The intervention comes just hours after Mutesi threatened to escalate the matter legally, instructing her lawyers at Mbidde & Co. Advocates to pursue defamation proceedings against Bebe Cool over allegations linking her to a fraud scheme. She had given him a 48-hour deadline to issue an apology.
In a statement posted on X, Mutesi said she had taken the accusations seriously and formally handed the matter to her legal counsel, attaching a notice from her lawyers indicating intent to pursue legal action.
“To the general public, I would like to tell you that I didn’t take allegations made by MOSES SSALI aka BEBE COOL lightly and in the interest of ensuring that all matters are handled appropriately, I have formally referred this matter to my legal counsel,” she wrote.
The legal notice, issued by Kampala-based Mbidde & Co. Advocates on June 17, 2026, accused Bebe Cool of publishing defamatory statements on his verified X account, alleging that Mutesi was involved in fraudulent activity in 2025. The lawyers described the claims as false, malicious, and damaging to her reputation.
The letter further stated that Mutesi had no dealings with the musician and disputed the alleged phone number cited in the accusations, describing it as linked to impersonators and unrelated to her identity. It also demanded an immediate retraction, a public apology, and a written undertaking within 48 hours, warning of legal proceedings if these demands were not met.
The dispute originated from earlier posts by Bebe Cool in which he alleged that Mutesi had scammed him using the names of Rwanda and Arsenal F.C. The claims sparked public backlash and prompted Mutesi to deny any involvement, suggesting she may have been impersonated online.
However, the situation shifted after Gen. Muhoozi intervened, announcing that he had spoken to both parties and helped broker a resolution.
“My brother @BebeCoolUG has apologised to Miss @JollyMutesi. Jolly has accepted the apology. All is well. So everybody relax,” he wrote.
Following the intervention, Mutesi confirmed acceptance of the apology, posting: “Apology accepted sir. Thank you for guidance.”
Bebe Cool also confirmed that he had received a call from Gen. Muhoozi, who advised him to de-escalate the matter and resolve it privately rather than continue the exchange on social media.
“This morning, I received a call from my big brother, Kainerugaba, regarding the issue with Jolly. As my elder and leader, he advised me to drop it, delete the tweets, and resolve it amicably off social media since we are both family to him and there is no need for a public spat,” he said.
He added that he accepted the guidance and agreed to move on, effectively bringing an end to the public confrontation.
The resolution closes a dispute that had drawn significant attention online, shifting from social media accusations to formal legal threats before being resolved through high-level intervention.
The intervention comes just hours after Mutesi threatened to escalate the matter legally, instructing her lawyers at Mbidde & Co. Advocates to pursue defamation proceedings against Bebe Cool over allegations linking her to a fraud scheme. Gen. Muhoozi announced in a post on X that he had spoken to both parties and helped broker a resolution.Bebe Cool also confirmed that he had received a call from Gen. Muhoozi, who advised him to de-escalate the matter and resolve it privately rather than continue the exchange on social media.
According to analytics firm Sensor Tower’s State of AI Report 2026, ChatGPT’s market share fell to 46.4% by the end of May, down from more than 50% in January.
The decline comes as users increasingly turn to alternative AI assistants, with Gemini capturing 27.7% of the market and Claude reaching 10.3%. Other platforms, including Grok, Perplexity, DeepSeek and Meta AI, each account for less than 5%.
Despite the drop in market share, ChatGPT remains the world’s most widely used AI assistant, boasting more than 1.1 billion monthly users. Sensor Tower also noted that the chatbot became the fastest application ever to surpass one billion monthly users, cementing its position as the industry’s leading platform.
The report found that users are becoming more willing to switch between AI assistants based on performance, ecosystem integration and company decisions.
It noted that OpenAI’s agreement with the U.S. Department of Defense in February coincided with a measurable increase in app uninstalls, suggesting that “brand trust and values alignment matter to users, not just features.”
Meanwhile, Gemini has gained momentum through its integration across Google’s ecosystem, while Claude has built a strong reputation for productivity and is closing in on ChatGPT’s user-retention rate.
The broader AI market continues to expand rapidly. Sensor Tower estimates that users are on track to download nearly 2.3 billion AI apps and spend more than $4.2 billion during the first half of 2026, up from $1.83 billion during the same period last year. The report said the figures indicate the industry is gradually shifting its focus from rapid user growth toward monetization.
OpenAI has also expanded advertising within ChatGPT, with about 17% of daily users seeing ads by May. At the same time, ChatGPT is increasingly directing shopping traffic to retailers including Walmart, Target and Costco, highlighting the growing influence of AI assistants on consumer purchasing decisions.
