“The Deal is scheduled to get signed tomorrow, and immediately after it is signed, the Hormuz Strait is OPEN TO ALL,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.
Trump also claimed that Iran now “no longer wants a Nuclear Weapon” and suggested the United States will work with Iran to remove enriched uranium at an “appropriate time.”
He said the signing of the deal would make U.S. relations with Iran “different and better,” but warned that “we have the ultimate alternative” unless the process moves forward “quickly, easily and smoothly.”
Pakistani Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar also said Saturday that an electronic signing ceremony of the U.S.-Iran deal is scheduled for Sunday, after Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said earlier on the day that the United States and Iran had agreed on a peace deal framework and were expected to sign it shortly. Pakistan has been mediating the U.S.-Iran peace negotiations.
However, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei reportedly denied that a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Iran and the United States to end the conflict would be signed on Sunday, citing what he described as “the other side’s hesitation.”
Baqaei also stressed that any potential MoU between Iran and the United States “would merely serve as a framework for continuing talks” and should not be regarded as “a final agreement.” He added that discussions on the nuclear issue are expected to continue over a 60-day period, according to Iranian state media reports.
Trump also claimed that Iran now “no longer wants a Nuclear Weapon” and suggested the United States will work with Iran to remove enriched uranium at an “appropriate time.”
Presenting the draft budget to a joint sitting of Parliament on June 11, Minister of Finance and Economic Planning Yusuf Murangwa announced a proposed budget of Rwf 7,796.3 billion, representing a 12 percent increase from the previous fiscal year.
Of the total budget, 63 percent will be directed toward economic transformation programmes, reflecting the government’s continued focus on accelerating growth, strengthening resilience, and advancing the long-term objectives of the Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2).
Domestic revenues are projected at Rwf 5,273.8 billion, including Rwf 4,429.1 billion in tax revenues and RWF 582.4 billion from non-tax sources. External grants are expected to contribute Rwf 548.3 billion, while foreign borrowing is projected at Rwf 1,974.1 billion.
According to Murangwa, Rwf 4,785.5 billion, equivalent to roughly 61 percent of the budget, has been allocated to recurrent expenditure and public sector wages, while Rwf 3,010.8 billion, or 39 percent, will finance development projects and public investments.
The minister said budget priorities were selected to support Rwanda’s development ambitions while mitigating the impact of global economic uncertainties, including disruptions linked to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
Agriculture and food security
The economic transformation pillar has been allocated Rwf 4.9 trillion, making it the largest component of the budget.
Priority interventions include boosting agricultural and livestock productivity, strengthening post-harvest management systems, and improving national food security. The government plans to ensure timely access to agricultural inputs, including fertilisers, improved seeds, and agricultural lime.
Murangwa said the allocation for fertiliser subsidies has increased substantially from RWF 39 billion in the previous fiscal year to nearly Rwf 64 billion in the proposed budget. The increase comes amid rising fertiliser prices on international markets, partly driven by geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions.
Additional funding will support seed multiplication programmes for strategic crops and expand irrigation infrastructure to help farmers adapt to climate change. The government also plans to increase national grain and bean reserves by constructing additional storage facilities and procuring strategic food stocks.
In the livestock sector, resources will be directed toward animal vaccination programmes, artificial insemination services, and other measures aimed at improving animal health and productivity. Support for Rwanda’s key export crops will continue through the rehabilitation of ageing coffee and tea plantations and the expansion of cultivated areas.
Energy and infrastructure investments
The budget provides continued financing for major energy and transport projects.
Among the flagship initiatives is the construction of the Nyabarongo II Hydropower Plant, alongside programmes to expand electricity access to households and institutions that remain off-grid.
Infrastructure investments will include the development of feeder roads, road interchanges, and transport links serving the new Bugesera International Airport, which is expected to become a major logistics and aviation hub.
Environmental sustainability
The government has also prioritised environmental protection and climate resilience.
