The Israeli military said in a statement on Saturday afternoon that it had killed more than 15 Hezbollah militants over the weekend.
In another statement, the IDF said it struck Hezbollah infrastructure used for military purposes across southern Lebanon earlier Saturday, and will continue to operate decisively against threats in accordance with directives from the political echelon.
According to the local news website Lebanon Debate, one person was killed and another wounded in an Israeli airstrike on the town of Hadatha in southern Lebanon on Saturday night.
Earlier in the day, Israeli aircraft struck Hadatha twice within less than 10 minutes.
Israeli warplanes also carried out airstrikes on the village of Zebqine, the town of Bazourieh, the town of Al Sultaniyah, and the Dabsha area near a waste treatment facility in Khirbet Selm, Lebanese media reported.
Also in the day, the Israeli army carried out a controlled explosion in the town of Khiam, while reportedly dismantling solar panels and damaging municipal vehicles in the border town of Debel.
On Saturday evening, Israel’s state-owned Kan TV News quoted Israeli security officials as saying that they fear the ceasefire with Lebanon could collapse.
The sources added that Israel demands that the United States put pressure on the Lebanese army to act against Hezbollah in areas north of the Israeli-controlled “security strip” in southern Lebanon, which stretches, according to Israeli statements, from the western coast to the Mount Hermon area and the Syrian border in the east.
The violence came despite a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon that took effect at midnight between April 16 and 17, following weeks of intensified cross-border fighting linked to the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday that the current 10-day ceasefire would be extended by three weeks.
Israeli soldiers patrol along the border with southern Lebanon, in the Upper Galilee of northern Israel, on Saturday, April 25, 2026. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the military to forcefully strike Hezbollah targets in Lebanon.
To put that figure into a local context, at current exchange rates, the sale represents approximately 658.2 billion Rwandan Francs, a sum that rivals the infrastructure budgets of massive projects in the continent.
The divine composition
At its core, Salvator Mundi (Latin for “Savior of the World”) is a powerful theological statement. The painting depicts Jesus Christ in Renaissance-era dress, facing the viewer with a steady, ethereal gaze. In his left hand, he holds a transparent rock crystal orb, representing the celestial sphere of the heavens and the entirety of the universe.
The painting was auctioned for approximately 658. 2 billion Rwandan Francs.
His right hand is raised in a traditional gesture of blessing, with two fingers extended. This specific composition was meant to convey Christ’s role as the divine guardian of the world, balancing the physical realm with the spiritual.
A lost masterpiece found
The journey of Salvator Mundi is as cinematic as its price tag. For centuries, the painting was considered lost or destroyed. It reappeared in 1958 at an auction in London, where it was sold for a mere £45. At the time, it was dismissed as a poor copy made by one of Leonardo’s students, heavily overpainted and damaged.
It wasn’t until 2005, after being purchased by a consortium of art dealers for less than $10,000, that the painting underwent extensive restoration. Layers of grime and secondary paint were stripped away to reveal brushwork that many experts identified as the hand of Leonardo himself, specifically the ethereal sfumato technique and the intricate detail of the crystal orb held by Christ.
The auction in 2017 lasted nearly 20 minutes, an eternity in the world of professional bidding. While the buyer used a proxy to remain anonymous, intelligence assessments and investigative reports later linked the winning bid to the Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman.
The acquisition was seen by many as a major cultural power move, signalling a desire to turn the region into a global arts destination. Loïc Gouzer, the Chairman of Post-War and Contemporary Art at Christie’s, who secured the work for the auction, captured the weight of the moment perfectly: “Salvator Mundi is a painting of the most iconic figure in the world by the most important artist of all time. The opportunity to bring this masterpiece to the market is an honour that comes around once in a lifetime.”
Despite the record-breaking price, the art world remains divided. Some scholars argue that while Leonardo likely designed the composition, much of the execution may have been handled by his workshop assistants. This debate has kept the painting out of major museum exhibitions recently, adding a layer of mystery to its status.
