According to notices issued by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Iran closed its airspace to most flights during two separate periods early Thursday, allowing only aircraft with prior approval from Iran’s Civil Aviation Organisation (CAO).
Flight tracking data showed only a handful of aircraft flying over the country at the time, with many rerouting around its borders. The airspace was fully reopened around 7:00am local time.
Neither the FAA nor Iran’s aviation authority immediately commented on the restrictions.
The temporary closures came as US President Donald Trump warned of potential action against Iran following a deadly crackdown on antigovernment protests.
In response to rising tensions, the United States and the United Kingdom withdrew some military personnel from Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar after Iranian officials warned that US forces in the region could be targeted if an attack occurred.
Several countries have since issued travel and security advisories to their citizens in the Middle East. Trump later appeared to ease his tone, saying he had received assurances that the killings of protesters in Iran had stopped.
Aviation safety group OpsGroup warned that such airspace restrictions may indicate increased military activity, including risks linked to missile launches or heightened air defence operations, which could endanger civilian aircraft.
Iran’s airspace safety has remained under scrutiny since 2020, when its air defences mistakenly shot down a Ukrainian passenger jet shortly after take-off from Tehran, killing all 176 people on board.
A later investigation concluded the aircraft had been misidentified amid heightened tensions with the United States.
The demonstration, named “Greenland Belongs to the Greenlanders,” began at 4 p.m. local time (1500 GMT) in front of the embassy and was later moved by police to the opposite side of the street. The protest lasted around two hours.
“We only want to be ourselves. We want to belong to Greenland as Greenlanders, and we will stay strong and committed to that,” a Greenlander, Andersen, told Xinhua.
“Nobody should be able to take over another country – not because someone thinks they are strong and therefore can take whatever they want,” said Simon Vincent Nelson, a Copenhagen resident, adding that he was “very angry about it and felt offended.”
The rally followed U.S. President Donald Trump’s renewed remarks to acquire Greenland, which have been firmly rejected by Denmark, Greenland, and NATO allies.
The retreat reflects a deliberate shift in mindset as the Group positions 2026 as a defining year for consolidating gains and scaling impact.
Leadership described the coming year as one where execution would fully align with the Group’s core identity, rather than mere intention.
At the heart of this vision lies institutionalization, seen as the essential bedrock for preserving value, deepening established platforms, and building a robust leadership pipeline across Africa.
Nonso Okpala, Group Managing Director and CEO of VFD Group, underscored the uncompromising priority of profitability during the discussions.
“For VFD Group, which is an African investment company, the mindset in 2026 is institutionalization,” he stated. “It is about preserving what we have built, deepening what we have established, and enhancing our leadership bench. Our stock in trade is leadership, our people. We must transform skilled individuals into remarkable leaders capable of building great companies. As our ecosystem continues to grow, the firepower we need comes from placing leaders in companies where they can perform exceptionally.”
He further emphasized that while the Group recently concluded a ₦50 billion capital raise, capital must be matched with governance and leadership discipline to unlock sustainable value.
“We just concluded a N50 billion capital raise that provides the firepower to better express ourselves and seize opportunities. But capital alone isn’t enough. We must broaden our ecosystem, capacitate our leaders within respective companies, and institutionalize governance as a strategic tool to strengthen our businesses and enhance returns,” he said.
{{Kigali as a blueprint for execution}}
The choice of Kigali as the retreat location was intentional. Rwanda’s transformation journey served as both inspiration and a practical reference point for disciplined execution and long-term thinking.
“As a Black African, Rwanda is a poster child for progress and what’s possible on this continent,” Okpala noted. “Having this meeting here is indicative of our stage of maturity. We want to draw from the lessons they’ve embedded, the pride and aspiration they represent, and identify with the possibilities that exist across Africa.”
{{Turning strategy into daily action}}
“The Group’s ambition is clear: value creation and execution,” Anadu explained. “For Ghana, we break that down into trackable targets—daily, monthly, annually. Employees buy-in is essential; when people own the vision, execution becomes organic. We conduct daily operational reviews, weekly assessments, and monthly sit-downs to review what’s working, what’s not, and remain flexible. And crucially, we celebrate every win, no matter how small, it keeps us motivated and focused.”
Executives also explored practical ways to translate the Group’s overarching strategy into tangible results at the subsidiary level.
Chinelo Anadu, Managing Director of VFD Ghana, stressed the importance of execution discipline and fostering employee ownership.
“The Group’s ambition is clear: value creation through flawless execution,” she said.
“In Ghana, we translate that into trackable targets on a daily, monthly, and annual basis. Employee buy-in is crucial, when people truly own the vision, execution becomes organic. We conduct daily operational reviews, weekly assessments, and monthly sit-downs to review what’s working, what’s not, and remain flexible. And crucially, we celebrate every win, no matter how small, it keeps us motivated and focused.”
Chioma Esike, Managing Director, Herel Global, highlighted the need to remove limiting mindsets that hinder scale.
