Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources Dr Telesphore Ndabamenye said the government has put measures in place to restore the normal supply of livestock, particularly cattle, which is expected to ease pressure on meat prices.
He made the remarks during an interview with Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA) on August 11, 2026, amid a sharp rise in meat prices over the past two months.
The increase followed an outbreak of livestock diseases affecting animals brought into Rwanda, including cattle, goats and sheep. In response, authorities imposed quarantines in different parts of the country to allow infected animals to be treated and others to be vaccinated.
The measures reduced the supply of meat on the market, pushing prices higher. In Kigali, the price of a kilogramme of beef has nearly doubled to about Rwf13,000.
The shortage has also contributed to higher prices of other types of meat, including chicken.
However, Dr. Ndabamenye said the situation is expected to improve as vaccinated animals develop immunity and livestock gradually returns to the market.
“Controlling livestock epidemics takes time, but after about one or two months, things return to normal,” he said.
The minister explained that all livestock targeted for vaccination have now been vaccinated, although animals require about one month to develop sufficient immunity after receiving the vaccine.
The nationwide vaccination campaign was conducted in June and July 2026. By the end of August, animals vaccinated later in the campaign will also have completed the required period for developing immunity.
Dr. Ndabamenye said the government is also looking beyond cattle to address the wider shortage of meat, including increasing the production of smaller livestock, particularly poultry.
He noted that chicken consumption has increased significantly in recent months, making increased poultry production an important part of efforts to boost the overall supply of meat.
“We have a programme to increase the number of small livestock, particularly chickens, because people have been consuming them heavily in recent days. Increasing their numbers would help supplement beef supply,” he said.
He added that the government plans to increase investment in livestock production to ensure that future disease-control measures do not result in meat shortages.
“People can be assured that the meat prices we are seeing today will gradually come down as livestock becomes available following the vaccination programme we have carried out,” he said.
The latest figures from the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) show that consumer prices increased by 0.9% in July 2026 compared with June 2026.
The increase was largely driven by a 1.5% rise in prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages and a 1.3% increase in transport-related costs.
Before venturing into the creative industry, Dufatanye was a primary school teacher, where he taught English.
Speaking to IGIHE, he said he completed his education up to university level, where he trained as a teacher before joining the education sector.
When the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted economic activities and led to the loss of many jobs, Dufatanye was among those who were affected. Faced with the challenge of finding a new source of income, he began looking for a skill he could turn into a livelihood.
“I started by making face masks. I watched videos online to learn how they were made, then made them by hand. Fortunately, I found someone who ordered 1,000 masks from me at Rwf200 each. The money I earned from that work became the capital I used to start looking for something else to do,” he said.
She later turned to weaving, a skill he already had. Together with some of his relatives, she began making woven products from home and selling them to customers.
In 2021, Dufatanye established his own business, Izuba. He initially operated from premises used by other artisans before eventually seeking an independent workspace.
A major turning point came in 2026, when he secured financing from Numida Technologies, enabling him to establish a dedicated workplace and expand his operations.
“We met Numida when they found me where I was working. They explained their services to me, and I decided to give them a try. I took the loan and repaid it successfully. They later gave me another loan, which enabled me to move to this place and expand my business,” he said.
Today, Dufatanye has three permanent employees and works with about 30 casual workers whenever he receives large orders. All of them are women.
His ambition is to grow the business further and create more employment opportunities.
“Over the next five years, I hope to have the capacity to employ at least 300 women and to start exporting my products to international markets,” he said.
Numida supports small businesses
Hakizimana Cyprien, an employee of Numida Technologies, said the company provides financing to entrepreneurs at different stages of business development.
“At Numida, we provide loans to everyone, including men, women and young people who have businesses. We support businesses ranging from small and medium enterprises to those that are beginning to grow into larger businesses and want to expand further,” he said.
Numida Technologies was established in 2016. It expanded its operations to Uganda in 2023, entered Kenya in 2026 and began operating in Rwanda the same year.
The company provides loans ranging from Rwf100,000 to Rwf12 million, depending on the nature and stage of a borrower’s business.
