Facilitated by the State of Qatar, the agreement builds on the Doha Declaration of Principles signed on July 19, 2025, and outlines a structured process for monitoring compliance with the permanent ceasefire. The mechanism will be responsible for investigating and verifying alleged violations and engaging relevant actors to prevent renewed hostilities.
According to the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the United States, the African Union, and Qatar itself will take part in the mechanism as observers, ensuring transparency and reinforcing international and regional support for the peace process in the Great Lakes region.
The ministry described the accord as a “pivotal step” toward confidence-building and advancing the journey toward a comprehensive peace settlement between Kinshasa and the AFC/M23 movement. It also expressed Qatar’s appreciation to the African Union, the United States, and the Togolese Republic for their “constructive contributions” to supporting the initiative.
The signing comes after months of counter-accusations of ceasefire violations between Congolese government forces and the rebel group, which took control of large territories in eastern DRC early this year.
Reacting to the latest development, U.S. Senior Advisor for Africa Massad Boulos commended both parties for their commitment to dialogue and restraint.
In a statement posted on X, Boulos said the agreement “brings the DRC and AFC/M23 closer to a comprehensive peace accord while advancing the implementation of the Washington Peace Agreement.”
“This critical step will ensure compliance through investigation and verification of any alleged violations, strengthen trust between parties, and reduce tensions on the ground,” he added, thanking Qatar for its leadership in facilitating the process.
The Doha mechanism is expected to provide a framework for sustained monitoring and accountability, a move diplomats hope will lay the groundwork for a durable peace and stability in eastern DRC after years of conflict.
Colonel Michael Randrianirina, flanked by senior officers, addressed the nation from outside the ceremonial presidential palace in Antananarivo, announcing that the military had “taken power” and dissolved most state institutions. “We have taken the power,” he said, pledging the formation of a transitional council composed of officers from the army, gendarmerie, and national police.
Randrianirina said a prime minister would soon be appointed to establish a civilian-led government and that a referendum would be held within two years to determine Madagascar’s future political direction. The colonel also announced the suspension of the constitution, the High Constitutional Court, the Senate, and the National Independent Electoral Commission, leaving only the lower house of parliament intact.
The dramatic turn followed a day of extraordinary political upheaval. Earlier Tuesday, the National Assembly voted 130 to 1 to impeach President Rajoelina during a special session, rejecting his attempt to dissolve the chamber just hours before. The assembly’s vice president, Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko, called the president’s dissolution decree “devoid of legal validity.”
Rajoelina, who first came to power in a 2009 coup before being elected in 2019 and re-elected in 2023, fled the country over the weekend after soldiers joined the youth-led anti-government protests that have gripped the Indian Ocean island for weeks.
Reports indicate that Rajoelina departed Madagascar aboard a French army aircraft on Sunday, though French President Emmanuel Macron declined to confirm his government’s involvement.
The latest turmoil was triggered by street demonstrations that began on September 25 over crippling power cuts and water shortages but quickly evolved into a broader movement denouncing corruption, poverty, and the soaring cost of living.
Led by Gen Z activists, the protests drew tens of thousands to the streets, gaining momentum after the army’s elite CAPSAT unit — the same force that propelled Rajoelina to power in 2009 — declared it would “refuse orders to shoot” demonstrators.
According to United Nations figures, at least 22 people have been killed and more than 100 injured since the unrest began, though government officials have disputed the toll.
By Tuesday evening, Madagascar’s police had also joined the military and gendarmerie in supporting the protesters, effectively ending Rajoelina’s grip on power.
Randrianirina said the military council would act “to meet the aspirations of the Malagasy people” and restore stability, but offered few details about the transition ahead in a nation once again thrust into uncertainty.
The initiative, launched through UAE Aid Agency, will support the Emirates Nature–WWF, in partnership with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), to implement the “Community Resilience to Natural Disasters Programme.”
The announcement was made on the fourth day of the 2025 IUCN World Conservation Congress, hosted by Abu Dhabi.
The Community Resilience to Natural Disasters Programme is a joint initiative between WWF and the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
The programme aims to harness nature-based solutions to strengthen communities’ ability to withstand and adapt to natural hazards, enhance disaster preparedness, and promote sustainable sources of income.
The UAE’s US$10 million contribution will support the first phase of the programme, designed to attract additional co-financing from public and private sector partners and donor institutions. The goal is to expand the programme’s reach and ensure long-term sustainability through shared responsibility and collaboration.