Despite the drop in market share, ChatGPT remains the world’s most widely used AI assistant, boasting more than 1.1 billion monthly users.
Intelligence reports indicated that as of June 2025, the FDLR comprised between 7,000 and 10,000 fighters. In November of that year, its military spokesperson, Lt Col Octavien Mutimura, admitted that the group had a large number of combatants capable of confronting any force attacking it.
When former M23 fighters resumed armed rebellion in late 2021, their objective was not only to fight the Congolese army (FARDC) but also to dislodge the FDLR from Congolese territory, as the terrorist group had continued to persecute Congolese Tutsis in various areas, looting their property, raping women, and killing some of them.
At the time, many FDLR fighters were based in areas of Virunga National Park, near Mount Nyiragongo. General Omega was stationed at a military camp known as “Paris” in Rutshuru Territory, which also served as the main headquarters of the terrorist group founded by individuals involved in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Militarily, General Omega is assisted by Maj Gen Cyprien Uzabakiriho, known as “Ave Maria.” Military intelligence (G2) is headed by Brig Gen Sébastien Uwimbabazi, known as “Nyembo Abdallah,” who also coordinates FDLR fighters operating in Masisi and Walikale.
The FDLR-FOCA militia group, militarily led by Pacifique Ntawunguka, commonly known as “General Omega,” continues to strengthen itself both militarily and politically, in line with a plan to destabilise Rwanda.
FDLR military operations (G3) are generally led by Brig Gen Lucien Nzabanita, while the elite unit known as CRAP is commanded by Col Pierre-Célestin Rurakabije, known as “Simba Guillaume.” On another level, Col Gustave Kubwayo, known as “Sirkoof,” is also mentioned as leading one of the group’s military sectors.
The FDLR’s command structure closely resembles that of the defeated former Rwandan Armed Forces (Ex-FAR), and many of its senior military officers are former members of that army. General Omega himself served as a lieutenant until the end of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, after which he fled to what was then Zaire (now the DRC).
In training sessions given to FDLR fighters, they are consistently told that Hutus should be the ones to rule Rwanda and that they must reclaim power through armed struggle. These sessions also instill hatred, ethnic division, and genocide ideology.
These trainings are conducted in camps led by Brig Gen Mutunzi Bernard, known as “Manzi,” according to investigations by Africa Intelligence. The camps are regularly visited by senior FDLR leaders.
Col Protogène Ruvugayimikore, who previously commanded CRAP before being killed by his own colleagues in December 2023, was one of the key figures responsible for indoctrinating new FDLR recruits. All these politically oriented activities are overseen by the group’s president, Lt Gen Gaston Iyamuremye, known as “Victor Byiringiro” or “Rumuri.”
How the FDLR started collaborating with Congolese forces
When the M23 rebellion resumed, the FDLR had already lost several senior leaders in both its military wing, such as Gen Sylvestre Mudacumura, and its political leadership, including Ignace Murwanashyaka, its then president. The group saw an opportunity to collaborate with the Congolese army, which had previously opposed it, and exploited this situation to its advantage.
The Congolese army had long shown interest in such cooperation, believing that the FDLR had experience in jungle and mountainous warfare and possessed deep knowledge of eastern DRC terrain due to more than 30 years of presence in the region.
In May 2022, a meeting was held in Pinga, Walikale Territory, bringing together armed groups and the Congolese army. It was initiated by Maj Gen Peter Cirimwami Nkuba, who was responsible for military operations in North Kivu.
That meeting, attended by FDLR representatives, led to a formal decision to cooperate, under the premise that they shared a common enemy: M23. The Congolese army promised these armed groups salaries and military supplies.
One of the notable examples of this cooperation was an attack carried out in Nturo village in Masisi Territory in October 2023. It involved FARDC special units known as “Hiboux,” led by Major Peter Kabwe, CRAP fighters under Lt Noheli Nyiringabo known as “Seigneur de Guerre,” as well as members of Congolese armed groups collectively known as Wazalendo.
In October 2023, Nturo village, inhabited mainly by Congolese Tutsis, was set ablaze. Survivor testimonies indicate that the attack was carried out by the FDLR and Wazalendo groups under the coordination of the Congolese army.
This cooperation did not prevent the defeat of the Congolese government coalition, as AFC/M23 continued to capture large areas in North Kivu, forcing government forces to retreat toward the southern areas near Goma city.
Some FDLR fighters reportedly operated from FARDC positions in Mubambiro, about 20 kilometers from Goma, where they prepared joint military operations with government forces and Wazalendo militias.