First-time borrowers, however, can access loans of up to Rwf2 million, according to the company.
For Dufatanye, what began as a search for an alternative source of income during a period of economic uncertainty has grown into a business with ambitions of employing hundreds of women and reaching international markets.
Izuba craft shop showcases a wide range of locally made products from Rwanda.Karitasi Dufatanye creates a variety of locally made products in Rwanda.Dufatanye says she can provide work for up to 30 women when she receives large orders.Covid-19 inspired Karitasi Dufatanye to establish Izuba, a homegrown crafts business.Dufatanye says additional capital would enable him to expand his clothing production.
In 2007, more than 100 million votes were cast in a global campaign to select seven modern wonders from a list of iconic landmarks around the world.
The campaign, organized by the New7Wonders Foundation, brought global attention to seven extraordinary sites: Christ the Redeemer in Brazil, Chichén Itzá in Mexico, the Colosseum in Italy, Petra in Jordan, Machu Picchu in Peru, the Great Wall of China and the Taj Mahal in India.
Each carries a unique story of human creativity, determination and cultural heritage.
Christ the Redeemer, Brazil : Rising above Rio de Janeiro, the iconic monument has become a global symbol of Brazil and Christian faith.
Christ the Redeemer, Brazil
Standing above Rio de Janeiro on Corcovado Mountain, Christ the Redeemer is among the world’s most recognizable monuments.
The Art Deco statue of Jesus Christ stands about 30 metres tall, with its outstretched arms spanning approximately 28 metres.
Construction began in the 1920s and the monument was officially inaugurated in 1931. Its position high above Rio has made it one of Brazil’s most important cultural and religious symbols.
The statue is also exposed to lightning because of its location, requiring regular maintenance to preserve the monument.
Chichén Itzá, Mexico: The ancient Maya city stands as a remarkable testament to the civilisation’s architectural and astronomical achievements.
Chichén Itzá, Mexico
In Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula lies Chichén Itzá, one of the most important archaeological sites associated with the ancient Maya civilization.
Its most famous structure, El Castillo, also known as the Temple of Kukulcán, demonstrates the Maya’s sophisticated understanding of architecture, mathematics and astronomy.
During the equinoxes, sunlight creates a striking shadow effect along the pyramid’s staircase, producing an appearance associated with Kukulcán, the feathered serpent.
The phenomenon has helped make Chichén Itzá one of the world’s most fascinating archaeological destinations.
The Colosseum, Italy: Built nearly 2,000 years ago, the iconic amphitheatre remains a powerful reminder of ancient Rome’s legacy.
The Colosseum, Italy
In the heart of Rome stands the Colosseum, a massive amphitheatre completed around AD 80 during the reign of Emperor Titus.
The structure could accommodate tens of thousands of spectators who gathered to watch gladiatorial contests, animal hunts and other public spectacles.
Beyond its entertainment history, the Colosseum demonstrates the engineering and architectural capabilities of ancient Rome.
Nearly 2,000 years later, its remains continue to attract visitors from around the world.
Petra, Jordan: Known as the Rose City, Petra captivates visitors with its extraordinary architecture carved into the surrounding sandstone mountains.
Petra, Jordan
Known for its spectacular rock-cut architecture, Petra was once a major trading centre of the Nabataean civilization.
The ancient city is located in a valley surrounded by mountains and is famously reached through the narrow Siq.
Among its most recognizable structures is Al-Khazneh, commonly known as the Treasury, which was carved directly into the sandstone.
Petra’s dramatic landscape and architecture have earned it a reputation as one of the world’s most extraordinary archaeological sites.
Machu Picchu, Peru: Perched high in the Andes, the ancient Inca citadel continues to amaze the world with its precision and remarkable setting.
Machu Picchu, Peru
High in the Andes Mountains of Peru lies Machu Picchu, the remarkable 15th-century Inca site that continues to attract historians, archaeologists and travellers.
The settlement contains temples, terraces and residential structures constructed with sophisticated stonework.
One of its most impressive features is the precision with which stones were fitted together, often without mortar.
