Hamas sources said the bombing targeted a gathering of displaced people, resulting in a number of casualties. The sources considered the targeting of al-Bardawil a new escalation in Israeli attacks on the movement’s leaders as well as civilians in the Gaza Strip.
Hamas mourned al-Bardawil, saying that he was a prominent political figure who had served as a member of the Palestinian Legislative Council for the Change and Reform Bloc and as one of the movement’s official spokespersons.
The Israeli army has not commented on this incident yet.
The killing comes amid growing international calls to de-escalate the situation and protect civilians from the repercussions of the conflict.
The 88-year-old pontiff, who has been receiving treatment for double pneumonia since February 14, is expected to return to his residence at Casa Santa Marta following the Angelus prayer at noon.
Dr. Sergio Alfieri, head of the medical team overseeing the pope’s care, confirmed that Francis is in stable condition and will continue with a prescription to manage his recovery. While his pneumonia has been brought under control, the pope still requires a period of rest and physiotherapy, with doctors recommending a two-month convalescence.
The Vatican has reassured the faithful that Pope Francis will make his first public appearance on Sunday at the hospital’s balcony, where he will greet and bless the crowd before leaving for his residence. This will mark his return to the public eye after a month of absence, which has deeply moved Catholics worldwide.
Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni also emphasized that while Francis is improving, his recovery process will involve continued therapy.
“The pope’s voice is improving, but he still needs time,” said Dr. Luigi Carbone, vice director of the Vatican’s healthcare service. The pope’s health struggles have included multiple episodes where his life was reportedly at risk, leading to heightened concern among his followers.
During his hospitalization, the pope has remained active spiritually, with the Vatican releasing an audio message and a photograph of him praying in the hospital chapel. Despite his ongoing health challenges, Francis has remained in good spirits, frequently expressing his desire to return to his duties.
The pope’s discharge comes just days after Vatican officials reported that his condition was steadily improving. News of his recovery has been welcomed with joy by Catholics, with many gathering in prayer at St. Peter’s Square and in other locations worldwide, including in his home country of Argentina.
The DRC government had repeatedly stated that it would never negotiate with the rebel alliance, labelling it a terrorist group responsible for violent acts against Congolese citizens, opting instead to combat it through military force.
After M23 seized the city of Goma in late January, the heads of state from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) met in Tanzania on February 8, urging the DRC government to accept political dialogue.
While these resolutions had not yet been implemented, M23 captured Kavumu Airport in South Kivu Province and the city of Bukavu on February 16.
On March 11, João Lourenço, the President of Angola and Chairperson of the African Union, announced that the DRC government would begin talks with AFC/M23 representatives on March 18.
Two days after President Lourenço’s announcement, SADC leaders decided to withdraw their military forces, which had been assisting the DRC government and began organizing their phased withdrawal.
Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, the DRC’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, explained that the government initially saw no need to negotiate with AFC/M23 until Angola urged them to engage in talks.
“For a long time, we insisted that direct negotiations with M23 were unnecessary and not part of our approach, but the Angolan mediator initiated this process and invited all parties to come together for dialogue,” said Minister Kayikwamba.
She stated that multiple discussions had taken place, all emphasizing the need to cease hostilities and that the DRC government is ready to implement a ceasefire to alleviate civilian suffering.
“I also believe that across different regions of the DRC, the nature of the conflict is evolving in its intensity. What matters most to us and our people is to engage in direct talks with M23, followed by a ceasefire,” she added.
Minister Kayikwamba stressed that it would have been regrettable if the DRC government failed to recognize the shifting dynamics of the conflict in the eastern part of the country, especially given its responsibility to protect civilians.
The talks scheduled to take place in Angola on March 18, 2025, however, faced a setback after M23 withdrew in protest against last-minute sanctions imposed on its leaders on the eve of the negotiations.
The aircraft, a De Havilland Canada DHC-5 Buffalo with registration 5Y-RBA, was operated by Kenyan aviation company Trident Aviation Ltd.
According to a statement from the Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA), the crash occurred at approximately 5:43 PM local time (14:43Z) in Ceel Xabaaloow, about 24 kilometres from Mogadishu. The aircraft had departed from Dhobley (HCDB) and was en route to Aden Abdulle International Airport (HCMM).
Preliminary reports indicate that all five crew members perished in the crash. Search and rescue teams were immediately deployed to the site, and investigations into the cause of the accident are underway.
“Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those affected. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available,” the Somali Civil Aviation Authority said in a statement released on Sunday.
Trident Aviation Ltd, a Kenyan airline, specialises in cargo and humanitarian flights across the region.
After concluding his visit, Gen. Muhoozi took to X to extend his gratitude to Rwandan President Paul Kagame, First Lady Jeanette Kagame, and Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Mubarakh Muganga.
“I want to thank H.E. Paul Kagame, First Lady Jeanette Kagame, and my counterpart General Mubarak Muganga for the warm reception my delegation and I received in Rwanda. God bless the fraternal relations between Uganda and Rwanda,” he posted.
His message reinforced the significance of military diplomacy in fostering regional stability and collaboration.
