Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) made the announcement in a statement carried by Iranian media hours after Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump signed the MoU, electronically.
The SNSC said under the MoU, no fee will be charged for 60 days for passage by ships requesting to cross the Strait of Hormuz, and all the expenses will be covered by the Iranian government.
Vessels seeking to transit the waterway are required to send their requests to the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA), it said.
“Given the specific circumstances and existence of some safety hazards along the passage route, and due to the necessity to ensure safe traffic and prevent maritime accidents, it is necessary for ships to pass through along the announced route and at the announced time,” it said, giving the assurance that traffic in the waterway would gradually increase.
It said the executive arrangements and technical details for passage through the strait will be announced through the PGSA.
Iran, the United States and Pakistan early Monday announced the finalization of the MoU aiming to end conflict on all fronts, including Lebanon. Pezeshkian and Trump signed the MoU electronically early Thursday.
This photo taken with a mobile phone shows merchant vessels stranded in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz, near Khasab, a small town in northern Oman, May 29, 2026. (Xinhua/Wen Xinnian)
“We expect a complete Ceasefire on all fronts, including Lebanon, Hezbollah, and Israel,” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.
“The United States is committed to PEACE, and we encourage everyone in the Middle East Region to maintain their commitment to allowing our negotiations to beautifully unfold,” he added.
Trump signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Wednesday with Iran in France, launching a 60-day negotiation period beginning Thursday aimed at reaching a final agreement.
The MoU calls for “the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon.” However, Israel has said it does not intend to withdraw its forces from Lebanon.
Twenty-one new confirmed cases, including six deaths, were reported Wednesday in the eastern provinces of Ituri and North Kivu, the health ministry said in its daily update. The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo ebolavirus, has affected 33 health zones across three eastern provinces –Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu.
Health authorities said 383 patients were either in isolation or hospitalized, while 78 patients had recovered, including 11 newly declared recoveries following negative control tests.
A total of 151 suspected cases, including 35 deaths, were also reported on Wednesday. Authorities said 6,367 contacts were under follow-up across the three provinces, of whom 4,525 were reached during the reporting period, representing a follow-up rate of 71.1 percent.
The report said the number of confirmed cases continued to rise week by week, indicating ongoing community transmission. It also warned that rapid geographic spread remained possible if public health measures were not implemented swiftly.
The current outbreak, the DRC’s 17th Ebola outbreak, was officially declared on May 15.
Twenty-one new confirmed cases, including six deaths, were reported Wednesday in the eastern provinces of Ituri and North Kivu, the health ministry said in its daily update.
The intervention comes just hours after Mutesi threatened to escalate the matter legally, instructing her lawyers at Mbidde & Co. Advocates to pursue defamation proceedings against Bebe Cool over allegations linking her to a fraud scheme. She had given him a 48-hour deadline to issue an apology.
In a statement posted on X, Mutesi said she had taken the accusations seriously and formally handed the matter to her legal counsel, attaching a notice from her lawyers indicating intent to pursue legal action.
“To the general public, I would like to tell you that I didn’t take allegations made by MOSES SSALI aka BEBE COOL lightly and in the interest of ensuring that all matters are handled appropriately, I have formally referred this matter to my legal counsel,” she wrote.
The legal notice, issued by Kampala-based Mbidde & Co. Advocates on June 17, 2026, accused Bebe Cool of publishing defamatory statements on his verified X account, alleging that Mutesi was involved in fraudulent activity in 2025. The lawyers described the claims as false, malicious, and damaging to her reputation.
The letter further stated that Mutesi had no dealings with the musician and disputed the alleged phone number cited in the accusations, describing it as linked to impersonators and unrelated to her identity. It also demanded an immediate retraction, a public apology, and a written undertaking within 48 hours, warning of legal proceedings if these demands were not met.
The dispute originated from earlier posts by Bebe Cool in which he alleged that Mutesi had scammed him using the names of Rwanda and Arsenal F.C. The claims sparked public backlash and prompted Mutesi to deny any involvement, suggesting she may have been impersonated online.