Planned interventions include completing wetland restoration projects in Kigali, rehabilitating degraded forests, and protecting surrounding ecosystems. Funding has also been allocated to strengthen weather forecasting services through the acquisition of modern meteorological equipment, including radar systems.
The budget further supports continued implementation of the multi-sectoral Muvumba Project, which is expected to contribute to energy generation, irrigation, and broader agricultural development.
Education, health, and social protection
The social transformation pillar has been allocated Rwf 1,711.3 billion, representing 22 percent of the total budget.
In education, the government plans to recruit additional teachers, provide learning materials across all levels of education, expand school feeding programmes, and strengthen teacher training institutions.
Healthcare investments will focus on expanding Muhororo, Kabgayi, and Ruhengeri hospitals, while construction of a maternity facility at Kibagabaga Hospital will continue. The government also intends to increase the number of healthcare professionals and strengthen programmes aimed at reducing child stunting.
Social protection initiatives will continue through the Vision Umurenge Programme (VUP) and other welfare schemes targeting vulnerable households, including families affected by natural disasters.
Transformational governance and justice
The governance pillar has been allocated Rwf 1,184 billion, accounting for 15 percent of the proposed budget.
Planned interventions include strengthening the justice sector through enhanced institutional capacity, expanding the use of forensic investigations, improving alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, and reducing court case backlogs.
In foreign affairs, the government will continue efforts to deepen diaspora engagement in national development and expand international markets for Rwandan exports.
The proposed budget underscores Rwanda’s strategy of combining economic transformation with social investment and institutional strengthening as it seeks to sustain growth and improve living standards in the coming fiscal year.
Presenting the draft budget to a joint sitting of Parliament on June 11, Minister of Finance and Economic Planning Yusuf Murangwa announced a proposed budget of Rwf 7,796.3 billion, representing a 12 percent increase from the previous fiscal year.
In a highly anticipated Group C clash in New York last night, Morocco made the brighter start and stunned the five-time world champions with an impressive opening goal. Midfielder Ismael Saibari capitalised on a perfectly weighted pass from Brahim Diaz, breaking through Brazil’s defence before calmly lifting the ball over goalkeeper Alisson to give the Atlas Lions an early lead.
Morocco’s energetic display reflected the confidence of a side that reached the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup and remains Africa’s most successful nation at the tournament. The North Africans pressed aggressively and looked the more cohesive team during much of the first half.
Brazil, however, needed only a moment of brilliance to restore parity. Vinicius Junior, one of the Seleção’s biggest attacking threats, combined neatly with Bruno Guimaraes before cutting inside and curling a superb strike into the top corner. The spectacular finish brought Carlo Ancelotti’s side level against the run of play.
The second half remained competitive, with both teams creating opportunities but neither able to find a decisive breakthrough. Morocco defended resolutely while Brazil searched for a winner through their array of attacking talent.
The draw leaves both sides with a point from their opening match in what could prove to be one of the tournament’s most competitive groups. It was also the only opening-round meeting between two top-10 ranked teams in the expanded 48-nation World Cup.
Elsewhere in Group C, Scotland moved to the top of the standings with a 1-0 victory over Haiti, taking advantage of the points dropped by both Brazil and Morocco in their opening encounter. Four matches were played on Saturday across Groups B, C and D: Switzerland 1-1 Qatar, Australia 2-0 Türkiye, and Scotland 1-0 Haiti.
Vinícius Júnior scored the equaliser for Brazil, who were held by Morocco on Saturday.
Morocco’s Neil El Aynaoui, right, attempts a shot on goal during the World Cup Group C soccer match between Brazil and Morocco in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Saturday, June 13, 2026.Brazil’s Casemiro, left, challenges for the ball with Morocco’s Neil El Aynaoui (24) during the World Cup Group C soccer match between Brazil and Morocco in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Saturday, June 13, 2026. Fans wait for the start of the FIFA World Cup 2026, Group C opener between Brazil and Morocco in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Saturday, June 13, 2026.Spectators start to arrive to take their seats ahead of the World Cup Group C soccer match between Brazil and Morocco in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Saturday, June 13, 2026.Morocco fans before the start of the FIFA World Cup 2026, Group C soccer match between Brazil and Morocco in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Saturday, June 13, 2026.
