The vessels, carrying over 100 passengers, set off on Wednesday afternoon from Bikoro port despite warnings of unstable weather and clear signs of overloading, according to a statement from the Provincial Coordination of the Panel of Civil Society Experts of Equateur.
“Witnesses reported that the overcrowding was so severe that passengers were being turned away from the canoes,” said Akula Dieu, a member of the civil society group.
Authorities say the boats had been hired by a family to transport people attending a funeral. The group departed from an unauthorised location, which may have contributed to the tragedy. Bikoro Lake Commissioner Gabriel Ifulu Bongolomba said the vessels were struck by heavy waves brought on by rain, causing them to overturn.
Officials said rescue operations face serious challenges due to a lack of basic equipment such as life jackets, rescue boats, and even fuel.
“We’re forced to requisition private boats for this type of operation, but sometimes we don’t even have enough fuel to carry out our work properly,” Bongolomba told the media.
Boat accidents are a frequent and deadly occurrence on Congolese waterways, largely due to overloading, weak regulatory enforcement, and the widespread absence of basic safety precautions.
The strikes, among the most extensive on Iranian soil since the 1980s war with Iraq, killed at least two of Tehran’s most senior military figures and plunged the Middle East into a perilous new chapter of conflict.
Multiple strategic sites across Iran were hit, including the country’s primary uranium enrichment facility at Natanz, where plumes of black smoke were seen rising. The International Atomic Energy Agency later confirmed the site had been struck and said it was monitoring radiation levels.
Iran’s state-run media confirmed the deaths of two key figures: Gen. Hossein Salami, the commander of the powerful Revolutionary Guard, and Gen. Mohammad Bagheri, the chief of staff of the armed forces. Several top scientists linked to Iran’s nuclear programme were also reported killed, although their identities have not yet been disclosed.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed “severe punishment,” accusing Israel of a “wicked crime” and claiming that residential areas were also struck.
In an initial retaliatory move, Iran launched more than 100 drones toward Israel, though Israeli military officials said most were intercepted.
Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin, spokesperson for the Israeli Defense Forces, described the strikes as a “preemptive measure” involving around 200 aircraft targeting approximately 100 Iranian sites.
“We struck the heart of their nuclear and missile development infrastructure,” he said, adding that operations were ongoing.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the move, calling it a battle for Israel’s survival.
“This is a clear and present danger to our nation,” he said in a televised address. “We will continue until this threat is permanently removed.”
He further stated that the strike was aimed at Iran’s regime, not its people, expressing hope that it would mark the beginning of the end for what he called a “brutal dictatorship.”
The timing of the attack coincides with increasing international pressure on Iran. Just a day earlier, the IAEA Board of Governors issued a formal censure against Tehran for its refusal to cooperate with nuclear inspectors. Iran responded by announcing the establishment of a third enrichment site and the deployment of advanced centrifuges.
The Trump administration, which had advised against a strike during ongoing nuclear negotiations, denied any involvement.
“We were not part of these operations,” U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said.
“Our focus now is on safeguarding American personnel in the region.”
The U.S. had quietly withdrawn some diplomats from Baghdad earlier in the week and urged military families to consider leaving the region.
As airspace across Iran, Israel, Iraq, and Jordan was shut down, oil markets reacted sharply. Brent crude prices surged nearly 8%, and Israel’s main airport closed temporarily.
Analysts warn that a full-blown regional war is now a real possibility, especially if Iran’s promised retaliation causes civilian casualties inside Israel.
Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a 40-year-old British national seated in 11A aboard Air India Flight AI171, lived to recount the harrowing moments when the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed just seconds after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.
The London-bound flight, carrying 242 people, including 11 children and crew, crashed into a residential complex housing doctors less than a minute after departing at 1:39 p.m. on Thursday. The impact triggered a massive fireball and left a trail of destruction and despair in the heart of Gujarat’s largest city.
Lying in a general ward at Civil Hospital, Asarwa, Vishwash described the chaos that unfolded.
“Thirty seconds after take-off, there was a loud noise and then the plane crashed. It all happened so quickly,” he told Hindustan Times.
He sustained injuries to his chest, eyes and feet, but managed to crawl from the debris and escape.
