Launched in 2016, the initiative allows individuals who can prove African ancestry, primarily descendants of those affected by the transatlantic slave trade, to apply for Ghanaian nationality. Over 1,000 people, including African American singer-songwriter Stevie Wonder, have successfully obtained citizenship through the program.
However, applicants have raised concerns over the complexity and cost of the process. Among the challenges are multiple stages of application, strict deadlines, and significant fees. The initial application costs $136 (about Rwf 197,000), with shortlisted candidates required to pay an additional $2,280 (Rwf 3.3 million) before attending a one-day citizenship orientation and receiving their nationality at a ceremony overseen by the president.
Dr. Erieka Bennet, ambassador for the Diaspora African Forum, which assists applicants relocating to Ghana, told the BBC that many found it “impossible” to submit required DNA evidence within the one-week deadline, and some questioned the reliability of the testing. She expressed confidence that the government would resolve these issues and resume the process.
Ghana has not provided a timeline for when applications will reopen, but has said updated guidelines and timelines will be issued “in due course.” The suspension has created uncertainty for prospective applicants planning relocation or investment in the country.
The program is part of Ghana’s longstanding Pan-African vision, championed by its first president, Kwame Nkrumah, and was reinforced by the 2019 “Year of Return,” which sought to encourage Africans worldwide to reconnect with the country.
Ghana is not alone in targeting the African diaspora. Neighbouring countries like Benin and Sierra Leone also offer citizenship based on verified ancestral ties. Benin, through its “My Afro Origins” initiative, has already granted citizenship to high-profile figures, including director Spike Lee and singer Ciara, aiming to boost cultural ties, human capital, and tourism.
The motions, filed separately on Friday by left-wing parliamentary groups including La France Insoumise, the Democratic and Republican Left group (GDR) and the Ecologists, as well as by the far-right National Rally and its ally, the Union of the Right for the Republic (UDR), accused the government of abusing constitutional powers to force the budget through parliament.
The first motion, put forward by 113 left-wing deputies, garnered 260 votes, falling 29 votes short of the 289 required for adoption, according to the National Assembly.
The second motion, tabled by 106 right-wing deputies, was also rejected, receiving 135 votes, well below the threshold needed to bring down the government.
According to the French Constitution, Article 49.3 allows the Prime Minister, with Cabinet approval, to force the passage of a bill (typically finance or social security) through the National Assembly without a vote. The bill is deemed adopted unless a motion of no-confidence is passed.
Lecornu first invoked Article 49.3 in the National Assembly on Jan. 20 to push through the revenue side of the budget bill, and used the mechanism again to adopt the expenditure side after his government survived two no-confidence votes on Jan. 23. Following another round of no-confidence motions last Tuesday, the government made a third and final use of Article 49.3 on Friday to have the budget adopted in its entirety.
With the no-confidence votes cleared on Monday, France’s 2026 state budget was definitively adopted, bringing to an end nearly four months of parliamentary debate and a prolonged political standoff over the budget bill, pending review by the Constitutional Council prior to promulgation.
The decision was announced on Monday, February 2, at the conclusion of a meeting of the Ceasefire Oversight and Verification Mechanism held in Doha and hosted by the State of Qatar. During the meeting, the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and AFC/M23 signed the terms of reference stemming from the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), formalising procedures for monitoring, verification and information exchange in support of the peace process in eastern DRC.
According to the statement, members of the mechanism “tasked MONUSCO with dispatching the first field mission to the city of Uvira to monitor the ceasefire in the coming days,” adding that the necessary field communication channels had been established to facilitate the mission’s work.
Both parties also renewed their commitment to the ceasefire and to the Doha Framework Agreement for Peace signed on November 15, 2025, reaffirming their determination to implement “all obligations stipulated therein in good faith, in support of the peaceful process.”
The meeting was attended by members of the mechanism, with the United States and the African Union participating as observers. The Republic of Togo attended in its capacity as the African Union–appointed mediator, alongside representatives of MONUSCO and the ICGLR.
Participants reviewed developments on the ground and discussed existing challenges to the ceasefire. Emphasis was placed on the need for practical measures to strengthen monitoring and verification, particularly through coordinated field missions. In this context, MONUSCO was tasked with dispatching its first ceasefire monitoring mission to Uvira, with dedicated communication channels established to support the mission’s work.