At the beginning of 2025, M23, by then operating under the AFC/M23 alliance, intensified attacks in Rutshuru, Masisi, and Nyiragongo territories. General Omega and his fighters fled, with some moving to Shingisha in Masisi and others to Walikale.
Intelligence reports indicate that FARDC continues to cooperate with the FDLR at a high level, with involvement extending even to the Kinshasa government, unlike in the past when coordination was mainly driven by North Kivu-based officers.
It is reported that Brig Gen Uwimbabazi (G2) and Brig Gen Nzabanita (G3) were tasked by General Omega to maintain constant communication with FARDC leadership regarding cooperation, including planning and execution of joint operations.
In March 2026, the Deputy Chief of Staff of the FARDC in charge of operations and intelligence, Maj Gen Jacques Nduru Ychaligonza, arrived in Kisangani in Tshopo Province, stating that his mission from Kinshasa was to launch operations aimed at dismantling the FDLR.
Reports indicate that during this time, Maj Gen Ychaligonza met General Omega, and they discussed plans for FDLR fighters to reposition into AFC/M23-controlled areas in Rutshuru, with the aim of allowing the DRC government to later claim to the international community that it lacked the capacity to dismantle the group, arguing that it was operating outside its control.
Maj Gen Ychaligonza arrived in Kisangani on March 29. Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, stated last week that within just 48 hours, around 700 weapons were delivered to the FDLR.
As relations between Rwanda and the DRC deteriorated, President Félix Tshisekedi has repeatedly hosted Rwandan individuals in Kinshasa involved in plans to destabilise the Rwandan government, including Jean-Luc Habyarimana, son of former President Juvénal Habyarimana, as well as former Rwandan officials in exile.
Reports also indicate that Tshisekedi recently met former FDLR officials, including Faustin Murego, a former adviser to Murwanashyaka during his tenure as FDLR president, and Thaddée Kwitonda, who is wanted by Belgian justice over alleged involvement in the Genocide against the Tutsi.
On January 25, 2025, Tshisekedi’s wife, Denise Nyakeru, visited wounded combatants receiving treatment in Kinshasa, including a fighter from the FDLR’s elite CRAP unit.
In a statement shared on X, Mutesi said she had not taken the allegations lightly and confirmed that she had formally instructed her legal representatives to handle the matter. She attached a legal notice issued by Kampala-based law firm Mbidde & Co. Advocates, signalling the start of potential defamation proceedings.
“To the general public, I would like to tell you that I didn’t take allegations made by Moses Ssali aka Bebe Cool lightly and in the interest of ensuring that all matters are handled appropriately, I have formally referred this matter to my legal counsel,” she wrote.
The legal letter, dated June 17, 2026, accuses Bebe Cool of publishing defamatory statements on his verified X account, alleging that Mutesi was involved in fraudulent activity in 2025. The lawyers argue that the claims are false, malicious, and have damaged her reputation.
The notice further states that Mutesi has never had any dealings with the singer and challenges the alleged phone number used in the accusations, describing it as unrelated to her identity and linked to impersonators.
The lawyers have demanded an immediate retraction of the statements, a public apology, and a written undertaking within 48 hours, warning that failure to comply will lead to legal proceedings.
The dispute stems from earlier claims by Bebe Cool alleging that Mutesi was involved in a scam that used the names of Rwanda and Arsenal F.C. Mutesi has previously denied the allegations, suggesting she may have been impersonated online.
The escalating feud has drawn widespread attention on social media, with fans on both sides closely following the unfolding dispute.
Further developments are expected as the legal deadline approaches.
To the general public.
I would like to tell you that I didn’t take allegations made by MOSES SSALI aka BEBE COOL @BebeCoolUG lightly and in the interest of ensuring that all matters are handled appropriately, I have formally referred this matter to my legal counsel. @Mbidde. pic.twitter.com/R7TWVIgnOc
— Jolly Mutesi. #TeamPK (@JollyMutesi) June 17, 2026
Former Miss Rwanda 2016 Jolly Mutesi has threatened legal action against Ugandan musician Bebe Cool following accusations linking her to an alleged fraud scheme, escalating a public dispute that has unfolded on social media.
Making their first appearance at the tournament since 1974, when the nation competed as Zaire, DR Congo produced a determined display to earn their first-ever World Cup point and frustrate one of the tournament’s favourites.
Portugal appeared to be cruising after taking an early lead in the sixth minute. Pedro Neto delivered a precise cross into the penalty area, where midfielder Joao Neves rose above the defense to power a header past the Congolese goalkeeper.