Although Machu Picchu is sometimes described as a “lost city”, nearby Indigenous communities were aware of the site’s existence long before it became internationally known.
Today, it stands as an important symbol of Inca civilization and engineering.
The Great Wall of China, China: Stretching across mountains and valleys, the historic fortification reflects centuries of engineering, defence and perseverance.
The Great Wall of China
Stretching across mountains, valleys and deserts, the Great Wall of China represents centuries of construction and military planning.
Rather than being one continuous wall built at one time, it consists of fortifications constructed, rebuilt and expanded by different Chinese dynasties over many centuries.
The total length of the various sections is estimated at more than 21,000 kilometres.
The wall was primarily constructed for defence and border control, although it also served purposes including communication and transportation.
One popular myth claims that the Great Wall can easily be seen from the Moon with the naked eye. Scientists have repeatedly explained that this is not the case.
Nevertheless, its enormous scale remains a powerful reminder of the resources and labour invested in its construction.
The Taj Mahal, India: Built in memory of Mumtaz Mahal, the magnificent monument remains one of the world’s most enduring symbols of love and architectural beauty.
The Taj Mahal, India
The final wonder is the Taj Mahal in Agra, India, one of the world’s most famous monuments to love.
Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned the white marble mausoleum in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631.
Construction began soon after her death and the principal mausoleum was completed in the 17th century, with additional work continuing later.
The monument is celebrated for its symmetrical design, large marble dome, intricate decoration and carefully designed gardens.
Beyond its architectural beauty, the Taj Mahal has become globally associated with Shah Jahan’s devotion to Mumtaz Mahal.
A legacy of human achievement
The New Seven Wonders are more than famous tourist destinations. They represent different civilizations, historical periods and approaches to architecture and engineering.
From the stonework of Machu Picchu to the scale of the Great Wall and the symbolism of the Taj Mahal, each wonder demonstrates what human beings have achieved through creativity, knowledge and determination.
For millions of visitors, these landmarks are not simply places to see. They are reminders that some of humanity’s greatest achievements can survive for centuries and continue inspiring generations.
According to the 2025 Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey (RDHS), 54% of unmarried women aged 15 to 49 use a contraceptive method.
The survey shows that 52% of unmarried women use modern contraceptive methods, while 2% rely on traditional methods.
The findings mean that more than half of unmarried women in the country are taking steps to prevent unintended pregnancies.
Although contraceptive use remains higher among married women, the difference between the two groups is relatively modest.
Among married women aged 15 to 49, 69% use contraception. Of these, 64% use modern methods, while 5% use traditional methods.
The figures suggest that family planning is no longer viewed solely as a concern for married couples. Unmarried women who are sexually active are also increasingly using contraceptive methods as part of efforts to prevent unintended pregnancies.
Condoms remain the most widely known method
The RDHS 2025 indicates that awareness of contraception is nearly universal among Rwandans aged 15 to 49.
About 99% of both women and men reported knowing at least one modern contraceptive method. Traditional methods were known by 94% of women and 89% of men.
Women generally demonstrated slightly higher levels of knowledge about contraceptive methods than men.
The male condom was the most widely known contraceptive method, with 98% of both women and men reporting that they were familiar with it.
Emergency contraception, which is used after unprotected sexual intercourse to reduce the risk of pregnancy, was the least widely known method among those included in the survey.
Nevertheless, awareness of emergency contraception remained relatively high, with 71% of women and 66% of men reporting that they knew about the method.
The findings provide an insight into changing attitudes and practices surrounding contraception in Rwanda, showing that awareness and use of family planning methods extend beyond married couples.
Unmarried women are increasingly turnig to family planning in Rwanda.
Gaps persist in reproductive health knowledge
Despite widespread awareness of contraception in Rwanda, the 2025 Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey (RDHS) shows that important gaps remain in women’s understanding of reproductive health, particularly when it comes to fertility and the timing of ovulation.
Only 24% of women were able to correctly identify the period during the menstrual cycle when they are most likely to become pregnant. In other words, only about one in four women have an accurate understanding of their most fertile period.
