In a statement, the Venezuelan government said U.S. President Donald Trump had issued what it called a “grave and reckless threat” against the country, claiming that it violated international law, free trade and freedom of navigation.
Trump claimed Venezuela’s oil, land and mineral resources as U.S. property and demanded their immediate surrender, while seeking to impose a naval blockade aimed at “robbing the nation of its natural wealth,” it added.
Venezuela reaffirmed its sovereignty over its natural resources and its right to free navigation and commerce in the Caribbean Sea and international waters, it said, adding that it would act in strict accordance with the UN Charter and international law.
In response to the threat, Venezuela’s permanent representative to the United Nations would immediately file a formal complaint.
Calling on the U.S. public and the international community to reject the threat, the statement said Venezuela would never return to a colonial status and would continue defending its independence and sovereignty.
Trump said on Tuesday that he has ordered a total blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers traveling to and from Venezuela, escalating a months-long pressure campaign against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
In response, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez said that any U.S. attempts to block sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela constitute a violation of international law
Sources say a significant number of Burundian soldiers who had been deployed in parts of the Rusizi plain on the South Kivu side returned to Burundi over the past two weeks after being overwhelmed by AFC/M23 forces.
Other Burundian troops are reported to have fled to different areas of South Kivu, including the city of Baraka in Fizi territory and the Itombwe forest, according to information obtained by IGIHE.
The largest remaining concentration of Burundian soldiers is said to be around Minembwe commune, which connects the territories of Uvira, Fizi and Mwenga. The troops have for a long time blocked routes used by members of the Banyamulenge community to access markets and health facilities.
SOS Médias reported that on the night of December 15 to 16, 2025, many Burundian soldiers crossed Lake Tanganyika from Baraka and Mboko, arriving at a military port in Rumonge.
AFC/M23 recently entered the Mboko centre as it continued pushing southwards, forcing back a coalition of DRC government forces whose presence had reportedly compromised civilian security. The city of Baraka remained the last major objective in the area.
As AFC/M23 took control of additional locations along Lake Tanganyika, escape routes for Burundian troops were increasingly cut off, after land routes through the Rusizi plain had already been closed.
On Tuesday morning, six trucks were deployed at the port to transport the soldiers to Bujumbura, with witnesses noting visible signs of fatigue among them.
Burundi is estimated to have deployed nearly 20,000 troops to South Kivu province to help the Congolese army battle M23 rebels. While the exact number of soldiers who have withdrawn is not yet known, sources say they number in the thousands.
AFC/M23 coordinator Corneille Nangaa announced late on Monday that his fighters would withdraw from Uvira in the interest of ongoing mediation efforts but warned rival forces against re-entering the city. It remains unclear whether Burundian troops will continue their withdrawal following the announcement.
The event’s focus was on empowering the youth to take an active role in governance, aligning with Rwanda’s Second National Strategy for Transformation, which highlights the critical importance of youth in decision-making and leadership.
With the theme, “Our Voice, Our Participation, Right Now,” the dialogue emphasised youth engagement not only as a governance priority but also as a fundamental human right.
Organised by Citizen Voice and Actions Rwanda, the event brought together a diverse group of youth leaders, including students, entrepreneurs, and civil society representatives, to discuss the role of youth in governance and explore strategies for greater involvement in national development.
As Rwanda continues its journey of transformation, the 7th Youth Policy Dialogue stands out as a pivotal platform for amplifying the voices of young people in governance and leadership.
The dialogue underscored that youth participation is not just a governance priority, but a human right.
Participants, including students and entrepreneurs, shared experiences, discussed challenges, and proposed solutions for fostering national development. Interviews with attendees revealed a shared passion for taking immediate action and ensuring inclusivity, especially bridging the gap between urban and rural youth.
The dialogue also focused on the significance of youth participation in shaping Rwanda’s future. With youth aged 16 to 30 making up 27% of the population, attendees stressed that this demographic represents the backbone of the nation.
Real-world examples of youth leadership illustrated the tangible impact being made. Najimah Umutoni, a student at Kepler College, shared her initiative to establish “girls’ rooms” in Kigali high schools, providing private spaces for female students dealing with health issues.
“I initiated the girls’ room project after realising that many high schools lacked such spaces, and now many schools have adopted the idea,” she shared.
Robeni Mawuwa, the executive director of an organisation focused on youth empowerment, highlighted youth-led civil society organisations that empower women and teen mothers.