Uvira has been a focal point in recent months. AFC/M23 captured the strategic city in South Kivu late last year, describing the move as an effort to protect civilians from what it alleged were ethnic atrocities committed by coalition forces aligned with the Kinshasa government and its allies. The group later announced a unilateral withdrawal, framing the move as a confidence-building measure aimed at supporting the Doha peace process.
In a statement dated December 15, 2025, AFC/M23 said the withdrawal followed progress in the Doha talks and was carried out at the request of United States mediation. The alliance said it opted to pull back its forces despite what it described as continued provocations by the Congolese army (FARDC) and allied militias, arguing that the move was intended to give the peace process “the maximum chance” to succeed.
At the same time, AFC/M23 warned against a security vacuum in Uvira and called for concrete measures, including demilitarisation, protection of civilians and infrastructure, and neutral ceasefire monitoring.
Despite the renewed commitments in Doha, tensions persist. Both the Congolese government and AFC/M23 have continued to accuse each other of ceasefire violations. The Kinshasa administration, in particular, has been accused by AFC/M23 of targeting civilian populations through drone attacks.
Observers say the success of MONUSCO’s mission in Uvira, and the broader credibility of the peace process, will depend on whether commitments made in Doha translate into restraint on the ground and improved protection for civilians in South Kivu.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi are reported to plan a meeting in Istanbul on Friday to discuss a potential nuclear deal and other issues, Axios cited a U.S. official as saying on Monday.
But Iranian media later cast doubt on the reports. Tasnim, citing Iranian officials, said details of the talks have not been finalized. “The potential negotiations are still at a preliminary stage, and once the overall framework and structure of the talks take shape, subsequent stages and further details will be finalized,” the agency reported.
Earlier Monday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran was carefully studying the structure of potential negotiations with Washington, with a focus on lifting sanctions and advancing national interests.
He emphasized that sanctions relief remains a core priority. Baghaei cited Araghchi as saying the nuclear issue has long been used as a pretext for conflict against Iran, and added that Iran’s primary demand in any talks is “the removal of unjust sanctions.”
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has reportedly ordered the start of negotiations with the United States on the nuclear issue, according to semi-official Fars News Agency, citing an unnamed government source. Fars also reported that talks would likely take place in Türkiye in the coming days.
Trump on Sunday warned that if Iran fails to reach a nuclear deal with Washington, the United States would assess whether Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s claim that an attack could spark a regional war is accurate. Araghchi told CNN the same day that a “just, fair, and equitable” nuclear deal with the United States remains achievable if Washington abandons coercive policies.
{{Tensions remain high}}
The developments come amid heightened U.S.-Iran tensions. The Trump administration deployed an aircraft carrier strike group and multiple warships to the Middle East in late January, with the U.S. leader continuing to send warnings to Tehran.
Also on Monday, the Israeli military announced that Israeli and U.S. naval forces conducted a joint exercise in the Red Sea a day earlier.
The drill is part of the ongoing strategic coordination between the Israeli Navy and the U.S. 5th Fleet, which oversees maritime operations in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Gulf of Oman, the Israeli military added. Officials characterized the maneuvers as a routine effort to strengthen regional security and interoperability between the two partners.
In response to the military buildup, Iran’s Armed Forces’ Chief of Staff Abdolrahim Mousavi warned that Tehran’s response to “the slightest mistake” by the United States could trigger a regional war, according to official news agency IRNA. He said Iran cannot be “blockaded” and any attack would have severe consequences for U.S. forces and their allies.
Washington has said any deal with Iran must include a ban on uranium enrichment, the removal of already enriched material, limits on long-range missiles, and a rollback of support for regional proxies. Analysts said such conditions would be “very difficult” for Iran to accept.
A senior Iranian security official told Fars on Monday that Tehran does not plan to send enriched nuclear materials abroad, after Russia and Türkiye suggested they could host or process Iran’s uranium to ease tensions.
Regional diplomacy is also active. Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi assured his Iranian counterpart that Jordan would not allow its territory or airspace to be used for attacks on Iran. “Jordan will not be a battleground in any regional conflict or a launching pad for any military action against Iran,” the ministry said. Similar assurances have come from other regional countries, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
{{Domestic security operations}}
Iranian authorities on Monday said they arrested four foreigners of undisclosed nationalities for “participation in riots” in Tehran province. State television reported that homemade stun grenades were found during searches of suspects’ belongings. Authorities have accused Israel and the United States of involvement in the unrest.
