Several attacks by U.S. forces on similar commercial vessels had been reported over the past three days.
The ministry once again conveyed its deep concern over the use of lethal and deadly force against civilian shipping.
Such actions are unacceptable and undermine the safety, security and stability of international maritime commerce in a sensitive region at a difficult time, said the official statement.
The listing of Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) on Friday marked one of the most significant moments in financial history, with the company pricing 555.6 million Class A shares at $135 each and raising about $75 billion in what is now the largest IPO ever recorded. The offering values SpaceX at approximately $1.77 trillion, positioning it among the most valuable publicly traded companies globally as it prepares to begin trading on the Nasdaq under the ticker “SPCX”.
Following the pricing, Musk’s wealth surged past $1 trillion on paper, driven largely by his dominant stake in the aerospace and satellite company.
Before the IPO, Musk was estimated to be worth about $813 billion, more than twice the fortune of Google co-founder Larry Page, who ranks as the world’s second-richest individual with an estimated net worth of $288 billion, according to Forbes.
At the IPO price, Musk’s SpaceX holdings alone are valued at about $866.5 billion, based on his expected post-offering stake of roughly 4.8 billion shares, or about 42 percent of the company, along with more than 350 million stock options exercisable at $8.39 per share. Those options add a further estimated $44.3 billion to his wealth.
When combined with his Tesla holdings, about 717.1 million shares worth roughly $286.2 billion at recent market prices, Musk’s total net worth is calculated at approximately $1.1 trillion on paper, according to filings and market estimates.
However, analysts stress that the figure remains largely theoretical, as it depends on post-listing share performance and the continued strength of Tesla’s stock. Any decline in either company’s valuation could push Musk back below the trillion-dollar mark, while gains could lift his wealth even further.
SpaceX’s filing also highlights the scale of Musk’s control over the company, with about 84.4 percent of combined voting power expected to remain under his influence after the listing. The IPO includes performance-based stock awards tied to ambitious milestones, including long-term targets such as establishing a permanent human settlement on Mars and developing off-Earth computing infrastructure.
Beyond Musk’s personal fortune, the listing is also expected to create significant wealth among employees and investors. Reports suggest that around 4,400 SpaceX employees could become millionaires as trading begins.
The IPO also underscores SpaceX’s transformation from a launch services company into a diversified space, satellite internet, and artificial intelligence group, with operations spanning rocket launches, Starlink broadband services, and advanced computing initiatives.
Despite its rapid expansion, SpaceX remains loss-making. The company reported revenue of $18.7 billion in 2025, up from $14 billion in 2024, while its net loss widened to $4.9 billion after posting a profit the previous year. The financial results also incorporate historical figures from related Musk-controlled entities, including xAI and X Holdings following internal restructuring.
The SpaceX listing surpasses Saudi Aramco’s 2019 IPO, previously the largest public offering in history, marking a new benchmark for global capital markets.
Neoderma Clinica is among the healthcare facilities contributing to this shift. The clinic, based in Kibagabaga, Kigali, was founded with a focus on combining science, aesthetics, and patient care. Today, it offers services in aesthetic treatment, dermatology, plastic surgery, and dentistry.
IGIHE spoke with Dr. Burhan Dini Hirwa, a dental surgeon at Neoderma Clinica, about oral health, patient behaviour, and the role modern dentistry plays in confidence and quality of life.
Wide range of dental services
The clinic, Dr. Hirwa noted, handles both basic and advanced dental care, including preventive care, restorative treatment, orthodontics, oral surgery, and cosmetic dentistry.
Preventive care includes cleaning, scaling, sealants for children, and oral hygiene education. Cosmetic services include teeth whitening and veneers, both direct and lab-made.
The clinic also treats misaligned teeth using braces and clear aligners, and carries out procedures such as tooth extractions and dental implants. Restorative work includes fillings, crowns, and bridges for damaged or missing teeth.
Early visits make a difference
According to Dr. Hirwa, many patients only seek dental care when they are already in pain, an approach that often leads to more complex and expensive treatment.