Beyond the price tag
While $450 million is a figure that captures headlines, the sale of Salvator Mundi represents a broader trend: the treatment of masterpiece-level art as a primary global asset class. It raises fundamental questions about the intersection of cultural heritage, historical truth, and extreme wealth.
Whether it is viewed as the ultimate Renaissance discovery or what art advisor Todd Levin described as a “thumping epic triumph of branding and desire over connoisseurship,” Salvator Mundi remains the singular benchmark for value in the art world today, proving that even in a digital age, the allure of the “Old Masters” remains untouchable.
People take pictures of a copy of Leonardo Da Vinci’s Salvator Mundi, the world’s most expensive painting.
According to a communique from the office of the president, the proposed investment aligns with the “country’s industrialisation and e-mobility priorities.”
Chery Holding is one of China’s largest automotive manufacturing groups and a globally expanding mobility player. Founded in 1997 in Wuhu, Anhui Province, the company has grown into a Fortune Global 500 enterprise, producing more than 2.6 million vehicles annually and exporting to markets across Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America.
The group operates a multi-brand portfolio spanning conventional vehicles, hybrid models, and electric mobility solutions, including Chery New Energy, Exeed, Jetour, Omoda, and other emerging EV-focused brands. It has also developed joint ventures and technology partnerships in advanced driver assistance systems and electrification, reflecting its growing emphasis on smart and low-carbon mobility.
Chery has been among the earlier Chinese automakers to invest in electric vehicle development, launching EV programs as early as the late 2000s and gradually scaling up its new energy vehicle platforms and battery-electric technologies. In recent years, the company has accelerated its global EV strategy, including partnerships and investments aimed at expanding production capacity and strengthening its technological footprint.
The discussions in Kigali also come as Rwanda intensifies its push toward green mobility and industrial transformation. The government has recently directed public institutions to ensure that at least 30 percent of newly procured vehicles are electric, a policy aimed at reducing emissions and accelerating the transition away from fossil fuels.
The potential establishment of an electric vehicle assembly plant aligns with Rwanda’s broader ambition to position itself as a regional hub for e-mobility manufacturing, assembly, and innovation, while supporting job creation and technology transfer in the automotive sector.
President Paul Kagame meets Xu Hui, Chairman of Rich Resource International Investments (RRII), Vice President and Board Secretary of Chery Holding.The office of the president said discussions focused on potential investment opportunities.
The artist says growing pressure from fans pushed him to release the song earlier than planned.
The track was released just days after Element EleéeH had teased it to his audience. At the time, he had intended to unveil both the audio and official visuals together, but the music video was not yet ready for release.
Speaking to IGIHE, Element EleéeH said his initial plan was to drop the song alongside its visuals, but increasing anticipation from fans who had already learned about the project influenced his decision to release it in its lyric form first.
“I originally wanted the song to come out together with its video. However, after I mentioned it, many people started asking for it, and it felt like pressure. I decided to release it for them, but the official video will be out soon,” he said.
Reliable sources indicate that the artist, who is currently based in the United States, is expected to return to Rwanda before travelling to Nairobi, where the official music video will be shot. The visuals are scheduled for release in May 2026.
Element EleéeH is currently preparing for the release of his debut album, which is expected to drop before the end of the year.
Joshua Baraka, who features on the track, is among East Africa’s fast-rising music stars and is widely regarded as one of Uganda’s leading contemporary artists. He is known for songs such as “Wrong Places” and “Morocco”.
Bien, the other collaborator on “Ayayaah”, is also a prominent East African artist. He is best known for hits such as “Too Easy”, “Finesse”, and “Iyo Foto”, a collaboration with Bruce Melodie. Bien first rose to prominence as a member of the Kenyan band Sauti Sol.
Element EleéeH said that pressure from fans is what led him to release his song with Bien and Joshua Baraka without the official video.
Uncertainty over Iran’s participation has persisted due to the ongoing war involving the United States and Israel. However, FIFA has maintained that the team is expected to compete as scheduled.
