The Ministry of Defence said on Thursday that the Somali National Army’s special forces, backed by Jubaland security forces and international partners, also repelled the attack on the military base on the strategic island of Kuday.
“Security in Kuday and its surrounding areas is now fully under the control of the Somali National Army, which remains on full alert and continues stabilization operations to prevent any residual threats,” the ministry said in a statement issued in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia.
The ministry said military vehicles and weapons abandoned by the fleeing militants involved in the suicide-style attack were seized.
Residents said the assault began in the early hours of Wednesday and lasted 24 hours, starting with explosions before direct clashes between government troops and the militants.
Al-Shabaab militants claimed to have killed 113 soldiers, wounded 47 others, and captured 17 soldiers after taking control of the area.
The latest joint operation came as Somali security forces have been ramping up offensives against al-Shabaab militants across Somalia in the recent past.
Local soldiers, backed by international partners, have been conducting joint operations in central and southern regions as government forces move to gain a foothold.
The memorial events, held across the country on Thursday, reflected a moment of collective reflection after one of Australia’s worst mass shootings in decades.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed a large gathering at the Sydney Opera House, expressing profound sorrow for the government’s inability to prevent the attack and offering condolences to the victims’ families.
He acknowledged the deep pain of the Jewish community, which was specifically targeted during a celebration of the Hanukkah festival when the shooting occurred in December 2025. Flags were flown at half‑mast across Australia, and a national minute of silence was observed in the evening as part of the commemorations.
“This is a place where nothing should break except for the waves. But a lot broke that night. On this National Day of Mourning, we wrap our arms around the Jewish community… we reaffirm our national determination for light to triumph over darkness,” the PM stated.
The Bondi Beach attack, which took place on December 14, 2025, was carried out by a father and son who authorities say were inspired by Islamic State ideology, and it resulted in the deaths of 15 people and injuries to dozens more. The government has officially labelled the incident a terrorist act motivated by antisemitism.
Across the nation, memorial events included candle‑lighting ceremonies, prayers and speeches from lawmakers and community leaders. Major landmarks and stadiums were lit up in tribute, and sporting events such as the Australian Open paused to observe the minute of silence. Religious services and interfaith vigils brought together people of different faiths in solidarity, reinforcing messages of unity and peace.
In the months since the attack, Australia’s Parliament has taken steps to address the issues highlighted by the tragedy. New legislation has been passed to tighten gun licensing checks and enhance the legal framework for prosecuting hate speech, as part of broader efforts to prevent similar attacks in the future.
The national day of mourning was designed not only to pay tribute to the victims but also to unite Australians in confronting violence and discrimination. Political leaders, survivors’ families and communities used the day to emphasise shared values of tolerance, resilience and compassion in the face of such a devastating event.
The market will be located in the Masoro industrial zone, covering 10.8 hectares, and is expected to play a pivotal role in Rwanda’s agricultural sector. NAEB confirmed that 99% of the compensation process for land acquisition has been completed, clearing the way for construction to begin.
Claude Bizimana, Chief Executive Officer of NAEB, revealed this on Thursday during a meeting with Parliament’s Committee on Governance and Gender Affairs, where he presented NAEB’s 2024/2025 report and outlined plans for the 2025/2026 fiscal year.
In his presentation, Bizimana highlighted NAEB’s efforts to enhance market efficiency and transparency. He explained that the Kigali Wholesale Market for Fresh Produce (KWMFP) is designed to improve food quality, streamline post-harvest handling, and facilitate better transportation of fruits and vegetables.
The project will be executed in two phases. The first phase will focus on building the market’s core infrastructure, while the second will promote value addition through processing and quality enhancement of produce.
The total cost of $53.4 million will be shared between the Rwandan government and international partners. The government will cover 50% of the cost through a loan from the OPEC Fund for International Development, while the Netherlands will provide the remaining 50% as a grant.
“A new feasibility study estimates the total construction cost at 47.5 million euros (53.4 million USD). The Rwandan government will fund half of this through the OPEC Fund loan, and the Netherlands will provide the remaining half as a grant,” Bizimana explained.
He added that teams from the OPEC Fund and the Netherlands are scheduled to arrive in February to finalise agreements, after which construction will officially commence.
Bizimana also discussed the current challenges facing Kigali’s fruit and vegetable market, including inadequate facilities, inconsistent pricing, and the absence of organised trading systems.
Currently, about 86% of fruits and vegetables sold in Kigali pass through the Nyabugogo Market, known as Kwa Mutangana, which has been criticised for poor sanitation and inefficiency.