The survey also identified misconceptions among women who rely on fertility awareness methods to prevent pregnancy. About 44% of users believed that the fertile period occurs after menstruation has ended, which is not correct.
Contraceptive use is particularly low among married adolescent girls. Only 38% of married women aged 15 to 19use a contraceptive method, representing the lowest rate among married women across all age groups.
When women aged 15 to 49 are considered regardless of marital status, adolescents aged 15 to 19 again record the lowest level of contraceptive use, at just 4.9%.
Among married women aged 20 to 24, 66.8% use at least one contraceptive method, while 65.8% use modern methods.
The highest level of contraceptive use is recorded among married women aged 25 to 29, with 74.6% using any contraceptive method and 73.1% using modern methods.
Among married women aged 30 to 34, 72.9% use any contraceptive method, while 70.3% use modern methods.
Women aged 35 to 39 record a contraceptive use rate of 74%, including 68.8% who use modern methods.
Among married women aged 40 to 44, 71.1% use contraception. The rate declines to 52.6% among those aged 45 to 49.
Implants remain the most popular method
Among married women who use modern contraceptive methods, implants are the most widely used option in Rwanda.
According to the survey, implants account for 34.3% of modern contraceptive use among married women, making them the leading modern method.
Injectable contraceptives rank second, accounting for 14.3%, followed by contraceptive pills at 6.6%.
Male condoms and intrauterine devices (IUDs) each account for 2.4% of modern contraceptive use among married women.
Implants are also the most commonly used contraceptive method among unmarried women, accounting for 25% of contraceptive use in this group.
Injectable methods account for 13.7%, while male condom use among unmarried women stands at 7.5%, significantly higher than the 2.4% recorded among married women.
Overall, 2% of women have undergone sterilisation as a permanent method of contraception. The average age of women who have undergone the procedure is 35.
The findings highlight both the progress Rwanda has made in expanding access to contraception and the need to strengthen accurate reproductive health information, particularly among adolescents and young women.
Implants are the most widely used contraceptive method in Rwanda.
Rwanda’s three decades of progress in family planning
Rwanda has made significant progress in expanding access to family planning over the past three decades, with the latest figures showing a substantial increase in the use of modern contraceptive methods among married women.
The findings of the 2025 Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey (RDHS) come after more than 33 years of sustained efforts to strengthen family planning programmes and improve access to reproductive health services across the country.
The proportion of married women using modern contraceptive methods increased from 12.9% in 1992 to 64.2% in 2025, marking a major change in contraceptive uptake over the period.
The most significant increase occurred after 2000. At the time, only 5.7% of married women were using modern contraceptive methods.
By 2005, the figure had risen to 10.3%, before increasing sharply to 45.1% in 2010.
The rate continued to rise, reaching 47.5% in 2014–2015, 58.4% in 2019–2020, and 64.2% in 2025.
The progress has also been reflected in the decline in unmet need for family planning, referring to women who want to use contraception but are not accessing a method that meets their needs.
In 1992, the unmet need stood at 38%. By 2025, it had fallen to 9%, indicating a substantial improvement in access to family planning services.
Northern Province leads in modern contraceptive use
The Northern Province records the highest proportion of married women using modern contraceptive methods, at 72.1%, according to the survey.
The Eastern Province follows at 64%, while the Southern Province records 63.7%.
In Kigali City, modern contraceptive use among married women stands at 61.3%, while the Western Province records 61%.
The figures show that the use of modern contraception remains relatively high across all parts of the country, although the Northern Province records the highest rate.
Public health facilities remain the main source
Government health facilities continue to play a central role in providing family planning services in Rwanda.
Overall, 91% of users of modern contraceptive methods obtain their methods through public-sector facilities.
Public health centres account for the largest share, providing services to 67% of users, while district and provincial hospitals account for 13%.
Private medical facilities account for only 6% of users, while 3% obtain contraceptive methods from other sources.
The role of public facilities is particularly pronounced in the provision of long-acting and permanent contraceptive methods.
