The source confirmed that the musician succumbed to illness. Natty Dread had been undergoing treatment at University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) since September 2022.
In February 2024, after several months of treatment, he returned to Kigali and attended the premiere of a Bob Marley documentary screened at Canal Olympia. At the time, he told IGIHE he was feeling better and optimistic about his recovery.
Although his condition had improved at one point, enough for him to travel back to Rwanda, his health later declined, prompting his return to Germany for further care, where he eventually died.
Born Mitali Raphael in 1969 (though official documents list 1964, a date he reportedly altered to join the military), Natty Dread was born in Uganda, where his parents had taken refuge.
When he was three, his family relocated to Kenya, where he later met Israeli family friends who introduced him to connections in Jamaica, eventually leading him to meet Bob Marley.
Holding Israeli citizenship, Natty Dread is best known for his hit song “Hobe Rwanda”, which remains popular among Rwandan music lovers. He is survived by seven children from four different women.
Natty Dread holds a significant place in Rwanda’s post-genocide cultural history, being the first international artist to perform in the country after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. He shared the stage with Cedella Booker, Bob Marley’s mother, during a historic concert in 1996.
During the meeting, the Chairperson welcomed the collaborative efforts of the EAC and SADC in de-escalating tensions in Eastern DRC and acknowledged progress towards a peace agreement.
Youssouf and Amb. Karamba also reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the implementation of the South Sudan peace agreement.
On peacekeeping on the continent, they underscored the importance of sustainable peacekeeping financing, with UNSC Resolution 2719 providing a key framework for predictable support.
Amb. Karamba expressed appreciation for the Chairperson’s early visit to Kigali and reiterated Rwanda’s continued support for his leadership.
The handover ceremony, which took place at the Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi from June 9 to 13, 2025, was presided over by Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Interior, Kipchumba Murkomen, who passed the RECSA flag and instruments of establishment to Rwanda.
Rwanda will be deputized by Tanzania in this leadership role. The high-level meeting brought together ministers and representatives from various member states, including Rwanda’s Minister of Interior, Dr. Vincent Biruta.
One of the key resolutions from the meeting was a renewed commitment to the effective implementation of all provisions of the Nairobi Protocol and harmonized binding instruments aimed at combating the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.
Additionally, member states agreed that the 17th Technical Advisory Committee and the 12th Ordinary Council of Ministers meetings will be held in Kigali in 2026 and 2027, respectively.
The meeting was attended by ministers and plenipotentiaries from Burundi, Central African Republic, Djibouti, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.
The five-day meeting concluded with a unified commitment to addressing the ongoing challenges posed by small arms proliferation and reinforcing cooperation among member states and international partners to promote sustainable peace and security.
The MDA reported two people critically injured, two moderately, four lightly-moderately, while the remaining individuals suffered light injuries or trauma-related symptoms, including panic attacks.
Following the launches, air defense sirens were activated, sending millions of residents to protected rooms and shelters for more than an hour.
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman Effie Defrin said that most missiles were intercepted by the air defense system or did not reach their target. He noted that the injuries reported occurred inside buildings, with several caused by shrapnel from intercepted missiles.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said following the launches that “Iran crossed red lines when it dared to fire missiles at civilian population centers in Israel.”
“We will continue to protect the citizens of Israel,” he said, warning that the country would “ensure that Tehran pays a very heavy price for its criminal actions.”
Meanwhile, the IDF denied Iranian media reports that Iran had downed an Israeli fighter jet and detained its pilot.
In a separate statement, the IDF said it had attacked earlier Friday Iranian Air Force bases in western Iran, destroying Tabriz Airbase, without providing further details.
It added that the IDF attacked and destroyed dozens of Iranian air defense targets, drones, and surface-to-surface missile launchers.
“The IDF is prepared to continue to operate as necessary,” the statement read. “The IDF is continuously conducting situational assessments and will continue to update on developments.”
The discussions underscored the growing strategic partnership between the two nations, building on the outcomes of the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
During the meeting, Wang Yi emphasized the elevation of China-Rwanda relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, a milestone achieved during last year’s FOCAC Summit when Presidents Xi Jinping and Paul Kagame issued a joint statement to advance the three global initiatives proposed by China: the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative.
These initiatives provide a robust framework for advancing bilateral ties and aligning development goals. Wang stressed that both nations are committed to supporting each other, implementing the FOCAC outcomes, and upholding the Changsha Declaration to safeguard the interests of developing countries and promote international fairness and justice.
