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.
Macron made the remarks at the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos, arguing that Europe must become “more realistic” in defending its interests as global competition intensifies and rules-based governance weakens.
Addressing rising trade tensions, Macron criticized the United States for an “endless accumulation of new tariffs,” describing the approach as “fundamentally unacceptable.”
“Even more so when they are used as leverage against territorial sovereignty,” he said.
Macron urged renewed commitment to effective multilateralism, saying international law is being trampled and collective governance weakened, creating a world in which “the law of the strongest” increasingly prevails.
France holds the G7 presidency this year, Macron said, pledging to use it to promote frank dialogue and practical solutions, while calling on partners to avoid trade wars and protectionist escalation that “will only produce losers.”
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday that the United States will impose 10-percent tariffs on all goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, Britain, the Netherlands and Finland over Greenland starting on Feb. 1.
Those tariffs would increase to 25 percent on June 1, and would continue until a deal is reached for the United States to purchase Greenland, he said on social media.
Greenland, the world’s largest island, is a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, with Copenhagen retaining control over defense and foreign policy. Since returning to office in 2025, Trump has repeatedly expressed a desire to “obtain” Greenland.
This announcement came as part of his broader strategy to bring stability to the region following the prolonged conflict.
The Board of Peace’s primary objectives include ensuring the continuation of the current ceasefire, facilitating demilitarization, aiding in the reconstruction of Gaza’s infrastructure, and helping the region transition from conflict to peace. The plan also aims to attract international investment for rebuilding efforts and improving governance capacity in Gaza.
The Board of Peace would be an unprecedented initiative in the realm of international diplomacy, as it would be led under U.S. oversight, with President Trump personally serving as its chair.
While the United Nations typically handles peacekeeping efforts, this new Board seeks to offer an alternative, with a more strategic oversight role in managing peace and security. This approach has drawn both support and criticism from various quarters, as countries analyze the potential shift in how international peace efforts are managed.
So far, over 10 countries have accepted invitations to join the initiative, with several nations making public announcements. Countries like the United Arab Emirates, Belarus, Morocco, Hungary, and Canada are among the first to confirm their participation.
Notably, countries contributing $1 billion to the Board will be granted permanent membership, while others will have the opportunity to serve on a three-year term basis without the financial contribution. This unique membership model has stirred some debate, with some countries, like Canada, opting to participate but not contribute financially for permanent seats.
The initiative is still in its early stages, with more countries expected to join, but there is some hesitation from other parts of the world. Several international leaders have expressed caution, fearing that the Board could undermine the role of established organizations like the United Nations in peacekeeping operations.
Nonetheless, Trump has remained adamant about the potential for the Board to become a significant diplomatic body. The U.S. hopes to hold a signing ceremony for the Board during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where world leaders are expected to gather this week.
The formation of the Board has also raised questions about its long-term impact on international diplomacy and peace efforts. Critics argue that the Board’s structure could shift diplomatic influence away from traditional peacekeeping organizations, potentially leading to a more U.S.-centric approach to global peace. However, supporters of the plan see this as a practical step forward, providing a unique platform for nations willing to contribute resources and actively participate in rebuilding efforts in Gaza.
As the situation unfolds, the U.S. and its allies are working on finalizing the list of founding members of the Board and determining the next steps for the peace process in Gaza. With discussions continuing at the World Economic Forum, the world will soon see how this initiative will shape international peace efforts moving forward.
Speaking to the BBC from an undisclosed location, Wine said he had decided against filing a petition despite concerns over his safety following the election. He added that he would continue to engage in political activism and advocacy through constitutional avenues.
“The judiciary in Uganda is captured, and we encourage Ugandans to use any legal means to fight back and protect their democracy,” said the 43-year-old pop star turned politician whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi.
President Yoweri Museveni, 81, was declared the winner of the presidential poll by the Electoral Commission on Saturday, securing a seventh term in office. Official results showed Museveni obtained about 72 percent of the vote, while Wine, his closest challenger, garnered around 25 percent.
Wine, who previously challenged Museveni’s victory in the 2021 election before later withdrawing his petition, said his current decision reflected lessons learned from past experience. He has called on supporters to remain calm and to pursue what he described as peaceful and constitutional action.
During the BBC interview, Wine said he was in hiding after leaving his home in a Kampala suburb, citing heightened security presence in the area. He also expressed concern about the wellbeing of his family, saying access to his residence had been restricted. Police have denied raiding his home, stating that security deployments were intended to ensure his safety as a presidential candidate.
Ugandan authorities have not directly responded to Wine’s latest remarks. However, the Uganda Human Rights Commission said that while there were technical and procedural challenges on polling day, they did not undermine the overall credibility of the election.
The African Union Election Observation Mission said it found no evidence of widespread irregularities but criticised the temporary nationwide internet shutdown that was imposed during and after polling.