US special envoy Paolo Zampolli told the Financial Times that he had suggested to US President Donald Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino that Italy could take Iran’s place.
“I confirm I have suggested to Trump and Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup,” Zampolli said. “I’m an Italian native and it would be a dream to see the Azzurri at a US-hosted tournament. With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify inclusion.”
FIFA did not formally respond to the proposal but pointed to remarks by president Gianni Infantino, who said last week: “The Iranian team is coming, for sure.”
Zampolli’s suggestion was reportedly linked to diplomatic tensions between Washington and Rome, following criticism by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of comments made by Trump regarding Pope Leo XIV.
Four-time champions Italy failed to qualify for the tournament after losing a playoff against Bosnia and Herzegovina last month, marking their third consecutive World Cup absence.
Iran are scheduled to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on June 15 and June 21 respectively, before meeting Egypt in Seattle on June 26. The tournament begins on June 11 and will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Under FIFA regulations, the governing body holds sole discretion over any replacement if a team withdraws or is excluded. Article Six of the World Cup rules states that FIFA “may decide to replace the Participating Member Association in question with another association.”
Speaking in Washington last week, Infantino reiterated FIFA’s position on Iran’s participation.
“We hope that by then the situation will be a peaceful one. That would definitely help. But Iran has to come if they are to represent their people,” he said. “They have qualified. They’re a good team and they really want to play. Sport should be outside politics.”
In March, FIFA confirmed Iran’s fixtures would proceed as scheduled in the United States after reports that the Iranian federation had sought to move matches to Mexico due to safety concerns.
Iranian officials have since said the team is continuing preparations for the tournament, with football federation president Mehdi Taj stating that the squad remains committed to participation.
The idea of Italy replacing Iran has previously surfaced in past tournaments but has never been acted upon by FIFA. In this case, sources say there is currently no indication that Iran will withdraw or be excluded from the competition.
Italy players pose for a team group photo before a past match.
The move follows a January 2025 decision to stop issuing licenses for new petrol-powered commercial motorcycles, commonly known as moto taxis, in the City of Kigali.
The directive applies to new entrants into the motorcycle taxi business, meaning that anyone seeking authorisation from the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA) to operate as a moto taxi rider must use an electric motorcycle.
Speaking on the development, Amb. Uwihanganye said the policy is already delivering results and will soon be expanded beyond Kigali to cover the entire country.
“As you know, the government decided that passenger motorcycles must be electric, especially in the City of Kigali. In the coming days, we will scale up this measure to the national level. No motorcycle that is not electric will be allowed to enter the country, and this will apply to passenger motorcycles across Rwanda,” he said.
He noted that the market for electric motorcycles has matured significantly, making nationwide implementation possible.
“The market has already responded. There are importers bringing in motorcycles, and companies providing charging services. While everything may not yet be perfect, the sector has grown enough for us to expand the policy,” he added.
Statistics show that at least 14,031 motorcycles were sold in Rwanda in 2025, marking a 28 percent increase compared to the previous year.
A significant share of these were electric motorcycles, whose sales have surged by 686 percent since they were introduced in Rwanda, according to data from MotorcyclesData.
Under the policy, motorcycles already registered and operating on fuel will be allowed to continue their services. The restriction mainly targets new registrations of petrol- and diesel-powered motorcycles used for passenger transport.
Petrol-powered motorcycles are set to be phased out of Rwanda’s market.Spiro, an e-mobility company, is a dominant player in the Rwandan market.Ampersand is also gaining traction in the Rwandan market.
Speaking at a Symposium on Genocide Prevention organised by the Embassy of Rwanda in Kenya as part of the 32nd commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi, Lumumba urged the international community to move beyond rhetoric and ensure practical measures are taken to prevent future atrocities.
“We are not gathered here because it is an annual jamboree at which we congregate and make speeches to ourselves,” he said, stressing that the commemoration must serve as a serious reminder of humanity’s failures and responsibilities.
