Held under the theme, “Women and Children in Detention: Gender-Responsive and Child-Sensitive NPM Approaches,” the Conference will bring together representatives of National Preventive Mechanisms, National Human Rights Institutions, government agencies, international organizations, development partners, and civil society organizations from across Africa and beyond to discuss strategies for strengthening the protection of women and children deprived of their liberty.
It will focus on strengthening cooperation among African countries, promoting experience-sharing and advancing best practices in preventing torture and degrading treatment in detention facilities.
A key focus of the conference will be the protection of women and children in detention, who are often considered more vulnerable and in need of special safeguards.
Participants are expected to discuss the specific challenges faced by women and children in detention, share lessons from ongoing initiatives, and explore practical approaches to improving their protection and welfare.
NCHR Chairperson Providence Umurungi said the conference will bring together institutions responsible for preventing torture and other forms of abuse in detention settings across the continent.
She noted that the gathering offers an important opportunity to strengthen collaboration and exchange practical experience among participating countries.
The conference will also serve as a platform to improve oversight mechanisms in detention facilities and reinforce joint efforts to eliminate torture and other forms of ill-treatment, in line with international and regional human rights standards.
The conference is expected to produce recommendations aimed at strengthening cooperation among African countries and improving the protection of women and children in detention.
Rwanda has made significant efforts to promote the well-being of prisoners.
During this five-day period, a total of 9,946 tonnes of produce were exported to international markets.
Coffee exports accounted for 383 tonnes, generating about Rwf 3.4 billion, while tea exports reached 825 tonnes, earning Rwf 3.3 billion. Vegetables totaled 312 tonnes and generated Rwf 522 million.
Other exported products included fruits, which amounted to 323 tonnes and earned Rwf 326 million, and flowers, which totaled 14 tonnes and generated Rwf 114 million.
Staple crops such as tubers, legumes and cereals accounted for 7,846 tonnes and brought in Rwf 7.6 billion.
Livestock and related products contributed 243 tonnes, earning the country Rwf 399 million.
Rwandan agricultural products were exported to various international markets, including China, the United Kingdom, France, the United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh, Oman, the Netherlands, and several African countries.
A total of 9,946 tonnes of produce were exported to international markets within five-days.
The discussions held on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, focused on deepening military cooperation and reinforcing the strategic partnership between the armies of Rwanda and France.
Eurosatory is an international exhibition dedicated to land, air defence and security. Held every two years in Paris since its launch in 1967, it is regarded as one of the world’s leading defence and security events.
The exhibition brings together military leaders, government officials and defence industry representatives from across the globe to showcase the latest technologies and equipment, exchange expertise and discuss emerging security challenges.
The 2026 edition, which opened on June 15, runs for five days and features 2,100 exhibitors from 65 countries. It has also attracted 330 official delegations from 93 countries, reflecting its role as a key platform for international defence cooperation.
More than 500 new defence and security technologies are being showcased during this year’s event, covering a wide range of military and security applications.
Rwanda and France maintain cooperation in several sectors, including security, development, education and justice.
Last month, Rwanda and France signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at streamlining migration management and easing employment restrictions for families of diplomatic staff serving in both nations.
The newly signed MoUs are expected to deepen bilateral ties, enhance administrative efficiency, and foster closer cooperation between Kigali and Paris.
The diplomatic milestone closely follows the historic inauguration on June 2, 2026, of “L’Archive”, a permanent memorial in Paris dedicated to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Rwanda and France military leaders held bilateral talks on the sidelines of Eurosatory 2026, focusing on strengthening defence cooperation.Senior military officials from Rwanda and France attended Eurosatory 2026, an international defence and security exhibition held in Paris.The Rwanda Defence Force Army Chief of Staff, Maj. Gen. Vincent Nyakarundi, met with French Army Chief of Staff Gen. Pierre Schill during Eurosatory 2026 in Paris.Eurosatory 2026 brought together global defence leaders, including delegations from Rwanda and France, to exchange on security and military cooperation.
Making their first appearance at the tournament since 1974, when the nation competed as Zaire, DR Congo produced a determined display to earn their first-ever World Cup point and frustrate one of the tournament’s favourites.