The office of President Pezeshkian released a list Sunday of 2,986 people killed in the unrest, compiled from data provided by the Iranian Legal Medicine Organization. The total death toll, including unidentified victims, stands at 3,117. The statement emphasized a commitment to transparency and accountability, pledging that no bereaved family would be left unheard.
Weeks of protests over the sharp depreciation of the rial swept cities across Iran from late December to January. Initially peaceful, the demonstrations escalated into clashes that caused casualties and damage to public property, including mosques, government buildings, and banks. Tehran has blamed the unrest on the United States and Israel.
She made these remarks during the commemoration of the 32nd National Heroes Day on Sunday, February 1, 2026, hosted by the Rwandan community in Luxembourg under the theme “Heroism and Unity of Rwandans: Pillars of Development.”
In her address, Amb. Munyangaju emphasized the profound meaning of February 1 as a day to reflect on Rwanda’s history, appreciate those who sacrificed for the country, and renew collective commitment to its shared vision.
Quoting the National Anthem, “Our brave ancestors gave themselves without reservation, they created you and made you great…”, she highlighted that heroism has characterized Rwandans from ancient times and remains the foundation of development and hope.
The Ambassador explained that heroism in Rwanda goes beyond military courage to include love for the country, selflessness, integrity, the pursuit of good, resistance to evil, and respect for human dignity.
These values, she said, enabled Rwanda to endure colonial attempts to divide its people, discriminatory policies during the First and Second Republics, and the horrors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Amb. Munyangaju paid tribute to the RPF/Inkotanyi liberation struggle, launched on October 1, 1990, and successfully concluded on July 4, 1994, when the Genocide was stopped. That effort, she noted, exemplified extraordinary sacrifice, unity, foresight, and leadership, marking the start of a new Rwanda founded on security, reconciliation, and sustainable progress.
The Ambassador recalled that Rwanda honors exceptional contributions through the National Heroes categories—Imanzi, Imena, and Ingenzi—each recognizing different expressions of courage and commitment, yet all united by prioritizing the common good above personal interest.
Turning to the present day, Amb. Munyangaju called on Rwandans to live out these heroic values in the ongoing pursuit of development, better living standards, and national self-reliance. She stressed that true unity must be anchored in integrity, dedication to quality work, and the preservation of Rwandan cultural foundations.
In conclusion, with a message addressed particularly to the youth, Amb. Munyangaju declared: “Dear young people, the future of your country, Rwanda, is in your hands. Draw inspiration from the values of the National Heroes: courage, unity, hard work, and integrity. Be agents of progress, builders of peace, and ambassadors of Rwandan values wherever you may be.”
She also strongly encouraged young people to master and transmit Kinyarwanda, describing it as “the foundation of national unity and the vehicle of our culture and values,” essential for preserving national identity and ensuring the continuity of Rwanda’s shared heritage.
The event, which brought together Rwandans living in Luxembourg and neighboring areas, featured traditional dances and a panel discussion with Joseph Kayijuka, Jean Bosco Busindu, and Solange Demarck, focusing on the significance of the day.
Amb. Munyangaju further tied the day’s message to Rwanda’s broader development achievements, including significant progress toward eliminating cervical cancer by 2027.
She highlighted key gains, including 90% HPV vaccination coverage among 15-year-old girls, 31% screening coverage for women aged 30–49, 82% access to treatment, and nine districts already meeting elimination targets. She also outlined remaining needs, including USD 27.8 million to screen an additional 712,110 women, establish radiotherapy capacity, and strengthen human resources.
She emphasized that this health initiative reflects the same heroic dedication to protecting lives that defines Rwanda’s path forward, calling on Rwandans in Luxembourg to play a key role in supporting this campaign.
The event which brought together Rwandans in Luxembourg and neighboring areas, featured traditional dances, a panel discussion featuring Joseph Kayijuka, Jean Bosco Busindu, and Solange Demarck revolving around the significance of the day.
Under the agreement, the UAE will provide a grant of US$20 million to help accelerate emergency response efforts in Sudan by delivering food assistance to populations affected by the conflict and addressing urgent food security needs of vulnerable groups, including displaced people in host communities.
