Several attacks by U.S. forces on similar commercial vessels had been reported over the past three days.
The ministry once again conveyed its deep concern over the use of lethal and deadly force against civilian shipping.
Such actions are unacceptable and undermine the safety, security and stability of international maritime commerce in a sensitive region at a difficult time, said the official statement.
The listing of Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) on Friday marked one of the most significant moments in financial history, with the company pricing 555.6 million Class A shares at $135 each and raising about $75 billion in what is now the largest IPO ever recorded. The offering values SpaceX at approximately $1.77 trillion, positioning it among the most valuable publicly traded companies globally as it prepares to begin trading on the Nasdaq under the ticker “SPCX”.
Following the pricing, Musk’s wealth surged past $1 trillion on paper, driven largely by his dominant stake in the aerospace and satellite company.
Before the IPO, Musk was estimated to be worth about $813 billion, more than twice the fortune of Google co-founder Larry Page, who ranks as the world’s second-richest individual with an estimated net worth of $288 billion, according to Forbes.
At the IPO price, Musk’s SpaceX holdings alone are valued at about $866.5 billion, based on his expected post-offering stake of roughly 4.8 billion shares, or about 42 percent of the company, along with more than 350 million stock options exercisable at $8.39 per share. Those options add a further estimated $44.3 billion to his wealth.
When combined with his Tesla holdings, about 717.1 million shares worth roughly $286.2 billion at recent market prices, Musk’s total net worth is calculated at approximately $1.1 trillion on paper, according to filings and market estimates.
However, analysts stress that the figure remains largely theoretical, as it depends on post-listing share performance and the continued strength of Tesla’s stock. Any decline in either company’s valuation could push Musk back below the trillion-dollar mark, while gains could lift his wealth even further.
SpaceX’s filing also highlights the scale of Musk’s control over the company, with about 84.4 percent of combined voting power expected to remain under his influence after the listing. The IPO includes performance-based stock awards tied to ambitious milestones, including long-term targets such as establishing a permanent human settlement on Mars and developing off-Earth computing infrastructure.
Beyond Musk’s personal fortune, the listing is also expected to create significant wealth among employees and investors. Reports suggest that around 4,400 SpaceX employees could become millionaires as trading begins.
The IPO also underscores SpaceX’s transformation from a launch services company into a diversified space, satellite internet, and artificial intelligence group, with operations spanning rocket launches, Starlink broadband services, and advanced computing initiatives.
Despite its rapid expansion, SpaceX remains loss-making. The company reported revenue of $18.7 billion in 2025, up from $14 billion in 2024, while its net loss widened to $4.9 billion after posting a profit the previous year. The financial results also incorporate historical figures from related Musk-controlled entities, including xAI and X Holdings following internal restructuring.
The SpaceX listing surpasses Saudi Aramco’s 2019 IPO, previously the largest public offering in history, marking a new benchmark for global capital markets.
Neoderma Clinica is among the healthcare facilities contributing to this shift. The clinic, based in Kibagabaga, Kigali, was founded with a focus on combining science, aesthetics, and patient care. Today, it offers services in aesthetic treatment, dermatology, plastic surgery, and dentistry.
IGIHE spoke with Dr. Burhan Dini Hirwa, a dental surgeon at Neoderma Clinica, about oral health, patient behaviour, and the role modern dentistry plays in confidence and quality of life.
Wide range of dental services
The clinic, Dr. Hirwa noted, handles both basic and advanced dental care, including preventive care, restorative treatment, orthodontics, oral surgery, and cosmetic dentistry.
Preventive care includes cleaning, scaling, sealants for children, and oral hygiene education. Cosmetic services include teeth whitening and veneers, both direct and lab-made.
The clinic also treats misaligned teeth using braces and clear aligners, and carries out procedures such as tooth extractions and dental implants. Restorative work includes fillings, crowns, and bridges for damaged or missing teeth.
Early visits make a difference
According to Dr. Hirwa, many patients only seek dental care when they are already in pain, an approach that often leads to more complex and expensive treatment.
“It is important to start dental visits early, even when the first teeth come in. Regular check-ups help us monitor development and prevent serious problems later,” he explained.
Early care, he added, leads to better outcomes and simpler treatment plans.
Oral health and confidence
Dr. Hirwa notes that oral health problems can significantly affect confidence in everyday life. One common issue is bad breath, often linked to poor oral hygiene.
“It can affect people socially and psychologically,” he observed.
The clinic addresses this through education on proper brushing techniques and daily care. Patients also seek treatment for stained teeth caused by habits such as smoking or frequent coffee consumption, with whitening procedures offering visible improvement.
Orthodontic treatment, veneers, and implants are also used to restore both appearance and function in patients with crooked or missing teeth.
“These treatments help patients feel more comfortable with their smiles,” Dr. Hirwa stressed.
What sets the clinic apart
With more dental clinics opening in Kigali, Dr. Hirwa emphasises that Neoderma Clinica focuses on service quality and cosmetic dentistry.
“Our focus is patient care and specialised cosmetic treatment, especially whitening, veneers, and orthodontics,” he stated.
The clinic aims to ensure patients receive consistent care from the moment they arrive to the end of their treatment. First-time visitors can expect a structured and welcoming process.
“We aim to give patients the best possible service from reception to consultation and treatment. We want to meet their expectations and help them achieve what they came in for,” he affirmed.
Teaching proper oral hygiene
During the interview, Dr. Hirwa demonstrated brushing techniques using a dental model, stressing that technique matters more than force.
“A soft toothbrush is best. What matters most is how you brush,” he advised.
He recommends starting at the gum line and using gentle vertical strokes across all surfaces of the teeth, including inner, outer, and chewing areas, and also cleaning the tongue to reduce bacterial buildup.
