The U.S. president accused Canada of “fraudulent behaviour” and announced the suspension of trade talks between the two countries. His response came shortly after a televised ad aired in Ontario, featuring excerpts from former U.S. President Ronald Reagan’s 1987 speech warning against protectionism.
The advertisement, which was released by Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s office, appeared during major sports broadcasts and urged closer economic cooperation between Canada and the United States. However, President Trump claimed the ad misrepresented Reagan’s message and described it as an attempt to “interfere” with U.S. trade policy.
Premier Ford defended the campaign, saying the intention was to highlight the long-standing friendship between the two nations. “Canada and the United States are friends, neighbours and allies. President Ronald Reagan knew that we are stronger together,” Ford said after sharing the full, unedited version of the former president’s speech on social media.
While Canada’s federal government did not produce the ad, Washington’s reaction has already heightened tensions. The new tariffs, reported to affect up to 35 percent of Canadian goods, add fresh pressure to bilateral trade, which had already been strained by existing restrictions. Canada has also hinted at retaliatory measures if the duties remain in place.
Observers say the dispute underscores how political messaging can trigger real economic consequences. Despite the two nations’ long partnership, the latest tensions mark a new challenge in North American relations, with potential effects on key industries and cross-border trade.
According to reports by Al Jazeera, at least 53 people have lost their lives and hundreds have been injured after encountering explosive devices left behind during the conflict. Many families are now living in fear, as returning to their destroyed neighbourhoods has become a life-threatening act.
In areas where heavy bombardment occurred, buildings that appear safe often conceal unexploded shells or bombs buried beneath rubble. Humanitarian groups have warned that the danger is widespread and could take months to clear. One aid official said the situation “turns every step into a risk,” calling for urgent international support for de-mining operations.
While residents attempt to recover what remains of their homes, Hamas has announced an intensified effort to locate the 13 remaining bodies of Israeli captives within Gaza. The group confirmed that it is working with the International Committee of the Red Cross and Egyptian technical teams to search behind Israeli military withdrawal lines.
The ongoing recovery and clearance efforts highlight the devastating human and environmental toll left by the conflict. Aid organisations say that ensuring safety is now the top priority before large-scale reconstruction can begin. For many families, however, the psychological impact is already immense; the relief of returning home has been replaced by fear of hidden dangers and the painful memory of loved ones lost.
Experts warn that rebuilding Gaza will take far longer than expected unless explosive-clearance operations are fully supported and coordinated.
“It is not just about rebuilding houses, it is about rebuilding a sense of safety,” a humanitarian worker said.
The search for the missing captives, coupled with the ongoing risks from unexploded bombs, paints a grim picture of Gaza’s fragile recovery. Despite the ceasefire, civilians continue to live amid fear, loss and uncertainty, as the remnants of war continue to claim lives long after the fighting has stopped.
The initiative was first introduced and implemented at Majete Wildlife Reserve, located about 70 km south of the commercial city of Blantyre.
Brighton Kumchedwa, director of the DNPW, told Xinhua in a phone interview Friday that the lion population at Majete and Liwonde wildlife reserves has increased significantly.
He said the reserves’ carrying capacity is being exceeded, with lions frequently breaking through the fence and entering surrounding communities.
“This has negatively impacted biodiversity, causing a decline in antelope populations due to increased predation. The contraceptives are seen as a temporary measure to manage the population surge,” said Kumchedwa.
He added that the effects of the contraceptives are expected to last for about five years, after which the lions’ reproductive systems will return to active mode. Alternative solutions are being explored for the long-term management of the lion population.
Malawi has recorded a significant number of human-wildlife conflicts, involving animals such as hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes, and hyenas, which have resulted in the deaths of 19 people and left several others injured between January and October 2025.
The order was released on Saturday, reaffirming the government’s commitment to “ensuring the sustainable development and utilization of mineral resources, and to promote the growth of the national economy through value addition and industrialization.”
The president said the purpose of the order is to prohibit the export of raw minerals, promote local value addition, and ensure that the country’s mineral resources contribute to national economic development and prosperity.
According to the executive order, the prohibition took effect on October 21, 2025.
“The exportation of raw minerals from Malawi is hereby prohibited. This prohibition shall apply to all minerals extracted in Malawi, including but not limited to uranium, rare earth elements, niobium, graphite, tantalum, bauxite, coal, limestone, gemstones, heavy mineral sands, vermiculite, phosphate, pyrite rutile, gold, diamonds, copper, etc,” reads the order dated Oct. 23, 2025, and signed by Mutharika.
Any person or entity found in violation of the executive order will be subject to penalties, fines, and other sanctions as provided for by the laws of Malawi, according to the order.
The prohibition, however, exempts minerals that have been processed, refined, or value-added in Malawi in accordance with the laws and regulations governing the mining sector.
Mutharika said the implementation of the executive order will be reviewed and monitored regularly to assess its impact on the economy, industry, and the environment, with the ministry responsible for mining expected to submit reports to the president on its progress.
“Israel is an independent state. We will defend ourselves with our own forces, and we will continue to control our destiny,” Netanyahu told ministers at the start of his weekly government meeting.