Warning against historical amnesia
Lumumba cautioned against revisionism and denialism, arguing that forgetting history increases the risk of repeating it.
“We are gathered here because history has taught us that if we are not careful, the only thing we learn from history is that we learn nothing from history,” he said.
He pointed to past global failures, including the inability of the international community to prevent the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, where a million people were killed over a 100-day period.
The scholar criticised the role of international institutions during the genocide, saying the world “watched in eloquent silence” as violence unfolded.
“The United Nations, East Africa, Africa, and the big powers with nuclear weapons watched,” he said, adding that places of worship were turned into sites of mass killings while the world remained paralysed.
He also referenced broader historical injustices, including slavery, colonial partitioning of Africa, and genocides in other parts of the world, arguing that global systems have repeatedly failed to prevent mass atrocities.
*Call for stronger international responsibility*
Lumumba urged international and regional bodies to take a more proactive role in preventing genocide, rather than issuing declarations without implementation.
“It is not the function of the international community to issue diktats without understanding circumstances on the ground,” he said, calling instead for meaningful engagement with local realities amid concerns over rising ethnic slurs targeting Banyamulenge and Tutsi communities in eastern DRC.
He stressed that prevention requires moral responsibility rooted in shared human values found across all major religions and philosophies.
Lessons from Rwanda’s recovery
While reflecting on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Lumumba also highlighted Rwanda’s recovery as a powerful example of resilience and reconstruction.
He praised the country’s leadership, led by President Paul Kagame and citizens for rebuilding a nation once devastated, noting that Rwanda has become a model of governance, order, and development.
“Rwanda, like the phoenix, rose from the ashes,” he said, describing Kigali as a benchmark for urban planning, infrastructure, and institutional efficiency.
He further commended Rwanda’s use of the Gacaca courts, which he described as an African-rooted system that contributed to reconciliation and justice by handling millions of cases at the community level.
Technology and new risks
Lumumba also warned that modern technology could accelerate the spread of hate and violence if misused.
“We are today in the era of artificial intelligence… if those who wanted to commit genocide decided to do so, they would do it in the twinkling of an eye,” he cautioned, highlighting the risks posed by social media and digital platforms in spreading misinformation and hate speech.
Concluding his remarks, Lumumba insisted that remembrance must be tied to responsibility.
“Never again must not be a slogan; it must be action,” he said, urging governments, institutions, and citizens to actively work to prevent the conditions that lead to genocide.
He ended with a call for unity and vigilance, emphasising that the lessons of history must be translated into sustained global action to ensure such atrocities are never repeated.
PLO Lumumba cautioned against revisionism and denialism, arguing that forgetting history increases the risk of repeating it.
Speaking at a Symposium on Genocide Prevention organised by the Embassy of Rwanda in Kenya as part of the 32nd commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi on Wednesday, Lumumba paid tribute to Rwanda’s recovery journey, saying the country has risen “like the phoenix from the ashes” to become a reference point for effective governance and development.
“We are gathered here 32 years since the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda,” Lumumba said, noting that the commemoration is not ceremonial but a reminder of humanity’s duty to prevent recurrence of such atrocities.
He warned against historical revisionism and denialism, stressing that the world must remain vigilant.
“If we choose to consign these things to the museums of history, then it will be repeated again,” he said.
Global failures and lessons from history
Lumumba traced the roots of genocide and mass atrocities to historical injustices, including slavery, colonial partitioning of Africa at the Berlin Conference of 1884–1885, and global failures to act decisively in the face of warning signs.
He criticised the international community for its inaction during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, saying world powers, the United Nations, and regional actors “watched in silence for 100 days” as atrocities unfolded in Rwanda.
More than a million people were killed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, while survivors continue to live with the scars of one of the worst tragedies of modern history.
Critique of international justice systems
The scholar also questioned the effectiveness of international legal systems in delivering justice and preventing atrocities, arguing that global institutions have often failed to act in time.