“Our work focuses on uplifting vulnerable groups, especially women and young mothers,” she noted.
Salama Umutoni, a social entrepreneur in agriculture, stressed her commitment to employing fellow youth and aligning her work with national policies. “Whenever I create employment opportunities, I prioritise hiring youth,” she said.
The dialogue provided valuable lessons that participants are eager to implement in their work. Many attendees spoke about Rwanda’s abundant opportunities, such as a peaceful environment, youth platforms, and freedoms, which are sometimes taken for granted.
Najimah emphasised the importance of staying active and starting small. “I’ve learned that I don’t have to wait for big opportunities. I can start small, even on platforms like LinkedIn,” she said. Robeni focused on bridging the participation gap between rural and urban youth, while Samiri advocated for meaningful engagement in policy implementation for the benefit of future generations.
The event ended with powerful messages to inspire hesitant youth. Salama urged young people to think beyond themselves: “Think about your peers and future generations. What kind of world do you want to create for them?”
Robeni challenged the narrative that youth are the leaders of tomorrow: “We are not the future leaders of tomorrow. We are the leaders of today,” she stated.
Najimah encouraged youth to take action, regardless of the obstacles: “Don’t let negativity hold you back. Believe in yourself, work hard, and you can achieve anything.”
The 7th Youth Policy Dialogue reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to youth empowerment and demonstrated how active participation today can help build a more inclusive and prosperous tomorrow for the nation and beyond.
Speaking at the 10th anniversary of the Confucius Institute at the University of Cape Coast (CIUCC), Vincent Assanful, chairman of the Governing Board of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA), said that the council has engaged in high-level technical collaboration with officials from the Confucius Institute over the past months on the new Chinese language curriculum.
According to him, a draft Chinese language curriculum, tailored to suit the Ghanaian context without losing its originality, has been developed and is expected to be rolled out soon.
Assanful said that NaCCA identified the critical need to formalize the study of Chinese within Ghana’s basic education system, as China is a global economic force and a key development partner to Ghana.
The official said that the two bodies have developed a draft Chinese language curriculum that is competency-based, contextually adaptive and structurally sound, fitting seamlessly into Ghana’s common core program.
“We believe that the Chinese language, when our children are well-trained and versed in it, dealing with the Chinese in terms of trade, in terms of economics, and in terms of world politics, will inure to the benefit of the Ghanaian,” Assanful told Xinhua.
Assanful urged the CIUCC to focus on the professional development of local teachers so they can become proficient in the new Chinese language curriculum, as it prepares to finalize and hand over the policy document for implementation.
The center, which will be located at Rubona Station in Huye District, is part of the Rwanda BioCap Project, a five-year program launched in partnership with the International Potato Center (CIP), other international research institutions, and supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
The project will build local capacity in crop biotechnology, enabling Rwandans to acquire knowledge on genetic modification of crops and related technologies, without adverse effects. The initiative will also allow Rwanda to produce, regulate, and distribute improved seeds suited to local needs, contributing to food self-sufficiency, climate resilience, and sustainable agriculture.
State Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), Dr. Solange Uwituze, said the sector faces increasing challenges, including new pests and diseases affecting potatoes, sweet potatoes, and bananas, compounded by climate change. She emphasised that science-based approaches, such as this project, are essential for protecting crops and increasing yields.
“This project will establish a Centre of Excellence for Crop Biotechnology under RAB. It will help generate critical data on regulatory compliance, environmental impact, and food safety, while supporting trials, seed distribution, and farmer assistance programs,” Dr. Uwituze said.
Currently, Rwanda’s agriculture sector accounts for 70% of crops exported abroad and meets 90% of domestic food demand. Approximately 1.4 million hectares of land are dedicated to agriculture, including 600,000 hectares consolidated under the expanded Food Basket Sites (FoBaSi) program, where the new technologies will also be implemented.
The initiative aligns with the government’s Fifth Agricultural Transformation Program (PSTA5), a five-year strategy with a budget of $5.4 billion, aimed at increasing agricultural productivity by 50% and accelerating rural development.
The government has pledged to make improved seeds rapidly available to farmers, strengthening the country’s capacity to achieve food security and sustainable farming.