However, the situation shifted after Gen. Muhoozi intervened, announcing that he had spoken to both parties and helped broker a resolution.
“My brother @BebeCoolUG has apologised to Miss @JollyMutesi. Jolly has accepted the apology. All is well. So everybody relax,” he wrote.
Following the intervention, Mutesi confirmed acceptance of the apology, posting: “Apology accepted sir. Thank you for guidance.”
Bebe Cool also confirmed that he had received a call from Gen. Muhoozi, who advised him to de-escalate the matter and resolve it privately rather than continue the exchange on social media.
“This morning, I received a call from my big brother, Kainerugaba, regarding the issue with Jolly. As my elder and leader, he advised me to drop it, delete the tweets, and resolve it amicably off social media since we are both family to him and there is no need for a public spat,” he said.
He added that he accepted the guidance and agreed to move on, effectively bringing an end to the public confrontation.
The resolution closes a dispute that had drawn significant attention online, shifting from social media accusations to formal legal threats before being resolved through high-level intervention.
The intervention comes just hours after Mutesi threatened to escalate the matter legally, instructing her lawyers at Mbidde & Co. Advocates to pursue defamation proceedings against Bebe Cool over allegations linking her to a fraud scheme. Gen. Muhoozi announced in a post on X that he had spoken to both parties and helped broker a resolution.Bebe Cool also confirmed that he had received a call from Gen. Muhoozi, who advised him to de-escalate the matter and resolve it privately rather than continue the exchange on social media.
According to analytics firm Sensor Tower’s State of AI Report 2026, ChatGPT’s market share fell to 46.4% by the end of May, down from more than 50% in January.
The decline comes as users increasingly turn to alternative AI assistants, with Gemini capturing 27.7% of the market and Claude reaching 10.3%. Other platforms, including Grok, Perplexity, DeepSeek and Meta AI, each account for less than 5%.
Despite the drop in market share, ChatGPT remains the world’s most widely used AI assistant, boasting more than 1.1 billion monthly users. Sensor Tower also noted that the chatbot became the fastest application ever to surpass one billion monthly users, cementing its position as the industry’s leading platform.
The report found that users are becoming more willing to switch between AI assistants based on performance, ecosystem integration and company decisions.
It noted that OpenAI’s agreement with the U.S. Department of Defense in February coincided with a measurable increase in app uninstalls, suggesting that “brand trust and values alignment matter to users, not just features.”
Meanwhile, Gemini has gained momentum through its integration across Google’s ecosystem, while Claude has built a strong reputation for productivity and is closing in on ChatGPT’s user-retention rate.
The broader AI market continues to expand rapidly. Sensor Tower estimates that users are on track to download nearly 2.3 billion AI apps and spend more than $4.2 billion during the first half of 2026, up from $1.83 billion during the same period last year. The report said the figures indicate the industry is gradually shifting its focus from rapid user growth toward monetization.
OpenAI has also expanded advertising within ChatGPT, with about 17% of daily users seeing ads by May. At the same time, ChatGPT is increasingly directing shopping traffic to retailers including Walmart, Target and Costco, highlighting the growing influence of AI assistants on consumer purchasing decisions.
Despite the drop in market share, ChatGPT remains the world’s most widely used AI assistant, boasting more than 1.1 billion monthly users.
Barone, who now practices at New Health Therapy Centre in Kigali, says the country’s safety, welcoming people and favorable climate convinced him to settle in Rwanda after years of working abroad.
“I spent many years in a very dangerous country, and I was looking around for a very safe place,” he said. “I’ve never been here before, and I think I found a little paradise here. It’s very safe, people are very kind, and the weather is nice.”
Having previously worked in countries including Mexico, Guatemala and Colombia, Barone established his practice in Rwanda last year. After initially operating in Kimihurura, he later relocated to Kacyiru, where he now provides osteopathy, chiropractic care and other natural therapies.
According to Barone, his interest in alternative forms of treatment began with a personal health challenge.
“I started with this because I had a problem myself. Conventional medicine did not find a solution,” he explained. “When I was young, I tried chiropractic treatment for the first time, and it helped me. So I came to trust that kind of medicine, natural medicine.”