He contrasted international mechanisms with Rwanda’s community-based Gacaca courts, which he praised as an example of African-led justice and reconciliation.
“The Gacaca system is African, Afrocentric, and authentic,” Lumumba said, noting that while international tribunals handled fewer than 100 cases, Gacaca courts processed nearly 1.9 million, helping communities begin the process of healing.
Rwanda’s reconstruction as a model
Lumumba lauded Rwanda’s post-genocide reconstruction, crediting national leadership led by President Paul Kagame and citizen resilience for the country’s transformation.
“Rwanda, like the phoenix, rose from the ashes,” he said, highlighting improvements in infrastructure, governance, public service delivery, and technology adoption.
He described Kigali as a “model city” for urban planning, infrastructure development, and anti-corruption enforcement, saying it has become a benchmark for African development.
“If you want to see how roads ought to be built, you go to Kigali. If you want to see how roundabouts are manicured, you go to Kigali. If you want to move away from the disorderly borders, you go to Kigali,” he remarked.
“If you want to see policemen who reject your money when you want to corrupt them, you go to Kigali. If you want to see how football stadia and basketball pitches are built within time and within budget, you go to Kigali. Kigali has become our pride.”
While praising Rwanda’s progress, Lumumba cautioned that the risk of mass atrocities persists in the modern era, especially with the rise of digital technology and misinformation.
“We are today in the era of artificial intelligence. Today it would be quicker. Today, in the days of fake news, in the days of Instagram, in the days of WhatsApp, in the days of all these things, if the genocide wanted to commit genocide, they would do it in the twinkling of an eye. Today they would use drones,” he warned, amid concerns over rising ethnic slurs targeting Banyamulenge and Tutsi communities in the eastern DRC.
He urged global institutions and regional bodies, including the East African Community, to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete action to ensure prevention of future atrocities.
Lumumba emphasised that genocide prevention is a shared moral duty rooted in all major faith traditions and ethical systems, citing teachings from Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, and African traditional beliefs.
“Never again must not be a slogan; it must be a commitment,” he said, urging the international community to uphold its responsibility to protect vulnerable populations.
Speaking at a Symposium on Genocide Prevention organised by the Embassy of Rwanda in Kenya on Wednesday, Lumumba paid tribute to Rwanda’s recovery journey, saying the country has risen “like the phoenix from the ashes” to become a reference point for effective governance and development.
The unrest, which involved heavy exchanges of gunfire between the two branches of the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s (DRC) security forces, reportedly stemmed from a disputed arrest operation.
The clashes ignited on the afternoon of April 21 in the Mabulu area along Elengesa Road. According to local reports, officers from a police rapid response unit were in the process of arresting several youths suspected of theft.
The situation escalated when FARDC soldiers stationed nearby intervened to obstruct the arrests. Witnesses noted a troubling development as some of the youths, allegedly members of the notorious Kuluna criminal gangs, aligned themselves with the soldiers to confront the police.
The fighting quickly spread from Elengesa Road toward Kibambi 1 Road, eventually reaching a police station on Kimfumu Road. As the gunfire intensified, students at a nearby school were forced to lie on the floor to avoid stray bullets, while residents fled the area or barricaded themselves in their homes as the standoff transitioned from a local dispute into a broader tactical skirmish.
The violence resulted in significant property damage, including the complete destruction of a small police station and the reported looting of several residential houses during the chaos.
Makala Mayor Ngudia Kabongo confirmed the extent of the damage on April 22 but offered a reprieve regarding casualties.
“No fatalities have been recorded in these clashes,” Kabongo stated, though he acknowledged that the destruction of the police post and the trauma to the community were significant.
By the evening of April 22, the central government moved to de-escalate the situation. A joint team of senior military and police officials was deployed to Makala to conduct coordinated security operations and re-establish a unified command structure.
The clashes ignited on the afternoon of April 21 in the Mabulu area along Elengesa Road. According to local reports, officers from a police rapid response unit were in the process of arresting several youths suspected of theft.