Despite dominating possession for much of the first half, Portugal struggled to create clear scoring opportunities. Their inability to extend the lead proved costly as DR Congo grew into the contest.
The African side found their breakthrough deep into first-half stoppage time. Arthur Masuaku whipped in a dangerous cross, and Newcastle United forward Yoane Wissa escaped his marker to head home the equaliser, scoring DR Congo’s first-ever World Cup goal and sending their supporters into celebration.
Cristiano Ronaldo, making a record-equalling sixth World Cup appearance at the age of 41, endured a frustrating evening. The Portuguese captain was largely contained by the Congolese defense and missed two promising chances in the second half as Portugal searched for a winner.
DR Congo nearly completed a remarkable comeback when veteran striker Cedric Bakambu struck the post midway through the second half. Portugal thought they had regained the lead through Joao Cancelo, but the effort was ruled out for offside.
After the match, Portugal coach Roberto Martinez admitted his side failed to maintain their attacking intent, while DR Congo coach Sebastien Desabre praised his players for their resilience.
“We didn’t create enough chances and probably we lost that intention of scoring the second goal,” Martinez said. “But I think it’s more the mentality of getting rid of the weight on the shoulders of the players or wanting to win the World Cup.”
Desabre added: “It is a step forward for us to have scored this first goal and to have this first point for our country during this World Cup. We gave everything we had against the team of Portugal. We are delighted.”
The result leaves Group K wide open, with Portugal now under pressure to secure victories in their remaining matches against Uzbekistan and Colombia, while DR Congo will take confidence from a historic point earned on football’s biggest stage.
Pedro Neto delivered a precise cross into the penalty area, where midfielder Joao Neves rose above the defense to power a header past the Congolese goalkeeper.DR Congo players celebrate wildly after Yoane Wissa’s historic equaliser. Cristiano Ronaldo, making a record-equalling sixth World Cup appearance at the age of 41, endured a frustrating evening. The Portuguese captain was largely contained by the Congolese defense and missed two promising chances in the second half as Portugal searched for a winner.
According to a statement from the Office of the President, the meeting focused on Rwanda’s role in supporting the East African integration agenda and ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation among EAC Partner States.
The meeting comes just days after the EAC launched a two-week nationwide consultation process in Rwanda aimed at collecting citizens’ views on the drafting of the Constitution of the proposed East African Political Confederation, a key milestone in the bloc’s long-term integration agenda.
Speaking during the launch of the consultations in Kigali on Monday, Amb. Mbundi emphasised the importance of a people-centred approach to regional integration, noting that citizens must play a central role in shaping the future governance framework of the Community.
“This is not merely an exercise. The Treaty is very clear that the Community is people-centred, and therefore, citizens must be consulted when major decisions about our integration are being made,” Mbundi said.
The consultations, which will run until June 27, are part of a wider exercise being conducted across EAC Partner States to gather public input before the drafting of the Constitution for the proposed Political Confederation, a transitional step towards the eventual Political Federation of East African States.
Rwanda has consistently been among the strongest advocates of regional integration, supporting initiatives aimed at enhancing the free movement of people, goods and services, expanding trade and investment opportunities, and strengthening cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, technology, security and governance.
The Political Confederation represents the fourth pillar of EAC integration after the Customs Union, Common Market and Monetary Union. EAC leaders view deeper political cooperation as essential for accelerating economic development, promoting peace and security, and enhancing the region’s competitiveness on the continental and global stage.
According to the EAC Secretariat, consultations in Rwanda are being conducted in Kigali and other designated centres, including Rubavu, Huye and Nyagatare, bringing together representatives from government institutions, Parliament, the judiciary, academia, civil society, the private sector, youth and women groups, faith-based organisations, persons with disabilities, political parties and the media.
The meeting comes just days after the EAC launched a two-week nationwide consultation process in Rwanda aimed at collecting citizens’ views on the drafting of the Constitution of the proposed East African Political Confederation, a key milestone in the bloc’s long-term integration agenda.
In a statement released on Wednesday, June 17, the company said exports from the Nyakabingo mine have increased steadily since a commercial agreement signed in August 2025 between Global Tungsten & Powders (GTP) and Trinity’s offtake partner, Traxys.
Since then, more than 320 tonnes of high-grade tungsten concentrate have been shipped from Rwanda to GTP’s processing facilities in Towanda, Pennsylvania, where the material is refined into tungsten powders used in America’s defence and industrial sectors.
According to Trinity Metals, supplies to GTP doubled over the past month, enabling the company to account for up to one-fifth of the United States’ average monthly primary tungsten consumption.