Portugal appeared to be cruising after taking an early lead in the sixth minute. Pedro Neto delivered a precise cross into the penalty area, where midfielder Joao Neves rose above the defense to power a header past the Congolese goalkeeper.
Despite dominating possession for much of the first half, Portugal struggled to create clear scoring opportunities. Their inability to extend the lead proved costly as DR Congo grew into the contest.
The African side found their breakthrough deep into first-half stoppage time. Arthur Masuaku whipped in a dangerous cross, and Newcastle United forward Yoane Wissa escaped his marker to head home the equaliser, scoring DR Congo’s first-ever World Cup goal and sending their supporters into celebration.
Cristiano Ronaldo, making a record-equalling sixth World Cup appearance at the age of 41, endured a frustrating evening. The Portuguese captain was largely contained by the Congolese defense and missed two promising chances in the second half as Portugal searched for a winner.
DR Congo nearly completed a remarkable comeback when veteran striker Cedric Bakambu struck the post midway through the second half. Portugal thought they had regained the lead through Joao Cancelo, but the effort was ruled out for offside.
After the match, Portugal coach Roberto Martinez admitted his side failed to maintain their attacking intent, while DR Congo coach Sebastien Desabre praised his players for their resilience.
“We didn’t create enough chances and probably we lost that intention of scoring the second goal,” Martinez said. “But I think it’s more the mentality of getting rid of the weight on the shoulders of the players or wanting to win the World Cup.”
Desabre added: “It is a step forward for us to have scored this first goal and to have this first point for our country during this World Cup. We gave everything we had against the team of Portugal. We are delighted.”
The result leaves Group K wide open, with Portugal now under pressure to secure victories in their remaining matches against Uzbekistan and Colombia, while DR Congo will take confidence from a historic point earned on football’s biggest stage.
Pedro Neto delivered a precise cross into the penalty area, where midfielder Joao Neves rose above the defense to power a header past the Congolese goalkeeper.DR Congo players celebrate wildly after Yoane Wissa’s historic equaliser. Cristiano Ronaldo, making a record-equalling sixth World Cup appearance at the age of 41, endured a frustrating evening. The Portuguese captain was largely contained by the Congolese defense and missed two promising chances in the second half as Portugal searched for a winner.
The group includes 85 Sudanese nationals, many of whom have been displaced by the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
It also consists of 66 Eritreans, two Ethiopians and 12 South Sudanese nationals. The arrivals were received in collaboration with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
Many of those evacuated from Libya are migrants and asylum seekers who had hoped to reach Europe by crossing the Mediterranean Sea. A significant number attempt the journey without valid travel documents, while others perish before reaching their destination.
The evacuees are hosted under the Emergency Transit Mechanism (ETM), a UNHCR programme that provides temporary protection for refugees and asylum seekers stranded in Libya while durable solutions, including resettlement opportunities, are sought.
In a statement posted on X, MINEMA reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to offering refuge to people in need.
Since 2019, Rwanda has received more than 3,000 refugees and asylum seekers evacuated from Libya. Of these, 2,623 have been successfully resettled in third countries.
Among the countries that have received the largest number of refugees and asylum seekers transferred from Rwanda are Canada, Finland and the United States.
A group of 173 asylum seekers have been evacuated from Libya arrived in Rwanda under the Emergency Transit Mechanism, a programme implemented in partnership with UNHCR.The latest group of asylum seekers received in Rwanda includes nationals from Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia and South Sudan who were evacuated from Libya.Officials from MINEMA and UNHCR welcomed 173 asylum seekers evacuated from Libya as Rwanda received the 23rd group under the Emergency Transit Mechanism.
According to a statement from the Office of the President, the meeting focused on Rwanda’s role in supporting the East African integration agenda and ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation among EAC Partner States.
The meeting comes just days after the EAC launched a two-week nationwide consultation process in Rwanda aimed at collecting citizens’ views on the drafting of the Constitution of the proposed East African Political Confederation, a key milestone in the bloc’s long-term integration agenda.
Speaking during the launch of the consultations in Kigali on Monday, Amb. Mbundi emphasised the importance of a people-centred approach to regional integration, noting that citizens must play a central role in shaping the future governance framework of the Community.