According to the survey, public facilities provide 99% of implants, 91% of injectable contraceptives, and 80% of IUDs used by women. They also account for 97% of permanent contraceptive procedures.
Among women who use contraceptive pills, 84% obtain them from public health facilities.
Male condoms, however, follow a different distribution pattern. About 40% are obtained from public-sector sources, while 18% come from private medical facilities and 42% are obtained from other sources.
Among condoms obtained outside health facilities, shops and bars account for approximately 40% of those sources.
Microgynon, Microlyte, Prudence and Love dominate commonly used brands
The survey also provides insight into the contraceptive brands most commonly used in Rwanda.
Among women who use contraceptive pills, 97% use either Microgynon or Microlyte, making the two brands the dominant choices in this category.
For male condoms, 92% of users report using Prudence, Plaisir or Love.
The figures reflect Rwanda’s substantial progress in expanding access to modern family planning methods over more than three decades. They also show the continued importance of public health facilities, which remain the primary source of contraceptive services for the vast majority of users.
Plaisir condoms rank among the most widely used brands in Rwanda.
Emergency contraception remains limited
Overall, 3% of women aged 15 to 49 reported using emergency contraception during the 12 months preceding the survey.
Emergency contraception is used after unprotected sexual intercourse to reduce the risk of an unintended pregnancy.
Its use is most common among women living in Kigali City and those with education beyond secondary school.
The survey also examined why women discontinue contraceptive methods. The leading reason is the desire to have another child, accounting for 32% of women who stop using contraception.
Another 28% discontinue a method because of side effects or concerns about their health, while 15% stop because they want to switch to a method they consider more effective.
Radio remains a leading source of family planning information
The 2025 Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey examined a range of channels through which people receive information about family planning, including radio, television, newspapers, mobile phones, social media, community meetings, health facilities, schools, religious institutions and workplaces.
Among women, radio is the most widely reported source of family planning information, reaching 57%, compared with 67% among men.
Health facilities are another major source of information for women, reaching 55%.
Other important sources for women include information received at workplaces, from friends or family members, reaching 53%, while community meetings and activities reach 47%.
Among men, community meetings and other community-based activities are also an important source of information, reaching 60%.
Social media, however, has a relatively limited reach. Only 10% of women reported receiving family planning information through social media.
Mobile phones also recorded a low reach, with family planning messages reaching 7% of both women and men through this channel.
The survey further found that 20% of women and 14% of men had not been exposed to any family planning messages through any of the eight main communication channels assessed during the 12 months preceding the survey.
The findings highlight the continued importance of traditional communication platforms, particularly radio and health facilities, in delivering family planning information, while newer channels such as social media and mobile phones remain less widely used for this purpose.
Family planning continues to gain ground across Rwanda.
In an Instagram post, DeGeneres said she was pleased to be back in Rwanda and highlighted the growing number of visitors to the campus since it opened four years ago.
“Portia and I are in Rwanda. The Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund has seen over 100,000 visitors since we opened four years ago,” she wrote.
DeGeneres said she had met many visitors from around the world who told her about their experiences at the campus.
“I’ve had so many people come up to me that are visiting here from all around the world talking about how incredible the campus is and how incredible it is to see gorillas so close up in their element,” she said.
She added that she was grateful to play a role in raising awareness about gorilla conservation.
The Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, located in Rwanda’s Northern Province, was opened in 2022 as a permanent home for the organisation’s conservation, research and education activities.
The campus has since become an important destination for visitors interested in mountain gorilla conservation and the work of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.
DeGeneres, 68, is widely known as a comedian, television host and actress. She gained international recognition through The Ellen DeGeneres Show, which premiered in 2003 and featured celebrities and other prominent figures.
Produced by Telepictures and broadcast on NBC in the United States, the show became internationally popular and was aired in countries including Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Myanmar, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, India, the United Kingdom and South Africa.
DeGeneres has maintained a close connection with Rwanda through her involvement in mountain gorilla conservation.
Her foundation and the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund have supported efforts to protect gorillas and advance research into their health and wellbeing.