A key focus of the discussions was the shared vision for modernization. Wang Yi articulated that modernization does not equate to Westernization, advocating for a model that aligns with each country’s unique national conditions.
China expressed its willingness to engage in mutual learning with Rwanda on governance experiences, aiming to foster self-reliant and sustainable development paths that enhance the well-being of their people and contribute to global progress. This approach resonates with Rwanda’s Vision 2050, a national plan to transform the country into an upper-middle-income economy by 2035 and a high-income economy by 2050.
Wang Yi reaffirmed China’s support for Rwanda’s development ambitions, pledging to deepen practical cooperation across various sectors, including infrastructure, health, and education, while fostering exchanges between governments, political parties, legislatures, and local communities. This commitment builds on over five decades of friendship, during which China has contributed significantly to Rwanda’s development, particularly in areas such as road construction, electricity, and healthcare.
Minister Nduhungirehe echoed these sentiments, noting the positive outcomes of the long-standing partnership. He highlighted the tangible benefits of the elevated bilateral relationship following the 2024 FOCAC Summit, particularly for the Rwandan people.
Nduhungirehe reaffirmed Rwanda’s steadfast commitment to the one-China principle and expressed enthusiasm for implementing the ten partnership actions outlined at the Summit, which aim to drive modernization through independent and self-reliant means. Rwanda also voiced strong support for China’s three global initiatives, recognizing their potential to foster a peaceful and prosperous world.
The meeting also addressed regional peace and security, with a focus on the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Nduhungirehe commended China’s active role in promoting dialogue and political solutions to the conflict in the region. Wang Yi reiterated China’s commitment to playing a constructive role in fostering peace in eastern DRC, emphasizing diplomacy and collaboration.
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1971, Rwanda and China have forged a strong relationship grounded in mutual respect and a shared vision for development. In recent years, this bond has grown through increased partnerships and political understanding.
During his stay in China Nduhungrehe attended the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held in Changsha, where he commended the broader China–Africa cooperation framework and its impact across multiple sectors.
He also met with members of the Rwandan Community in Changsha and surrounding cities and presided over the Rwanda-China Investment Promotion forum.
In a statement following the large-scale airstrikes on Iranian soil early Friday, Amb. Weiss outlined the rationale behind the operation, saying Iran’s accelerating nuclear weapons programme left Israel with no choice but to act decisively.
“Iran is only moments away from a nuclear weapon,” Weiss told IGIHE. “The threat posed by Iran is imminent, and Israel had no choice but to remove it before it is too late.”
The airstrikes, which marked one of the most extensive attacks on Iranian territory since the 1980s war with Iraq, targeted key elements of Iran’s nuclear and missile infrastructure. Among the targets was the uranium enrichment facility at Natanz, where the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) later confirmed damage and said it was monitoring radiation levels.
According to Israeli military officials, the operation involved approximately 200 aircraft striking around 100 locations tied to Iran’s nuclear development and missile delivery systems.
The Iranian regime, long accused by Israel of pursuing nuclear weapons under the guise of a peaceful programme, was described by Weiss as having “deceived the world” and “conducted negotiations in bad faith” while continuing to enrich uranium and advance weaponisation efforts.
IAEA reports, she noted, prove beyond doubt that Iran’s programme is intended for military purposes.
The Friday strikes killed several senior Iranian military figures, including Gen. Hossein Salami, commander of the Revolutionary Guard, and Gen. Mohammad Bagheri, chief of staff of the armed forces. Several top scientists associated with Iran’s nuclear programme were also reported dead, although their names have not been officially released.
In response, Iran launched over 100 drones toward Israel in a retaliatory move. Most of them were intercepted, according to Israeli defense officials.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei condemned the attack as a “wicked crime” and vowed “severe punishment,” claiming that residential areas were also hit. Israel, however, has insisted that its campaign is precisely targeted at military infrastructure and not civilians.
“Israel is not targeting the Iranian people,” Weiss emphasised. “We are acting against radical forces that threaten our security. Every feasible measure is being taken to minimise harm to uninvolved civilians.”
The ambassador further accused Tehran of being the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism, saying that for years it has used its resources to build a military apparatus designed to fulfil its leaders’ repeated and explicit calls for Israel’s destruction.