“The bottleneck we must remove is not thinking big,” Esike asserted. “Too often, we have opportunities to think beyond scope but limit ourselves to conventional ways of operating. That mindset is a key hindrance to scaling and growth, and we’re laser-focused on eliminating it in 2026,” Esike said.
{{2026 strategic priorities}}
At the core of VFD Group’s 2026 vision are three interconnected priorities: driving profitability through strategic capital deployment, leveraging the recent ₦50 billion raise to seize opportunities and deliver superior returns; institutionalizing leadership by developing skilled professionals into visionary builders of enduring companies; and embedding governance as a core strategic element to fortify businesses and protect stakeholder value.
VFD Group stands as an African investment company dedicated to building continental capacity and creating platforms that enable the realization of strategic objectives.
With a diverse portfolio spanning multiple sectors, the Group remains steadfast in its commitment to nurturing exceptional leadership and generating sustainable value throughout its ecosystem.
Ambassador Al Hajri succeeds the late Misfer bin Faisal Al-Shahwani, who passed away in July 2024, while Ambassador Nakajo replaces Isao Fukushima, who had served since 2023.
Addressing the media after submitting his credentials, Ambassador Al Hajri highlighted the strong ties between Rwanda and Qatar and outlined his priorities for cultural and economic cooperation.
“Qatar and Rwanda have a very special relationship. We’ll start by completing the investments already underway, including the new airport and aviation projects, which will form the backbone for future investments,” he said.
Ambassador Nakajo echoed the sentiment, emphasising Rwanda-Japan collaboration across multiple sectors.
“I will commit myself to widening our relationship in any aspect, from economic and business to culture and human exchanges. Rwanda already offers a top business environment in Africa, and I aim to encourage more Japanese businesses to invest here,” he said.
Rwanda’s partnership with Qatar includes a planned 49% stake acquisition by Qatar Airways in RwandAir and a 60% investment in the new Kigali International Airport in Bugesera, set to open in 2027. Japan’s engagement spans nearly six decades and includes a 14 billion Yen loan to support education and a $20 million water pipeline in Kigali, improving access to clean water.
The accreditation of the two ambassadors underscores Rwanda’s expanding diplomatic and economic engagement with Asia and the Middle East, laying the groundwork for deeper investment, cultural exchange, and long-term cooperation.
This marks the highest ranking in the country’s history; the previous peak was 73rd in 2006, while the lowest position recorded was 92nd in 2015.
The Henley Passport Index, based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), is widely regarded as the most authoritative global ranking system for passports.
The index tracks 199 passports and 227 travel destinations, providing a unique snapshot of each country’s passport power. Rankings are determined by factors such as visa-free access, visas on arrival, and the technological security features of the passport itself.
Holders of a Rwandan passport can now travel to 67 countries without a visa. The most recent country to lift entry visa requirements for Rwandan citizens is Liberia, following an agreement signed by both nations on September 10, 2025, in Monrovia.
Rwanda’s rise in the rankings reflects its growing diplomatic reach and ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral and multilateral ties.
At the top of the index, Singapore retains its position as the world’s most powerful passport, offering visa-free access to 192 destinations. It is closely followed by Japan and South Korea, whose citizens can travel to 188 countries without a prior visa.
At the tail end of the Henley Passport Index, Afghanistan ranks last, providing visa-free access to only 24 destinations, followed by Syria, Iraq, Yemen, and Pakistan.
Kenny Mugarura, Global Entertainment, Sports & Events Director at Kigali Universe, confirmed the development in an exclusive interview with IGIHE. He explained that the footbridge is part of the center’s ongoing expansion, which also includes a multifunctional building designed to host concerts, exhibitions, and other events.
The new building will accommodate up to 700 people and is expected to become a key venue for a variety of activities. In addition, Mugarura noted that there is still space available for further development on top of the CHIC building.
“The footbridge project is now complete, fully approved, and has received all necessary permits,” Mugarura said. “We plan to open it this month or in February.”
The footbridge is a modern, architecturally striking structure that connects key sections of Kigali Universe, offering visitors a scenic route for walking, sightseeing, and photography.
Mugarura said the total cost, exceeding 900 million Frw, covered both imported materials and construction expenses. Some of the steel used in the bridge was sourced from China, while other components came from Turkey.
Designed by Turkish and Rwandan architects, the new footbridge can handle substantial visitor traffic and enhances the entertainment centre’s overall appeal.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the deployment is conducted in accordance with a bilateral agreement between Rwanda and Jamaica aimed at assisting in the rehabilitation of critical infrastructure destroyed by disasters.
Prior to their departure for Jamaica, the RDF engineers received a briefing from Brigadier General Faustin Tinka, Commander of the Mechanized Division on behalf of the RDF Chief of Defence Staff, who urged the deployed personnel to apply their full expertise, professionalism, and technical skills in order to successfully accomplish the mission entrusted to them by RDF leadership.
He emphasised that the beneficiaries of their support should clearly feel the positive impact of their work.