“This is not merely an exercise. The Treaty is very clear that the Community is people-centred, and therefore, citizens must be consulted when major decisions about our integration are being made,” Mbundi said.
The consultations, which will run until June 27, are part of a wider exercise being conducted across EAC Partner States to gather public input before the drafting of the Constitution for the proposed Political Confederation, a transitional step towards the eventual Political Federation of East African States.
Rwanda has consistently been among the strongest advocates of regional integration, supporting initiatives aimed at enhancing the free movement of people, goods and services, expanding trade and investment opportunities, and strengthening cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, technology, security and governance.
The Political Confederation represents the fourth pillar of EAC integration after the Customs Union, Common Market and Monetary Union. EAC leaders view deeper political cooperation as essential for accelerating economic development, promoting peace and security, and enhancing the region’s competitiveness on the continental and global stage.
According to the EAC Secretariat, consultations in Rwanda are being conducted in Kigali and other designated centres, including Rubavu, Huye and Nyagatare, bringing together representatives from government institutions, Parliament, the judiciary, academia, civil society, the private sector, youth and women groups, faith-based organisations, persons with disabilities, political parties and the media.
The meeting comes just days after the EAC launched a two-week nationwide consultation process in Rwanda aimed at collecting citizens’ views on the drafting of the Constitution of the proposed East African Political Confederation, a key milestone in the bloc’s long-term integration agenda.
The United Nations verified 38,558 grave violations against children in armed conflict in 2025, affecting 24,174 children, with thousands subjected to multiple violations, according to an annual report of the UN secretary-general on children and armed conflict, released on Wednesday.
For the first time in 30 years, government forces were the main perpetrators of grave violations against children in armed conflict, finds the report.
Killing (6,266) and maiming (7,958) remained the most verified violations, with a shocking 34 percent increase in killing compared with 2024, says the report.
The denial of humanitarian access and the recruitment and use of children followed, with 8,322 incidents and 6,607 children affected, respectively.
Children continued to be abducted in high numbers (5,129), often for the purpose of recruitment and use or sexual violence. Rape and other forms of sexual violence continued unabated, with gang rape used as a tactic of war verified in increasing numbers.
Landmines and explosive remnants of war remained a grave challenge to children, as well as impaired social and economic development.
The report notes that the information, which involved only UN-verified cases, does not represent the full scale of violations against children in armed conflict.
The year “2025 was without a doubt one of the darkest chapters for child protection since monitoring began,” said Vanessa Frazier, the UN secretary-general’s special representative for children and armed conflict, in a press release.
“When states, on whom the obligation to protect children falls, instead contribute to their suffering, it signals the deeper erosion of respect for international law. The principles of humanity, distinction, proportionality, and necessity must be restored — without exception,” she added.
A total of 1,667 children were detained in 2025 for their actual or alleged association with parties to conflict. Frazier stressed that these children must be treated as victims, and that detention should be a measure of last resort, and that reintegration should be favored.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the children and armed conflict mandate from the UN General Assembly.
Former child soldiers are released in Yambio in South Sudan in 2018. UNMISS/Isaac Billy
In a statement released on Wednesday, June 17, the company said exports from the Nyakabingo mine have increased steadily since a commercial agreement signed in August 2025 between Global Tungsten & Powders (GTP) and Trinity’s offtake partner, Traxys.
Since then, more than 320 tonnes of high-grade tungsten concentrate have been shipped from Rwanda to GTP’s processing facilities in Towanda, Pennsylvania, where the material is refined into tungsten powders used in America’s defence and industrial sectors.
According to Trinity Metals, supplies to GTP doubled over the past month, enabling the company to account for up to one-fifth of the United States’ average monthly primary tungsten consumption.
The development comes at a time when demand for tungsten, a critical mineral used in defence systems, aerospace, electronics, manufacturing and other high-tech industries, is rising globally.
Trinity Metals Chairman Shawn McCormick said the company’s expanding exports are becoming increasingly important as the United States seeks to diversify its supply of critical minerals.
“Demand for tungsten in the US is growing fast, both for defence and industrial applications. With that growth, import requirements for primary tungsten concentrate are increasing, while US domestic production remains at zero,” McCormick said.
He noted that China’s restrictions on exports of tungsten for dual-use purposes have increased the strategic value of alternative suppliers.