The lawsuit, filed on Monday in federal court in Miami, Florida, argues that the BBC manipulated footage of Trump’s remarks in its flagship current affairs programme Panorama, which broadcast the segment in the run‑up to the November 2024 vote. Trump’s legal team says the edits made it appear he urged supporters to march on the U.S. Capitol and “fight like hell,” while omitting key portions in which he called for peaceful protest.
Trump is seeking $5 billion in damages for defamation and an additional $5 billion for alleged violations of Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act bringing the total to $10 billion. The complaint accuses the BBC of publishing a “false, defamatory… and malicious depiction of President Trump” that could have influenced public perception during the election cycle.
In recent weeks, the BBC acknowledged that the documentary clips were edited in a way that gave the wrong impression, with BBC Chairman Samir Shah calling the episode an “error of judgment.” However, the corporation has rejected the defamation claims and said it believes there is no legal basis for the lawsuit, even as its leadership faced intense scrutiny.
The controversy triggered significant leadership changes at the broadcaster. Both the BBC’s Director‑General Tim Davie and the head of BBC News, Deborah Turness, resigned following the revelations of editorial mishandling and internal criticism.
This legal action is part of a broader pattern of Trump’s disputes with major media outlets. Over the past year, he has taken legal action against several U.S. news organisations, including The New York Times and Wall Street Journal, over what he says are defamatory portrayals, though such cases often face significant legal hurdles.
Speaking to IGIHE, Dr Uwituze, who was recently appointed alongside Dr Telesphore Ndabamenye, the new Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, said the new leadership at MINAGRI will focus on streamlining irrigation projects and ensuring that established schemes deliver tangible results in both food production and export-oriented crops.
She said particular emphasis will be placed on fast-tracking irrigation projects in areas already earmarked and funded for such interventions.
“We will put strong emphasis on ensuring that areas designated for irrigation and already financed move quickly through technical processes, procurement and implementation, so that national targets set for citizens are achieved without delay,” she said.
“Secondly, we will work to ensure that the irrigated schemes we have established produce sufficient food crops, as well as cash crops that earn foreign exchange for the country.”
Dr Uwituze noted that increased production must go hand in hand with improved market access, citing instances where farmers harvest produce only for it to spoil due to lack of buyers.
“If we do this well, we can achieve sufficient, high-quality production. That must be matched with market access, because there are times when produce is harvested but ends up spoiling at collection centres. These issues must be addressed in a coordinated manner,” she said.
She added that the ministry will also intensify efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change on agriculture by promoting climate-smart farming practices and strengthening measures to address the impact of excessive rainfall or prolonged dry spells.
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The issue of hunger has recently drawn attention in Kayonza District, where prolonged drought has affected residents in the sectors of Ndego, Mwiri, Kabare and Rwinkwavu.
The situation was among the factors that led to the dismissal of district officials, following reports that residents in the affected areas were facing acute food shortages due to persistent dry conditions.
The drought, marked by limited rainfall and dry conditions, has forced some residents to migrate in search of food.
This challenge is not new, as the government has often had to provide food assistance to these communities on an annual basis. However, reports indicate that local authorities failed to submit timely reports on the situation, allegedly concealing the severity of hunger in the affected sectors.
Once the central government became aware of the situation, emergency food assistance was immediately deployed. Each household is receiving beans and maize sufficient to last approximately 15 days.
A household of five people, for instance, is being provided with 37 kilograms of maize and 15 kilograms of beans. Distribution has already started across all four affected sectors.
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Kayonza District is also home to the Kayonza Irrigation and Integrated Watershed Management Project (KIIWP), a government-funded initiative that was expected to significantly improve agricultural productivity and livelihoods.
Despite substantial investment, the project has yet to deliver the anticipated results.
Dr Uwituze acknowledged the long-standing climatic challenges in the area, noting that Kayonza is known for receiving limited rainfall.
“This is an area that is naturally prone to low rainfall. What we have committed to do is to put in place daily monitoring to understand what is likely to happen and how best to prepare,” she said.
“In particular, we will allocate crop varieties that require less water and mature quickly.”
She explained that agricultural interventions in the area will be tailored to local climatic conditions rather than applying standard national programmes.
“If maize takes five months to mature, yet rainfall in the area lasts only about two months, then we must design programmes that reflect the local climate. The goal is to ensure communities do not continue to lose harvests or suffer hunger while we are present,” she said.
Dr Uwituze said that while immediate food assistance has stabilised the situation, longer-term solutions are already being implemented.