“Looking at Kwa Mutangana, it’s clear that the market does not meet the standards required for food security and proper market management,” Bizimana said. “This new market project will help address these issues and bring about positive change.”
The lack of organized market infrastructure has led to significant produce losses, with up to 40% of fruits and vegetables wasted annually due to poor handling and storage. This also poses challenges for Rwandan exporters, who struggle to meet international quality standards.
The new market is expected to reduce these losses by providing improved storage, packaging, and transportation facilities, ensuring that produce maintains its quality throughout the supply chain. It will also support farmers by introducing a transparent pricing system connected to both local and export markets through electronic payment solutions.
Furthermore, the market will encourage value addition by promoting the processing of agricultural products, boosting Rwanda’s export-oriented economy. Modern infrastructure will cater to growing demand for high-quality produce from domestic and international consumers alike.
Bizimana concluded by emphasising that the project will not only benefit Rwanda’s agricultural sector but also contribute to economic growth by creating business opportunities and strengthening trade relationships regionally and internationally.
The event will take place on January 29, 2026, at the Mövenpick Hotel in Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan.
The primary aim of this festival is to showcase Rwanda’s renowned coffee, which has gained international acclaim, to the Pakistani market.
The event seeks to promote business and investment opportunities in the Rwandan coffee sector.
Rwanda is recognized for producing unique, high-altitude coffee known for its exceptional flavor and quality. The country’s coffee is celebrated globally for its distinct taste and appearance, making it a sought-after product.
The Rwanda Coffee Festival 2026 will bring together a variety of stakeholders, including government officials, Rwanda’s representatives, foreign diplomats, coffee experts, traders, coffee processors, investors, and many others.
The event will feature a range of activities, such as professional coffee preparation demonstrations, a documentary screening that traces the journey of Rwandan coffee from the farm to the cup, and opportunities for Pakistani traders to explore Rwandan coffee exports.
Coffee has become one of Rwanda’s most valuable cash crops, significantly contributing to the country’s economy. In 2025, NAEB reported that the value of Rwanda’s coffee exports exceeded Rwf 216 billion, marking a substantial increase from Rwf 129 billion in 2024.
The agreement was signed between the UAE Aid Agency and OCHA, in the presence of Dr. Tareq Ahmed Al Ameri, Chairman of the UAE Aid Agency. It was signed by Rashid Salem Al Shamsi, Executive Director of Logistics Support at the UAE Aid Agency, and Sajeda Al Shawa, Head of OCHA’s Office in the UAE.
“In light of the ongoing conflict in Sudan, the UAE continues its urgent humanitarian response and stands in solidarity with those affected by this tragic and devastating civil war. The UAE remains committed to supporting international efforts to meet pressing humanitarian needs and save lives in conflict-ridden areas,” Dr. Al Ameri said.
He further noted that the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Sudan, including large-scale displacement to neighbouring countries such as Chad, South Sudan, Uganda, and Ethiopia, requires intensified collective humanitarian efforts and swift responses to ensure early recovery, stability, and the mitigation of severe challenges faced by people.
Al Shawa expressed her sincere appreciation to the UAE for its generous contribution of $5 million to the Sudan Humanitarian Fund.
She said, “This significant contribution will enhance the collective efforts led by the United Nations, through OCHA and its partners, to reach vulnerable communities in Sudan. It will support the timely delivery of life-saving assistance in line with humanitarian principles. At a time of unprecedented humanitarian needs, this contribution reflects the UAE’s steadfast commitment to solidarity and humanitarian leadership, and its dedication to ensuring aid reaches those most in need.”
The UAE continues to provide sustained humanitarian support to the people of Sudan as part of its long-standing commitment to addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Over the past decade (2015–2025), the UAE has provided $4.24 billion in assistance to Sudan. Since the outbreak of the current crisis (2023–2025), the UAE has allocated $784 million in humanitarian aid.
The UAE reiterates the importance of collective action with regional and international partners and underscores the need for a humanitarian ceasefire to protect civilians and facilitate the safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance, contributing to stability and peace for the Sudanese people.
The plan was outlined by RSSB Director General Regis Rugemanshuro during a meeting with Members of Parliament serving on the Committee on Social Affairs.
He explained that RSSB is refining several retirement savings programs to prevent citizens from facing financial hardship once they are no longer able to work.
To improve compliance and transparency, RSSB has introduced systems that make it easier for employers to remit employees’ contributions, while allowing workers to track their contributions more easily. These measures are supported by the Ishema digital platform, which provides clear and accessible information on social security payments.
Rugemanshuro noted that RSSB is legally mandated to recover unpaid contributions from defaulting employers. Enforcement measures include administrative penalties, as provided by law, and in some cases the freezing of bank accounts belonging to non-compliant institutions.