While the move is welcome, it has yet to generate momentum for dialogue. Iran has made it clear that it will not engage in a new round of talks unless Trump lifts his blockade on ships entering or exiting Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz. The contrast between a prolonged ceasefire and stalled diplomacy underscores the fragility of the current situation.
Against this backdrop, several key questions arise: Why has Tehran refused to attend the talks? What is Washington’s real intention in extending the ceasefire while maintaining pressure? And where might the situation head next?
Why Iran refuses to negotiate
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Monday that Iran currently has no plan for the second round of peace negotiations with the United States.
Tehran’s attendance depends on Washington meeting preconditions, Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency reported, citing the U.S. naval blockade and “excessive demands” as key obstacles.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said Monday that U.S. “provocative actions” and ceasefire violations are major obstacles to continuing peace negotiations between the two countries.
The United States takes actions that are in no way indicative of its seriousness in pursuing a diplomatic process, Baghaei said, noting that since the ceasefire took effect on April 8, “we have been faced with the breaking of promises and nagging by the United States.”
He also noted an attack against an Iranian commercial ship earlier in the day, which he said is also considered a violation of the ceasefire.
Baghaei said that under UN General Assembly resolutions, the blockade of a country’s seas and ports is an act of aggression. He said Iran will carefully decide on how to proceed based on a single guiding principle: safeguarding the Iranian nation’s interests.
He said the issue of transferring Iran’s enriched uranium has never been an option in any of the negotiations, stressing the importance for Iran to maintain its nuclear, industrial and scientific achievements.
This file photo taken on Feb. 19, 2025 shows the Strait of Hormuz.
What’s Washington’s real intention?
The U.S. decision to extend the ceasefire indefinitely has been widely interpreted as an attempt to preserve a diplomatic window, but analysts caution that it also serves broader strategic purposes.
“Trump … remains eager for a diplomatic solution to the war, wary of reviving an unpopular conflict he’s claimed the United States already won,” CNN reported Wednesday.
However, the United States has not scaled back its military posture in the region. Multiple media outlets reported that U.S. naval deployments and surveillance activities in the Gulf have been maintained—and even intensified—during the ceasefire, suggesting continued pressure and the retention of military options.
The United States is expected to deploy three aircraft carrier strike groups simultaneously in the Middle East in the coming days, NBC reported on Monday.
The U.S. military will continue the blockade against Iran and “remain ready and able,” Trump said Tuesday, although Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, told him that the blockade of Iranian ports would remain a major obstacle to meaningful diplomatic progress.
In this sense, the ceasefire extension is less a definitive step toward peace than a tactical maneuver to buy time for both negotiation and contingency planning.
This photo taken on April 18, 2026 shows a view of the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States.
Where are U.S.-Iran talks headed?
“Trump’s ceasefire extension means nothing,” said Mahdi Mohammadi, an adviser to Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, who led the Iranian negotiating delegation.
“The losing side cannot dictate terms. The continuation of the siege is no different from bombardment and must be met with a military response,” he added.
Araghchi said Monday that Iran would decide whether to continue diplomacy based on “all aspects of the issue” and U.S. behavior, adding that Tehran would take steps to protect its interests and national security.
“Honoring commitments is the basis of meaningful dialogue,” Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian wrote in a post on X on Monday. He said deep mistrust of U.S. conduct persists in Iran, with “unconstructive and contradictory signals” from American officials suggesting they seek Iran’s surrender.
Despite significant hurdles, a U.S. official said there is still a chance that U.S. and Iranian negotiators will meet soon, though whether and when such talks might occur is far from certain, according to CNN reports.
“The question now is not whether diplomacy has failed, but whether both sides are willing to keep trying despite that failure,” said an analysis article published by Geojuristoday, a non-partisan think tank based in New Delhi.
This photo taken on April 20, 2026 shows an interior view of the Golestan Palace damaged by the U.S.-Israeli attacks, in Tehran, Iran.