In 2018, DeGeneres and de Rossi visited Rwanda, where they also met President Paul Kagame.
Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi are in Rwanda Ellen DeGeneres and her partner, Portia de Rossi, visited the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.Ellen DeGeneres also took time to visit the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.
The development was confirmed to IGIHE by Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) spokesperson Dr. Murangira B. Thierry, who said the files concerning all 80 suspects were submitted to the prosecution on August 10, 2026.
Ntihanabayo, also known as Kazungu, was among 16 people arrested in Kigali and presented by RIB on August 8. He was arrested alongside two other employees of Ingufu Gin, including a quality control officer and a production officer.
Oluwatosin Ayayi, who is responsible for operations at Kerry Taste and Nutrition Rwanda, was also among those paraded by RIB in Kigali.
Other suspects included employees of various companies and industries, including Ebeneza Hub, Sakaza Fruit, Entreprise Urwibutso, African Buffalo, Piphany Company and Lotas Medical Group.
Since August 2, 2026, the Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (Rwanda FDA) has closed 148 factories producing substandard alcoholic beverages and suspended production of their drinks.
The action followed inspections that found the factories were using inadequately processed ethanol in their beverages, which could pose health risks to consumers.
The 80 suspects are facing charges including giving another person a substance capable of causing death or serious harm to their health, an offence provided for under Article 115 of Law No. 68/2018 of August 30, 2018, relating to offences and penalties in general.
Under the law, a person who intentionally gives another person, without intending to kill them, a substance capable of causing death or, even if not fatal, capable of seriously damaging their health, commits an offence.
A conviction carries a prison sentence of between two and three years and a fine ranging from Rwf300,000 to Rwf500,000.
Where the substance causes an incurable disease, permanent incapacity to work or the complete loss of the use of a body organ, the law provides for a prison sentence of between 20 and 25 years and a fine ranging from Rwf500,000 to Rwf1 million.
The suspects are also charged with forging, altering or using forged documents, an offence provided for under Article 276 of Law No. 68/2018.
A person convicted of this offence faces between five and seven years in prison and a fine ranging from Rwf3 million to Rwf5 million, or one of these penalties.
They are further accused of resisting authority, an offence provided for under Article 230 of the same law.
A conviction for resisting authority carries a prison sentence of between six months and one year.
The case files of 80 suspects in substandard alcohol case including the owner of Ingufu Gin, have been sent to prosecution. Some of the suspects were paraded before the media on Saturday, August 8, 2026.
According to data from Congo’s public health institute seen by Reuters, 2,011 people have died, while 4,381 confirmed cases have been recorded across five provinces.
The outbreak, Congo’s 17th, is caused by the Bundibugyo species of Ebola, for which there are currently no approved vaccines or treatments.
Delayed detection, insecurity and strained health services have complicated efforts to trace contacts, isolate patients and contain transmission.
The World Health Organization has declared the outbreak, which has also spread to neighbouring Uganda, a public health emergency of international concern.
The speed of the outbreak has raised concern among health officials. Deaths doubled from 1,000 to more than 2,000 in less than a month, compared with more than 12 months during Congo’s 2018–2020 outbreak.
Community mistrust and resistance have also complicated containment efforts.
A total of 2,011 people have died, while 4,381 confirmed cases have been recorded across five provinces in DRC.
The ceremony was attended by the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Rwanda, Mansoor Ali Al-Hajri, senior Qatari military officials, as well as RDF Generals and senior officers.
The training covered key areas of Military Police operations, including VIP protection, counter-terrorism, combat in built-up areas, and anti-riot operations.
In a message delivered on behalf of the RDF Commander-in-Chief, the Chief of Defence Staff congratulated the graduates on successfully completing the training, commending their commitment, discipline, and hard work in acquiring the knowledge and skills required to effectively execute their duties.
He noted that the training had contributed to strengthening the professionalism and operational skills of the RDF Military Police. He urged the graduates to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the courses and to share them with their colleagues in their respective formations.