“At the moment, residents have food to eat, but we are also introducing fast-maturing crops such as sweet potatoes. We are also considering short-cycle bean varieties that mature in about 45 days, so that alongside the food aid, communities can grow and harvest their own food within a short period.”
In a statement dated December 15, 2025, and signed by its coordinator Corneille Nangaa Yobeluo, the AFC/M23 said the decision follows recent progress within the Doha Peace Process, including the signing of the Doha Framework Agreement on November 15, 2025. The group stated that the withdrawal was carried out at the request of United States mediation, which it described as part of broader international efforts to facilitate a lasting political solution to the conflict.
According to the communiqué, the alliance said it opted for the withdrawal despite what it described as continued provocations and abuses by the Congolese army (FARDC) and its allied forces. AFC/M23 maintained that the move was intended to give the peace process “the maximum chance” to succeed and to demonstrate goodwill toward dialogue.
However, the group also expressed concern over past experiences in which it claims its previous trust-building measures were exploited by FARDC, Wazalendo militias and allied forces to retake territory and target civilians perceived as sympathetic to AFC/M23. In this context, the alliance called on the guarantors of the peace process to put in place concrete measures to manage the situation in Uvira following its withdrawal.
These measures, according to the statement, should include the demilitarisation of the city, protection of civilians and infrastructure, and the monitoring of the ceasefire through the deployment of a neutral force. AFC/M23 said such mechanisms are necessary to prevent a security vacuum and to ensure that the withdrawal does not result in renewed violence against the local population.
The communiqué also addressed the presence of armed groups hostile to the Government of Burundi operating in eastern DRC. AFC/M23 stated that it would not allow areas it previously controlled to be used as rear bases for attacks that could undermine relations between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi, stressing the importance of good-neighbourly relations between the two countries.
The AFC/M23 group captured Uvira last week, describing the move as an effort to liberate the city from what it called ethnic atrocities being committed against the local population by coalition forces aligned with the Kinshasa government.
“For more than three months, we have denounced the spread of hate speech, targeted attacks, and massacres in areas previously liberated by the coalition forces of the Kinshasa regime and their ally, Burundi. Today, the threat has been removed, and Uvira is now liberated,” AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka announced.
The withdrawal from Uvira marks a significant development in the evolving conflict dynamics in South Kivu, where control of strategic cities has frequently shifted amid fighting between government forces, local militias and armed movements. While the AFC/M23 framed its move as a step toward de-escalation, the situation on the ground remains fluid, with the durability of the withdrawal likely to depend on the implementation of agreed security arrangements and the credibility of ongoing peace talks.
Observers say the coming days will be critical in determining whether the withdrawal contributes to renewed momentum for dialogue or opens a new phase of contestation over control of Uvira and its surroundings.
This high-profile event, attended by ministers, former ambassadors, and experts, marked a significant moment for Rwanda’s growing influence in global diplomacy.
Amb. Shyaka’s recognition on December 11, speaks volumes about the strength of Rwanda’s diplomatic efforts, particularly in Poland, and its expanding role in fostering strategic global partnerships.
Commenting on the development, Amb. Shayaka expressed his appreciation for the recognition and thanked the leadership of the Centre for International Relations (CIR) for the award.
“This award is both a surprise and an encouragement to continue spurring Rwanda- Poland relations, which are win- win in nature, and growing in the right direction,” he noted. ” Africa sees Europe as its strategic partner to shape its future. I hope that Europe can see Africa as its strategic partner, in years to come,” Amb. Shyaka added.
The conference focused on critical issues such as the challenges of a multipolar world, digital sovereignty, and global security.
It also explored topics such as transatlantic relations, European digital sovereignty, and the shifting role of the United States in global governance, issues that benefit from African perspectives.
Amb. Shyaka’s involvement reinforced the importance of integrating Africa’s voice in shaping discussions around security, the digital economy, and Europe-Africa relations.
Rwanda, known for its remarkable economic transformation, strong governance, and technological innovation, has consistently positioned itself as a leader in these areas.
Amb. Shyaka’s presence at such a high-level forum provided an invaluable platform to showcase Rwanda’s economic potential, while also opening doors for collaboration across a range of sectors, including investment, technology, academia, cybersecurity, and digital governance.
Receiving the “Diplomat of the Year” award also represents a form of soft power, enhancing Rwanda’s global profile. It highlights the country’s diplomatic achievements and promotes the image of a forward-thinking nation eager to forge meaningful international partnerships.
