegerera and Mukira in Musanze District; Munanira and Bigwa in Burera; Sharita and Mazane in Bugesera; Gihaya in Rusizi; and Mushungo, Muzira, Kirehe, Ruzi, and Tereri in Nyamasheke District.
In Musanze’s Mwegerera and Mukira islands, 38 families rely on boats to ferry their children to schools on the mainland, while in Bigwa, 78 families live without stable solar power and basic infrastructure.
Kayisire said the relocation process has already begun in some areas. For instance, 26 families have started moving from Munanira, with costs estimated at Rwf127.6 million. In Sharita, 212 families were previously relocated under government IDP programmes, with 84 families still awaiting relocation. The district requires Rwf2.5 billion to complete the process.
Lawmakers welcomed the plan but called for fair compensation and detailed demographic planning.
“We need to know the numbers of women, children, and elders involved so we can design appropriate support,” said Senator Jean Pierre Dusingizemungu.
Kayisire emphasised that relocated families are being integrated into government social protection programmes like Girinka and income-generating initiatives.
“We are not only offering safer environments but ensuring long-term support and resilience for these communities,” she said.
In a public notice dated Monday, June 16, 2025, the central bank confirmed that it is now implementing Regulation n° 89/2024, which amends existing rules governing foreign exchange operations.
The updated regulation, published in the Official Gazette on 30 May 2025, introduces strict pecuniary sanctions for unauthorised pricing, transacting, or auctioning in foreign currencies.
“Any individual or entity that prices goods or services, or transacts in foreign currency without prior authorisation from the National Bank of Rwanda commits an administrative fault,” the notice read.
Under the new regulations, individuals or businesses found pricing goods or services in foreign currency without prior authorisation will face a fine of Frw 5 million for a first offence, which doubles to Frw 10 million for any subsequent violations.
Those caught transacting in foreign currency illegally will be penalised 50 percent of the total amount involved in the first instance, and 100 percent of the amount for repeat offences.
Additionally, anyone who calls for or takes part in unauthorised foreign currency auctions will be fined 50 percent of the total auctioned amount.
BNR Governor Soraya Munyana Hakuziyaremye emphasised that only certain exceptions apply, including transactions involving non-residents carried out by hotels, casinos, tourism operators, duty-free shops, and international schools, as well as payments related to imports or exports.
The regulator also encouraged the public to report suspicious or unlawful foreign exchange activities through official channels, including the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), Rwanda National Police (RNP), or local authorities.
The enforcement marks the start of a more aggressive stance by the central bank to stamp out unofficial foreign currency activity in Rwanda’s economy following concerns over growing informal use of foreign currencies, particularly in the real estate, where rent or services are sometimes quoted in US dollars.
The Trump Organization said it will launch a mobile-phone service called Trump Mobile and plans to offer a U.S.-built smartphone later this summer, looking to take on the likes of Apple and Samsung.
“President Trump has targeted phone makers in his tariff push, threatening extra levies on Apple if it didn’t shift to domestic production. No major smartphone manufacturer currently makes its products in the U.S., as the displays, processors and cameras they use are mainly sourced from Asia,” reported The Wall Street Journal on Monday about the move.
The United States doesn’t have advanced manufacturing facilities akin to those in China or even India and Vietnam, where electronics assembly has expanded in recent years, nor does it have a mass of skilled laborers trained to do the required work, it noted.
The Trump Organization said the mobile service would work with all three major wireless carriers. It would rely on resale deals, known as mobile virtual network operator agreements, in which the carriers sell excess capacity on its networks and gain customers without having to bear the costs of marketing to them or signing them up.
The Trump Organization said customers would be able to use the new service using their existing phones, or purchase its T1 Phone beginning in August. They described it as a “sleek, gold smartphone” designed and built in the United States.
The announcement was made late Monday by the High Authority for Audiovisual and Communication (HAAC), the country’s media regulator.
According to HAAC, the decision follows “repeated failings” by both outlets, which allegedly aired biased and factually incorrect content that “undermines the stability of republican institutions and the country’s image.”
While the authority did not cite specific broadcasts, it stated that the measure was necessary to counter disinformation and interference, emphasising that freedom of the press “cannot be synonymous with disinformation.”
The suspension comes amid mounting political tensions in the West African nation, where President Faure Gnassingbé has faced growing opposition following constitutional changes approved in May.
The changes created a new position, President of the Council of Ministers, held by Gnassingbé with no term limits, a move critics have labelled a “constitutional coup” aimed at extending his rule indefinitely.
RFI and France 24 have been reporting on protests organised by opposition parties and civil society groups in response to the controversial reforms.
In a joint statement, the two broadcasters said they were “surprised” by the decision and reaffirmed their “unwavering commitment to the ethical principles of journalism,” expressing readiness to engage with Togolese authorities to clarify any concerns.
Since 2022, public demonstrations have been officially banned in Togo, following a deadly explosion at a market in Lomé. However, political tensions have continued to simmer, with critics accusing the government of stifling dissent.
Announced on Monday during the Cannes Lions advertising conference, the new feature will display ads from businesses in the app’s Stories-like “status” section, which is used by about 1.5 billion people daily.
This is the first time WhatsApp, which built its reputation on simplicity and privacy, will allow advertisements within the platform.
Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, says the ads will be targeted using limited information such as users’ location, language, and interactions within the app. However, personal messages, calls, and contacts will remain off-limits for ad targeting, and WhatsApp promises that end-to-end encryption will stay intact.