Speaking at the International Seminar on CPC on International Community’s Eyes: Innovation of Theories and Practices of Chinese Modernization recently in Beijing, Dr. Buchanan said one of the most striking observations from his visit to China was the country’s ability to maintain consistent development goals over time.
“Many countries in Africa face the challenge of ensuring that public policies and development projects can transcend political cycles,” Dr. Buchanan said.
“For this reason, it is inspiring to observe experiences that demonstrate how consistent planning, clear objectives, and sustained implementation over time can generate significant progress.”
He argued that China’s experience offers important lessons for developing countries, including those in Africa, in areas such as political reforms, ecological protection, social governance and economic transformation.
Drawing on observations made during visits to several Chinese cities and development projects, Buchanan said he witnessed firsthand the impact of modernization on people’s lives.
“We saw how much Chinese people feel really happy with such better quality of lives as they enjoy,” he said, noting China’s achievements in poverty reduction, access to public services, education and technological advancement.
Buchanan described China’s development as evidence that “a nation can modernize without treading the path of external expansion or environmental depletion.”
He also highlighted the growing partnership between Rwanda and China, describing it as a relationship built on shared development aspirations and practical cooperation.
According to Dr. Buchanan, the two countries have expanded collaboration in sectors including education, health, agriculture, digital technology, energy and infrastructure development.
He noted that more than 300 Rwandan students are currently studying in China on scholarships, while over 1,500 others have graduated from Chinese universities and returned home to work in various sectors.
“China is a leading source of foreign direct investment in Rwanda,” he said, adding that future cooperation could focus on digital economies, artificial intelligence and renewable energy.
Beyond economic cooperation, Dr. Buchanan said one of the most important lessons from China’s experience is the value of long-term planning.
He stressed that international cooperation should go beyond information exchange to include trust-building and mutual learning between nations.
“Bridges between cultures do more than connect countries. They generate new ideas, new opportunities, and new ways of working together to address the challenges of our time,” he said.
He expressed hope that exchanges between Rwanda and China would continue to strengthen friendship, mutual understanding and cooperation, contributing to what he described as a shared future built on peace, prosperity and development
Dr. Buchanan said one of the most striking observations from his visit to China was the country’s ability to maintain consistent development goals over time. Dr. Buchanan was among speakers at the International Seminar on CPC on International Community’s Eyes: Innovation of Theories and Practices of Chinese Modernization in Beijing.
At the conclusion of a virtual forum convened on Friday by the African Forest Forum (AFF), a Nairobi-based non-profit conservation organization, participants underscored the role of healthy forests, peatlands, mangroves, and drylands in sustaining livelihoods for local communities.
The forum, which ran from June 8 to 12, brought together policymakers, scientists, entrepreneurs, and innovators from across the continent.
Labode Popoola, executive secretary of AFF, said the five-day conference provided a platform to raise the visibility of Africa’s tropical forests and dry landscapes in shaping a future characterized by resilience, food, water and energy security, and improved rural incomes through trade in tree-based products.
Popoola emphasized that improved governance, policy coherence, research and knowledge sharing, as well as the harnessing of technology and innovation, are key to enabling African countries to maximize benefits from indigenous forests, savanna grasslands, and coastal mangroves.
According to AFF, African forests cover nearly 23 percent of the continent’s landmass, equivalent to 624 million hectares, while supporting the livelihoods of about 245 million people through the provision of food, medicine, clean water, biomass, and carbon storage.
Participants in the five-day forum agreed that strong policy and legislative frameworks, predictable financing, public awareness, and collaborative research are essential to promoting the sustainable utilization of forests and supporting the timber industry, ecotourism, and carbon markets.