However, he acknowledged that enforcement can be sensitive when it comes to public institutions.
“In the case of government entities such as health facilities, freezing accounts could disrupt essential services and create bigger problems than those we are trying to address,” he said.
Despite these challenges, RSSB continues to intensify efforts to recover outstanding pension contributions in line with legal and operational procedures. Digital reminder systems are being rolled out, alongside data-driven recovery methods that identify high-risk defaulters and guide enforcement actions where necessary.
In 2025, RSSB significantly increased the minimum benefits paid to retirees and to beneficiaries of work-related injury schemes. The minimum pension rose from Rwf 13,000 to Rwf 33,710.
As a result, beneficiaries who previously received Rwf 20,000 now receive Rwf 47,710, while those earning Rwf 50,000 now receive Rwf 92,710. Payments for beneficiaries at the Rwf 100,000 level increased to Rwf 155,210, those receiving Rwf 500,000 now get Rwf 580,210, and beneficiaries who previously earned Rwf 1,000,000 now receive Rwf 1,095,210.
RSSB said the increases follow the rise in contribution rates from 6% to 12%, a move Rugemanshuro described as essential for improving members’ welfare and supporting broader national development.
{{Ejo Heza to play a central role}}
Rugemanshuro stressed that the long-term goal is not only to expand coverage, but also to encourage Rwandans to save regularly and in sufficient amounts.
He said the Ejo Heza long-term savings scheme will be a key pillar of this strategy. The program currently has more than four million registered savers, including workers in the informal sector.
“Just as health insurance has become universal in Rwanda, the goal is for every Rwandan to save for retirement,” he said. “This process has already begun through schemes like Ejo Heza. Over the next five years, the program will be strengthened, and benefits for members will be improved.”
Using a medical analogy, Rugemanshuro explained that consistency matters. “If a doctor prescribes medicine to be taken three times a day, taking it only once means the treatment is incomplete. In the same way, saving occasionally is not enough. Our aim is to put in place measures that encourage frequent and adequate saving.”
RSSB emphasized that promoting a culture of saving should start early, so that citizens reach retirement age with meaningful financial security.
In 2025 alone, RSSB paid benefits to 58,115 people, including old-age pensions, early retirement benefits, disability benefits unrelated to work, and survivor benefits paid to families of deceased contributors.
The effort, which was first proposed last year as part of Trump’s plan to help manage the Gaza ceasefire and reconstruction, has faced a mix of curiosity, criticism and caution from other nations.
Trump’s Board of Peace is being pitched as a global mechanism to promote peace and stability in conflict zones, starting with Gaza but with ambitions beyond. The United States would lead the board, and Trump has invited dozens of countries to join. Officials have described the initiative as a way to move beyond traditional diplomatic channels and offer new tools for conflict resolution.
However, reactions internationally have been mixed. A number of Western European countries, including France, Norway and Sweden, have declined invitations or expressed concerns about the board’s mandate and structure, fearing it could rival or undercut the role of established bodies like the United Nations. Some nations worry that the board’s broad scope could weaken international consensus on peace efforts.
At the same time, a bloc of Muslim-majority nations, alongside countries from Asia, Eastern Europe and South America, have signaled willingness to participate. Israel has also accepted the invitation, marking a shift from earlier hesitation among some of its officials. So far, around 18 countries have confirmed participation, with more expected following the official signing ceremony in Davos.
The board’s structure, according to draft documents seen by reporters, would include member states serving three‑year terms unless they contribute financially for permanent seats. Leadership roles have been nominated, including prominent figures from politics and diplomacy, though not all details have been finalized or universally accepted.
Trump’s push for the Board of Peace comes alongside other major global topics at Davos, including debates over the aftermath of the Israel‑Hamas conflict, economic cooperation, and geopolitical tensions. While Trump is using his platform to build momentum for the initiative, its long-term influence and effectiveness remain uncertain as world powers weigh whether to embrace or resist the proposal.
The figure is the first official death toll released by Iranian authorities since demonstrations erupted in late December. Officials had previously acknowledged “several thousand” deaths without providing a precise number. According to the report, 2,427 of those killed were described as “innocent civilians and security forces.”
The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency has estimated the death toll at 4,560, though this figure has not been independently verified.
Separately, Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency said more than 460 government buildings were damaged or set ablaze during the protests, while over 700 banks were attacked or burned. It added that more than 480 mosques were also targeted.
Protests broke out in dozens of Iranian cities in late December following a sharp depreciation of the rial. Authorities acknowledged the demonstrations and said they were willing to address economic grievances, while warning against violence and vandalism.