“It is important to start dental visits early, even when the first teeth come in. Regular check-ups help us monitor development and prevent serious problems later,” he explained.
Early care, he added, leads to better outcomes and simpler treatment plans.
Oral health and confidence
Dr. Hirwa notes that oral health problems can significantly affect confidence in everyday life. One common issue is bad breath, often linked to poor oral hygiene.
“It can affect people socially and psychologically,” he observed.
The clinic addresses this through education on proper brushing techniques and daily care. Patients also seek treatment for stained teeth caused by habits such as smoking or frequent coffee consumption, with whitening procedures offering visible improvement.
Orthodontic treatment, veneers, and implants are also used to restore both appearance and function in patients with crooked or missing teeth.
“These treatments help patients feel more comfortable with their smiles,” Dr. Hirwa stressed.
What sets the clinic apart
With more dental clinics opening in Kigali, Dr. Hirwa emphasises that Neoderma Clinica focuses on service quality and cosmetic dentistry.
“Our focus is patient care and specialised cosmetic treatment, especially whitening, veneers, and orthodontics,” he stated.
The clinic aims to ensure patients receive consistent care from the moment they arrive to the end of their treatment. First-time visitors can expect a structured and welcoming process.
“We aim to give patients the best possible service from reception to consultation and treatment. We want to meet their expectations and help them achieve what they came in for,” he affirmed.
Teaching proper oral hygiene
During the interview, Dr. Hirwa demonstrated brushing techniques using a dental model, stressing that technique matters more than force.
“A soft toothbrush is best. What matters most is how you brush,” he advised.
He recommends starting at the gum line and using gentle vertical strokes across all surfaces of the teeth, including inner, outer, and chewing areas, and also cleaning the tongue to reduce bacterial buildup.
Daily oral care routine
Dr. Hirwa advises brushing twice a day: after breakfast and before bed.
“Brushing at night helps remove food particles accumulated during the day, while brushing in the morning clears out the bacteria and plaque that multiplied while you sleep,” he explained.
He recommends using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste for adults and a smaller amount for children, brushing for three to five minutes with gentle movements. He also cautions against rinsing immediately after brushing, as fluoride continues to protect the teeth.
“Spit out the toothpaste but do not rinse. It helps protect your teeth for longer,” he urged.
Dr. Hirwa encourages people not to wait for pain before visiting a dentist.
“One visit every six months is enough to prevent many problems. Early care is always easier than emergency treatment,” he concluded.
For Neoderma Clinica, oral health should be maintained regularly, not only treated when problems arise.
The clinic is located at Covenant Plaza in Kigali’s Kibagabaga neighbourhood.
Addressing 108 senior officers from 20 countries during a graduation ceremony at the college’s Nyakinama campus in Musanze District on Friday, Kagame said while military education provides knowledge and strategic skills, the most important qualities of leadership must be developed personally.
“This course was designed to enhance your ability to navigate complex and sometimes seemingly impossible situations. However, there are certain qualities that no course can give you — these you must personally cultivate,” Kagame said.
He identified courage as the ability to act decisively amid uncertainty and risk, warning that complexity can often lead to paralysis.
President Kagame also stressed the importance of sound judgment, noting that the consequences of decisions become greater as officers rise through the ranks.
“You must always remember what you are fighting for. For us, that purpose is anchored in protecting our sovereignty while advancing the continued transformation of our country,” he said.
The Head of State congratulated the graduates on completing the programme, saying they were leaving with broader knowledge, sharper strategic awareness and a greater sense of responsibility. He also acknowledged the support and sacrifices made by their families.
Highlighting the value of the course’s international character, Kagame said the relationships forged among officers from different countries help strengthen cooperation during future operations and regional engagements.
“The value of the connections you have made here cannot be overstated,” he said.
Kagame said the Rwanda Defence Force’s reputation had been built through years of discipline, professionalism and dedicated service, and urged the graduates to uphold those standards. He also called on them to embrace integrity, continuous learning and adaptability as security challenges and technologies evolve.