The event also recognized ambassadors from Italy and Uzbekistan, underscoring the importance of diplomacy in addressing shared global challenges.
The program, launched in March 2025, brought together 24 professional women from financial institutions, who joined 78 other women from various sectors under the broader LiftHerUp program this year, bringing the total to 102 participants. Through a structured mentorship journey combining group mentorship, optional one-on-one sessions and monthly masterclasses delivered both virtually and in person, participants strengthened their leadership capacity and career direction.
The program concluded on Friday, December 12, 2025, with a colourful and engaging closing ceremony held at Four Points by Sheraton Kigali, themed “Owning Your Growth,” where participants themselves led the event, shared impact stories and reflected on their nine-month journey.
According to organisers, the program recorded an average satisfaction rating of 4.74 out of 5, with most participants indicating they would recommend it to others.
Beyond satisfaction, the mentorship delivered tangible outcomes. Participants reported increased confidence, improved leadership skills, expanded professional networks and clearer career goals. Several women also shared experiences of promotions and successful career transitions linked to insights and accountability gained through mentorship.
A panel discussion during the closing event brought together senior leaders Dr. Diane Karusisi, CEO of Bank of Kigali; Benjamin Mutimura, CEO of I&M Bank Rwanda; and Florida Kabasinga, Founder and Managing Partner of Certa Law.
Dr. Karusisi said mentorship plays a critical role in helping women see leadership as attainable.
“My objective was to demystify leadership, to show that leaders are just normal human beings and that anyone in this room can aspire to lead,” she said.
Mutimura, who attended the event as a supporter of the program, said intentional growth and continuous learning are essential for long-term success.
“Growth doesn’t happen by accident; you must be intentional and consistent,” he told participants, adding that mentorship remains close to his heart.
Kabasinga said she accepted the invitation to support the program because of her passion for empowering women, encouraging participants to take ownership of their journeys and not shy away from ambition.
The 2025 cohort drew women professionals from a wide range of organisations, including Bralirwa, Irembo, Bank of Kigali, Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD), MTN, Ecobank, Canal+, Old Mutual, NCBA, I&M Bank, Sanlam, One Acre Fund, Kigali International Financial Centre (KIFC), Umwalimu SACCO, among other leading institutions.
Speaking on the program’s impact, Belinda Bwiza, Co-Founder of Women in Finance Rwanda, noted that initiatives like LiftHerUp play a critical role in strengthening women’s representation in leadership by addressing both skills and confidence gaps that often hold women back.
“We are building a movement that is much bigger than any of us,” she said, encouraging participants and mentors to continue engaging and paying the impact forward.
Salma Habib-Nkusi, CEO of Gate Consulting Group, said the partnership with Women in Finance Rwanda helped deepen the program’s reach within the financial sector, including the full sponsorship of 24 participants.
“This is just the beginning, next year we expect the partnership to grow even stronger,” she said, adding that the collaboration with WIFR has strengthened trust and engagement within the sector and is expected to grow in future cohorts.
She emphasised that mentorship remains one of the most effective tools for growth, noting that while education provides knowledge, mentorship creates space for reflection, practical learning, and intentional decision-making that supports long-term leadership development. For many participants, the program marked a turning point in how they approach their careers and leadership roles.
Umutoneshwa Luminaire Sacrée, an ESMS Lead at Bank of Kigali, said the mentorship helped her move from doubt to decisive action.
“Before LiftHerUp, I doubted whether my decisions were truly taking me forward, even when others believed in me. A turning point was when my mentor encouraged me to follow up on a role I’d been considered for. I pushed through the discomfort, and I got the position,” she said.
Linda Rubanza, a Sales Officer at I&M Bank Rwanda (Cohort 2025), said the program strengthened her confidence and clarified her career direction.
“The program gave me the clarity I needed, strengthened my confidence and shifted my mindset toward continuous growth. Today, I approach challenges with a growth mindset and feel more prepared to seize opportunities,” she said.
Launched in 2023, Women in Finance Rwanda (WIFR) is a foundation dedicated to empowering women to excel in their careers and navigate the evolving finance industry.
The LiftHerUp x WIFR Mentorship Program builds on the wider LiftHerUp initiative, which has supported over 400 women since its inception four years ago. Organisers say they remain committed to expanding mentorship opportunities and strengthening women’s leadership pipelines in Rwanda and beyond.