Dr. Tareq Ahmed Al Ameri, Chairman of the UAE Aid Agency, reaffirmed the UAE’s pioneering global role in advancing international cooperation for the benefit of people and nature.
Dr. Al Ameri said, “This initiative embodies the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to invest in preventive action and enhance the adaptive capacities of local communities in facing natural disasters.
The strategic partnership between Emirates Nature and WWF reflects the UAE’s commitment to moving from crisis response to readiness and resilience, empowering communities to adapt and recover effectively.”
Laila Mostafa Abdullatif, Director General of Emirates Nature–WWF, stated, “This commitment reflects the UAE’s belief that resilience begins within communities. For 25 years, Emirates Nature–WWF has worked hand in hand with the nation’s leadership and local partners to empower people and protect nature. Extending this ethos, by leading this programme across Asia-Pacific allows us to collaborate with communities in strengthening their natural defences, securing livelihoods, and shaping resilient, thriving futures together.”
Kirsten Schuijt, Director-General of WWF International, said, “Nature is one of humanity’s strongest allies in reducing disaster risk. Through this initiative, partners will support communities leading the restoration and stewardship of the ecosystems that protect them – from mangroves to mountains – while laying the foundation for safer, more resilient societies. This is a collective investment in both environmental integrity and human security.
Nena Stoiljkovic, IFRC Under Secretary General for Humanitarian Diplomacy and Digitalisation, stated, “The frequency and intensity of natural hazards are increasing, and the best way to protect and save lives is to build resilience before they strike. This initiative focuses on preparedness, adaptation and the mitigation of disaster risk – ensuring that hazards do not become disasters. By working with nature as our first line of defence, together with WWF, we can strengthen communities, safeguard lives and livelihoods, and reduce the human and economic cost of future crises.”
The Community Resilience to Natural Disasters Programme focuses on three key pillars: the restoration of natural protective systems, including mangrove forests and coral reefs; the promotion of sustainable livelihoods, supporting farmers, fishers and small enterprises through eco-tourism and income diversification; and strengthening community preparedness through early warning systems and risk reduction frameworks developed with local communities.
The programme’s first phase will be implemented in the Philippines, Indonesia, Fiji, and the Solomon Islands, establishing a scalable model for future regional expansion.
According to the company’s Managing Director, Alex Bahizi, this initiative unveiled on October 8, 2025, seeks to make insurance services more accessible and efficient.
“The main goal is to leverage technology to reach a larger number of customers, while also ensuring that existing clients can easily access services quickly,” he explained.
‘Ni Ako Kanya’ was considered after realizing that customers were spending a lot of time traveling to physical branches to access services.
“We realized that the insurance services provided were largely still manual, requiring people to visit branches, call, or wait in line for a long time to receive services. That’s when we decided to introduce a tech-based solution to address these issues,” Bahizi said.
‘Ni Ako Kanya’ allows customers to access insurance services via the internet.
By visiting BK Insurance’s website, they can request various services such as renewing insurance, purchasing insurance, making payments, obtaining insurance certificates, and more – all from the comfort of their location.
These services are also available by dialing 7754# and following the instructions provided.
Bahizi emphasized that technology like this enables “increased access to our services, faster service delivery, and greater awareness of insurance, contributing to a rise in the overall number of insured individuals in the country.”
Alice Rwagasana, the Chief Commercial Officer at BK Insurance, shared that the technology was intentionally introduced during Customer Service Week, an international celebration that promotes companies’ commitment to continuously enhance service delivery.
“We introduced this platform because our goal is to provide insurance services to our customers in a way that is easy, fast, and accessible to everyone. This initiative is designed to make it easier for both current and potential customers to reach out to us,” she said.
BK Insurance’s management also assured that all customer data will be securely stored, just as it is at the company’s physical branches.
Once confirmed by the Supreme Court, Dr. Habineza and Nkubana will replace Senator Alexis Mugisha and Clotilde Mukakarangwa, whose terms will end on October 22, 2025.
Dr. Habineza is a politician and environmental advocate in Rwanda. In August 2009, he officially entered politics by founding the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda (GDPR), a party focused on democracy and environmental protection.
In 2017, Dr. Habineza ran for president, but was unsuccessful. The following year, he started serving a single term as a member of parliament, which ended in 2024.
In the same year, he once again ran for president but did not win. Since last year, he has dedicated more attention to the activities of the GDPR, where he serves as the party president.