Gen. Muhoozi’s visit, which took place from March 20 to March 22, 2025, included high-level security engagements aimed at strengthening defense cooperation between Uganda and Rwanda.
He was officially seen off by Gen. Mubarakh Muganga, the Commander of the Republican Guard, Maj. Gen. Willy Rwagasana, and RDF Spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Ronald Rwivanga.
During his stay, Muhoozi visited the RDF Senior Command and Staff College in Nyakinama, Musanze District, where he delivered a lecture on peacekeeping and security in Africa.
He also held discussions with senior RDF officers and Ugandan military officials on ways to enhance bilateral defense cooperation and address security challenges.
Speaking on the unity between the two countries’ armed forces, Muhoozi stated, “When we combine the strength of our powerful armies, there is no challenge we cannot overcome together.”
His visit, accompanied by top Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) officials and veteran journalist Andrew Mwenda, is seen as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen diplomatic and military relations between Uganda and Rwanda.
The group captured Walikale on March 19, 2025, along with the small Kigoma airstrip, following the takeover of nearby areas, including Ngora, Kisima, and Mubanda.
On March 22, AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka stated that the withdrawal was a strategic decision aimed at fostering a conducive environment for political dialogue. He declared, “The AFC/M23 coalition has decided to withdraw its forces from Walikale City and its surrounding areas.”
Kanyuka urged the city’s residents and local authorities to take necessary measures to ensure security and protect their property following the group’s departure.
However, AFC/M23 warned that if the Congolese government forces resumed attacks on civilians or its positions, it would reconsider its decision and retake the city.
The event was attended by several high-profile figures, including Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olivier Nduhungirehe, who represented President Paul Kagame and presented a symbolic gift to President Nandi-Ndaitwah.
The gift, featuring an image of traditional Rwandan drummers, represented Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage and was a gesture of goodwill between the two nations.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s election victory in November saw her secure 58% of the vote as the candidate for the ruling SWAPO party, which has led Namibia since independence in 1990.
She took over from outgoing President Nangolo Mbumba, 83, in a ceremony originally planned for the Independence Stadium but moved to State House in Windhoek due to heavy rains.
Her swearing-in was a significant moment, making her the fourth woman to serve as head of state in Africa, following Liberia’s Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Malawi’s Joyce Banda, and Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan.
These women attended her inauguration, showing solidarity and support. The occasion also followed another landmark event where Namibia’s parliament elected its first female speaker, former Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, just a day prior.
Minister Nduhungirehe praised President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s long-standing dedication to Namibia’s liberation and her advocacy for women’s rights. He highlighted her activism, which began in her youth while living in Tanzania. “Her election is a remarkable milestone and a historic moment for Namibia,” he said.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah acknowledged the challenges of being the country’s first female head of state and remarked, “If things go well, it will be a great example. But if anything does not go as planned, just as it happens in male-led governments, some will say, ‘Look at women!’”
In her inaugural speech, she laid out her administration’s priorities, emphasizing economic growth, job creation, and infrastructure development.
“We will increase investment in the development of infrastructure to open investment opportunities, enhance economic productivity, promote economic growth, and improve the quality of life of our people,” she declared.
She also committed to universal health coverage and ensuring Namibians benefit from their country’s natural resources through value addition. Climate change remains a concern for Namibia, a drought-prone nation, and she vowed to intensify efforts to combat its effects.
Beyond domestic issues, President Nandi-Ndaitwah reaffirmed her commitment to international solidarity. She voiced support for the right to self-determination for Palestinians and the people of Western Sahara.
Additionally, she called for the lifting of sanctions on Cuba, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe, aligning Namibia’s foreign policy with global calls for economic justice.
A veteran politician, Nandi-Ndaitwah has been a member of SWAPO since her teenage years. She lived in exile in Zambia, Tanzania, the former Soviet Union, and the United Kingdom during Namibia’s struggle for independence.
Since 1990, she has held multiple government roles, including Minister of Environment and Tourism and Minister of Foreign Affairs, before becoming Vice President. Her leadership is marked by resilience and a strategic vision for Namibia’s future.
Her husband, a retired general, now holds the official title of “First Gentleman,” highlighting the shifting dynamics in the country’s leadership norms.
During his visit on March 21, 2025, Gen Muhoozi was accompanied by Rwanda’s Chief of Defense Forces, Gen Mubarakh Muganga.
Gen Muhoozi highlighted the strong military ties between Rwanda and Uganda, emphasizing that this collaboration has yielded significant benefits. He reiterated that both sides remain committed to working together in addressing any security threats.
He stated, “When we combine the strength of our powerful armies, there is no obstacle we cannot overcome.”
The Ugandan general also delivered a lecture to students at the college, who hail from 20 different countries. His lesson focused on reinforcing partnerships as the foundation for ensuring Africa’s security.
He urged the students to prioritize African unity, particularly in safeguarding the continent’s vital interests, protecting civilians, and fostering brotherhood among African nations.
Gen Muhoozi began his official visit to Rwanda on March 20, accompanied by Brig Gen Asingura Kagoro and journalist Andrew Mwenda, who is a close friend of both Muhoozi and Rwanda.