“When I got up, there were bodies all around me. I was scared. I stood up and ran. There were pieces of the plane all around me. Someone grabbed hold of me and put me in an ambulance,” he recalled, clutching his boarding pass, which confirmed his assigned seat: 11A.
Vishwash, who has lived in London for two decades, had been visiting family in India. He was returning to the UK with his older brother, 45-year-old Ajay Kumar Ramesh, who was seated in another part of the aircraft.
“We visited Diu. He was travelling with me and I can’t find him anymore. Please help me find him,” he pleaded.
Police Commissioner GS Malik confirmed to news agency ANI that one passenger, the individual in seat 11A, had survived.
“He is under treatment at the hospital,” Malik said.
Rescue teams continue to comb through the charred wreckage, searching for remains and survivors. Authorities have yet to release an official death toll, though visuals from the crash site show a scene of near-total devastation.
Among those reportedly on board was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.
Air India confirmed the passenger manifest included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian.
The Royal Family issued a statement expressing shock and offering “special prayers and deepest possible sympathy” to affected families across multiple nations.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy told the House of Commons that crisis teams have been activated in London and Delhi.
“We know that British nationals were on board, and we are working urgently with Indian authorities to provide support,” Lammy said.
The plane, a Boeing 787-8 registered as VT-ANB, was part of Air India’s Dreamliner fleet. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, though aviation authorities confirmed that the aircraft issued a distress call shortly after takeoff before losing contact with air traffic control.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ordered a full investigation and instructed federal and local agencies to provide maximum support to rescue and recovery operations. The airport remains closed indefinitely, and Boeing has said it is working to gather more information as global scrutiny intensifies.
The SADC Secretariat announced the commencement of the second phase of the withdrawal process on Thursday, 12 June 2025.
The exercise entails the repatriation of mission personnel along with their personal belongings and the remaining operational equipment.
The withdrawing troops will be transported by road through Rwanda to Tanzania, where the Tanzanian contingent will continue to Dar es Salaam. South African and Malawian contingents will be airlifted to their respective countries.
The mission, launched in December 2023 to support Congolese forces in neutralising the M23 rebel group, was terminated in March.
The first phase of the withdrawal, which began on 29 April, focused on the removal of equipment and logistical supplies.
“SADC remains fully committed to supporting peace, security and political stability in the DRC and the broader region,” the bloc said.
“The orderly withdrawal reflects our adherence to collective security principles and support for peaceful conflict resolution.”
Deployed with an offensive mandate, SAMIDRC was tasked with pushing back the M23 rebels, who have repeatedly stated they are fighting against the marginalisation and persecution of Kinyarwanda-speaking communities in the DRC. However, the mission faced significant operational challenges.
In January, M23 rebels seized the strategic city of Goma in North Kivu, dealing a serious blow to the regional intervention force. The confrontation resulted in the deaths of 18 SADC troops, including 14 from South Africa, two from Malawi, and two from Tanzania, and left dozens injured.
Since the loss of Goma, SAMIDRC forces had largely remained confined to their bases, amid growing political pressure from within SADC member states to disengage. In South Africa, lawmakers increasingly questioned the rationale behind continued military involvement.
Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, issued a distress call shortly after its 1:39 p.m. departure local time. Seconds later, the aircraft lost contact with air traffic control and plummeted into a densely populated residential area near the airport, triggering a massive fireball and sending thick black smoke into the sky.
India’s federal health minister confirmed that “many people” had been killed, though an official death toll has yet to be announced. Eyewitnesses and footage from local media showed the charred wreckage ablaze, emergency responders pulling victims from the debris, and ambulances rushing the injured to nearby hospitals.
The airline confirmed the plane was en route to London’s Gatwick Airport and had 217 adults and 11 children on board, along with crew. According to Air India, the nationalities of those aboard included 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian.
“Rescue teams are working tirelessly at the site. Our thoughts are with the families of those affected,” Air India said in a statement posted on X.
The crash occurred in Ahmedabad, the main city in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s home state of Gujarat. Modi has directed aviation authorities to “extend all possible support” to the rescue and recovery efforts. The city’s airport, operated by the Adani Group, suspended all flight operations indefinitely.