The graduation marked the completion of a 46-week Senior Command and Staff Course attended by officers from Rwanda and partner countries including Nigeria, Senegal, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.
RDFCSC Commandant Brigadier General Andrew Nyamvumba said the graduates had completed rigorous training in operational planning, combined joint task force operations, peace support operations, research and strategic leadership.
“These officers arrived 46 weeks ago as promising military professionals. Today, they depart as refined operational and strategic-level commanders and staff officers, ready to serve their nations and contribute to international peace and security,” he said.
Nyamvumba said the growing diversity of participants reflects expanding military partnerships across the region and beyond, while the college’s collaboration with the University of Uganda enables eligible officers to earn a Master of Arts in Security Studies.
He urged the graduates to apply their training with humility and selflessness in service of peace and security.
The ceremony was attended by senior government officials, defence and security leaders, military representatives from partner countries, academic institutions and families of the graduating officers.
In a statement released late on June 11, 2026, Kabila, who led the country from 2001 to 2019, said the country was “heading towards a cliff” and risked instability or fragmentation unless urgent political reforms were undertaken.
The statement came two days after members of the Congolese Parliament approved by majority a proposal to initiate a referendum on constitutional reform, a process widely seen by critics as potentially paving the way for Tshisekedi to extend his stay in power beyond the constitutional two-term limit.
Kabila described the current governance system as marked by “arrogance,” discrimination, and disregard for fundamental freedoms.
“Our country is governed in an arrogant manner, one that suppresses freedoms, is corrosive, and marked by widespread discrimination against many categories of Congolese. What makes it worse is that it is governed in a way that does not respect established laws,” he said.
He argued that the parliamentary vote reflected a broader shift toward entrenching executive power, warning that the constitutional revision process had moved beyond political speculation into active implementation.
Kabila also warned that the Constitution, as the country’s foundational legal framework, should not be altered for political convenience, saying such a move would amount to a betrayal of national principles.
“A major step has already been taken toward entrenching an authoritarian regime and establishing a system of power whose end is unknown, with no guarantee of democratic political change,” he said.
“Our country is increasingly becoming like a boiling pot of water about to explode because it has been deprived of the oxygen of democracy, which is essential for stability and coexistence,” he added.
Kabila further called on Congolese citizens to take responsibility for defending constitutional order, arguing that external actors cannot be relied upon to resolve internal political challenges.
Citing Article 64 of the Constitution, he said citizens have a duty to resist any attempt to violate the country’s supreme law.
“When the government has taken the decision to amend the Constitution, and given the consequences this may have for the country, I must remind everyone that Article 64(1) of our Constitution states that every Congolese citizen has the responsibility to oppose any individual or group using their power to violate the Constitution. This is not just a right; it is a duty,” he said.
Kabila concluded by urging Congolese citizens to “wake up,” unite, and support all actions aimed at resisting the proposed constitutional changes.
Forward Julián Quiñones etched his name into World Cup history by scoring the tournament’s opening goal after just nine minutes before veteran striker Raúl Jiménez sealed victory with a second-half header in front of more than 80,000 fans at Mexico City Stadium.
The victory provided an ideal start for Javier Aguirre’s side, which is seeking to erase memories of its disappointing group-stage exit at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Mexico started brightly and nearly took the lead within five minutes when Jiménez forced South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams into an early save. The breakthrough arrived shortly afterward when Erik Lira dispossessed Sphephelo Sithole in midfield and Quiñones drove a low shot through Williams’ legs from just inside the penalty area.
South Africa managed to keep the deficit at one goal before halftime despite sustained Mexican pressure, with Williams producing another fine save to deny Jiménez while Quiñones also struck the post.
The match turned decisively in Mexico’s favour early in the second half when Sithole was shown a straight red card for bringing down Jiménez as the striker raced through on goal.
Moments later, Mexico doubled its lead. Quiñones combined neatly with Jiménez before feeding Roberto Alvarado, whose cross was headed home by the 35-year-old striker at the back post.
The contest descended into further drama late on as South Africa substitute Themba Zwane was sent off for striking an opponent, while Mexico defender Cesar Montes also received a red card for a late challenge.