In addition, delegates noted that emerging challenges facing Africa’s tropical forests, including climate change, urbanization, unsustainable land-use practices, illegal logging, and forest clearance for mechanized farming.
In a recent conversation at Fudan University in China, Gatare said Africa’s growing population, resources, and market potential make a strong case for greater regional and continental integration.
“When you look at the political economy of the world today and the dynamics of the world today, you do not see any African state that is big enough, strong enough to compete by itself in the global economy yet,” he said. “It’s a competitive marketplace.”
Gatare argued that Africa continues to be underrepresented in discussions on global governance despite being home to nearly 1.5 billion people.
“A billion and a half people, almost as big as China in terms of people, soon probably more, is not a number of people to be ignored in discussions about global governance,” he said.
While acknowledging that a fully unified continental market may still be a long-term aspiration, he noted that regional blocs are already large enough to compete effectively on the global stage.
His remarks also highlighted the mission of the African School of Governance, which seeks to train leaders with a Pan-African outlook and a strong commitment to public service.
“The School of Governance is teaching leaders with a mindset that is Pan-African, but it’s also teaching leaders that have a commitment to public service, to their people, to the service of their people,” he said.
According to Gatare, leadership should be viewed primarily as a responsibility rather than a privilege.
“When you have that privilege, you have not done much to earn it. It’s because of the responsibility you have been bestowed on to serve others.”
He said the institution encourages leaders to develop confidence, ambition and a clear vision capable of mobilising communities toward transformation.
Gatare who also serves as Senior Advisor to the President of the Republic of Rwanda, reflected on what he described as Africa’s “collective trauma,” citing the slave trade, colonialism, struggles for independence and post-independence governance failures as challenges that have shaped the continent’s history.
“Many nations have gone through different types of trauma from bad leaders that have divided their communities, set one tribe against another, and squandered a lot of opportunity through mismanagement,” he said.
“Now, it doesn’t have to continue that way. We have got to break the cycle.”
He stressed that leadership is not limited to those holding high office, arguing that responsibility begins at the individual and community levels.
“So many times the focus is put on heads of government and nations, but the responsibility starts with leaders at the community level,” he said.
At the African School of Governance, he added, leadership training begins with values and personal responsibility.
“We say that good leadership has got to be values-based.”
On development, Gatare described it as a collective effort involving citizens, businesses, communities and governments rather than a process driven solely by the state.
“Development, in our perspective, is an outcome that happens as a result of every member of society contributing,” he said.
He noted that development requires citizens to have confidence in their future, supported by security, stability and a shared national vision.
“The role of political leaders is very important,” he said. “One, to make society safe, secure, and give confidence to citizens, as well as non-citizens, to aspire and invest in their future.”
He added that effective governance depends on consultation rather than decisions made by a single individual.
“There is no single all-knowing individual that will close themselves in a room and emerge out of it with a vision. A vision is set through consultations. That’s governance.” During the interview, Gatare also explained why the African School of Governance had engaged with institutions in China.
The school, which was established two years ago, is looking for ideas and experiences that can help shape its teaching philosophy for future African leaders.
“We are looking for inspiration to structure together the best teaching philosophy for the next leaders of our continent, Africa,” he said.
Gatare praised China’s record in poverty reduction, describing it as a source of inspiration for Africa.
In 2021, China declared the eradication of extreme poverty, lifting 770 million people out of poverty since 1978.
“There is an appreciation of what China has done for itself as a society, transforming the lives of more than a billion people and lifting more than 500 million people out of poverty in one generation,” he said.
“Africa is the only place on the planet today which collectively is still behind, caught up in poverty. Where else would we learn about fighting poverty and lifting people’s lives than in China, considering what you have achieved?”
He added that China continues to play an important stabilising role in an increasingly uncertain geopolitical environment.
“We came to learn. We came to build relationships and partnerships, to see how you do it here and what lessons we can take for ourselves.”