In his victory address, President Museveni, who has led Uganda since 1986, called for unity and peace, saying the election demonstrated the continued dominance of his National Resistance Movement (NRM). He outlined priorities for his new term, including wealth creation, poverty reduction, improved public services and a renewed fight against corruption.
“The secretary-general condemns in the strongest terms the Israeli authorities’ actions to demolish” the Sheikh Jarrah compound of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), the statement said.
It said that, as Guterres “has repeatedly and unequivocally stated, including in his letter to the Prime Minister of Israel on 8 January 2026, the Sheikh Jarrah compound remains United Nations premises, and is inviolable and immune from any form of interference.”
The secretary-general urges the Israeli government to immediately cease the demolition of the compound, and to return and restore the compound and other UNRWA premises to the United Nations without delay, the statement said.
It added that Guterres views as wholly unacceptable the continued escalatory actions against UNRWA, which are inconsistent with Israel’s clear obligations under international law, including the UN Charter and the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations.
This issue was addressed during a press conference held on Monday, January 19, 2026, at Stade Amahoro. The event was attended by the Country Director of QA Venue Solutions Rwanda, John Ntigengwa; the CEO of Rwanda Premier League, Jules Karangwa; and Tokoloho Moeketsi, the Commercial Director at QA Venue Solutions.
The discussion comes amid growing complaints from various stakeholders, including federations and teams using Stade Amahoro and smaller venues like Petit Stade, who have criticized the high rental prices. Fans attending matches at the stadium have also expressed dissatisfaction with the excessively high prices for drinks and food.
Ntigengwa mentioned that QA Solutions, which has extensive experience in managing sports and entertainment venues, signed an agreement with the Rwandan Government on May 15, 2025, to manage Stade Amahoro to ensure its efficient operation and generate revenue.
The goal is for the stadium to remain in top condition, provide a return on investment, and allow the government to recoup its initial investment.
“The stadium must be used, but it should also generate income. Such an investment takes time, but we want to ensure it stays intact, always looking good, and at an international standard,” he said.
{{No fixed price for renting Stade Amahoro }}
On July 1, 2024, President Paul Kagame, together with Dr. Patrice Motsepe, the President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), officially inaugurated the revamped Amahoro Stadium, which had been under renovation for two years. The stadium’s capacity was increased from 25,000 to 45,000 seated spectators, and it was fully covered.
Since then, the stadium has hosted both local and international events, but the management has stated that no set price has yet been established for its rental.
John Ntigengwa, the Managing Director of QA Solutions Rwanda, explained that when the company was given the authority to manage the stadium, discussions were held with various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Sports, federations, and teams, and it was realized that the price for renting the stadium for events was too high. This led to the decision to differentiate prices based on the type of events held there.
“Since we started hosting events, we still don’t have a clear price for renting Stade Amahoro at this point for each team. We’ve been working with varying event prices, and the data from these trials will be used to determine the final rental rates,” he added.
{{Rental fees}}
QA Solutions Rwanda disclosed a meeting was scheduled on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, with the Rwanda Premier League (RPL), FERWAFA, and football teams to find a lasting solution to the pricing issue.
Ntigengwa mentioned that in previous discussions, teams suggested that the rental price for the stadium should be between Rwf3 million and Rwf5 million, and this is the direction they plan to follow.
He said, “Stade Amahoro belongs to the Rwandan people, and it should be used by Rwandans. But to ensure that everyone contributes, we have found that working together is necessary. The government is always there to help us.”
He also clarified that historically, renting Amahoro Stadium was priced at Rwf 10 million , but it has now been reduced to Rwf3 million thanks to government subsidies. Additional costs for utilities like water, electricity, security, protocol, ambulances, and insurance for any possible incidents at the stadium also contribute to the final rental price.
The total rental cost for the stadium can rise, as evidenced through the match between APR FC and Rayon Sports in November 2025, where the rental cost alone was Rwf32 million, including Rwf 10 million for the stadium and additional costs for other services.
QA Solutions Rwanda has formed partnerships with companies involved in ticket sales, security, and protocol management to ensure services meet the required standards.
Ntigengwa stated that if a match is expected to have fewer attendees, thereby reducing the need for extensive security and protocol staff, the costs for teams would be adjusted accordingly.
{{Pricing for food and beverages }}
Since Amahoro Stadium’s renovation, fans have frequently complained about the high prices of food and drinks. For example, a bottle of water has been sold for Rwf 2,500, and coffee for Rwf 8,000, prices that are often three times higher than outside the stadium.
During the press conference, Ntigengwa explained that the selection of vendors for food and drink sales at the stadium is QA Solutions Rwanda’s responsibility, as they must comply with health and hygiene regulations.
Stade Amahoro has 35 designated vending spaces, including 14 on the lower level and 21 on the upper level, with 17 doors available for permanent sales, some of which have been allocated to sports organizations.