The development comes at a time when demand for tungsten, a critical mineral used in defence systems, aerospace, electronics, manufacturing and other high-tech industries, is rising globally.
Trinity Metals Chairman Shawn McCormick said the company’s expanding exports are becoming increasingly important as the United States seeks to diversify its supply of critical minerals.
“Demand for tungsten in the US is growing fast, both for defence and industrial applications. With that growth, import requirements for primary tungsten concentrate are increasing, while US domestic production remains at zero,” McCormick said.
He noted that China’s restrictions on exports of tungsten for dual-use purposes have increased the strategic value of alternative suppliers.
“China, which controls over 80% of the supply of tungsten units worldwide, has restricted exports of tungsten for dual-use purposes, making Trinity Metals’ supply from Rwanda increasingly important for American national security and that of its allies,” he said.
McCormick added that Rwanda is well-positioned to strengthen its partnership with the United States in the critical minerals sector.
“As Rwanda’s largest mineral producer and exporter, Trinity Metals is proud to support Rwanda’s role in helping to meet America’s strategic requirements, and given the ever-growing importance of critical minerals, we see a clear opportunity for the creation of a US-Rwanda Strategic Partnership Agreement on Critical Minerals as exists with other countries on the continent,” he stated.
Beyond its current export expansion, Trinity Metals is also advancing major growth plans, including a proposed listing on the New York Stock Exchange within the next 12 to 18 months. Chief Executive Officer Peter Geleta told IGIHE that the board has already approved preparations for the Initial Public Offering (IPO), which could raise between $100 million and $200 million or more, depending on comparable global mining debuts.
Geleta said the listing forms part of a broader transformation strategy aimed at scaling the company into a mechanised, industrial-grade producer.
He also revealed that Trinity Metals is simultaneously preparing a $150 million domestic investment programme to build modern processing plants across its mining operations in Rwanda. The initiative is expected to strengthen value addition locally while supporting expansion of production capacity.
According to Geleta, the combined strategy will also support deeper exploration of the company’s newly discovered Ntunga lithium deposit on its Musha concession, positioning Trinity Metals to diversify beyond tungsten, tin and tantalum into battery minerals.
Traxys, the New York-headquartered commodities trader that markets Trinity’s production internationally, described the ongoing partnership as helping extend Rwanda’s reach into major global markets.
“Traxys is proud to be the catalyst in enabling the international reach of Africa’s most significant tungsten producer, Trinity Metals’ Nyakabingo Mine. The product is distributed to established blue-chip consumers in the American and European markets,” said Ioannis Kallinikos, Head of Tin and Specialty Metals at Traxys.
Trinity Metals said the achievement reinforces its position as a leading supplier of fully traceable, certified conflict-free and child labour-free tungsten, while supporting supply security for the United States and its allies. The company also plans to triple production over the coming years.
Formed in 2022 through the merger of the historic Nyakabingo Tungsten Mine, Rutongo Tin Mine and Musha Tin and Tantalum Mine, Trinity Metals is Rwanda’s largest producer and exporter of conflict-free critical minerals. The company employs more than 6,500 people and also owns the prospective Ntunga lithium project.
The company was the first operating mine in Africa to receive technical assistance funding from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), securing $3.865 million in 2024. Its major shareholder, TechMet Ltd., is partly owned by the DFC.
Located on a 1,600-hectare concession, the Nyakabingo mine is estimated to contain more than 30,000 tonnes of recoverable tungsten, with ongoing deep drilling aimed at expanding the resource. Current production exceeds 100 tonnes of wolframite per month, containing between 65 and 70 percent tungsten trioxide (WO₃).
Trinity Metals Group CEO Peter Geleta (left) discusses operations with staff inside one of the company’s mines. The CEO recently told IGIHE that the board has already approved preparations for an Initial Public Offering (IPO) on the New York Stock Exchange, which could raise between $100 million and $200 million or more, depending on comparable global mining debuts.
The agreement, which was initially expected to be signed during a ceremony in Switzerland later this week, was finalised ahead of schedule after both sides agreed to accelerate implementation. According to U.S. media reports, the move was intended to allow commercial shipping to resume through the Strait of Hormuz as quickly as possible and to address growing political pressure on the White House to release the text of the agreement.
The White House on Wednesday published the full 14-point memorandum, describing it as a “performance-based” framework under which Iran will receive economic benefits only if it complies with its commitments.
