According to a statement released by the Commission, the proposed measures include suspending the automatic adjustment mechanism of the oil price cap until next January, which would allow oil markets to stabilise while maintaining pressure on Russian revenues.
Thirty additional vessels would be added to the sanctions list, on top of the 632 already designated. For the first time, sanctions would also target vessels providing support services to the “shadow fleet,” including bunkering operations.
In addition, the proposal includes restrictions on ports, airports and refineries involved in trading or processing Russian oil. The sale of liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers to Russia would also be restricted.
On financial and crypto-related measures, the Commission would expand transaction bans to 31 additional Russian banks, as well as to 20 banks, crypto firms, platforms and oil traders in third countries.
On trade, the proposed package introduces new export restrictions on goods and technologies used by Russia’s military-industrial sector, as well as drone-related equipment.
The Commission also proposed import bans on goods worth around 60 million euros (69.4 million U.S. dollars), including certain metals and automotive parts, as part of efforts to reduce dependence on Russian imports.
For the first time, the EU would also target Russia’s fisheries sector, proposing substantial restrictions on imports of certain fish products and a complete ban on others, including cod.
Von der Leyen also announced a new measure under the package to ban entry into the EU of individuals who have served in the Russian armed forces since the start of the Ukraine conflict.
The proposal still requires approval by all EU member states before it can enter into force.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen talks to the press on the 21st sanctions package against Russia in Brussels, Belgium, June 9, 2026. The European Commission has proposed the 21st package of sanctions against Russia, targeting key sectors including energy, financial services and crypto, trade and, for the first time, fisheries, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Tuesday.
The delegation was led by Rogelio Romero, Chapter Representative of YPO Gold Panama and Chief Executive Officer of Concretex Panama.
According to the Office of the President, the meeting explored Rwanda’s development journey, the country’s growing entrepreneurship ecosystem, and prospects for strengthening business and economic partnerships between Rwanda and Panama.
YPO is a global leadership community that connects more than 38,000 business leaders across over 130 countries. Its members include chief executives, entrepreneurs, and senior executives who lead companies and organizations across a wide range of sectors.
The Panama Chapter brings together senior executives from some of the country’s leading firms and investment groups, creating a platform for business networking and investment opportunities.
The visit reflects growing international interest in Rwanda as a destination for investment and innovation, driven by the country’s business-friendly environment, economic reforms, and expanding private sector.
The discussions also highlighted the potential for increased cooperation between Rwandan and Panamanian businesses, particularly in areas that support entrepreneurship, trade, and investment.
Rwanda has continued to position itself as a hub for business and innovation in Africa, attracting investors and business leaders from around the world seeking new opportunities and partnerships.
In 2025, Rwanda recorded a significant increase in investor commitments, underscoring the country’s growing appeal as a destination for business and investment. According to official figures, total registered capital reached $2.62 billion (approximately Rwf 3.8 trillion) across 799 pipeline projects, a substantial increase from the 612 projects registered the previous year.
Once fully implemented, these projects are expected to create more than 38,000 jobs, further supporting Rwanda’s economic growth and employment objectives. The real estate, manufacturing, and mining sectors attracted the largest share of the registered capital, highlighting the diversity of opportunities available to investors.
President Paul Kagame on Tuesday received a delegation of 19 members of the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) and their spouses at Urugwiro Village.According to the Office of the President, discussions focused on Rwanda’s economic transformation, entrepreneurship, and opportunities for business collaboration with Panama.The delegation was led by Rogelio Romero, Chapter Representative of YPO Gold Panama and Chief Executive Officer of Concretex Panama.The meeting explored Rwanda’s development journey, the country’s growing entrepreneurship ecosystem, and prospects for strengthening business and economic partnerships between Rwanda and Panama.
The emerging “anti-slop” trend reflects a backlash against AI-generated visuals, which critics say often feel overly smooth, uncanny, and detached from human labour. Instead, creatives are turning to analogue techniques and unpolished, DIY-inspired design choices as a way of reasserting human authorship in visual culture.