Gautam Adani, chairman of the Adani Group, expressed his condolences on social media: “We are shocked and deeply saddened by the tragedy of Air India Flight 171. Our hearts go out to the families who have suffered an unimaginable loss.”
Aviation tracking service Flightradar24 reported that the last signal from the aircraft was received moments after departure.
The jet, registered as VT-ANB, is part of Boeing’s Dreamliner fleet and one of the most advanced commercial aircraft in use.
Boeing has acknowledged the crash and said it is working to gather more information. Shares in the U.S. aircraft manufacturer fell 6.8% in pre-market trading.
Britain’s Foreign Office said it was urgently working with Indian authorities to confirm facts and provide support to British nationals affected by the crash.
The minister made the remarks at 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.
“China and Africa enjoy strong and dynamic relations built on shared aspirations and reflected in tangible, people-centred results,” he said.
“The same holds true for Rwanda–China ties, which continue to grow through practical and mutually beneficial cooperation.”
His remarks come at a time when Rwanda and China are experiencing a renewed phase of economic engagement, marked by increased trade, new investment commitments, and a shared vision for sustainable development.
In a recent interview, Rwanda’s Ambassador to China, James Kimonyo, described the bilateral relationship as having moved “from engagement to action.” He credited the Rwandan government’s investor-friendly environment and China’s growing appetite for sustainable, innovation-led partnerships.
The results are already visible. Rwanda’s exports to China surged from $35 million in 2019 to nearly $160 million in 2024, a more than 350 percent increase in just five years.
Traditional exports like coffee and tea have been joined by newer products such as chilli, all benefiting from China’s zero-tariff policy for developing countries.
China, in turn, exports roughly $500 million worth of goods to Rwanda annually, illustrating a growing but still imbalanced trade relationship. However, the most significant shift is happening in direct investment. Between November 2023 and May 2024, more than 26 Chinese companies visited Rwanda, many returning with concrete investment proposals.
China was also the top source of foreign direct investment in Rwanda last year, ahead of India and the United States.
“All this begins with what our government has done in terms of creating a very conducive, attractive environment for investment,” said Kimonyo.
The alignment of Rwanda’s development goals with China’s “high-quality development” strategy, centred on sustainability, technology, and innovation, has opened new avenues of collaboration.
From climate-smart agriculture and green construction to smart transport and environmentally friendly manufacturing, the future of Rwanda–China cooperation is poised to be both transformative and sustainable.
The country’s highest court rejected an appeal filed by Fernandez’s legal team against lower-court rulings, confirming both the prison term and her lifetime ban from holding public office.
The ruling stemmed from the so-called “Vialidad case,” which investigated the awarding of 51 road construction contracts in the southern province of Santa Cruz to companies owned by businessman Lazaro Baez during the administrations of Nestor Kirchner (2003-2007) and Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner (2007-2015), the widow of Nestor Kirchner.
Fernandez has repeatedly denied wrongdoing and described the legal proceedings as politically motivated persecution.
This commitment was once again brought to life during the 2025 Associate Appreciation Week (AAW), a global initiative that honours the dedication, passion, and hard work of Marriott associates.
At both Kigali Marriott Hotel and Four Points By Sheraton Kigali, the celebration was nothing short of extraordinary, filled with meaningful moments, heartfelt recognition, and a strong sense of community.
The Associate Appreciation Week is a cherished tradition across Marriott international worldwide, designed to express gratitude to the associates who are the heartbeat of the organisation.
At each Hotel, a week full of fun and recognition was dedicated to employees.
At Kigali Marriott Hotel, Associate Appreciation Week took place from 26 to 30 May, and at Four Points by Sheraton Kigali, it was held from 2 to 6 June 2025.
“This week is about what you do on daily basis, it’s not an easy job, it’s not an easy role, it’s not an easy industry. You people come in every day, putting smiles on your faces and making sure every guest and every associate is well taken care of. Thank you very much for what you do, you are what makes this Hotel, a Hotel otherwise, this will be an empty building,” said Aditya Chacko, Cluster General Manager of both hotels.
“I thank you every single day. This week is just to highlight and just to give you a thank you for an extra for what we have for you. As a leader standing in front of you at Four Points By Sheraton Kigali, I am honestly proud of each of you. We are family, we come together, we execute together, and we support one another. Enjoy this week and all activities prepared for you, said Samir Ramdial, Hotel Manager at Four Points By Sheraton Kigali.