The agreement was signed in the presence of Dr. Tareq Ahmed Al Ameri, Chairman of UAE Aid Agency, by Rashid Salem Al Shamsi, Executive Director of Logistics Support at the Agency, and Bashar Al Hammami, Head of the WFP Partnership Office in the UAE, representing the United Nations World Food Programme.
Dr. Tareq Ahmed Al Ameri affirmed the UAE’s continued commitment to its global humanitarian leadership in providing urgent relief to alleviate the suffering caused by the conflict in Sudan. He emphasised the importance of meeting essential food needs for displaced populations within Sudan as well as in neighboring host countries, including Chad, South Sudan, Uganda, and Ethiopia.
He further highlighted the shared international and moral responsibility to address challenges in famine-affected and high-risk areas, underscoring the necessity of delivering life-saving humanitarian assistance in crises situations.
Bashar Al Hammami, Head of the WFP Partnership Office in the UAE, stated, “The United Nations World Food Programme expresses its profound gratitude and appreciation to the Government of the United Arab Emirates for its generous contribution of US$20 million, which will support WFP’s life-saving operations in Sudan. This significant contribution will enable us to reach millions of people facing acute hunger and daily hardship, and will have a tangible, life-saving impact on the lives of vulnerable families.”
The UAE continues its sustained humanitarian support for the Sudanese people, in line with its firm and longstanding commitment to addressing the ongoing catastrophic crisis in Sudan. Over the past decade (2015–2025), the UAE has provided US$4.24 billion in assistance to Sudan, including US$784 million in humanitarian aid since the outbreak of the civil war (2023–2025).
The UAE also underscores the importance of collective action with regional and international partners and reiterates the need for a humanitarian ceasefire to ensure the protection of civilians and facilitate safe and unimpeded access for humanitarian aid, contributing to stability and peace for the brotherly Sudanese people.
The Office condemned “in the strongest possible terms” Russia’s decision to expel a British diplomat last month and its “baseless accusations against our staff,” said the statement.
Any further action taken by Russia will be considered an escalation and responded to accordingly, it added.
On January 15, the Russian foreign ministry said Russia had decided to expel a British embassy employee for alleged affiliation with the British special services.
The ministry said it summoned the British charge d’affaires in Russia on the same day and lodged a strong protest regarding the issue.
The ministry had decided to revoke the accreditation of the employee and ordered him to leave Russia within two weeks.
“Moscow will not tolerate the activities of undeclared British special services staff on Russian territory,” it said, adding that if London escalates the situation, the Russian side will give a decisive “mirror” response.
Uwilingiyimana rose to national prominence after joining politics, especially through her work at the Ministry of Education. She entered public service with a clear vision: ensuring equal educational opportunities for all children, at a time when the system was governed by the policy of ethnic and regional quotas.
She also made history as Rwanda’s first female Prime Minister, serving under President Juvénal Habyarimana. The two, however, held sharply different views, particularly on government policies that promoted exclusion and oppression.
Agathe Uwilingiyimana was killed by soldiers from the Presidential Guard shortly after President Habyarimana’s plane was shot down.
Beyond politics, she played a key role in founding SERUKA (an association advocating for the development of women and families) and contributed significantly to the establishment of Forum for African Women Education ( FAWE), an organization dedicated to promoting education for African women and girls. She strongly advocated for women’s inclusion in leadership and decision-making positions.
Before becoming widely known as a politician, Uwilingiyimana was a teacher at the Groupe Scolaire Officiel de Butare, a profession that deeply shaped her values and leadership style.
{{A woman rooted in culture and discipline}}
Angélique Mpinganzima, her niece, told IGIHE that Uwilingiyimana was also her godmother. At the time of the Genocide, Mpinganzima was 17 years old.
She described Uwilingiyimana as a woman deeply attached to Rwandan culture, both in dress and in family traditions.
“Agathe respected Rwandan cultural practices to a remarkable degree. Whenever she gave birth, she would formally present the child to the family, accompanied by celebrations, including at her in-laws’ home. I clearly remember when she gave birth to her third child—she came wearing a traditional crown. She truly valued our culture,” Mpinganzima recalled.
In her daily life, Uwilingiyimana was known for her discipline, strong sense of organization, and respect for time.
“She always wrote down her weekly schedule. Changing her plans was very difficult because everything she did was carefully planned. She was not the type of person who would get distracted by visits or long conversations and forget her responsibilities,” she said.