The African School of Governance, co-founded by President Paul Kagame in October 2024, aims to equip emerging African leaders with the knowledge and skills necessary to drive the continent’s development.
Based in Kigali, Rwanda, the African School of Governance (ASG) was formally inaugurated on Tuesday, January 14, 2025.
The institution will offer graduate programs in policy, research, governance, leadership, and management, designed to nurture the next generation of visionary African leaders.
The President of the African School of Governance, Gatare said Africa’s growing population, resources and market potential make a strong case for greater regional and continental integration.
The Seoul Central District Court handed down the prison sentence to Yoon on charges of general treason, referring to the crime of harming South Korea’s military interests or benefiting the enemy.
The court ruled that the drone infiltration compromised South Korea’s military interests, saying that the drone operations were conducted for private purposes unrelated to national security or defense.
The team of Cho Eun-suk, an independent counsel who led investigations into Yoon’s insurrection and other charges, demanded a 30-year prison term for Yoon.
Yoon was accused of ordering the drone infiltration into Pyongyang around October 2024 with the intent of militarily provoking the DPRK in a bid to create a pretext for his martial law declaration in December of the same year.
The special prosecutor team believed that the drone operation heightened military tensions between the two Koreas and compromised South Korea’s military interests, as the drone crash led to the leak of classified information about military operations and assets.
Former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun was sentenced to 30 years in prison, which is heavier than the 25-year jail term sought by the special counsel, while Yeo In-hyung, former head of the Defense Counterintelligence Command, was sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Yoon, Kim and Yeo were indicted on general treason charges in November 2025.
Yoon was sentenced to life in prison in February for insurrection stemming from his martial law declaration.
The emergency martial law was declared by Yoon on the night of Dec 3, 2024, but it was revoked hours later by the National Assembly.
He was indicted under detention in January 2025 as a suspected ringleader of the insurrection, becoming the first sitting president to be arrested and indicted.
The Seoul Central District Court handed down the prison sentence to Yoon on charges of general treason
The agreement was signed on June 11, 2026, during a meeting between Rwanda Green Fund Chief Executive Officer, Teddy Mugabo and Country Representative for GGGI Rwanda, Caroline Raes alongside an accompanying delegation.
According to Rwanda Green Fund, the memorandum establishes a framework for cooperation that will support Rwanda’s efforts to achieve its green growth and climate objectives while contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Paris Agreement, Rwanda’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0), and the country’s Green Growth and Climate Resilience Strategy.
The partnership is expected to focus on mobilizing green investments and accelerating the development of climate-related projects capable of delivering both environmental and economic benefits.
Under the agreement, the two institutions will work together to strengthen carbon market development and support the implementation of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, which allows countries to cooperate in achieving emissions reduction targets through international carbon trading mechanisms.
The collaboration will also explore innovative financing solutions designed to attract greater investment into climate and environmental projects.
In addition, GGGI will provide technical advisory services on green technologies and support the development of a pipeline of high-impact projects that contribute to Rwanda’s sustainable transformation.
GGGI is a treaty-based international and intergovernmental organization that supports developing countries and emerging economies in pursuing strong, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable economic growth.
The organization works with governments and partners worldwide to integrate green growth principles into national development planning and investment strategies.
The new agreement comes as Rwanda continues to position itself as a regional leader in climate action and green development, with ongoing efforts to attract climate finance, promote low-carbon economic growth, and strengthen resilience to the impacts of climate change.
Rwanda views carbon markets as a key tool in its ambition to become a developed, carbon-neutral and climate-resilient economy by 2050.
Although the country contributes relatively little to global greenhouse gas emissions, it has significant potential for carbon market projects.
Rwanda’s carbon credit sector is currently dominated by improved cookstove initiatives, which account for 87 percent of all Certified Emission Reductions issued, while lighting and solar projects contribute 9 percent and 4 percent respectively.
By December 2020, Rwanda had generated more than 2.25 million carbon credits through the Clean Development Mechanism and the Voluntary Carbon Market, underscoring the growing role of carbon finance in supporting the country’s sustainable development goals.