At industry events in the US promoting generative AI tools, technology advocates have highlighted how quickly campaigns can now be produced using artificial intelligence. Rob Wrubel, co-founder of ad firm Silverside, pointed to significantly shortened production timelines enabled by AI systems, though some outputs have faced criticism for lacking authenticity and emotional depth.
Concerns also extend to how AI models are trained on vast datasets that include existing creative work. Photographer and designer Michael Schmelling, whose work features intentionally scribbled, hand-drawn-style covers and artwork, says the shift is already visible in the creative sector.
“This AI stuff has just been rammed down our throats,” he said. “AI is everywhere. And all of a sudden there’s a backlash.”
He also criticised the economic model behind generative AI, arguing that it often benefits from artists’ work without fair compensation.
A similar emphasis on human-made craft can be seen in stop-motion advertising work by Stoopid Buddy Stoodios for the Green Bay Packers in the US, which used physical models and frame-by-frame animation instead of digital generation.
Co-founder John Harvatine IV said: “We do everything here by hand.” He added that audiences responded strongly to the visible craftsmanship behind the project.
While the studio does use some digital tools, it prioritises physical production over automated creation, a contrast that has resonated with audiences amid growing debate over AI-generated media.
Observers say the shift echoes earlier technological disruptions in art history. The rise of photography in the 19th century, for instance, pushed painters toward movements such as impressionism and surrealism rather than strict realism. Some analysts suggest AI may be triggering a similar redefinition of creative value today.
Still, some creatives remain cautious about the durability of the trend. As journalist John Semley notes, there may eventually be a “backlash to the backlash” as AI tools become further embedded in everyday creative workflows.
For now, however, the divide is increasingly visible: while AI accelerates polished production in global advertising and media hubs, a growing counter-movement is reasserting imperfection, texture, and the unmistakable mark of human creation.
Behind the scenes of Stoopid Buddy Stoodios’ stop-motion animation ad for the Green Bay Packers. As artificial intelligence reshapes creative industries across the world, including in major media and advertising markets such as the United States and Europe, a growing number of artists are responding with a contrasting aesthetic: visibly handmade, imperfect, and deliberately rough design.
Now, the rising comedian is setting his sights beyond Rwanda’s borders.
Having established himself as one of the standout performers on Kigali’s popular Gen-Z Comedy platform, Muhinde is increasingly performing in English as part of a broader ambition to reach audiences across East Africa and eventually on the global comedy stage.
“It wasn’t really about leaving Kinyarwanda behind; it was about realising that I could do both,” Muhinde told IGIHE, emphasising that performing in English does not mean abandoning the Kinyarwanda roots that helped shape his career.
The comedian, who recently completed his studies at Rwanda Polytechnic in Musanze, believes performing in English is a necessary step if he is to take Rwandan comedy to international audiences.
“Over the years, we’ve invited international comedians to Rwanda, and some of them have been willing to share their platforms and opportunities with us. That made me realise that if I want to reach international audiences and grow beyond Rwanda, I need to be able to perform in English as well,” he explained.
Muhinde’s journey into comedy began long before he stepped onto a professional stage. Born on April 10, 2003, he grew up entertaining friends, neighbours, and family members with his natural ability to find humour in everyday situations.
He credits Rwandan comedy pioneer Babu Joe as one of his earliest inspirations.
“I used to make everyone laugh and leave them in stitches. Anywhere you could find me, people around were always laughing,” he recalled.
That talent eventually led him to perform at a show organised by Babu before joining Gen-Z Comedy in 2022, where he quickly became one of the platform’s most recognisable young comedians.
His rise, however, was not without challenges.
While building his comedy career, Muhinde was also pursuing higher education in Musanze, often travelling between Musanze and Kigali to perform.