The three dismissals made it the first World Cup opening match in history to feature three red cards and the most in any World Cup game since Portugal’s infamous clash with the Netherlands in 2006.
“I made an effort to explain to them what a World Cup and an opening match on home soil meant, but they had to experience it for themselves,” Aguirre said after the match.
Quiñones, named player of the match, said scoring the opening goal of the tournament was a special moment.
“I’m happy and excited to score my first World Cup goal in such a spectacular stadium with amazing fans,” he said.
Earlier in Guadalajara, South Korea recovered from a goal down to defeat the Czech Republic 2-1.
After a largely uneventful first half, Czech captain Ladislav Krejci put his side ahead in the 59th minute with a header following a long throw into the penalty area.
South Korea responded eight minutes later when Hwang Hee-chan equalised with a composed finish after cleverly evading two defenders. The winger then turned provider in the 80th minute, delivering a cross from the right that was converted by Oh Hyeon-gyu for the winning goal.
The results leave Mexico and South Korea level on three points at the top of Group A. The two sides will meet next Thursday in Guadalajara, while South Africa faces the Czech Republic in Atlanta.
“It would be important to win the group, but right now the only thing we’re thinking about is the match against Korea,” Aguirre said. “We’re going to take it step by step and see what the future holds.”
Rwanda has strongly rejected allegations by Human Rights Watch (HRW) linking the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) to forced recruitment, arbitrary detention and other abuses in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), accusing the rights organisation of relying on unverified claims while overlooking the role of armed groups backed by Kinshasa.
The response follows the publication of a 78-page HRW report on June 10, which alleges that Rwandan military forces and the M23 rebel movement carried out large-scale forced recruitment and abusive detention of captured combatants and civilians in North and South Kivu provinces between mid-2024 and December 2025.
In a statement posted on X, Government Spokesperson Yolande Makolo dismissed the report as part of a long-standing pattern in HRW’s reporting on Rwanda.
“Human Rights Watch on Rwanda is a 30-year pattern: anonymous claims, no site visits or forensics, sanctions first and investigation later,” Makolo wrote.
She argued that HRW ignored its own findings regarding the involvement of other actors in the conflict, including the Democratic Republic of Congo’s military, the FDLR militia, Wazalendo groups, foreign mercenaries and Burundian forces.
“It should be clear that the RDF is not AFC/M23,” Makolo said. “Any serious investigation requires impartiality, access, forensic rigour, due process, and not conclusions announced in advance, or bombastic calls for sanctions.”
Makolo added that the Washington peace accords remain “the path forward” for addressing insecurity in eastern DRC through dialogue, accountability and regional cooperation.
Rwanda rejects allegations
In a more detailed statement issued by the Office of the Government Spokesperson, Rwanda faulted HRW’s attempt to treat the RDF and M23 as a single actor.
“Alleged M23 conduct cannot be treated as RDF conduct,” the statement said.
The government accused HRW of applying “selective accountability” by focusing primarily on Rwanda and M23 while paying insufficient attention to abuses committed by Congolese government forces and their allies.
According to Kigali, HRW’s own report acknowledges that the Congolese army has supported armed groups opposed to M23, including the FDLR, a militia formed by perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The statement also cited passages in the report saying Congolese authorities armed, financed and coordinated operations with Wazalendo militias and that government support for such groups contributed to human rights violations.
“Selective accountability applied with selective investigative depth is not accountability,” the government said.
Questions over methodology
Rwanda also poked holes in HRW’s methodology.
The government argued that the report relied heavily on anonymous testimony and lacked on-the-ground forensic investigations.
According to Kigali, no investigators visited the locations where the alleged abuses occurred, no exhumations were conducted and no forensic examinations were undertaken.
The statement also criticised HRW for presenting allegations as established facts while acknowledging uncertainty in sections of the report dealing with legal assessments and satellite imagery.
“An investigation whose conclusions are announced in advance is not an investigation,” the statement said, while reiterating Rwanda’s support for “genuine, independent investigation” based on access, forensic evidence and due process.