The CDS also commended the Qatari Armed Forces instructors for their professionalism and their effective delivery of the training. He highlighted the importance of continued cooperation between the two armed forces, noting that the graduation marked another milestone in the growing partnership between the Qatari Armed Forces and the Rwanda Defence Force. He reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to further strengthening the partnership through military training, professional exchanges, and other areas of mutual interest.
The Qatar Armed Forces Representative, expressed appreciation to the RDF leadership, for their support and facilitation throughout the training and commended the strong cooperation and partnership between the Rwanda Defence Force and the Qatar Armed Forces, which contributed to the successful completion of the courses.
The Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) Chief of Defence Staff, Gen MK MUBARAKH, presided over the graduation ceremony of 146 officers and other ranks who successfully completed 07 weeks of intensive Military Police TrainingThe training covered key areas of Military Police operations, including VIP protection, counter-terrorism, combat in built-up areas, and anti-riot operations. RDF officers and other ranks attended the graduation ceremony at Rwanda Military Academy Gako.
Baka, 73, the sole candidate in the election, received 140 votes in a secret ballot. He was nominated by the ruling Tisza party, which holds the two-thirds parliamentary majority needed to elect the president without opposition support. Baka will officially take office on Aug. 19.
In his speech, Baka said his role as president would be to represent both majority and minority views, acknowledge political differences rather than imposing artificial unity, and safeguard constitutional checks and balances.
He said Hungary’s relationships with several international allies have deteriorated in recent years, and rebuilding those partnerships should be an important priority of his presidency.
Baka served as a judge at the European Court of Human Rights from 1991 to 2008 before Hungary’s parliament elected him president of the Supreme Court in 2009.
His six-year mandate as Supreme Court president was cut short at the end of 2011 following judicial reforms introduced under the government of then Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
Tuesday’s election after former President Tamas Sulyok signed the country’s 17th constitutional amendment late last month, triggering the end of his mandate as head of state.
Following the end of Sulyok’s term in office on July 20, Speaker of Parliament Agnes Forsthoffer served as acting president.
The president of Hungary is elected by parliament for a five-year term, shouldering constitutional duties including signing legislation and representing the state. The president is also commander-in-chief of the Hungarian Armed Forces.
Parliament members congratulate Andras Baka (C), Hungary’s newly elected president, at the parliament in Budapest, Hungary, Aug. 11, 2026. Hungary’s parliament on Tuesday elected former Supreme Court chief Andras Baka as the country’s new president. (Photo by Peter Zsolnai/Xinhua)Andras Baka, Hungary’s newly elected president, delivers a speech at the parliament in Budapest, Hungary, Aug. 11, 2026. Hungary’s parliament on Tuesday elected former Supreme Court chief Andras Baka as the country’s new president. (Photo by Peter Zsolnai/Xinhua)
The global average surface air temperature in July was 1.47 degrees Celsius above the estimated pre-industrial average for 1850-1900, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service cited by the WMO.
Western Europe experienced its hottest June-July period on record, with extreme heat continuing into August and some countries now facing their fourth heatwave since May, the WMO said.
“What we have seen over the last few months is the combined effect of long-term warming with a persistent pattern of alternating high- and low-pressure systems stretching across the Northern Hemisphere,” said John Kennedy, head of climate information at the WMO.
High-pressure systems are typically associated with high temperatures and dry conditions, while low-pressure systems tend to bring cooler and wetter weather, Kennedy said, adding that such high-pressure patterns can persist for days or even weeks, as seen this year.
In Western Europe, the prolonged spell of extreme heat continued as widespread dryness observed between March and June persisted and intensified, the WMO said.
Exceptionally low rainfall and soil moisture were reported in France, Spain, parts of Germany and Britain, as well as areas further east. The heat, low soil moisture and drought have taken a heavy toll on ecosystems and agriculture, lowered river levels, disrupted transport and energy production, and increased the risk of wildfires, according to the WMO.
July also saw exceptional wildfire activity across Western Europe in terms of both the area burned and emissions, the WMO said.
People enjoy themselves on the banks of the Rhine River in Cologne, Germany, Aug. 10, 2026. (Photo by Ulrich Hufnagel/Xinhua)