“We work hard to protect the privacy of people’s communications,” said Will Cathcart, head of WhatsApp. “Some people only use WhatsApp for private chats and calls, and nothing is changing about that.”
The move follows years of internal debate. WhatsApp’s original founders, Jan Koum and Brian Acton, were firmly opposed to monetising the platform through ads, but both left the company years ago.
Meta had considered similar advertising plans before shelving them in 2020, only to revive the idea amid rising pressure to diversify revenue sources.
Meta’s advertising business remains robust, generating nearly all of its $164 billion in revenue last year, but WhatsApp has been one of its last major platforms to remain untouched by ads.
Analysts suggest this new strategy could unlock a significant, yet largely untapped, revenue stream from the world’s most popular messaging app.
In addition to the in-app ads, WhatsApp also plans to promote content creators and businesses through its “channels” feature, and will introduce paid subscriptions for exclusive updates.
Despite Meta’s reassurances, the change is likely to spark concerns among users and privacy advocates. However, the company insists that participation in cross-platform data sharing for ad targeting is optional, and users can manage their preferences through Meta’s Accounts Center.
The event served not only as a transition of leadership from Outgoing President Srinath Vardhineni to Incoming President Srinivas Cheruvu but also as a celebration of purpose, unity, and service.
The evening opened with a symbolic gesture of lighting the ceremonial lamp, an act rooted in tradition, representing the light of service and hope Rotary brings into communities.
In his address, the newly installed President expressed deep humility and gratitude.
“This moment is not just about me, it is about all of us, about the legacy we uphold, and the future we will build together,” he said.
The presence of dignitaries, including High Commissioner of India Shri Mridu Pawan Das, Nigerian Ambassador Ibrahim Zanna, Deputy High Commissioner of Uganda Margaret Kedisi, Mr. Maurice Toroitich, MD NCBA Bank, Assistant District Governor Suman Alla of Rotary District 9150 added weight to the occasion. Their attendance reflected the club’s growing regional stature and its vision of service beyond borders.
Under Outgoing President Srinath Vardhineni’s leadership, the club saw notable achievements, membership growth, increased giving to The Rotary Foundation, and impactful projects such as a dental outreach program that screened over 3,000 children in partnership with the University of Rwanda.
Another highlight of the past year was a global grant project in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Wilton (USA) and REAP Rwamagana, which empowered 40 youth with vocational skills in tailoring and fashion design.
“These initiatives showcased the true magic of Rotary. I thank everyone for your unwavering support, offered full backing to the incoming team, and wish my President Elect Srinivas, all the very best,” reflected Vardhineni.
Cheruvu took time to appreciate the contributions of his predecessor, Srinath Vardhieni.
“Your dedication, vision, and unwavering commitment have left an indelible mark on our club,” he noted.
Looking forward, President Cheruvu outlined a vision grounded in continuity and deepened community impact. The club has committed to continue contributing to The Rotary Foundation and End Polio Funds in the Rotary year 2025–26.
“Each contribution we make, no matter the size, becomes a gift that multiplies, investing in humanity, empowering communities, and transforming lives,” he said.
Planned projects include support for a school catering to blind and deaf children by providing educational materials, training tools, and equipment. Another initiative aims to furnish medical equipment to health facilities serving vulnerable populations.
“Rotary is not just about changing lives, it’s about transforming communities with one service at a time,” Cheruvu emphasised.
During the ceremony, the outgoing board members were recognised for their efforts in the past year. Rotarian Dr. Dinesh C. Maganti was honoured as Rotarian of the Year for his pivotal role in strengthening membership, supporting fundraising efforts, and leading community outreach.
“Let this be the year we deepen our connections, enhance our collaborations, and expand our impact… Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much,” said Cheruvu.
With a legacy of achievement behind and a promise of purpose ahead, the Rotary Club of Kigali Cosmopolitan stands poised to serve, inspire, and transform lives, one project, one person, one act of service at a time.
The 61-year-old boasts a wealth of experience on the African continent, having managed top-tier Moroccan sides such as RS Berkane, AS FAR, and Wydad Athletic Club. Talib holds CAF Pro and UEFA Pro coaching licenses and most recently managed Difaâ Hassani El Jadidi during the 2022/23 season. He later served as the Director of Sports at RCA Zemamra.
Talib is set to replace Serbian coach Darko Nović, who parted ways with the club just three games before the end of the 2024/25 Rwanda Premier League campaign. Nović’s tenure lasted 11 months, during which APR FC endured a mixed season—falling short in the CAF Champions League second preliminary round but eventually clinching the Rwanda Premier League title, albeit with difficulty.
Club insiders say Talib’s signing is part of APR FC’s broader strategy to revamp the squad and bring tactical discipline to the team, as they aim to make a deeper run in continental competitions.
According to Rwandan football journalist Kalisa Bruno Taifa, who closely monitors the club, Talib’s knowledge of African football and track record in developing competitive squads made him the top choice for the role.
In preparation for the new season, APR FC has already strengthened its squad with several local signings, including Hakizimana Adolphe, Iraguha Hadji, Bugingo Hakim, and Ngabonziza Pacifique.
The club is also in advanced talks with former right-back Omborenga Fitina and plans to bring in three foreign players. One of them, Ronald Ssekiganda from Uganda, signed earlier in January. The other two are expected to be an out-and-out striker and a creative midfielder to fill the No. 10 role.
With pre-season preparations set to begin soon, all eyes will be on how Talib reshapes the squad and instills a competitive edge as APR FC prepares for both domestic and continental challenges.