At the centre, Barone focuses on helping patients improve spinal alignment, posture and overall wellbeing. He explained that chiropractic treatment is based on the belief that proper spinal alignment supports the healthy functioning of the nervous system.
“The body is smart and it can heal itself,” he said. “We are helping people put the spinal column back in the right position.”
Beyond treatment, he also emphasizes prevention by teaching patients proper posture, sleeping positions and healthy exercise habits.
“People don’t know how to sit properly, especially when spending a long time seated in an office. The same applies to students in school and university,” he noted.
Barone describes the therapies offered at the centre as natural and non-invasive, arguing that they work with the body’s healing processes.
“All are natural therapies. They are not invasive,” he said. “We provide chiropractic, osteopathy and other natural treatments. These help the body heal itself.”
He also encouraged people to be cautious about relying excessively on painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs.
“Sometimes they can lead to dependency, making the problem worse and worse,” he said. “People should become more comfortable with natural therapies such as chiropractic treatment and try them one time.”
Looking to the future, Barone says he hopes to continue building his practice in Rwanda and expand its services to reach more patients.
“I would like to stay here, maybe forever,” he said. “I would like to grow into a bigger place and continue improving for the benefit of patients. I want to grow together with them.”
Barone helps patients improve posture, spinal alignment and overall wellbeing through osteopathy and chiropractic care.The Italian practitioner hopes to expand his services in Rwanda as he continues helping patients explore natural approaches to health and wellness.Italian osteopath and physiotherapist Filippo Barone provides natural, non-invasive therapies at New Health Therapy Centre in Kigali.Filippo Barone says Rwanda’s safety and welcoming environment convinced him to settle in Kigali after years of working abroad.
Intelligence reports indicated that as of June 2025, the FDLR comprised between 7,000 and 10,000 fighters. In November of that year, its military spokesperson, Lt Col Octavien Mutimura, admitted that the group had a large number of combatants capable of confronting any force attacking it.
When former M23 fighters resumed armed rebellion in late 2021, their objective was not only to fight the Congolese army (FARDC) but also to dislodge the FDLR from Congolese territory, as the terrorist group had continued to persecute Congolese Tutsis in various areas, looting their property, raping women, and killing some of them.
At the time, many FDLR fighters were based in areas of Virunga National Park, near Mount Nyiragongo. General Omega was stationed at a military camp known as “Paris” in Rutshuru Territory, which also served as the main headquarters of the terrorist group founded by individuals involved in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Militarily, General Omega is assisted by Maj Gen Cyprien Uzabakiriho, known as “Ave Maria.” Military intelligence (G2) is headed by Brig Gen Sébastien Uwimbabazi, known as “Nyembo Abdallah,” who also coordinates FDLR fighters operating in Masisi and Walikale.
The FDLR-FOCA militia group, militarily led by Pacifique Ntawunguka, commonly known as “General Omega,” continues to strengthen itself both militarily and politically, in line with a plan to destabilise Rwanda.
FDLR military operations (G3) are generally led by Brig Gen Lucien Nzabanita, while the elite unit known as CRAP is commanded by Col Pierre-Célestin Rurakabije, known as “Simba Guillaume.” On another level, Col Gustave Kubwayo, known as “Sirkoof,” is also mentioned as leading one of the group’s military sectors.
The FDLR’s command structure closely resembles that of the defeated former Rwandan Armed Forces (Ex-FAR), and many of its senior military officers are former members of that army. General Omega himself served as a lieutenant until the end of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, after which he fled to what was then Zaire (now the DRC).
In training sessions given to FDLR fighters, they are consistently told that Hutus should be the ones to rule Rwanda and that they must reclaim power through armed struggle. These sessions also instill hatred, ethnic division, and genocide ideology.
These trainings are conducted in camps led by Brig Gen Mutunzi Bernard, known as “Manzi,” according to investigations by Africa Intelligence. The camps are regularly visited by senior FDLR leaders.