The week was thoughtfully designed to include a variety of engaging activities, team-building events, and celebratory gatherings. Each day carried a unique theme and purpose, all aimed at recognising the invaluable contributions of the associates and reinforcing the Hotel’s culture of appreciation and mutual respect.
“Thank you for making Associate Appreciation Week an incredible celebration of the vibrant community we’re a part of at Marriott International. Across the globe, our teams came together to share meaningful moments – whether it was gathering to enjoy a treat, volunteering to give back to our communities, or recognising the dedication behind recent achievements,” said Tony Capuano, CEO, Marriott International Inc.
“Your positive energy and deep connection to each other and to our company’s timeless values shone through in every smile, every high five, and every unforgettable moment you continued to create for our guests.”
The week began with TakeCare Day, a celebration centred on wellness and recognition. The hotel’s Executive Committee and department leaders took time to acknowledge the individual and collective achievements of associates, highlighting the dedication that fuels the hotel’s success.
The atmosphere was festive and uplifting, with special lunch stations hosted by leadership, offering a delightful culinary experience that brought everyone together in a spirit of gratitude and celebration.
On Day 2, the focus shifted to community service and social impact with Spirit to Serve/ Serve 360 Day. This day embodied Marriott’s global “Serve 360” initiative, encouraging associates to give back to the community.
Both Hotels organised differently a blood donation drive, allowing associates to contribute to a life-saving cause. The day also featured team-building games and themed dress-up activities that added a fun and engaging twist.
A highlight of the day was the hotel’s partnership with UNICEF in the “One Egg per Child” campaign, aimed at fighting child stunting. The event was held at the ECD Center in Mageragere ( Kigali Marriott Hotel) and at the ECD Center in Batsinda (Four Points By Sheraton Kigali).
Culture and Unity Day, celebrated on Day 3 at Kigali Marriott Hotel and on Day 2 at Four Points By Sheraton Kigali was a vibrant tribute to the hotel’s diverse workforce. Associates proudly showcased their cultural heritage through traditional attire, music, dance, and cuisine.
The day served as a powerful reminder that diversity is not only a source of strength but also a wellspring of creativity and innovation. It was a day of learning, sharing, and celebrating the unique backgrounds that enrich the workplace and foster a sense of belonging among all team members.
Day 4, known as Winners Day, brought out the competitive spirit in the most joyful way. The hotel hosted the finals of its inter-departmental volleyball championship, drawing enthusiastic participation and support from all corners of the hotel.
The semi-finals of the talent show also took place, showcasing a wide array of talents including singing, traditional dancing, poetry, and visual arts. The energy was electric, and the performances were a testament to the incredible creativity and passion of the associates.
The week concluded with a grand celebration on Day 5, marked as the Closing Day and Staff Party. The festivities took place in the beautiful Malaika Garden at Kigali Marriott Hotel and at Kigali Universe for the Four Points by Sheraton team.
The event was a fitting finale to a week filled with appreciation and joy. Associates gathered for an evening of music, laughter, and heartfelt recognition. Awards were presented, memories were shared, and the sense of camaraderie was palpable. It was unforgettable nights, celebrating not just the achievements of the past week, but also the enduring spirit of the Marriott family.
“I regret some of my posts about President @realDonaldTrump last week. They went too far,” Musk posted on X, the platform he owns, on Wednesday, June 11, 2025.
The post marks the first conciliatory gesture from Musk after days of highly public clashes that drew headlines and shook political and financial circles alike.
The feud erupted after Musk labelled Trump’s newly passed tax and spending bill a “disgusting abomination,” urging Americans to lobby their representatives to “kill the bill,” which he warned could lead to a recession later this year.
The bill, which includes major tax cuts and increases to defense spending, passed the House last month and is now under Senate consideration.
Tensions escalated further when Musk suggested Trump was named in unreleased government files related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The White House dismissed the claim, while Trump responded by calling Musk “disrespectful” and threatened to terminate his companies’ government contracts, valued at around $38 billion, much of which goes to SpaceX.