In February 2025, Muhoozi had announced his upcoming visit, noting that afterward, his Rwandan counterpart, Gen Muganga, would also visit Uganda.
“Soon, I will visit our soldiers in the RDF. After that, Rwanda’s CDF will visit the UPDF soldiers. Uganda and Rwanda are one! Always,” he stated.
The Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) confirmed that Gen Muhoozi plans to hold discussions with senior RDF leaders and President Paul Kagame. The UPDF further stated that his visit represents continued progress in strengthening military cooperation between the two nations.
Gen Muhoozi last visited Rwanda in August 2024, when he attended the inauguration ceremony of President Paul Kagame following his re-election.
AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka has announced that on March 19, 2025, the group received a letter from the UN Group of Experts informing them of their planned visit, set to take place from March 23 to March 27.
The experts’ visit to Goma will focus on assessing M23’s demands to the DRC government, including the cessation of hostilities to allow for humanitarian aid and the repatriation of refugees both abroad and within the country.
The experts will also collect information on the cooperation between DRC forces and armed groups such as the FDLR and CNRD-FLN, as well as the involvement of Burundian forces in North and South Kivu.
Additionally, the experts are expected to evaluate the living conditions of DRC soldiers and members of other armed groups who surrendered after M23 fighters took control of Goma on January 27 and Bukavu on February 16.
Reports compiled by these experts serve as a foundation for UN actions aimed at restoring peace and security in the region.
However, their reports have sometimes been criticized for bias, with some questioning the reliability of the information provided, particularly when it is seen as not coming from the appropriate sources.
Inspired by the sensational Victor Osimhen, the Nigerian side displayed dominance in Kigali, securing a crucial three points that place them four points behind South Africa in Group C.
The match began with a measured tempo, both teams testing each other cautiously. However, it took only ten minutes for Nigeria to break the deadlock. Ademola Lookman provided a perfectly timed pass, allowing Osimhen to slot home an easy tap-in, putting the visitors ahead early.
The early goal injected confidence into the Super Eagles, who immediately applied relentless pressure on Rwanda’s defense. Simon Moses and Samuel Chukwueze orchestrated brilliant attacking plays on the right flank, frequently troubling the Rwandan backline.
Their efforts earned Nigeria a free kick in the 20th minute after Claude Niyomugabo fouled Chukwueze. With Nigeria enjoying 66% possession in the first half-hour, Rwanda struggled to impose themselves on the game.
The statistics reflected Nigeria’s supremacy, as they earned three corner kicks compared to Rwanda’s none in the first 30 minutes.
Rwanda’s struggles continued, with Nigerian players effortlessly weaving past their defense. In an attempt to shake things up, Gilbert Mugisha was introduced in the 38th minute, replacing Samuel Guelette. Mugisha wasted no time, attempting a shot on his very first touch, but it was easily gathered by the Nigerian goalkeeper.
Excitement swept through the stadium towards the end of the first half when President Paul Kagame and the First Lady Jeannette Kagame arrived. Their presence ignited energy among the home fans, injecting new life into the Rwandan players.
However, just when it seemed the hosts might head into the break only one goal down, Osimhen capitalized on a defensive error. The Napoli striker stole the ball from Thierry Manzi and coolly looped it over goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari for his second goal, securing a 2-0 lead at halftime.
The second half kicked off with immediate action, as Rwanda’s captain Djihad Bizimana picked up a yellow card for a foul on Osimhen just outside the 18-yard box. Nigeria’s Wilfred Ndidi followed suit minutes later, receiving a yellow card for a counter challenge on the Amavubi captain.
Rwanda showed more urgency, with Gilbert Mugisha adding fresh energy to their attack. They introduced Kevin Muhire in the 58th minute, replacing Hakim Sahabo in a bid to turn the tide.
Despite their efforts, Nigeria continued to control the tempo. By the 70th minute, the Super Eagles had earned eight corner kicks, compared to Rwanda’s two, further emphasizing their offensive pressure.
Osimhen, having done his job, was substituted in the 75th minute for Arokodare Emmanuel. In response, Rwanda made their own late changes, with Yves Habimana replacing Innocent Nshuti and Jean Bosco Ruboneka coming in for Jojea Kwizera.
As the clock ticked down, Rwanda thought they had pulled a goal back when Habimana found the back of the net. However, the goal was swiftly ruled out for offside, crushing any hopes of a comeback.
Moments later, Arokodare received a yellow card in added time, marking a feisty end to the contest. With five minutes of additional time played, Moroccan referee Jalal Jayed blew the full-time whistle, confirming Nigeria’s well-earned 2-0 victory.
The Super Eagles’ triumph not only revived their World Cup qualification hopes but also showcased their attacking prowess and defensive solidity. As the competition heats up, Nigeria now looks to build on this win while Rwanda must regroup and find a way to revive their campaign.
The road to the World Cup remains long, but for now, Nigeria celebrates a crucial victory led by their talisman, the on-loan Galatasaray forward, Victor Osimhen.
After today’s games, Bafana Bafana moved to the summit after overcoming a stubborn Lesotho side 2-0 thanks to second-half strikes from Relebohile Mofokeng and Jayden Adams.