“China, which controls over 80% of the supply of tungsten units worldwide, has restricted exports of tungsten for dual-use purposes, making Trinity Metals’ supply from Rwanda increasingly important for American national security and that of its allies,” he said.
McCormick added that Rwanda is well-positioned to strengthen its partnership with the United States in the critical minerals sector.
“As Rwanda’s largest mineral producer and exporter, Trinity Metals is proud to support Rwanda’s role in helping to meet America’s strategic requirements, and given the ever-growing importance of critical minerals, we see a clear opportunity for the creation of a US-Rwanda Strategic Partnership Agreement on Critical Minerals as exists with other countries on the continent,” he stated.
Beyond its current export expansion, Trinity Metals is also advancing major growth plans, including a proposed listing on the New York Stock Exchange within the next 12 to 18 months. Chief Executive Officer Peter Geleta told IGIHE that the board has already approved preparations for the Initial Public Offering (IPO), which could raise between $100 million and $200 million or more, depending on comparable global mining debuts.
Geleta said the listing forms part of a broader transformation strategy aimed at scaling the company into a mechanised, industrial-grade producer.
He also revealed that Trinity Metals is simultaneously preparing a $150 million domestic investment programme to build modern processing plants across its mining operations in Rwanda. The initiative is expected to strengthen value addition locally while supporting expansion of production capacity.
According to Geleta, the combined strategy will also support deeper exploration of the company’s newly discovered Ntunga lithium deposit on its Musha concession, positioning Trinity Metals to diversify beyond tungsten, tin and tantalum into battery minerals.
Traxys, the New York-headquartered commodities trader that markets Trinity’s production internationally, described the ongoing partnership as helping extend Rwanda’s reach into major global markets.
“Traxys is proud to be the catalyst in enabling the international reach of Africa’s most significant tungsten producer, Trinity Metals’ Nyakabingo Mine. The product is distributed to established blue-chip consumers in the American and European markets,” said Ioannis Kallinikos, Head of Tin and Specialty Metals at Traxys.
Trinity Metals said the achievement reinforces its position as a leading supplier of fully traceable, certified conflict-free and child labour-free tungsten, while supporting supply security for the United States and its allies. The company also plans to triple production over the coming years.
Formed in 2022 through the merger of the historic Nyakabingo Tungsten Mine, Rutongo Tin Mine and Musha Tin and Tantalum Mine, Trinity Metals is Rwanda’s largest producer and exporter of conflict-free critical minerals. The company employs more than 6,500 people and also owns the prospective Ntunga lithium project.
The company was the first operating mine in Africa to receive technical assistance funding from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), securing $3.865 million in 2024. Its major shareholder, TechMet Ltd., is partly owned by the DFC.
Located on a 1,600-hectare concession, the Nyakabingo mine is estimated to contain more than 30,000 tonnes of recoverable tungsten, with ongoing deep drilling aimed at expanding the resource. Current production exceeds 100 tonnes of wolframite per month, containing between 65 and 70 percent tungsten trioxide (WO₃).
Trinity Metals Group CEO Peter Geleta (left) discusses operations with staff inside one of the company’s mines. The CEO recently told IGIHE that the board has already approved preparations for an Initial Public Offering (IPO) on the New York Stock Exchange, which could raise between $100 million and $200 million or more, depending on comparable global mining debuts.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said that five response workers were briefly detained on Tuesday by armed groups in Ituri province, the epicenter of the Ebola outbreak, accounting for more than 90 percent of all confirmed cases.
The office said that in South Kivu province, access remains heavily restricted in several areas as fighting continues to force civilians to flee. Nearly 20,000 people were forced from their homes on Monday, following clashes in Mwenga and Shabunda territories. Displaced families need food, shelter, health care, safe drinking water and protection.
OCHA said that in Fizi territory, humanitarian access also remains under pressure, as repeated interference by armed groups continues to threaten aid delivery and the safety of humanitarian workers.
In South Kivu alone, between January and May, at least 57 incidents directly affecting humanitarians were recorded, including threats against staff, interference in aid delivery, and movement restrictions.