Musk’s attacks included reposting calls for Trump’s impeachment and claiming that the president owed his 2024 election victory to Musk’s support and donations.
Musk, who previously served as co-head of the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and was a top donor to the 2024 Trump campaign, appeared to delete many of those posts over the weekend.
Trump, for his part, declared their relationship “over” and said he had no interest in speaking with Musk again, telling CNN, “I don’t know what his problem is… I haven’t thought too much about him in the last little while.”
The fallout shocked Washington and Silicon Valley alike. Former Trump strategist Steve Bannon called for Musk, who was born in South Africa, to be deported. Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance and several senior Republicans expressed hope that the two powerful figures could reconcile.
In the wake of Musk’s walk-back, Tesla shares rose 2% in premarket trading, reflecting investor relief over the potential de-escalation of a political rift that had also spooked markets.
While Musk didn’t specify which posts he regretted, his recent actions suggest a softening stance. He deleted the post referencing Epstein, as well as one endorsing Trump’s impeachment.
Over the weekend, he signalled agreement with investor Bill Ackman’s call for reconciliation, replying, “not wrong,” to a suggestion that the two men should “make peace.”
Musk also appeared to back the administration’s tough response to protests in Los Angeles, posting American flag emojis in response to VP Vance’s remarks condemning the unrest.
Adding to the drama, Musk’s father, Errol Musk, told Russian media over the weekend that Elon had made a “mistake” in taking on the president.
“Trump will prevail. He is the president,” Errol said, predicting the feud would be “over tomorrow.”
While it remains to be seen whether the truce will hold or the rivalry will reignite, Musk’s change in tone signals a possible end, at least for now, to one of the most explosive political clashes of 2025.
‘This comes in light of the UAE’s wise leadership’s interest and significant support for equipping young Arab talent with advanced tools and skills in storytelling related to humanitarian and development work, enhancing community solidarity, and shedding light on pioneering humanitarian efforts and significant development contributions that positively impact the lives of millions of people across the world.
His remarks came on the occasion of the launch of the “Impact Makers” initiative by the International Humanitarian Affairs Council, under the directives of Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in cooperation with the New Media Academy. The initiative includes several educational programs and training workshops specializing in digital media related to various humanitarian and development fields.
He stressed the need to empower individuals to create positive and impactful humanitarian content that addresses various humanitarian issues, and to raise community awareness of these issues through the use of storytelling skills and appropriate media strategies to support institutional and community efforts with multiple humanitarian dimensions.
This is particularly true for humanitarian projects, initiatives, and programs targeting communities in need and the most affected and needy populations. These projects aim to provide access to basic education and health services, as vital priorities of paramount importance in achieving development and prosperity and ensuring security and stability.
The initiative targets journalists, camera crews, and content creators specializing in humanitarian affairs, who possess a passion for creating digital content about humanitarian, development, and charitable initiatives and programs. The initiative aims to enhance their ability to understand, write, and distribute press releases that reflect humanitarian efforts, as well as various storytelling methods and audio and visual translation techniques, to suit various journalistic formats and publishing media.
The initiative aims to attract digital content creators from the UAE, across the Arab world, and friendly countries around the world to join several specialized digital media training programs, enabling them to acquire the skills and tools necessary to produce creative content on humanitarian, developmental, and charitable initiatives and programs worldwide.
It also attracts official spokespersons representing humanitarian donor institutions and charitable organizations in the UAE to train them on corporate reputation strategies and media crisis management.
It’s worth noting that the educational programs and training courses develop the skills of diverse influencers, enabling them to deliver meaningful humanitarian content using advanced methods that contribute to delivering a humanitarian media message to a wide audience.
The New Media Academy continues to support content creators and social media influencers, enabling them to deliver their messages in a professional manner that contributes to the development, advancement, and growth of societies. Among these programs is the “Impact Makers” initiative, which will enrich the content creators’ content and meet the aspirations of their followers to benefit from what they provide.
The Impact Makers Initiative includes five training programs, starting with the “Skills of Official Spokesperson, Media Appearance, and Crisis Management” program, the “Humanitarian Impact Journalism” program, the “Humanitarian Impact Content Makers” program, in both Arabic and English versions, and the “Humanitarian Impact Content Makers – in partnership with the Arab Youth Center” program.