FDLR threat
On the FDLR, Rwanda highlighted the militia as a key security threat and accused HRW of failing to adequately examine its role and links to Congolese government forces.
The government argued that any assessment of the conflict must address root causes of insecurity in eastern DRC, including the continued presence of the FDLR near Rwanda’s border.
Kigali also accused HRW of failing to scrutinise alleged violations of the Washington Accords by Kinshasa while placing disproportionate focus on Rwanda and M23.
Rwanda said it remains committed to regional peace initiatives and to pursuing security, accountability and cooperation through diplomatic processes.
“The Washington Accords are the most credible path forward,” the government said, adding that Rwanda would continue to support “a regional solution rooted in dialogue, fairness, and partnership.”
In a statement released on Thursday, UEFA announced that the 34-year-old Somali official will take charge of the prestigious season-opening clash between UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain and UEFA Europa League champions Aston Villa on August 12 in Salzburg, Austria.
The appointment is one of the first high-profile initiatives under a recently signed memorandum of understanding between UEFA and CAF, which aims to strengthen cooperation in areas including refereeing development. It is being hailed as a significant recognition of Artan’s standing among the world’s elite referees.
Artan, who has been on FIFA’s international referees list since 2018, was selected by FIFA to officiate at the 2026 World Cup. However, he was unable to participate after being refused entry into the United States, ending what would have been a historic appearance as the first Somali referee at football’s biggest tournament.
Somalia is among nearly 40 countries affected by recent travel restrictions under the Trump administration’s immigration policy overhaul.
Artan returned to Mogadishu to a hero’s welcome yesterday, with supporters and football officials celebrating his achievements despite the disappointment surrounding the World Cup setback.
UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin said the decision to appoint Artan reflects both his exceptional refereeing abilities and football’s power to unite people across borders.
“Omar Artan is an excellent young but already experienced referee, who has proven himself at the highest competition level of the Confederation of African Football,” Čeferin said. “Football is made to connect people, and UEFA wants to show its respect to Omar and his outstanding officiating skills, which had earned him such a prestigious nomination.”
Artan has steadily built a reputation as one of Africa’s leading match officials. Among the most notable fixtures of his career was the second leg of the 2025-26 CAF Champions League final. His performances earned him the CAF Men’s Referee of the Year award in 2025.
CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe welcomed UEFA’s decision, describing it as recognition of both Artan’s achievements and the growing influence of African referees on the global stage.
“Omar Artan has made Somalia and the entire people of the African continent extremely proud,” Motsepe said. “His appointment as a referee of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and his receipt of the CAF Men’s Referee of the Year Award are recognition of his world-class refereeing ability and the international respect that he enjoys.”
The support will back key elements of Rwanda’s National Ebola Preparedness and Contingency Plan, with a focus on strengthening surveillance and early detection systems, improving Infection Prevention and Control (IPC), and enhancing Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services in high-risk areas, including border points.
The programme will also support risk communication and community engagement initiatives aimed at ensuring that communities have access to clear and accurate information on prevention measures and disease transmission.
In parallel, the UK will provide an additional £800,000 to Burundi to support its Preparedness and Response Plan for Viral Haemorrhagic Fevers, targeting similar priority areas, including surveillance, IPC, WASH, and public awareness.
Across the region, the UK will also invest in strengthening data and information management systems to improve risk monitoring and enhance coordination in the event of outbreaks. The programmes will be implemented through partners working in support of national government plans under the UK’s Tackling Deadly Diseases in Africa Programme (TDDAP2).
The British High Commission said the initiative builds on recent collaboration in responding to public health emergencies and reflects the UK’s commitment to supporting partner countries in strengthening health security and preventing outbreaks before they escalate.
Development Director at the British High Commission in Kigali, Billy Stewart, said the support is aimed at protecting lives through stronger preparedness systems.
“At the heart of this support is a simple goal: saving lives,” he said. “By strengthening preparedness, improving prevention measures, and supporting communities with clear information, the UK is helping Rwanda and Burundi reduce the risk of Ebola outbreaks and protect their people.”