“The hardest part was when comedy shows happened on the same days as exams or important classes. There were times when I had to make difficult decisions and manage my time very carefully,” he said.
Those sacrifices paid off on May 28, 2026, when he headlined the highly anticipated “Graduation Comedy Special” at Camp Kigali, a show organised by his mentor Fally Merci to celebrate both his academic achievement and his growth as a comedian.
The event marked a symbolic transition from student comedian to a performer with regional ambitions.
Although performing in English presents new challenges, Muhinde says he has invested significant time in improving his craft through workshops, preparation and learning from experienced comedians.
One lesson that has transformed his performances is learning to think directly in English rather than translating jokes from Kinyarwanda.
“If you’re going to perform comedy in another language, you need to think in that language. If you think in your native language and then translate the joke later, it can lose its rhythm, meaning and impact,” he said.
Known for his crowd work and roasting skills, Muhinde acknowledges that performing outside Rwanda will require adaptation, especially in front of audiences unfamiliar with local celebrities and cultural references.
“When performing for an international audience, I know I can’t rely on references to Kigali celebrities or local inside jokes. That’s why research becomes very important,” he noted.
Despite those adjustments, he believes Rwandan comedy has something unique to offer international audiences.
“What makes our humour unique is our perspective and the way we tell stories,” he said. “I’ve learned how to turn my struggles, challenges and even things people might see as weaknesses into comedy. People connect with that because it’s honest.”
For now, Muhinde’s immediate focus is East Africa.
Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania top his list of countries where he hopes to perform, with Uganda holding special significance due to his connections with the country’s vibrant comedy scene through collaborations with Comedy Store Uganda.
“My goal is to grow across East Africa first before expanding to other international stages,” he said.
To accelerate that journey, Muhinde is increasingly relying on digital platforms. He has begun performing regularly at English-language comedy events in Rwanda and plans to use recordings from those shows to build a presence on YouTube, TikTok and Instagram.
“Social media is one of the most important tools I have for reaching international audiences,” he explained.
Looking ahead, Muhinde sees himself becoming an internationally recognised comedian within the next two to three years. Among his goals are releasing his first English-language comedy special and representing Rwanda on stages abroad.
But his ambitions extend beyond personal success.
“My ultimate dream is not only to build a successful career for myself but also to create opportunities for others,” he said. “I would love to have my own comedy show that gives a platform to young comedians, helping them showcase their talent and grow in the industry.”
For a comedian whose career began with jokes among friends and neighbours, the journey from Kigali to the international stage may still be unfolding. Yet with a growing audience, an expanding English-language repertoire, and clear ambitions beyond Rwanda’s borders, Muhinde appears determined to prove that Rwandan comedy can resonate far beyond home.
Having established himself as one of the standout performers on Kigali’s popular Gen-Z Comedy platform, Muhinde is increasingly performing in English as part of a broader ambition to reach audiences across East Africa and eventually on the global comedy stage.Muhinde sees himself becoming an internationally recognised comedian within the next two to three years. On May 28, 2026, Muhinde headlined the highly anticipated “Graduation Comedy Special” at Camp Kigali, a show organised by his mentor Fally Merci to celebrate both his academic achievement and his growth as a comedian.The comedian, who recently completed his studies at Rwanda Polytechnic in Musanze, believes performing in English is a necessary step if he is to take Rwandan comedy to international audiences.
The court’s governing body, the Bureau of the Assembly of States Parties, announced on Monday that Khan’s case will be referred to a special session of the ICC’s 125-member states, which will ultimately decide his future at the world’s top war crimes tribunal.
The suspension follows a vote by the bureau’s executive committee after reviewing findings from a United Nations investigation, advice from an ad hoc panel of judicial experts, and written submissions related to the case.
In its statement, the bureau emphasised that the suspension “is not an indication of the final outcome” of the proceedings. The decision and supporting documentation will remain confidential.
Khan, 56, has strongly denied the allegations and rejected the suspension. In a statement issued through his lawyers, he described the decision as “unlawful, procedurally unfair and unsupported by evidence.”