Col Protogène Ruvugayimikore, who previously commanded CRAP before being killed by his own colleagues in December 2023, was one of the key figures responsible for indoctrinating new FDLR recruits. All these politically oriented activities are overseen by the group’s president, Lt Gen Gaston Iyamuremye, known as “Victor Byiringiro” or “Rumuri.”
How the FDLR started collaborating with Congolese forces
When the M23 rebellion resumed, the FDLR had already lost several senior leaders in both its military wing, such as Gen Sylvestre Mudacumura, and its political leadership, including Ignace Murwanashyaka, its then president. The group saw an opportunity to collaborate with the Congolese army, which had previously opposed it, and exploited this situation to its advantage.
The Congolese army had long shown interest in such cooperation, believing that the FDLR had experience in jungle and mountainous warfare and possessed deep knowledge of eastern DRC terrain due to more than 30 years of presence in the region.
In May 2022, a meeting was held in Pinga, Walikale Territory, bringing together armed groups and the Congolese army. It was initiated by Maj Gen Peter Cirimwami Nkuba, who was responsible for military operations in North Kivu.
That meeting, attended by FDLR representatives, led to a formal decision to cooperate, under the premise that they shared a common enemy: M23. The Congolese army promised these armed groups salaries and military supplies.
One of the notable examples of this cooperation was an attack carried out in Nturo village in Masisi Territory in October 2023. It involved FARDC special units known as “Hiboux,” led by Major Peter Kabwe, CRAP fighters under Lt Noheli Nyiringabo known as “Seigneur de Guerre,” as well as members of Congolese armed groups collectively known as Wazalendo.
In October 2023, Nturo village, inhabited mainly by Congolese Tutsis, was set ablaze. Survivor testimonies indicate that the attack was carried out by the FDLR and Wazalendo groups under the coordination of the Congolese army.
This cooperation did not prevent the defeat of the Congolese government coalition, as AFC/M23 continued to capture large areas in North Kivu, forcing government forces to retreat toward the southern areas near Goma city.
Some FDLR fighters reportedly operated from FARDC positions in Mubambiro, about 20 kilometers from Goma, where they prepared joint military operations with government forces and Wazalendo militias.
At the beginning of 2025, M23, by then operating under the AFC/M23 alliance, intensified attacks in Rutshuru, Masisi, and Nyiragongo territories. General Omega and his fighters fled, with some moving to Shingisha in Masisi and others to Walikale.
Intelligence reports indicate that FARDC continues to cooperate with the FDLR at a high level, with involvement extending even to the Kinshasa government, unlike in the past when coordination was mainly driven by North Kivu-based officers.
It is reported that Brig Gen Uwimbabazi (G2) and Brig Gen Nzabanita (G3) were tasked by General Omega to maintain constant communication with FARDC leadership regarding cooperation, including planning and execution of joint operations.
In March 2026, the Deputy Chief of Staff of the FARDC in charge of operations and intelligence, Maj Gen Jacques Nduru Ychaligonza, arrived in Kisangani in Tshopo Province, stating that his mission from Kinshasa was to launch operations aimed at dismantling the FDLR.
Reports indicate that during this time, Maj Gen Ychaligonza met General Omega, and they discussed plans for FDLR fighters to reposition into AFC/M23-controlled areas in Rutshuru, with the aim of allowing the DRC government to later claim to the international community that it lacked the capacity to dismantle the group, arguing that it was operating outside its control.
Maj Gen Ychaligonza arrived in Kisangani on March 29. Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, stated last week that within just 48 hours, around 700 weapons were delivered to the FDLR.
As relations between Rwanda and the DRC deteriorated, President Félix Tshisekedi has repeatedly hosted Rwandan individuals in Kinshasa involved in plans to destabilise the Rwandan government, including Jean-Luc Habyarimana, son of former President Juvénal Habyarimana, as well as former Rwandan officials in exile.
Reports also indicate that Tshisekedi recently met former FDLR officials, including Faustin Murego, a former adviser to Murwanashyaka during his tenure as FDLR president, and Thaddée Kwitonda, who is wanted by Belgian justice over alleged involvement in the Genocide against the Tutsi.