Meanwhile, Nkubana is the president of the Social Democratic Party (PSP) and has also served as the spokesperson for the Forum during a six-month mandate from September 2024 to March 2025.
PSP is a party focused on solidarity and development, promoting policies based on social unity, justice, and sustainable development for building an inclusive country.
In both 2017 and 2024, PSP allied with other parties to support Paul Kagame of the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF) in his presidential campaign.
This commitment was reiterated on October 10, 2025, when management visited clients at various COPEDU Plc branches, including the Remera branch, which was acknowledged for its exceptional service delivery.
Customers shared their satisfaction with the event and appreciated the company’s thoughtful gesture.
COPEDU Plc’s CEO, Raïssa Muyango, emphasized that providing excellent service is the responsibility of every employee. Muyango particularly thanked the clients who engage with the institution daily.
“I want to reaffirm that providing top-notch service is our duty as COPEDU Plc employees, and we thank you for daily cooperation because no financial institution can exist or function without clients,” she said.
She went on to highlight some of COPEDU Plc’s services, including “E-kash,” which enables clients to send and receive money across different banks, and the “Umurabyo uratinda” loan, which allows customers to receive their requested loans within three days.
One of the standout customers at the Remera branch, Yvonne Murebwayire, shared with IGIHE that the ten years she has spent working with COPEDU Plc has significantly contributed to her sustainable development.
“I thank COPEDU Plc because over the past ten years, they have helped me grow through loans, making repayment easier and allowing my business to thrive,” she said.
Devota Umuhoza Nyiraruhango, who has also been with the bank for ten years, explained that after her husband passed away, COPEDU Plc helped her resolve financial challenges.
“I had taken a loan elsewhere with my husband, but after his death, repaying it became impossible. COPEDU Plc stepped in and gave me a loan, enabling me to settle the debt,” she said.
The Manager of the Remera Branch, Théodette Uwineza, expressed her gratitude for the award the branch received for providing exceptional service.
“We are thrilled that the management recognized and motivated us to continue performing well,” she said.
Additionally, the company has introduced a new offering in collaboration with the Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD), where clients earning at least Frw 1,200,000 per month can access a housing loan of up to Frw 40 million with an interest rate of just 11%.
Those earning Frw 1,500,000 monthly can access loans of up to 60 million RWF, with a 15% interest rate.
For the past 28 years, COPEDU Plc has focused on empowering women, offering various programs to help them take on entrepreneurial ventures that generate profit.
Amid failed ceasefires and polarised narratives, a new peace plan brokered by US President Donald Trump has emerged, promising a lasting truce, hostage releases, and a phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. But as headlines proclaim “the war is over,” questions linger about its durability.
In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, Israel’s Ambassador to Rwanda, Einat Weiss, offered a candid perspective on the ceasefire, Israel’s stance on accountability, the emotional toll of the conflict, and the fragile hope for peace.
Speaking from Kigali, where she began her diplomatic mission just 50 days before the war erupted, Weiss reflected on the human and strategic dimensions of a conflict that has reshaped Israel and its global relationships.
{{A personal and national trauma
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The war’s onset was deeply personal for Weiss. “When October 7 happened, it was deeply traumatic,” she said, recalling the chaos as 1,500 Israelis were killed, hostages were taken, and missiles rained across the country. Her husband, Aviad, driven by what she describes as Israel’s “deep patriotism,” volunteered as a reservist, serving multiple tours in the Southern Command until recently.
“My parents and family were in shelters,” Weiss added. “As a human being, it was challenging to start a new diplomatic mission amidst such uncertainty.”
She highlighted the resilience shown by many Israelis, noting that around 500,000 people, over 5% of the population, gathered in Hostages Square to mark the recent peace agreement.
“If terror is abandoned and its sponsors held accountable, a positive future is possible,” she said.
{{A historic ceasefire
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The Trump-brokered deal, finalised in October 2025, marks a turning point. Weiss described Monday, October 13, 2025, the day the hostages were released, as “the most optimistic day we’ve experienced in the last two years,” with all 20 known hostages released from Gaza, either after crossing the border or while in Red Cross custody.
“They are on their way back to their families,” she said, though their physical and emotional conditions remain unclear.
Unlike previous ceasefires, which failed to hold, Weiss said the latest agreement is bolstered by its concise 20-point framework and “strong American safeguards.”
She credits the timing with Hamas “weakened” after two years of Israeli operations targeting its leadership, and President Trump’s personal pressure on all parties. The plan aims to demilitarize Hamas, dismantle its 600 kilometers of tunnels, and create a safe zone for Israel’s security.