The allegations, first reported in 2024, were brought by a female ICC staff member who accused Khan of engaging in coercive and non-consensual sexual conduct between 2023 and 2024. The alleged incidents are said to have occurred during work trips, in Khan’s office in The Hague, and at his residence.
According to media reports, a UN investigation found a “factual basis” for the allegations. However, a three-judge panel tasked with reviewing the findings reportedly concluded that the evidence was not sufficiently conclusive to establish misconduct.
Khan’s legal team has argued that the judges unanimously determined that the investigation’s factual findings did not establish misconduct or a breach of duty. The prosecutor has also maintained that the allegations are part of a politically motivated campaign against him.
The case marks an unprecedented moment for the ICC. Khan is the first chief prosecutor to be formally suspended by the court’s oversight body. The referral of disciplinary proceedings to all member states could ultimately lead to a vote on whether he should be removed from office.
Only the Assembly of States Parties has the authority to dismiss the prosecutor. A majority vote in a secret ballot would be required, meaning at least 63 of the court’s 125 member states would need to support his removal.
Khan has already been on voluntary leave from the Office of the Prosecutor since May while the inquiry was underway. As a result, his suspension is not expected to significantly affect the court’s day-to-day operations.
A date for the special session of member states has not yet been announced.
Khan has served as ICC prosecutor since 2021 and gained international prominence for pursuing investigations and arrest warrants in several high-profile conflicts, including cases related to the war in Gaza and former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s anti-drug campaign.
Karim Khan is the first ICC prosecutor to be formally suspended from his role by the court’s oversight body.
In a ruling delivered on Monday, a three-judge bench comprising Justice Eric Ogola, Justice Anthony Mrima, and Justice Dr. Freda Mugambi held that while Gachagua’s impeachment remains valid, key aspects of the process fell short of constitutional standards of fairness.
The court found that senators infringed on Gachagua’s fair hearing rights when they declined to grant an adjournment despite his absence from the proceedings, thereby proceeding with hearings in a manner that violated due process protections.
The judges said the award of Ksh 50 million was both compensatory and constitutional in nature, aimed at vindicating the Constitution, restoring the dignity of the affected party, and deterring future violations by state organs.
“The court awards constitutional damages of Kenya Shillings 50 million to His Excellency Gachagua payable by the Senate to vindicate the Constitution, restore the dignity of the affected party, and deter future violations,” the bench stated.
The court further emphasised that Parliament must establish a clear statutory framework governing the impeachment of a Deputy President under Article 150 of the Constitution, noting that procedural clarity is essential to safeguard constitutional protections.
On issues relating to pension and emoluments, the court made no determination, stating that Gachagua is free to pursue the matter before the appropriate forum.
Gachagua’s legal team said they would challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal, arguing that the court’s finding of a fair hearing violation raised unresolved constitutional contradictions in the impeachment decision.
Kenya’s High Court has ordered the Senate to pay former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua Ksh 50 million (about Rwf 565 million) in constitutional damages after finding that his right to a fair trial was violated during impeachment proceedings that led to his removal from office in October 2024.
The group touched down from South Africa following a highly successful, fast-paced multi-city tour. The band kicked off their southern leg in Cape Town on June 2, moved to Durban on June 4, and wrapped up with back-to-back performances in Pretoria on June 6 and 7.
The band was originally expected to land in Kigali yesterday, June 8. However, due to the tight logistics of their packed touring schedule, management requested an extra night of rest, pushing their arrival to this morning.
UB40 was originally formed in Birmingham, United Kingdom, in 1978 by a group of working-class friends who took their name from the British unemployment benefit form. They went on to become one of the most commercially successful reggae acts in history, selling over 70 million records globally with timeless hits like “Red Red Wine,” “Kingston Town,” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love.”