Trump formally signed a hard copy of the document during a diplomatic dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Palace of Versailles in Paris, France, while attending G7-related events. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also signed the agreement from Tehran, finalising a dual digital and physical execution of the historic accord.
The MoU declares an immediate and permanent end to military operations between the two countries and extends the ceasefire to regional fronts, including Lebanon. It commits both Washington and Tehran to refrain from future military action against one another while respecting each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
One of the agreement’s most significant provisions concerns the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important maritime corridors.
The narrow waterway between Iran and Oman carries approximately 20% of the world’s petroleum liquids and about one-fifth of global liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies, making it a critical artery for international energy markets. Any disruption to shipping through the strait immediately constrains global energy supplies, triggering sharp increases in oil prices and broader economic instability.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz during the conflict sent crude oil prices soaring and disrupted global shipping, with the impact quickly filtering through to fuel markets around the world.
In Rwanda, the effects were particularly visible as fuel prices climbed to record levels despite continued government subsidies. Diesel is currently retailing at Rwf 2,927 per litre, while petrol costs Rwf 2,938 per litre, reflecting the global supply shock caused by the conflict.
Under the memorandum, Iran has committed to making its best efforts to immediately restore safe passage for commercial vessels through the waterway without imposing transit charges. Shipping will resume alongside de-mining operations and the removal of military obstacles created during the conflict. The agreement also calls for Iran to work with Oman and other Gulf states on a broader framework for the long-term management and security of the strait.
The United States, in turn, will begin dismantling its naval blockade of Iranian ports, with the process expected to be completed within 30 days. Washington has also agreed to gradually reduce its military presence near Iran as negotiations progress toward a permanent settlement.
The memorandum establishes a 60-day negotiating period during which both sides will seek to conclude a comprehensive peace agreement. That deadline can be extended by mutual consent if additional time is required.
A central element of the accord is Iran’s commitment that it will never develop or acquire a nuclear weapon. The agreement provides that Tehran’s existing stockpile of highly enriched uranium will be addressed under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), although the precise mechanism will be negotiated during the next phase of talks.
Economic measures also feature prominently in the memorandum.
The United States has agreed to begin discussions on lifting sanctions against Iran as part of a final agreement, while the two sides will work with regional partners to establish a reconstruction and economic development framework valued at at least $300 billion. U.S. officials stressed, however, that Washington is not obligated to finance the fund directly, saying investments are expected to come largely from regional partners and private investors.
The agreement also provides for the phased release of certain frozen Iranian assets and the creation of a joint mechanism to monitor compliance with the MoU until a final peace settlement is reached.
Once implementation begins, the United States and Iran will negotiate a permanent agreement, which the memorandum says will ultimately be endorsed through a binding United Nations Security Council resolution.
While the MoU marks the most significant diplomatic breakthrough since the conflict erupted earlier this year, many of its most contentious issues, including the timeline for sanctions relief, the future of Iran’s nuclear programme and long-term regional security arrangements, remain subject to negotiations over the coming weeks.
If successfully implemented, the agreement is expected to restore stability to one of the world’s most critical energy corridors, ease pressure on global oil markets and reduce the economic fallout that has been felt by countries far beyond the Middle East.
President Trump formally signed a hard copy of the document during a diplomatic dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Palace of Versailles in Paris, France, while attending G7-related events.
The commitment was announced on Wednesday following bilateral talks in Pretoria between Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, and South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola.
The decision forms part of a broader roadmap agreed by the two governments to restore full bilateral cooperation, expand trade and investment, strengthen political dialogue and deepen collaboration across multiple sectors.
“The facilitation for South Africa to lift visa restrictions for qualifying holders of ordinary Rwandan passports represents a significant confidence-building measure and a tangible expression of our commitment to restoring normal bilateral relations with Rwanda,” Lamola said after the talks.
He said the move is expected to stimulate trade and investment, promote tourism, expand scientific and technological cooperation and strengthen people-to-people exchanges.
For Rwanda, the announcement represents one of the most tangible outcomes since both governments began efforts to rebuild relations.
Nduhungirehe welcomed the agreement, describing it as another important milestone in restoring ties between the two countries.
“In particular, Rwanda welcomes the commitment to facilitate issuance of visas to holders of ordinary Rwandan passports within 12 months,” he stated.
“This measure will help strengthen people-to-people ties, promote business and tourism exchanges and further deepen the friendship between our peoples.”
South Africa suspended the issuance of visas to Rwandan citizens holding ordinary passports on March 10, 2014, following a sharp diplomatic fallout that also saw both countries expel diplomats from each other’s capitals.