The announcement comes as health authorities across the region continue to monitor Ebola outbreaks affecting parts of East and Central Africa, involving the Bundibugyo strain, a particularly concerning variant for which there is currently no approved vaccine or specific antiviral treatment.
Health officials say this makes surveillance, early detection and rapid response critical to containing the disease. Recent data indicates that the Democratic Republic of Congo has reported 635 confirmed cases and at least 127 deaths, while Uganda has recorded 19 confirmed cases and two deaths, with infections reported in Kampala, Wakiso, and western border districts.
In Rwanda, officials have moved to reassure the public that robust prevention systems remain in place. Speaking during a June 6 briefing, Prime Minister Dr Justin Nsengiyumva said the country has strengthened surveillance, prevention and response systems to guard against potential importation of the virus while maintaining normal economic and social activity.
“The Ebola outbreak continues to be reported in the eastern region of Africa. However, Rwanda has strengthened its prevention measures and monitoring, and we are confident in protecting the lives of our citizens without disrupting economic activities and the normal social life of the population,” he said.
Health Minister Dr Sabin Nsanzimana said Rwanda’s preparedness strategy is built on five pillars: public awareness and communication, surveillance, detection capacity, response capability, and human resources. He added that Rwanda has strengthened early detection systems, particularly at border points, with the ability to return test results within hours.
He also noted that ongoing simulation exercises and training for health workers and emergency responders are part of efforts to ensure rapid and coordinated response in the event of an outbreak.
The Ministry of Health and the Rwanda Biomedical Centre continue to monitor developments in neighbouring countries closely and have urged the public to remain vigilant, observe hygiene practices, and report symptoms early.
The budget, presented to Parliament on Thursday by Minister of Finance and Economic Planning Yusuf Murangwa, represents a 12% increase from the revised Rwf 7.0 trillion budget for the 2025/26 fiscal year.
Murangwa said the spending plan is designed to respond to global economic pressures while maintaining focus on priority sectors that drive long-term resilience.
“This budget reflects the realities of a challenging global environment while staying focused on what matters most: boosting agriculture, creating jobs, and building a resilient economy,” he said.
“We have prioritised agriculture inputs and irrigation, continued investment in infrastructure and energy, and made room to protect the most vulnerable.”
He added that the goal is to accelerate implementation of national development programmes without undermining macroeconomic stability.
Economic transformation takes lion’s share
According to the budget breakdown aligned with the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), the economic transformation pillar receives the largest allocation at 63%, equivalent to Rwf 4.9 trillion.
The funding will support agricultural productivity, expansion of electricity, water and sanitation services, transport infrastructure, and urban and rural settlement development. It will also finance initiatives aimed at climate resilience, local manufacturing, export growth, financial sector development, and job creation.
This scale of investment is underpinned by a period of strong economic performance. According to official data from the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda and the World Bank, the country’s real GDP grew by 9.4% last year, surpassing the government’s initial 7.0% target.
The expansion was driven by an 11% increase in the industrial sector, supported by construction and a 33% rise in mining activities, alongside 9% growth in the services sector.
Social and governance spending
The social transformation pillar is allocated 22% of the budget, or Rwf 1.7 trillion, to strengthen healthcare and education systems, expand social protection, improve nutrition services, and support gender and family programmes.
Transformational governance accounts for 15%, or Rwf 1.2 trillion, and will focus on service delivery, public finance management, justice sector reforms, peace and security, crime prevention, and economic diplomacy.
Financing structure
Total resources for the budget comprise Rwf 5.3 trillion in domestic revenues, Rwf 548.3 billion in external grants, and Rwf 2 trillion in external loans.
On the expenditure side, Rwf 3 trillion is allocated to development spending, while Rwf 4.8 trillion will go to recurrent expenditure.
The presentation comes as East African Community member states table their 2026/27 fiscal year budgets under the theme: “Deepening Regional Integration and Economic Resilience through Improved Regional Security, Domestic Revenue Mobilisation and Digital Transformation for Inclusive Growth.”