Regarding the prices, Ntigengwa said, “This issue arose before we took over, but just recently, we faced a situation where someone was charging excessive prices for water. I personally spoke to the vendor and made it clear that such prices are unacceptable. Coffee is now priced between Rwf 3,000 and Rwf 4,000, not Rwf 8,000.”
{{Increased revenue }}
Jules Karangwa, the CEO of the Rwanda Premier League, mentioned that Tuesday’s meeting will be the third held between this organization and QA Solutions Rwanda to discuss cooperation.
He pointed out that athletes must understand that the stadium is now at an international standard, and although the rental price is higher than other local stadiums, it is justified by the upgraded facilities.
“The mindset must change. What people pay for events here is different from what they pay elsewhere. We are already discussing how to generate more revenue and increase income.”
He said, “Mindsets need to change. What a person contributes to play at the stadium is different from what is paid elsewhere. Now the discussions are focused on how we manage expenses and increase revenue more effectively.”
Karangwa also highlighted the opportunities brought by Stade Amahoro’s renovation. In the past, it was hard to generate more than Rwf 400 million annually from the stadium, but since the renovation, the stadium has made Rwf 950 million.
In the image, Trump is accompanied by U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, with a sign nearby reading “GREENLAND – US TERRITORY EST. 2026.”
On the same day, Trump released another image: He met with European leaders in the Oval Office, with a map displayed behind him showing the United States, Canada, Greenland, and Venezuela under the American flag.
Trump said on Truth Social on Tuesday that he had a telephone call with Mark Rutte, the Secretary General of NATO, concerning Greenland.
“As I expressed to everyone, very plainly, Greenland is imperative for National and World Security. There can be no going back. On that, everyone agrees!” he wrote.
Against a backdrop of growing geopolitical complexity, deepening fragmentation and rapid technological transformation, the forum has called on the international community to bridge differences through dialogue, look to the future, and work together to address major global challenges.
{{Rising global risks
}}
The world is currently grappling with a convergence of risks that is placing unprecedented strain on global stability and development.
The WEF’s Global Risks Report 2026, one of its flagship publications released ahead of the annual meeting, points out that geopolitical and economic risks rise in a new age of competition.
The report identifies geoeconomic confrontation as the top risk for 2026, followed by interstate conflict, extreme weather, societal polarization, misinformation and disinformation. Economic risks, it notes, are rising at the fastest pace among all risk categories in the short term.
WEF Managing Director Saadia Zahidi said the age of competition compounds global risks ranging from geoeconomic confrontation, unchecked technology to rising debt, and changes the world’s collective capacity to address them.
According to the WEF’s latest Chief Economists’ Outlook, 53 percent of chief economists expect global economic conditions to weaken in the year ahead, with concerns over potential asset valuation declines, mounting debt and geoeconomic realignment, among other factors.
This was echoed by the United Nations in its latest World Economic Situation and Prospects 2026 report. The UN projects global economic growth at 2.7 percent in 2026, slightly below the estimated 2.8 percent in 2025, citing weak investment and tight fiscal space as key drags on economic activity.
The report warns that higher tariffs combined with rising macroeconomic uncertainty will have a more pronounced impact next year, with global trade growth expected to fall to 2.2 percent in 2026, down from 3.8 percent in 2025.
In a recent interview with Xinhua, WEF President and CEO Borge Brende said, “We are most worried about major escalations of wars. That can kill global growth.” He noted that if the world can avoid such escalations, global economic growth could reach over 3 percent in 2026.
A major focus of the annual meeting will be the technological paradigm shift — from artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing to next-generation biotechnology and energy systems. The WEF said that these new technologies are reshaping how people live and work while creating new growth engines.
The WEF warns that while the rapid advance of AI is driving productivity gains, it also brings new risks, including social fractures fueled by rising unemployment and weakening consumer confidence.
{{Dialogue urgently needed
}}
Days before the meeting opened, the WEF released its Global Cooperation Barometer, which finds that global cooperation has proved resilient despite strong headwinds confronting multilateralism. Yet the report cautions that existing levels of cooperation remain inadequate to meet pressing economic, security and environmental challenges.
The report stresses that in an increasingly complex and uncertain geopolitical environment, open and constructive dialogue is critical to identifying collaborative pathways that advance shared interests.
Under the theme “A Spirit of Dialogue,” this year’s meeting reflects that urgency. Key topics include how to cooperate in a more contested world, how to unlock new sources of growth, and how to deploy innovation at scale and responsibly.
“Dialogue is not a luxury in times of uncertainty; it is an urgent necessity,” said Brende.
During the interview, he viewed dialogue as critical as it is the start of a process that can ultimately yield results capable of moving the world forward.
More dialogue is needed to change today’s growing polarization and lack of win-win outcomes, Brende added.
Larry Fink, interim co-chair of the WEF, said the forum has brought together a record number of leaders from governments, businesses and non-governmental organizations at a moment when dialogue matters more than ever.
“Understanding different perspectives is essential to driving economic progress and ensuring prosperity is more broadly shared,” he said.