“Despite these immense challenges, the United Nations and its humanitarian partners continue to support national authorities in containing the outbreak and deliver assistance,” OCHA said. “However, humanitarian personnel cannot operate safely without security guarantees.”
The UN reiterates its call on all parties to protect civilians and ensure safe, rapid and unhindered access to those in need.
Red Cross workers bury an Ebola victim at the Rwampara Cemetery, in Rwampara, Congo, Saturday, May 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Moses Sawasawa) CORRECTION: City corrected to Rwampara, instead of Bunia
The agreement, which was initially expected to be signed during a ceremony in Switzerland later this week, was finalised ahead of schedule after both sides agreed to accelerate implementation. According to U.S. media reports, the move was intended to allow commercial shipping to resume through the Strait of Hormuz as quickly as possible and to address growing political pressure on the White House to release the text of the agreement.
The White House on Wednesday published the full 14-point memorandum, describing it as a “performance-based” framework under which Iran will receive economic benefits only if it complies with its commitments.
Trump formally signed a hard copy of the document during a diplomatic dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Palace of Versailles in Paris, France, while attending G7-related events. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also signed the agreement from Tehran, finalising a dual digital and physical execution of the historic accord.
The MoU declares an immediate and permanent end to military operations between the two countries and extends the ceasefire to regional fronts, including Lebanon. It commits both Washington and Tehran to refrain from future military action against one another while respecting each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
One of the agreement’s most significant provisions concerns the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important maritime corridors.
The narrow waterway between Iran and Oman carries approximately 20% of the world’s petroleum liquids and about one-fifth of global liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies, making it a critical artery for international energy markets. Any disruption to shipping through the strait immediately constrains global energy supplies, triggering sharp increases in oil prices and broader economic instability.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz during the conflict sent crude oil prices soaring and disrupted global shipping, with the impact quickly filtering through to fuel markets around the world.
In Rwanda, the effects were particularly visible as fuel prices climbed to record levels despite continued government subsidies. Diesel is currently retailing at Rwf 2,927 per litre, while petrol costs Rwf 2,938 per litre, reflecting the global supply shock caused by the conflict.
Under the memorandum, Iran has committed to making its best efforts to immediately restore safe passage for commercial vessels through the waterway without imposing transit charges. Shipping will resume alongside de-mining operations and the removal of military obstacles created during the conflict. The agreement also calls for Iran to work with Oman and other Gulf states on a broader framework for the long-term management and security of the strait.
The United States, in turn, will begin dismantling its naval blockade of Iranian ports, with the process expected to be completed within 30 days. Washington has also agreed to gradually reduce its military presence near Iran as negotiations progress toward a permanent settlement.
The memorandum establishes a 60-day negotiating period during which both sides will seek to conclude a comprehensive peace agreement. That deadline can be extended by mutual consent if additional time is required.
A central element of the accord is Iran’s commitment that it will never develop or acquire a nuclear weapon. The agreement provides that Tehran’s existing stockpile of highly enriched uranium will be addressed under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), although the precise mechanism will be negotiated during the next phase of talks.
Economic measures also feature prominently in the memorandum.
The United States has agreed to begin discussions on lifting sanctions against Iran as part of a final agreement, while the two sides will work with regional partners to establish a reconstruction and economic development framework valued at at least $300 billion. U.S. officials stressed, however, that Washington is not obligated to finance the fund directly, saying investments are expected to come largely from regional partners and private investors.
The agreement also provides for the phased release of certain frozen Iranian assets and the creation of a joint mechanism to monitor compliance with the MoU until a final peace settlement is reached.
Once implementation begins, the United States and Iran will negotiate a permanent agreement, which the memorandum says will ultimately be endorsed through a binding United Nations Security Council resolution.
While the MoU marks the most significant diplomatic breakthrough since the conflict erupted earlier this year, many of its most contentious issues, including the timeline for sanctions relief, the future of Iran’s nuclear programme and long-term regional security arrangements, remain subject to negotiations over the coming weeks.
If successfully implemented, the agreement is expected to restore stability to one of the world’s most critical energy corridors, ease pressure on global oil markets and reduce the economic fallout that has been felt by countries far beyond the Middle East.
President Trump formally signed a hard copy of the document during a diplomatic dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Palace of Versailles in Paris, France, while attending G7-related events.