Since then, ordinary passport holders have faced major restrictions in travelling to South Africa, while visa exemptions largely remained limited to holders of diplomatic and service passports.
The diplomatic crisis stemmed from Rwanda’s accusations that South Africa was providing sanctuary to individuals involved in activities aimed at destabilising Rwanda, including attacks launched from South African territory.
Pretoria, in turn, accused Rwandan diplomats of involvement in an attack on the residence of former Rwanda army chief Kayumba Nyamwasa, allegations Kigali denied.
Resetting relations
Both ministers described Wednesday’s meeting as a major step toward turning the page on years of strained relations.
Lamola said Presidents Cyril Ramaphosa and Paul Kagame have demonstrated a shared commitment to rebuilding ties.
“Our two heads of state share a profound and deep commitment to reset and re-energise our bilateral relations,” he noted.
“The normalisation of relations assumes great significance. This visit provides an opportunity to consolidate the progress made thus far, address outstanding issues through constructive dialogue and chart a path towards a more stable and mutually beneficial partnership.”
Nduhungirehe said Rwanda was approaching the discussions “in a spirit of openness, goodwill and partnership.”
“Today’s meeting reflects the commitment of our heads of state to open a new chapter in Rwanda-South Africa relations,” he said.
“It demonstrates our shared belief that dialogue, mutual respect and constructive engagement are the best way to address differences and strengthen cooperation.”
He added that Rwanda believes “the bond between Rwanda and South Africa is unbreakable,” despite challenges experienced over the past decade.
Wide-ranging cooperation
Beyond the visa breakthrough, both governments agreed to significantly expand cooperation across a broad range of sectors.
A joint declaration issued after the talks outlines plans to strengthen collaboration in nature and wildlife conservation, tourism, hospitality, health, science and technology, higher education, research and development.
The two countries also committed to increasing cooperation in trade, infrastructure development, innovation, agriculture, digital technology and investment while encouraging greater participation in exhibitions, business forums and international conferences hosted in both countries.
The ministers agreed to revive the Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC), which has not convened since 2007, to oversee implementation of bilateral agreements and identify new areas of collaboration.
Senior officials will immediately begin preparing work plans and reviewing existing agreements while negotiating new frameworks for cooperation.
The declaration also commits both governments to facilitate business, tourism, academic exchanges and broader people-to-people contacts, institute mechanisms for the exchange of relevant personnel to support visa issuance, and use diplomatic channels to resolve issues of mutual concern.
Regional security and continental issues
Regional peace and security also featured prominently during the discussions.
The ministers exchanged views on the security situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Cabo Delgado in Mozambique, Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia and the Sahel, while calling for peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue and mediation.
They emphasised the need to strengthen Africa’s peace and security architecture, including accelerating the operationalisation of the African Standby Force.
The two governments also reaffirmed support for South Africa’s leadership of the African Union’s C5 High-Level Advocacy Committee on South Sudan and expressed concern over the deteriorating political and security situation in the country.
On global affairs, both ministers called for reform of international governance institutions, including the United Nations Security Council, arguing that Africa and the Global South deserve greater representation in global decision-making.
Presidents to meet
The ministers agreed to maintain regular consultations and convene the next session of the Joint Commission for Cooperation during the first quarter of 2027.
They also confirmed that Presidents Kagame and Ramaphosa will hold a bilateral meeting at a mutually agreed date through diplomatic channels.
Lamola said the planned summit would be “another powerful affirmation that South Africa and Rwanda have reaffirmed the strong bonds of friendship, solidarity and cooperation.”
Nduhungirehe said Rwanda was leaving Pretoria encouraged by the progress made.
“We remain committed to sustaining the positive momentum generated by this engagement,” he concluded.
“We are confident in the future of the relations between our two countries.”
The commitment to resume visas for Rwandan nationals was announced on Wednesday following bilateral talks in Pretoria between Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, and South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola.
Chief Executive Officer Peter Geleta told IGIHE that the twin milestones aim to transition the company into a mechanised, industrial-scale producer capable of advancing deep-drill exploration of a major newly discovered lithium deposit.
The upcoming Initial Public Offering (IPO) on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) follows a definitive decision by the company’s board, with Geleta noting that the listing could raise between $100 million and $200 million or more based on comparable global mining debuts.
Trinity Metals Group CEO Peter Gelata (left) discusses operations with staff inside one of the firm’s mines.
Scaling up tin production
Trinity Metals currently produces tin from its Rutongo and Musha mines at a combined rate of about 70 tonnes per month. This output is expected to remain stable this year while the company actively implements its long-term growth strategy.