On January 25, 2025, Tshisekedi’s wife, Denise Nyakeru, visited wounded combatants receiving treatment in Kinshasa, including a fighter from the FDLR’s elite CRAP unit.
The camp, which targets children aged between 10 and 16 years, will be held at NSL in Bugesera from July 20 to 31, 2026.
Steven E. Karangwa, the Chief Executive Officer of K2 Group, which collaborates with Ntare Louisenlund School, told IGIHE that preparations for the 2026 edition of the summer camp are already at an advanced stage.
“We wanted to contribute to the development of knowledge among Rwandans, which ultimately feeds into the country’s economic growth,” he said.
He noted that during the holiday period, the program will focus on teaching children Rwanda’s history and governance, along with other skills-based learning activities.
“People often say that a tree is best straightened while it is still young. If we are already offering training to adults, what more can we do for younger children, especially when they are on holiday after completing their studies? That is why we decided that Rwanda needs a summer camp to help shape responsible young citizens who will contribute positively to the country,” he added.
Children will also have time to relax mentally, as activities will be delivered through games and interactive experiences rather than a formal classroom environment.
Participants will come from various schools across Rwanda and the diaspora. In 2025, the camp attracted children from six countries.
Karangwa said that in partnership with Ntare Louisenlund School, the initiative is designed to build well-rounded individuals through education, recreation, and sports, all aimed at nurturing responsible and capable young Africans.
“If we say that our country’s development will be driven by the knowledge of its people, then the same applies to the entire African continent,” he noted.
Among the subjects to be taught are governance, artificial intelligence and robotics, debates, and various sports activities.
He further explained that children themselves will lead discussions, form groups, and engage in conversations that help them build confidence in public speaking.
Understanding one’s roots
Karangwa said the 2026 summer camp was also designed to help children understand their origins, which he described as essential in shaping responsible future Africans.
“How can these children begin asking where they come from? What is our history as Rwandans and Africans, regardless of where a child comes from? This helps them prepare for the future and take ownership of it for their own development and that of their countries. As the saying goes, if you do not know where you come from, you cannot know where you are going,” he said.
He also encouraged parents from different countries to give their children the opportunity to attend such programs in Rwanda, noting that they offer a valuable chance to connect with their roots in a well-structured learning environment.
Registration is open via info@k2careercenter.com or k2hrservices@gmail.com, or by calling +250 788 335 286 / +250 788 673 730
Steven E. Karangwa, the Chief Executive Officer of K2 Group, has told IGIHE that preparations for the 2026 edition of the summer camp are already at an advanced stage. Students also engage in sports activities, including basketball.Those who wish can swim in a well-equipped swimming pool.Children learn in groups, sharing and exchanging knowledge.Children study various subjects using modern equipment.Children also get ample time for play and recreational learning.Children are also trained in public speaking.The most recent summer camp was attended by children from six different countries.
Karame Twaje reflects the Bank’s commitment to ensuring that customers can access banking services within the proximity of where they live, work, and do business, without necessarily having to visit a branch.
Through a growing network of authorized agents located within communities across Rwanda, customers can now conveniently access a wide range of banking services, including: account origination, cash deposits, cash withdrawals, facilitation of utility bill payments (EUCL and WASAC) as well as SchoolGEAR fee collection services and payments to RURA, RRA, RSSB, Irembo, and other service providers.
The launch marks another important milestone in the Bank digital and financial inclusion journey, aimed at expanding access to banking services while enhancing customer convenience and experience.
Commenting on the launch, Benjamin Mutimura, CEO of I&M Bank (Rwanda) Plc, said the move reflects ongoing commitment to enhancing customer experience.
“We promised to always be on your side! Karame Twaje Agency Banking is a tangible expression of that promise. We understand that banking should fit into our customers’ daily lives, not the other way around. By bringing banking services closer to communities across Rwanda, we are removing barriers, saving customers time, and making financial services more accessible to everyone,” he said.
Mutimura added that the initiative supports the Bank’s broader ambition of driving financial inclusion while delivering innovative solutions that respond to customers’ evolving needs.