She cited a statement made just last month by Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, who referred to Israel as a “lethal, dangerous, cancerous tumor” that should be “eradicated.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed that sentiment in a televised address, calling the operation “a battle for Israel’s survival” and expressing hope that it would lead to the dismantling of what he called a “brutal dictatorship.”
The timing of Israel’s operation follows increasing international scrutiny of Iran’s nuclear activities. Just a day before the attack, the IAEA Board of Governors issued a formal censure against Iran for its refusal to fully cooperate with inspections.
Meanwhile, the United States, which had been engaged in nuclear negotiations with Iran, distanced itself from the strike. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that Washington had not participated and was now focused on protecting American personnel in the region.
As Iran warns that “the gates of hell will open” in retaliation, U.S. President Donald Trump said it is not too late for Iran to halt the Israeli attacks by agreeing to curb its nuclear programme.
Troy Fitrell, made the disclosure during an online conference this week that technical teams are actively working to move the peace process forward.
Ambassador Fitrell explained that next week, technical teams will help the parties involved transition to the next phase, ultimately leading to the peace agreement, with Qatar also set to provide assistance.
“This coming week, we do have technical teams here to try to get to the next stage,” Fitrell said. “We’ve done these principles. Now we have been arguing about putting these principles into action. We are still shooting for a June or July peace agreement.”
“There is no sense fooling around on this. If we are going to do it, we do it now,” he added, emphasizing Washington’s push to accelerate negotiations.
Following Rwanda and the DRC’s agreement on the guiding principles, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed confidence that both nations would reach a peace agreement, and that neighboring countries would also benefit from the peace process.
Ambassador Fitrell reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to ensuring this goal is achieved without delay.
The Airport said the Air India flight AI 379, with 156 passengers on board, had taken off from Phuket bound for India’s Delhi when the pilot reported a bomb threat message on board and requested to make an emergency landing, prompting the airport to activate its contingency plan.
An airport official told Xinhua that the plane has since safely landed. Monchai Tanode, general manager of Phuket Airport, told reporters that the pilot reported to air traffic control that a crew member found a note with a suspected bomb threat in the plane’s lavatory.
The airport said all passengers have been disembarked, and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams have started thorough searches for any explosives or suspicious items on the aircraft.
The incident comes a day after more than 240 people were killed in an [Air India Boeing 787 crash ->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/air-india-plane-with-242-on-board-crashes-near-india-s-ahmedabad-airport#:~:text=A%20London%2Dbound%20Air%20India,calling%20a%20major%20aviation%20disaster.] shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday afternoon.
The disclosure was made by the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Yusuf Murangwa, on June 12, 2025, during a press briefing following his presentation of the draft budget and medium-term economic strategy to a joint session of Parliament.
Minister Murangwa noted that one of the major priorities in the upcoming fiscal year is to advance the full-scale construction of the new international airport.
“We previously carried out feasibility studies and completed preliminary works over a significant period. However, we now have a firm commitment to complete the airport by 2028. This fiscal year marks the beginning of full implementation,” he stated.
Regarding the funding, he explained, “So far, we’ve planned for $600 million. As you know, we have strategic partners, including Qatar. While this amount is part of the budget plan, the actual implementation phase will give us a clearer financial outlook.”
Murangwa confirmed that construction of the airport is scheduled to be completed by 2028 and will have the capacity to serve up to seven million passengers annually.
While addressing Parliament, the minister said current progress on the project stands at approximately 25% to 30%. Work on the runways, access roads, and water systems has been completed, and the project has now entered the building phase—expected to employ more than 6,000 workers.
In 2019, Qatar Airways partnered with the Government of Rwanda, securing a 60% stake in the airport project, which was then estimated to cost more than $1.3 billion.
In a press statement, the members of the Security Council recalled Resolution 2736 of 2024, which demands that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) halt the siege of El Fasher.
The council members strongly condemned the attack on June 2 near al Koma in North Darfur on a joint World Food Programme (WFP) and UN Children’s Fund humanitarian convoy, which killed five humanitarian workers, injured several people, damaged life-saving humanitarian supplies and burned multiple trucks.
They reiterated UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ call for an urgent investigation and for the perpetrators to be held to account.
The council members also condemned repeated shelling by the RSF on May 29 that damaged a WFP facility in El Fasher.
They reminded the parties to the conflict to ensure the safety and security of UN and humanitarian personnel and their premises and assets. They reiterated that deliberate attacks against humanitarian personnel, their premises and assets may constitute war crimes.