{{Her entry into politics}}
According to Mpinganzima, Uwilingiyimana did not initially expect to become Minister of Education, as she was already engaged in other professional responsibilities.
When she was about to enter politics, many people tried to discourage her, telling her that politics was not meant for women and that she could pursue a more comfortable career. Despite this pressure, she remained determined.
“They would tell her, ‘Agathe, you are well educated, you could easily get a good job—why get into politics?’ And she would reply, ‘There are things I must do for the benefit of others. People from Butare, Gitarama, and Gikongoro have been marginalized. Our children are not going to school. I cannot just stand by and watch,’” Mpinganzima recounted.
Even before joining politics, Uwilingiyimana openly opposed injustice in the education system. This explains why one of her main battles was against the quota system, and why she worked to help many children who had dropped out of school return to their studies.
Her appointment as minister was a historic moment for her home area.
“It was a source of pride for the family, the community, and even the country. She was the first person from our area—near the Burundi border—to ever become a minister. It was something extraordinary,” Mpinganzima said.
{{Killed for opposing genocide}}
Agathe Uwilingiyimana was among the first national leaders to be killed following the downing of President Habyarimana’s plane on April 6, 1994. She was murdered on April 7, the very day the Genocide against the Tutsi began openly. Some family members learned of her death early that morning.
“We heard that the Prime Minister had been killed. My parents, uncles, and other relatives gathered at my grandfather’s home. The entire hill came together—people abandoned their farming and returned home. There was nothing we could do. We just sat there, helpless,” Mpinganzima recalled.
The situation soon became even more dangerous, as the family was accused of being responsible for the country’s collapse, with claims that Uwilingiyimana had ‘betrayed’ the nation.
They were eventually saved when Interahamwe militiamen fled after hearing that the RPF had reached Save, allowing the family to escape to Burundi.
{{A lasting lesson for women}}
The last piece of advice Mpinganzima remembers from Uwilingiyimana was her encouragement to learn vocational skills. She later followed that advice, studying tailoring, and is now a vocational instructor.
“The biggest lesson she taught me is courage—especially as a woman. She showed us that if you decide to do something, you can achieve it. That should be a lesson for all women,” she said.
“She never limited herself by where she came from or waited for someone to speak on her behalf. She didn’t ask who would support her. As women, we should learn from her and seize every opportunity we get.”
{{A brief profile}}
Agathe Uwilingiyimana was born on June 23, 1953, in Gikore, in the former Butare Prefecture. She was the daughter of Ntibashirakandi Yuvenali and Nyirantibangwa Saverina. In 1976, she married Ignace Barahira, with whom she had three children.
From February 1989 to April 1992, she served as Director of Small and Medium Enterprises at the Ministry of Industry.
From April 16, 1992, to July 16, 1993, she was Minister of Primary and Secondary Education.
She became Rwanda’s first female Prime Minister on July 17, 1993, serving until April 7, 1994, when she was assassinated by members of the Presidential Guard.
Agathe Uwilingiyimana remains a powerful symbol of integrity, courage, and resistance to injustice in Rwanda’s history.
The AFC/M23 leadership stated that the tragedy, which occurred on January 28, 2026, resulted from a landslide triggered by increasingly soft soil in Rubaya amid heavy seasonal rains.
On January 31, the DRC Ministry of Mining announced that most of the victims were involved in illegal mining activities, which AFC/M23 had previously engaged in.
AFC/M23 spokesman Lawrence Kanyuka expressed disappointment with the DRC government’s response to the tragedy, accusing it of attempting to exploit the situation for political gain.
“Instead of taking responsibility for its long-standing failures in managing the mining sector, the regime seeks to exploit a tragic incident caused by torrential rains in the artisanal mines of Rubaya for political gain,” said Kanyuka.
AFC/M23 emphasized that the disaster in Rubaya bears no relation to their control of the area, as similar tragedies have repeatedly occurred in regions under DRC government control. In fact, over 800 people have died in mining accidents in government-controlled areas over the years.
The alliance cited 15 mining incidents that claimed numerous lives under DRC government control in areas including Nyamukubi and Bushushu in South Kivu, where over 500 people died on May 4, 2023.
AFC/M23 also reminded the DRC government of earlier mining disasters, such as the deaths of 37 people in a mine in Fizi in October 2018, 43 people in the KOV mine in Lualaba in June 2019, and 50 people near Kamituga in South Kivu in September 2020, all in areas under government control.