“We do not seek anyone’s approval for this. We control our security,” he added.
Referring to plans for the deployment of international peacekeeping forces in Gaza, Netanyahu said Israel would decide which countries could deploy troops there. “We have made it clear that Israel will determine which forces are unacceptable to us, and we will continue to act accordingly,” he said.
His remarks followed a week of a diplomatic blitz of visits by senior White House officials aimed at reinforcing the fragile ceasefire in Gaza.
The operation unfolded during a routine patrol approximately 630 kilometres off the coast of Mombasa, when the Kenya Navy set its sights on the vessel, reportedly named “Mash Allah” and codenamed ‘IGOR’. On board were six Iranian nationals: Jasem Darzadeh, Nadeem Jadgal, Imran Baloch, Hassan Baloch, Rahim Bakshi, and Imtiaz Daryayi.
A thorough search of the vessel revealed 769 packages concealed in various compartments. Laboratory tests confirmed the contents to be 1,024 kilograms of methamphetamine.
Authorities say the interception marks a major victory in Kenya’s fight against transnational organised crime.
“The Kenya Navy successfully intercepted a vessel of interest suspected of involvement in narcotics trafficking,” said Brigadier Sankale Kiswaa, Deputy Commander of the Kenya Navy and leader of the multi-agency team.
“This operation showcases the commitment of law enforcement agencies to combating transnational crimes within the Western Indian Ocean.”
The stateless dhow had reportedly been under surveillance by international drug enforcement agencies and had previously evaded multiple crackdowns. Its interception was part of Operation Bahari Safi 2025.01, conducted under the Safe Seas Africa (SSA) Programme.
The operation also involved coordinated support from the Regional Coordination Operations Centre (RCOC) in Seychelles, the Regional Maritime Information Fusion Centre (RMIFC) in Madagascar, and maritime surveillance assistance from Seychelles.
After the vessel was escorted to Mombasa port by the Kenya Navy Ship (KNS) SHUPAVU, the six suspects were handed over to a multi-agency team for further investigations and legal processing. Court warrants have been obtained for additional inspection and testing of the seized narcotics, which are now secured as exhibits.
The coastal city of Mombasa has, in recent years, faced rising challenges from narcotics entering through its ports. A 2016 baseline survey by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) revealed Mombasa had some of the highest rates of substance dependency among coastal counties, including alcohol, tobacco, khat, cannabis, heroin, and cocaine. The city also has a significant number of injecting drug users.
While this latest seizure is a significant achievement, questions remain about who is orchestrating such high-value consignments and the networks behind them.
Willy Manzi, vice governor of the rebel-controlled province, shared a video on X showing Tokyo being presented to local residents, describing the arrest as a major blow to the militia formed by remnants of the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
“Another notorious combatant has been captured,” he wrote on Saturday, adding that the FDLR fighter was taken alive after being wounded in the leg.
“Although Tokyo was wounded in the leg, he was treated and safely evacuated by AFC/M23 forces, a striking display of humanity toward someone responsible for thousands of orphans and victims of sexual violence,” he added.
Another notorious combatant has been captured, marking a significant loss for Kinshasa. One of the FDLR’s senior figures, known as Tokyo (real name Yoweri, from Kivuye in western Rwanda), was captured by AFC/M23 forces in a location called Muzimu (“Ghost”) in Masisi, North Kivu.… pic.twitter.com/1lwub7OJ5I
Tokyo, who hails from Rwanda’s Western Province, is accused of involvement in killings, rapes, and the burning of homes alongside other FDLR figures such as Jean-Marie of Nyatura, Tiger, and Ignace Dunia.
The FDLR has operated in eastern DR Congo for more than 25 years. The group is sanctioned by both the United Nations and the United States and is known for attacks on civilians and inciting ethnic violence.
Earlier this month, Rwanda imposed sanctions on 25 individuals linked to terrorism, including FDLR President Lt Gen Gaston Iyamuremye (alias Victor Byiringiro) and Maj Gen Pacifique “Omega” Ntawunguka, commander of FDLR-FOCA.
The militia continues to fight alongside the Congolese army against M23, which now controls large parts of North and South Kivu, including the provincial capitals of Goma and Bukavu.
Rwanda and DR Congo signed a US-brokered agreement in June to dismantle the FDLR, but officials have acknowledged that implementation continues to face setbacks. During talks in Washington, DC, earlier this month, both governments renewed their commitment to the deal, which aims to neutralise the FDLR and reduce tensions along the border.
The ranking is based on the Gallup Global Safety Report 2025, which evaluates citizens’ perceptions of safety and personal security worldwide. Rwanda scored 78% for safety at night, ahead of the UK (76%) and France (73%), and placed 38th globally. The United States ranked 61st with a score of 71%.
The survey revealed that 78% of Rwandan adults feel safe walking alone in their country after dark. On the continent, Rwanda and Algeria shared second place behind Egypt, which scored 82%. In the region, Tanzania scored 68%, Uganda 48%, Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo 47%, while Burundi was not included in the survey.