Internal disagreements eventually led to a permanent split in the band’s legacy. In 2008, iconic lead vocalist Ali Campbell left the original lineup due to management disputes. Seeking to preserve the classic sound, he launched his own touring version of the group in 2014, known today as UB40 featuring Ali Campbell.
This spin-off previously featured original bandmates Mickey Virtue and Terence “Astro” Wilson, the latter of whom sadly passed away in late 2021. Meanwhile, the remaining original members of the 1978 group chose to keep the standard UB40 name, replacing Ali with his brother Duncan Campbell, and later, current vocalist Matt Doyle. That separate entity continues to tour globally with long-standing members like Robin Campbell, Jimmy Brown, Earl Falconer, and Norman Hassan.
Because of this historic divide, it is strictly UB40 featuring Ali Campbell taking the stage in Kigali tonight, bringing the distinctive voice behind the band’s greatest studio hits to Rwanda for the very first time.
For generations of Rwandan music lovers who grew up hearing these songs on local radio stations, in public transport, and at family gatherings, tonight’s performance at the BK Arena represents a massive milestone, bridging nostalgia with a live, world-class production.
Legendary reggae group UB40, featuring Ali Campbell, arrived in Kigali early Tuesday morning ahead of their historic concert at BK Arena tonight.Upon arrival in Kigali, Ali Campbell first took time to greet a small group of journalists who were present at the airport.
The proposed budget is designed to strengthen agricultural production, boost industrial growth, accelerate job creation and maintain macroeconomic stability, according to resolutions adopted during a Cabinet meeting chaired by President Paul Kagame on June 8.
The budget represents an increase of approximately Rwf 844.2 billion compared to the revised 2025/26 budget, reflecting the government’s continued focus on economic transformation and development.
Sixty-eight percent of the budget, equivalent to Rwf 5.3 trillion, will be financed through domestic resources, while foreign grants will account for 7 percent.
The government said the budget will prioritise interventions aimed at strengthening economic resilience while accelerating the implementation of key development projects and programmes across various sectors.
The Cabinet’s approval follows the presentation of the 2026/27 Budget Framework Paper to Parliament by Finance and Economic Planning Minister Yusuf Murangwa on May 11, 2026.
Murangwa is expected to formally table the budget before Parliament for debate and consideration on June 11, when Rwanda will join other member states of the East African Community in presenting their national budgets.
Finance Minister Yusuf Murangwa presents the 2025-26 national budget before parliament on June 12. Rwanda’s Cabinet has approved a draft law determining State finances for the 2026/27 fiscal year, endorsing a national budget of Rwf 7.8 trillion, a 12 percent increase from the previous year’s revised budget.
“At the moment, the fire is on hold because after we struck … it (Iran) stopped attacking us,” Netanyahu said in his first televised statement more than 20 hours after Iran first launched missiles at Israel on Sunday night.
If Iran “makes the mistake of attacking us again, we will respond with force,” he added.
Earlier, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said that Israel would continue to carry out attacks against Hezbollah and would strike the Dahieh district, south of the Lebanese capital Beirut, in response to any attack on communities in northern Israel.
Following Netanyahu’s statement, Israel’s Home Front Command said it will lift most civil defense restrictions across the country on Tuesday morning, while restrictions will remain in place in several northern communities near the Lebanese border.
Later on Monday, Israeli ministries announced in statements that Israel’s hospitals have returned to full and normal operations on Monday, while schools are expected to reopen on Tuesday after Israel and Iran halted the exchange of strikes.
Earlier in the day, Iran’s main military command, Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, announced in a statement the cessation of strikes against Israel, but warned that any further Israeli “aggression and malicious acts,” including in southern Lebanon, would trigger a much more “severe and crushing” response from Tehran.
It said the Iranian armed forces’ actions were carried out in support of the Lebanese people following Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon and the Dahieh district. It also accused the United States of backing Israeli operations and said that Israel should have learned its lesson from Iran’s response.