“This is the first time Hamas agreed to these terms,” Weiss noted.
{{Accountability in the wake of heightened criticism
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The war’s toll of over 67,000 reported deaths in Gaza, half of them women and children, according to human rights organisations, has fueled accusations of genocide and the use of disproportionate force by Israel.
Weiss denied accusations of genocide and excessive force as “false,” framing the conflict as an “asymmetric war” against a terror organization. She accused Hamas of using civilians as human shields, operating from hospitals and homes, and blocking evacuations to provoke global condemnation.
“Israel has done more than most armies to minimize harm,” she stated, pointing to warnings via pamphlets and instances where soldiers’ lives were risked to avoid civilian casualties.
However, critics argue that Israel’s extensive airstrikes and ground operations in densely populated Gaza, resulting in over 67,000 reported deaths, raise serious questions about proportionality and the effectiveness of these measures, especially given Israel’s advanced intelligence capabilities.
Weiss dismissed calls for independent investigations into Israel’s actions, arguing that equating a state with a terror group like Hamas, which she says “openly disregards international law,” is misguided. She defended Israel’s judicial system as “robust” and capable of meeting international standards for self-investigation.
“We investigate thoroughly, even during the war,” she said, acknowledging mistakes but stressing efforts to learn from them.
However, critics contend that Israel’s internal probes may lack impartiality, given the scale of destruction in Gaza and allegations of war crimes, raising doubts about whether self-investigation can adequately address international concerns over accountability.
{{Rebuilding Gaza and Israel’s role
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The peace plan prioritizes Gaza’s reconstruction, redirecting funds to health, infrastructure, and economic growth. Weiss notes Israel provided aid throughout the war, though much was looted by Hamas. The agreement aims to ensure aid reaches civilians.
Before October 7, 2023, Gaza saw economic growth through Israeli work permits, she says, yet critics argue Israel’s blockade and restrictions stifled Gaza’s potential long before the war.
The plan’s transitional technocratic government, backed by the U.S. and Arab states, seeks to replace Hamas’ rule. An International Stability Force will work with the IDF to ensure demilitarization, but Weiss emphasizes Hamas must cease as a terror entity.
{{Palestinian statehood and global perceptions
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On the contentious issue of Palestinian statehood, Weiss reiterated Israel’s conditions: the Palestinian Authority must stop encouraging terrorism, including compensating families of attackers and promoting anti-Israel material in schools. Only then, she said, can a U.S.-led dialogue proceed, as outlined in the agreement’s final points. Critics argue that Israel’s conditions delay negotiations, maintaining the status quo.
Global opinion, especially among African youth, remains polarised, with many viewing Israel’s actions in Gaza as disproportionate due to the high civilian toll and widespread destruction. Ambassador Weiss attributed these perceptions to misinformation on social media, often driven by anti-Israel agendas. She urged audiences to look beyond the conflict, emphasising that Israel offers significant contributions in areas like agriculture and technology.
While some African nations criticised Israel, she added, others strengthened their support, visiting Israel and its border areas.
“Criticism often reflects specific agendas,” Weiss said, “but Africa remains a key friend. Israel has increased its focus on Africa, with frequent high-level visits reflecting mutual interests and support, including at the UN.”
The ambassador also dismissed concerns that the conflict could escalate to involve Hezbollah or Iran, pointing instead to a de-escalating trend and urging critics to focus on Iran’s role in militarizing the region.
“The situation is de-escalating, not escalating. Hezbollah is weakened, and Iran’s influence is being countered. The focus now is on stabilization and rebuilding,” she said.
Even as Trump declared the war over on Monday, Weiss struck a cautious tone. “The war is officially over, with Israel withdrawing as agreed,” she noted, “but Hamas must fulfill its obligations, including surrendering weapons and addressing the tunnels.”
The apps were unveiled on October 13 during the Africa HealthTech Summit at Kigali Convention Centre.
e-Buzima is a digital health platform designed to digitise medical records and synchronise patient information across all public health facilities. The system allows doctors and patients to access medical records in real time, reducing waiting times and improving treatment accuracy. It also eliminates the need for patients to repeat their medical histories when referred from one facility to another.
e-Banguka, on the other hand, focuses on emergency medical response, enabling real-time ambulance tracking and identifying the nearest available ambulance to a patient. Together, the two apps create a connected network linking community health workers, health centres, hospitals, pharmacies, and patients, streamlining information flow and care coordination.