Geleta noted that the company is currently putting down large underground declines across the sites, a development that will allow larger mining equipment to extract significantly higher volumes. Additionally, the company is conducting metallurgical testing and study work required to build dedicated processing plants at each mine.
Over the next three to five years, these modernisations are projected to push combined production from the current 70 tonnes to 100 tonnes per month in the medium term, eventually peaking at 300 tonnes per month once the plants are operational and the new ground is fully mechanised.
Expanding Africa’s largest tungsten mine
At the Nyakabingo mine, recognised as Africa’s largest tungsten operation, the company produced an average of just over 100 tonnes of tungsten last year, with a similar volume expected this year.
Massad Boulos, Senior Advisor to U.S. President Donald Trump on African Affairs, visited the Nyakabingo mining site in Shyorongi Sector, Rulindo District, on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. The site is Africa’s major source of wolfram.
The company is currently finalising feasibility studies for a new processing plant, utilising South Africa-based engineering consultancy Obsideo. The study is on track to be completed by the end of this year.
“If we get the investment in, which we believe we will, we will start building the process plant next year,” Geleta said. “By the end of next year, we’ll be using the process plant, which will lead to a big increase in production.”
The incoming processing facility, combined with deep production ground opened up by major underground declines developed since October 2024, is part of a broader plan to scale Nyakabingo’s output to 300 tonnes per month within the next three to five years.
To support these downstream value-addition transitions, Trinity Metals plans to invest an estimated $150 million over the next three years to construct process plants across its operations. Each facility, which includes necessary tailings infrastructure, will require an investment of over $50 million.
Deep-drilling uncovers major lithium potential
Beyond its traditional 3T minerals, Trinity Metals is advancing exploration for lithium following a highly successful 2024 drilling campaign. The company drilled up to 800 meters deep, the deepest holes ever recorded in Rwanda, uncovering excellent deposits.
Drilling activities at Nyakabingo mine.
Initial geological modelling suggests estimated reserves of between 70 million and 100 million tonnes at an average grade of over 1%. If verified through an upcoming secondary drilling phase, the asset could rank among the top 10 lithium deposits in the world.
However, Geleta emphasised that immediate lithium mining is a secondary priority. The company’s immediate focus is on maximising output at its currently producing assets to generate the necessary cash flow to reinvest into further large-scale exploration.
Tantalum production temporarily paused
Concurrently, the company has not mined tantalum since 2022. The pause is strategic: Trinity’s tantalum reserves are located exclusively at the Musha mine in the Eastern Province, sitting directly within the massive, newly discovered lithium footprint.
The company plans to resume tantalum extraction in tandem with the future lithium rollout once the necessary exploration and extraction frameworks are finalised.
When President Paul Kagame visited the Nyakabingo Mine in Rulindo District in May 2025.
Financial position and global supply shifts
Geleta highlighted that Trinity Metals has grown significantly over the past four years and is completely debt-free, a factor that makes it highly attractive to international markets. He noted that under the right investment structures, the company holds the long-term potential to become a $1 billion entity within three to five years.
The company’s commercial strategy aligns heavily with Western supply chains, supplying high-grade tin and tungsten to long-term buyers in the United States, Austria, and Thailand under strict contract arrangements.
According to the firm, exports from Nyakabingo Tungsten Mine now account for up to 20% of all primary tungsten concentrate used in the US. Since the August 2025 agreement with Global Tungsten (GTP) and Traxys, Trinity Metals has shipped more than 320 tonnes of high‑grade concentrate to GTP’s Pennsylvania facility, powering America’s defence and industrial supply chains. Deliveries to GTP have doubled month-on-month.
Global supply shifts, particularly reduced tungsten exports from China, which controls an estimated 85% of global supply, have driven up commodity prices, directly benefiting Trinity Metals’ reinvestment capability.
Geleta noted that the current economic environment is boosting international interest in diversifying critical mineral supply networks, placing transparent, traceable partners like Rwanda in sharp focus.
With a workforce of 6,000 private employees, Trinity Metals stands as one of Rwanda’s largest private employers.
Geleta, a mining veteran with over 40 years of international experience across firms like Anglo American, Barrick Gold, and Acacia Mining, believes Rwanda is systematically positioning itself as a dominant and professionalised critical minerals hub.
According to Trinity Metals, exports from Nyakabingo Tungsten Mine now account for up to 20% of all primary tungsten concentrate used in the US. Since the August 2025 agreement with Global Tungsten (GTP) and Traxys, Trinity Metals has shipped more than 320 tonnes of high‑grade concentrate to GTP’s Pennsylvania facility