Brig Gen Tinka also highlighted the values that define the RDF, particularly discipline, which form the foundation of the Force.
“It is these values that earned you this responsibility,” he said, calling on the officers and other ranks to uphold and safeguard the RDF’s core values at all times.
Hurricane Melissa struck the Caribbean region in late October 2025 with devastating force. Jamaica experienced the most severe impact, prompting a large-scale multi-agency humanitarian response.
The decision follows Trump’s earlier statement that any country doing business with Iran would face a 25 percent tariff on trade with the United States.
Despite the escalating rhetoric, the White House said diplomacy remains Washington’s preferred option.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt noted on Monday that while dialogue is favored, the administration is not ruling out military action if circumstances require it.
In a series of posts on his Truth Social platform, Trump urged Iranians to continue protesting and called on them to “take over your institutions,” condemning what he described as the killing of demonstrators. He claimed that “help is on the way,” without providing further details.
Trump said the suspension of meetings would remain in place until the “senseless killing of protesters stops.”
In recent days, he has again raised the possibility of U.S. military strikes, warning that a harsh crackdown by Iranian authorities could trigger a strong response from Washington.
Iranian authorities have, for their part, consistently blamed the United States for stirring instability in the country.
In the latest accusation, Iran’s top military commander, Abdolrahim Mousavi, claimed that the US and Israel had sent members of the armed group ISIL (ISIS) into Iran to conduct attacks, though he did not present any evidence to support the claim.
The EAC Secretariat flagged off the mission to observe the electoral process in the Republic of Uganda on Tuesday, January 13. The mission comprises a delegation of 61 observers drawn from EAC Partner States and the EAC Secretariat.
The EAC Election Observation Mission will monitor the entire electoral cycle, including the pre-election environment, polling day activities and the post-election phase, with the aim of providing a comprehensive, independent and objective assessment of the conduct of the elections.
Ambassador Mukabagwiza brings to the role extensive experience in public service, diplomacy and regional affairs. The EAC said her leadership, integrity and deep understanding of governance processes will provide strategic guidance and credibility to the mission.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, Mukabagwiza underscored the mission’s commitment to impartiality and professionalism.
“We are here to observe and assess the electoral process in an independent, impartial and objective manner, in accordance with the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community, the EAC Election Observation Principles, the laws of the Republic of Uganda and applicable African Union and international standards,” she said.
Uganda concluded a three-month presidential campaign period on Tuesday ahead of the general elections. Incumbent President Yoweri Museveni, seeking a seventh five-year term, held his final rally in Kampala, while his main challenger, Robert Kyagulanyi, also wrapped up his campaign by urging voters to turn out. Six other candidates are contesting the presidency after campaigning across the country.
The EAC mission is expected to issue a preliminary statement outlining its initial observations and findings shortly after polling. A comprehensive final report will later be prepared and submitted to the EAC Council of Ministers, the Government of the Republic of Uganda and other relevant stakeholders.
“The report will include practical recommendations aimed at strengthening future electoral processes and enhancing democratic governance within the EAC,” said Veronica Mueni Nduva, the EAC Secretary General.
Mukabagwiza is a prominent figure in Rwanda’s public life, with more than 23 years of service in various national responsibilities. She previously served as Minister of Justice, Deputy Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies responsible for legal affairs and government oversight, and Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Canada and Cuba between 2007 and 2013. She later served as a Member of Parliament from 2013 to 2018 and was part of the leadership of the Chamber of Deputies.
An expert in law, Mukabagwiza studied at the University of Rwanda and holds a Master’s degree in Diplomacy from Washington International University in the United States, alongside other legal qualifications. She has worked in several ministries and non-governmental organisations and recently took the oath as a legal advocate, founding EM Pathways Legal & Advisory Ltd after concluding her political career.
The AU said in a statement that the chairperson has taken note of the recent presidential memorandum issued by the United States, directing the cessation of the country’s participation in, and funding to, certain United Nations (UN) entities, as well as the withdrawal from selected non-UN international organizations.
“The chairperson aligns with the statement of the Secretary-General of the UN underscoring the importance of a strong, effective, and inclusive multilateral system at a time when the international community faces intersecting global challenges, including conflict, climate change, economic uncertainty, and public health threats,” the statement read.
Youssouf stressed that these institutions “play an important role in supporting Africa’s development, peace-building, humanitarian response, and the implementation of Agenda 2063 of the AU and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”
“Any reduction in their operational capacity may have implications for development gains, peace consolidation efforts, and the resilience of communities, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected settings,” he said.
He said that multilateral platforms have historically served as effective vehicles through which shared global objectives have been advanced, delivering tangible results for both Africa and the broader international community.
The AU commission also expressed its hope that continued dialogue between the United States, the UN and international partners will help identify pathways to sustain critical multilateral functions, enhance efficiency and accountability, and ensure that the most vulnerable are not disproportionately affected.
U.S. President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order, suspending U.S. participation in and funding for 66 international organizations, agencies and commissions, including a number of UN-affiliated bodies.