Iran’s official news agency IRNA said that at least 15 people were wounded in Israeli attacks against Iran on Monday, with no death reported yet.
Following flight restrictions imposed earlier in the day on Iran’s airspace, the country’s Civil Aviation Authority said aviation operations are returning to normal, the semi-official Fars news agency reported.
Meanwhile, COGAT, the Israeli military agency overseeing aid coordination, said the Kerem Shalom crossing and the Rafah crossing into the Gaza Strip will gradually reopen for the entry of humanitarian aid starting Tuesday after being closed on Sunday due to Iranian attacks on northern Israel.
The latest escalation came after the Israeli military conducted airstrikes in the southern suburb of the Lebanese capital Beirut on Sunday, killing at least two people.
Following the Israeli operations, Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) announced late Sunday that it launched ballistic missiles at the Ramat David Air Base in northern Israel in response to Israel’s “widespread crimes” in southern Lebanon.
The Israeli military on Monday carried out airstrikes on several targets in Iran, including radar sites and a petrochemical company in the southwestern province of Khuzestan. In response, the IRGC launched strikes on the Nevatim and Tel Nof air bases as well as certain industries in Israel.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks in a video message released on June 8, 2026. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that the fire against Iran is currently “on hold,” but warned that Israel will respond forcefully if Iran resumes its attacks.
Artan arrived at Miami International Airport on Saturday on a flight from Istanbul and was subjected to additional screening by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Following the inspection, authorities determined that he was inadmissible due to unspecified vetting concerns and placed him on a return flight to Turkey.
The 52-year-old was among 52 referees selected by FIFA to officiate at the World Cup, which kicks off on June 11 across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
FIFA confirmed on Monday that Artan would be unable to participate in training or officiate at the tournament.
“FIFA is not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications,” a FIFA spokesperson said. “In line with previous FIFA events, a host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and who is admitted into their country.”
CBP said all travellers seeking entry into the United States, including athletes, coaches and tournament staff, are subject to inspection and vetting.
“Following inspection, the traveler, a referee for the FIFA World Cup, was determined to be inadmissible due to vetting concerns and was denied entry,” the agency said in a statement.
Officials in Somalia expressed disappointment over the decision. A senior adviser to Somalia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports said Artan had been travelling with valid documents, while a Somali embassy official noted that he had been issued a diplomatic passport to facilitate international travel after experiencing visa-related difficulties in the past.
The case has drawn attention because Somalia remains on President Donald Trump’s travel ban list. While exemptions exist for World Cup athletes and team personnel, those provisions reportedly did not apply to referees.
Artan’s exclusion marks a significant setback for a referee whose rise has been widely celebrated across Africa. In 2025, he was named Africa’s Referee of the Year by the Confederation of African Football and has officiated at major continental competitions, including the Africa Cup of Nations.
Earlier this year, Artan reflected on the challenges he faced pursuing a refereeing career in Somalia.
“At times, I have had to change my route to my local stadium because of explosions in the country,” he said. “You cannot give up as a referee. You have to have a target.”
Despite the setback, Artan struck a positive tone in a statement released on Monday.
“Despite the circumstances, I am in a positive mood and I am focused on the next challenges in my refereeing career,” he said. “I want to thank the football family for their messages and wish my colleagues all the best success during the World Cup.”
Ciise Aden Abshir, a senior adviser to Somalia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports and a former national team captain, said the decision undermined football’s values.
“Denying him entry to the United States and preventing him from officiating scheduled matches harms not only him personally but also undermines football’s commitment to fairness, merit, and the spirit of fair play,” he said.
The incident is the latest controversy surrounding US immigration policies and the World Cup, with concerns previously raised over visa processing delays for some participating nations.
Artan’s exclusion marks a significant setback for a referee whose rise has been widely celebrated across Africa. In 2025, he was named Africa’s Referee of the Year by the Confederation of African Football and has officiated at major continental competitions, including the Africa Cup of Nations.