The partnership is expected to focus on mobilizing green investments and accelerating the development of climate-related projects capable of delivering both environmental and economic benefits.The agreement was signed on June 11, 2026, during a meeting between Rwanda Green Fund Chief Executive Officer, Teddy Mugabo and Country Representative for GGGI Rwanda, Caroline Raes alongside an accompanying delegation.
Murenzi announced the appointment through his social media platforms, expressing gratitude for the opportunity and his commitment to representing the interests of young people.
“I am delighted to share that I have been appointed to the Youth Sounding Board of the European Union Delegation in Rwanda,” he wrote.
He added that he looks forward to working closely with the EU Delegation and embassies of EU member states in Rwanda to strengthen cooperation and advocate for initiatives that address the aspirations, challenges and needs of Rwandan youth.
The Youth Sounding Board is a mechanism established by the European Union to ensure meaningful youth participation in the design and implementation of EU policies, programmes and partnerships. The platform enables young people to contribute their perspectives and help make development efforts more inclusive, responsive and impactful.
Murenzi’s appointment adds to a growing record of youth leadership and engagement in national and international development initiatives.
He founded Rwanda We Want in 2015 at the age of 17, creating a platform aimed at empowering young people and encouraging their participation in Rwanda’s development agenda. Under his leadership, the organization has grown into a prominent youth-focused movement that promotes civic engagement, leadership and sustainable development.
Murenzi holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Monetary Economics from the University of Rwanda and a Master’s degree in Design Management from Coventry University in the United Kingdom.
Over the years, he has also served in several regional and international roles focused on youth empowerment and sustainable development. These include membership on the policy team of the planning task force for the 12th Commonwealth Youth Forum and serving as Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Coordinator for the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (UN-SDSN).
His new role on the EU Youth Sounding Board is expected to provide an additional platform for engaging with policymakers and development partners on issues affecting young people in Rwanda.
Murenzi’s appointment adds to a growing record of youth leadership and engagement in national and international development initiatives.
Earlier in the day, the Trump administration and the Board of Trustees of the Kennedy Center each appealed a federal district judge’s ruling ordering the removal. Under the order, Trump’s name must be removed from the building by Friday midnight.
By Friday afternoon, construction crews had cordoned off the section of the Kennedy Center bearing Trump’s name and begun erecting scaffolding for its removal.
Patrick Nour, a performer at the Kennedy Center, told Xinhua in front of the scaffolding on Friday evening that he is happy to see that “it isn’t being disgraced.”
“It’s a memorial. It isn’t a place where you could just put your name on. It’s dedicated to somebody who did something, not someone who is doing something,” he said.
Shortly after returning to office for a second term in January last year, Trump replaced the Kennedy Center’s leadership and appointed a new board of trustees. In December, the reconstituted board voted to rename the institution by adding Trump’s name to its official title.
The move prompted a lawsuit by board member Joyce Beatty, a Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives, seeking to overturn the decision and remove Trump’s name from the institution.
On May 29, Judge Christopher Cooper of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia ruled that the Kennedy Center’s name could not be changed without congressional approval. He ordered that all physical signage bearing Trump’s name be removed from the Kennedy Center within 14 days and that any references to the “Trump-Kennedy Center” be deleted from official materials.
Cooper also ordered the suspension of the center’s plan to close for two years for renovations, which Trump announced in February and was scheduled to take effect in July.
The Kennedy Center, named after former U.S. President John F. Kennedy, officially opened in 1971. It is widely regarded as a national cultural center, hosting world-class performances in music, opera, theater, dance, and other arts.
The renaming controversy has already affected the center’s regular cultural programming, with some musicians and performing groups announcing cancellations or withdrawals from scheduled appearances.
The Kennedy Center, named after former U.S. President John F. Kennedy, officially opened in 1971. It is widely regarded as a national cultural center, hosting world-class performances in music, opera, theater, dance, and other arts.