“Karame Twaje is more than an agency banking network; it is a platform for empowerment. Whether you are a small business owner, a student, a farmer, or a salaried professional, we want quality banking services to be within your reach whenever and wherever you need them.”
The launch also reinforces the Bank’s continued investment in technology and alternative service channels designed to offer customers greater flexibility and convenience.
“Today’s customers expect banking to be fast, reliable, secure, and available wherever they are. Karame Twaje combines technology, accessibility, and convenience to create a seamless banking experience beyond the traditional branch network. This initiative complements our digital banking ecosystem and ensures that customers can access essential services closer to home and within their communities,” said Henry Obike, Chief Innovation Officer at I&M Bank (Rwanda) Plc.
Obike noted that the agency banking platform has been designed with robust security measures and operational controls to ensure that customers enjoy a safe and trusted banking experience at every authorized agent location.
With Karame Twaje, the Bank continues to strengthen its position as a customer-centric Bank committed to innovation, financial inclusion, and delivering banking solutions that meet customers where they are.
Karame Twaje comes on a backdrop of Tsinda na Banki Muhorana, where the Bank incentivized customers and engaged them on using its various platforms day to day, including the App, internet banking, and *227#.
I&M Bank Rwanda has invited all eligible businesses that meet the Bank’s Agent Banking due diligence requirements, including fully registered and compliant enterprises with sufficient liquidity, secure premises, and a strong reputation within their communities, to visit their nearest I&M Bank branch to submit an application and explore the opportunity to become authorized Karame Twaje agents.
By partnering with I&M Bank, local businesses can benefit from increased customer traffic, enhanced business visibility, and the opportunity to earn competitive commissions while offering essential banking services to their communities.
Customers can locate their nearest Karame Twaje Agent by visiting:www.imbankgroup.com/rw/agents.
Benjamin Mutimura, CEO of I&M Bank (Rwanda) Plc, said “Karame Twaje” reflects ongoing commitment to enhancing customer experience by bringing banking services closer to communities across Rwanda. Henry Obike, Chief Innovation Officer at I&M Bank (Rwanda) Plc. I&M Bank (Rwanda) headquarters
In a statement shared on X, Mutesi said she had not taken the allegations lightly and confirmed that she had formally instructed her legal representatives to handle the matter. She attached a legal notice issued by Kampala-based law firm Mbidde & Co. Advocates, signalling the start of potential defamation proceedings.
“To the general public, I would like to tell you that I didn’t take allegations made by Moses Ssali aka Bebe Cool lightly and in the interest of ensuring that all matters are handled appropriately, I have formally referred this matter to my legal counsel,” she wrote.
The legal letter, dated June 17, 2026, accuses Bebe Cool of publishing defamatory statements on his verified X account, alleging that Mutesi was involved in fraudulent activity in 2025. The lawyers argue that the claims are false, malicious, and have damaged her reputation.
The notice further states that Mutesi has never had any dealings with the singer and challenges the alleged phone number used in the accusations, describing it as unrelated to her identity and linked to impersonators.
The lawyers have demanded an immediate retraction of the statements, a public apology, and a written undertaking within 48 hours, warning that failure to comply will lead to legal proceedings.
The dispute stems from earlier claims by Bebe Cool alleging that Mutesi was involved in a scam that used the names of Rwanda and Arsenal F.C. Mutesi has previously denied the allegations, suggesting she may have been impersonated online.
The escalating feud has drawn widespread attention on social media, with fans on both sides closely following the unfolding dispute.
Further developments are expected as the legal deadline approaches.
To the general public.
I would like to tell you that I didn’t take allegations made by MOSES SSALI aka BEBE COOL @BebeCoolUG lightly and in the interest of ensuring that all matters are handled appropriately, I have formally referred this matter to my legal counsel. @Mbidde. pic.twitter.com/R7TWVIgnOc
— Jolly Mutesi. #TeamPK (@JollyMutesi) June 17, 2026
Former Miss Rwanda 2016 Jolly Mutesi has threatened legal action against Ugandan musician Bebe Cool following accusations linking her to an alleged fraud scheme, escalating a public dispute that has unfolded on social media.