“These applications will help citizens access health services more quickly while ensuring seamless information sharing,” said Dr. Yvan Butera, Minister of State for Health.
He added that the platforms also allow patients to consult doctors remotely, providing professional guidance over the phone.
The digital systems are expected to reduce patient costs by eliminating repetitive paperwork and supporting evidence-based planning at the Ministry of Health.
According to the ministry, the apps are locally developed and comply with national data protection and cybersecurity regulations, ensuring that all patient information is stored and managed securely within Rwanda.
Ozonnia Ojielo, UN Resident Coordinator in Rwanda, praised the initiative as a model of partnership-driven innovation, highlighting collaboration between government, UN agencies, private sector actors, and local tech developers. The platforms are interoperable, cost-effective, and tailored to Rwanda’s context while adhering to ethical standards in handling patient data.
By leveraging artificial intelligence and digital tools, Rwanda is taking significant steps toward modernising its healthcare system, improving service delivery, and expanding access to quality care for all citizens.
“This is getting serious. It’s starting to affect the real economy,” he told Fox Business on Monday, without providing further details.
Bessent added that the government has been forced to “shuffle things around” in order to ensure military pay, leading to delays or suspensions of payments to other federal employees and services, including the Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo. He also confirmed that workers are being furloughed nationwide.
On Oct. 1, the first day of the shutdown, consultancy EY-Parthenon estimated that each week of closure would trim about 0.1 percentage point from quarterly U.S. GDP, equivalent to roughly 7 billion U.S. dollars in losses, while Politico, citing a White House memo, reported that the weekly economic hit could reach 15 billion dollars, potentially resulting in 43,000 additional job losses if the shutdown persists.
The Senate is due to reconvene on Tuesday and vote again on a House-passed funding measure. But it has already fallen short of the 60-vote threshold seven times. Senate Republicans have tried to win Democratic support, yet largely failed.
The political stalemate centers on disputes over health insurance subsidies under the Affordable Care Act — Democrats insist they must be preserved, while Republicans demand the government be reopened first.
House Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters on Monday that he would not negotiate with Democratic lawmakers until they dropped policy demands on healthcare.
Accusing Democrats of “hostage-taking” with their posture in the government shutdown, Vice President JD Vance on Sunday said, “We don’t negotiate with a person who has taken the entire federal government hostage over a health care policy dispute.”
Public sentiment is fracturing on the deadlock. A poll led by Reuters and Ipsos last week showed that 67 percent of Americans place significant blame on Republicans, compared with 63 percent on Democrats.
As the impasse between the Democrats and Republicans drags on with no end in sight, the Trump administration has activated large-scale layoffs across federal agencies, including Commerce, Education, Energy, Health and Human Services and Treasury.
According to USA Today, nearly 750,000 federal employees have been furloughed and ordered not to report to work. Others, including military personnel and air traffic controllers, are required to continue working without pay until a budget deal is reached.
The U.S. government has experienced 15 shutdowns since 1980. Triggered by Democrats’ opposition to Trump’s proposed funding for the U.S.-Mexico border wall, the previous 35-day shutdown from 2018 to 2019, the longest in U.S. history, forced some 800,000 federal employees to work without pay or take unpaid leave.
“We’re barreling toward one of the longest shutdowns in American history,” warned Johnson, who leads Republican lawmakers, as the current standoff shows little sign of resolution.
“The National Assembly is dissolved, in accordance with the provisions of Article 60 of the Constitution,” the decree said.
The dissolution announcement came when the National Assembly was “in the process of collecting signatures to convene an extraordinary session aimed at impeaching the head of state,” according to local media.
Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina reportedly fled to France following intense protests, which were joined by the military. Before leaving on Sunday, he had warned of an “attempt to seize power illegally” after soldiers participated in anti-government protests in the capital, Antananarivo, marking the most significant challenge to his rule since his re-election.
In a statement, Rajoelina condemned the actions as unconstitutional and undemocratic. The warning came after dramatic scenes on Saturday when soldiers from the elite CAPSAT unit, which played a key role in the 2009 uprising that brought Rajoelina to power, joined protesters at the Place du 13 Mai.
The troops, welcomed by cheering crowds, urged security forces to “refuse orders to shoot” and condemned police violence against demonstrators.
The protests, initially sparked by power outages and water shortages, have expanded into a broader call for political reform, demanding Rajoelina’s resignation, an apology for police violence, and the dissolution of the Senate and electoral commission.