The study covered 144 countries, evaluating public confidence in safety, personal security, and freedom of movement. Globally, Singapore ranked first with a 98% score, followed by Tajikistan (95%), China (94%), Oman (94%), and Saudi Arabia (93%).
In Europe, Norway led with 91%, followed by Denmark (89%), Finland (88%), Iceland (88%), and Switzerland (88%). The lowest-ranking countries included South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Eswatini.
Rwandans’ confidence in their safety aligns with findings from the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) survey conducted in November 2024. The study found high levels of trust in national security institutions: the Fire Brigade (76.6%), DASSO (86.1%), the National Police (97.1%), and the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) (99.0%).
The findings are further supported by the Rule of Law Index 2024, which ranks Rwanda among the safest countries in Africa due to its strong adherence to legal frameworks. Since 2021, Rwanda has consistently ranked at the top in Africa and improved its global standing, reaching 27th worldwide in 2023, up from 33rd in 2021.
The handover took place at the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) Headquarters. Representing RIB was Antoine Ngarambe, Head of the INTERPOL National Central Bureau Kigali and International Cooperation Department. The South African Police Service was represented by Lt. Col. Brian Butana Mashingo, Group Commander for International Vehicle Crime Investigations.
The recovered vehicles include a blue Toyota RAV4, a white Toyota Hilux pickup, a white Toyota Rush, a red Jeep Grand Cherokee, and a white Range Rover Sport.
The exchange is part of collaborations aimed at addressing cross-border vehicle theft and other criminal activities.
Among them are two appointed by President Paul Kagame: Dr. Uwamariya Valentine and Gasana Alfred, as well as two elected by political parties; Dr. Frank Habineza, president of the Green Party, and Nkubana Alphonse, president of the PSP party focused on social welfare and development. They join Evode Uwizeyimana and Prof. Dusingizemungu Jean Pierre who are beginning their second term after reappointment.
After the swearing-in of the six senators, the Senate of Rwanda now comprises 26 senators, including 13 women and 13 men, which represents 50% women, reinforcing the principle of gender equality.
President Kagame reminded them of their heavy responsibilities where Rwandans expect much greater than the country’s resources, emphasizing the need to strive for excellence in their work.
“The Senate allows government institutions to direct their efforts appropriately and conducts necessary evaluations to ensure that all institutions remain aligned. It is your duty to align the country’s long-term goals with the daily lives of Rwandans,” he said.
He continued, “It is crucial that decisions made reflect the needs of Rwandans and provide solutions to the problems they face.”
{{Pledge to serve citizens’ interests}}
Dr. Uwamariya Valentine, who has been appointed as a senator, has held various positions, including Minister of Education and Minister of Environment, among other roles.
In an interview with IGIHE, she expressed her gratitude for President Kagame’s continued trust in her, which reinforces the expectation of positive results.
She said, “I am very grateful because the Head of State has placed his trust in me more times than I can count. I would say he still expects a lot from me. I was very happy when he appointed me, but once everything settles down, you sit and think, ‘What is expected of me?’ You feel grateful and immediately think about what you are going to do for Rwandans and Rwanda. To repay that trust is to work well.”
She mentioned that she is ready to implement the duties of the legislative body, including overseeing government activities, passing laws to address citizens’ problems, engaging in debates, and attending consultations.
Dr. Uwamariya said, “It’s about working together. From where I come from, I believe it won’t be hard to oversee because you are aware of the challenges. We have a unique country, with a unique history, and our approach must be distinct. There is oversight and consultations, and the President has asked us to work in an extraordinary way, focusing on the country’s development and the progress of its people.”
She emphasized the readiness to collaborate with her colleagues, working towards a common goal and following the country’s vision.
Amb. Alfred Gasana, who has previously served as Minister of Internal Security and as Rwanda’s Ambassador to the Netherlands, also expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him by President Kagame.
He said, “I deeply thank the President for trusting me once again by appointing me as a senator. It’s a great honor. To repay him is to work with all my intelligence, heart, and strength. The President reminded us to implement the duties entrusted to us. I promise not to disappoint him, and I assure Rwandans the same.”
Amb. Gasana stated that, regarding the responsibilities they are about to undertake, they will focus on the welfare of the citizens.
Alphonse Nkubana, who was appointed a senator, said, “We are happy to have been given these new responsibilities, and the President has made it clear that we must work according to the wishes of the people. We are here, with strength and wisdom.”
Dr. Frank Habineza, who has previously served as a Member of Parliament, expressed that he would continue his duties of overseeing government activities, assuring that he would continue to advocate for the people.
He said, “I am happy to continue serving in the legislative body. We deeply appreciate the President for the trust he has placed in us, and the legislature’s role is to represent the people of Rwanda.”
He added, “I believe you will see me as I was in Parliament. It depends on the duties of the Senate, but it still has the responsibility to speak on behalf of the people, visit them, and when they raise concerns to us, we must find solutions. We will continue to advocate for them even more effectively.”
The new senators’ term will end in October 2030, while 20 others will finish theirs in 2029.
A senator’s term usually lasts for five years, renewable once.