The protests began peacefully but later turned violent, resulting in casualties and widespread damage to public property, mosques, government buildings, and banks, particularly on Jan. 8 and 9. Iranian officials have blamed the violence on the United States and Israel.
In an opinion article published Tuesday in the Wall Street Journal, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said the “violent phase of the unrest lasted less than 72 hours” before security forces brought the protests under control.
He added that U.S. threats against Iran “gave plotters an incentive” to pursue what he described as a strategy of “maximum bloodshed.”
Araghchi also said that while Iran “will always choose peace over war,” if the country faced new attacks, “our powerful armed forces have no qualms about firing back with everything we have,” citing a contrast with the “restraint” Iran showed in June 2025.
In just four days, the country exported a total of 9,185 tons of agricultural products. This included 1,177 tons of coffee, which generated $7.6 million, and 982 tons of tea, contributing over $2.8 million.
Additionally, Rwanda exported 363 tons of vegetables, yielding over $ 464,000, and 367 tons of fruits, earning over $427,000. A further 13 tons of flowers brought in approximately $70,000.
The main export markets included the United Kingdom, Netherlands, United Arab Emirates, France, and various African countries.
Rwanda also exported 6,008 tons of other agricultural and livestock products to the United States, Oman, and multiple African nations, generating over $3.2 million. Livestock products accounted for 274 tons, contributing more than $467,000.
For the 2025/26 financial year, the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources expects agricultural exports to generate over $1 billion.
Rwanda aims to boost its export volume by 13% annually, with a target of doubling the agricultural export value to $7.3 billion by 2029.
Addressing the UPR on Wednesday, Rwanda’s Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Dr. Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, said that in 2022, 165,000 jobs were created, followed by 352,000 in 2023 and 430,000 in 2024, as part of the country’s ongoing efforts to expand employment opportunities, particularly for youth, and to promote inclusive economic growth. Specialised training programs and skills development initiatives also trained over 27,000 people during the same period.
The UPR, a peer review mechanism established by the United Nations, provides a platform for countries to report on progress in human rights and socio-economic development. Rwanda’s fourth cycle, held on January 21, 2026, highlighted achievements since the previous review in January 2021, including progress in employment, education, health, and social protection.
Dr. Ugirashebuja detailed other key indicators that reflect Rwanda’s rapid recovery and development since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Access to electricity increased from 4.3 percent in 2006 to 72 percent in 2024, while improved drinking water coverage rose from 70 percent in 2006 to 90 percent in 2024. Life expectancy improved from 49 years in 1994 to nearly 70 years in 2024. Access to financial services expanded from 21 percent in 2008 to 94 percent in 2024.
On social protection, Rwanda has reduced national poverty from 39.8 percent in 2017 to 27.4 percent in 2024, lifting about 1.5 million people out of poverty. Extreme poverty also fell from 11.3 percent to 5.4 percent over the same period. The Vision Umurenge Program currently supports over 1.2 million vulnerable beneficiaries with monthly cash transfers, while the Imibereho Dynamic Social Registry now tracks more than 3.5 million households nationwide.
Rwanda’s delegation also highlighted progress in education and health. Gross enrollment for children aged 3 to 17 rose from 79.6 percent in 2022–2023 to 92.1 percent in 2023–2024, and net enrollment increased from 53 percent to nearly 60 percent. In health, under-5 mortality declined from 45 per 1,000 live births in 2020 to 36 in 2025, while maternal care coverage remains high, with 95 percent of women receiving at least one antenatal visit and 98 percent of deliveries attended by skilled health personnel.
Rwanda’s fourth UPR also highlighted progress in gender equality, noting that women hold 63.3 percent of seats in the Chamber of Deputies and 53.8 percent in the Senate, with women holding senior positions across the judiciary, prosecution, central bank, and other key institutions. Financial inclusion for women has also increased to 96 percent, up from 92 percent in 2020.
The Rwandan delegation, which included Ambassador Urujeni Bakuramutsa and officials from the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), and the Ministry of Local Government, emphasized that the country approaches the UPR process with a spirit of openness and constructive dialogue, using it as a platform to strengthen citizen-centered policies and institutional reforms.
“We are here to listen, to respond, and to consider recommendations in good faith, guided by our constitution, our international obligations, and our national priorities,” Dr. Ugirashebuja stated.
Rwanda noted that it remains committed to building on its progress, addressing challenges such as climate-related impacts, teenage pregnancy, and lingering socio-economic vulnerabilities, through sustained reforms and strengthened partnerships to enhance the rights and well-being of all Rwandans.