Daily oral care routine
Dr. Hirwa advises brushing twice a day: after breakfast and before bed.
“Brushing at night helps remove food particles accumulated during the day, while brushing in the morning clears out the bacteria and plaque that multiplied while you sleep,” he explained.
He recommends using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste for adults and a smaller amount for children, brushing for three to five minutes with gentle movements. He also cautions against rinsing immediately after brushing, as fluoride continues to protect the teeth.
“Spit out the toothpaste but do not rinse. It helps protect your teeth for longer,” he urged.
Dr. Hirwa encourages people not to wait for pain before visiting a dentist.
“One visit every six months is enough to prevent many problems. Early care is always easier than emergency treatment,” he concluded.
For Neoderma Clinica, oral health should be maintained regularly, not only treated when problems arise.
The clinic is located at Covenant Plaza in Kigali’s Kibagabaga neighbourhood.
Launched in 2005, the campaign was designed to address gender disparities in education by increasing girls’ enrolment, improving retention, and promoting academic excellence across the country.
Over the years, it has also sought to mobilise communities, schools, and other stakeholders to create an environment where girls can thrive academically.
As part of this year’s edition, the Best Performing Girls (BPGs), commonly known as Inkubito z’Icyeza, were recognised within their respective schools. The recognition aims not only to reward excellence but also to inspire other learners, especially girls, to pursue academic success.
Since its inception nearly two decades ago, the campaign has recorded notable achievements. A total of 8,605 girls have been recognised as Best Performing Girls. In addition, girls account for 60% of the 10,945 students supported through the Edified Generation Scholarships Programme, as well as 80% of the 25,960 students benefiting from remedial learning programmes. Many of these beneficiaries have since progressed into leadership positions across different sectors in Rwanda.
This year alone, 502 girls were awarded for their outstanding performance in the National Examinations, reflecting strong academic results across primary, ordinary, and advanced levels.
At primary level, 445 girls were recognised, each representing the best-performing girl in her sector. At ordinary level, 32 girls were honoured, each selected as the top performer in her district.
At advanced level, 25 outstanding students were selected based on performance in their respective learning areas, including 10 from general education, 10 from technical secondary schools (TSS), and 5 from professional education.
Addressing 108 senior officers from 20 countries during a graduation ceremony at the college’s Nyakinama campus in Musanze District on Friday, Kagame said while military education provides knowledge and strategic skills, the most important qualities of leadership must be developed personally.
“This course was designed to enhance your ability to navigate complex and sometimes seemingly impossible situations. However, there are certain qualities that no course can give you — these you must personally cultivate,” Kagame said.
He identified courage as the ability to act decisively amid uncertainty and risk, warning that complexity can often lead to paralysis.
President Kagame also stressed the importance of sound judgment, noting that the consequences of decisions become greater as officers rise through the ranks.
“You must always remember what you are fighting for. For us, that purpose is anchored in protecting our sovereignty while advancing the continued transformation of our country,” he said.
The Head of State congratulated the graduates on completing the programme, saying they were leaving with broader knowledge, sharper strategic awareness and a greater sense of responsibility. He also acknowledged the support and sacrifices made by their families.
Highlighting the value of the course’s international character, Kagame said the relationships forged among officers from different countries help strengthen cooperation during future operations and regional engagements.
“The value of the connections you have made here cannot be overstated,” he said.
Kagame said the Rwanda Defence Force’s reputation had been built through years of discipline, professionalism and dedicated service, and urged the graduates to uphold those standards. He also called on them to embrace integrity, continuous learning and adaptability as security challenges and technologies evolve.
The graduation marked the completion of a 46-week Senior Command and Staff Course attended by officers from Rwanda and partner countries including Nigeria, Senegal, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.
RDFCSC Commandant Brigadier General Andrew Nyamvumba said the graduates had completed rigorous training in operational planning, combined joint task force operations, peace support operations, research and strategic leadership.
“These officers arrived 46 weeks ago as promising military professionals. Today, they depart as refined operational and strategic-level commanders and staff officers, ready to serve their nations and contribute to international peace and security,” he said.
Nyamvumba said the growing diversity of participants reflects expanding military partnerships across the region and beyond, while the college’s collaboration with the University of Uganda enables eligible officers to earn a Master of Arts in Security Studies.
He urged the graduates to apply their training with humility and selflessness in service of peace and security.
The ceremony was attended by senior government officials, defence and security leaders, military representatives from partner countries, academic institutions and families of the graduating officers.
At the same time, citizens have been urged to avoid activities that could trigger fires in the protected area, warning that such incidents consume large sums of money that could otherwise support other development priorities.
This was announced in Karongi District on June 11, 2026, during a meeting that brought together park management, representatives of security organs, and local government authorities.
The Chief Executive Officer of Nyungwe Management Company (NMC), Protais Niyigaba, said that after poaching, wildfires rank as the second most destructive threat to biodiversity in the park. He noted that it can take more than 100 years for ecosystems affected by fire to fully recover.
He explained that once fire affects an area, fast-growing invasive grasses quickly take over, replacing the original vegetation. Restoring such areas requires removing these invasive species and replanting indigenous trees and plants to rebuild the natural forest ecosystem.
This restoration work will cover more than 4,500 hectares affected by different fire incidents in Nyungwe over the years.
Niyigaba emphasized that the impact of wildfires should not only be measured in ecological damage but also in the high financial cost required to restore the ecosystem.
The project is funded by the Green Climate Fund and coordinated by the Rwanda Forest Authority (RFA), while implementation in Nyungwe National Park will be handled by NMC.
He said: “This project will restore 4,500 hectares over five years at a cost of 6.706 million US dollars, which is close to 10 billion Rwandan francs. We will work closely with districts surrounding Nyungwe so that 80 percent of this funding goes directly to local residents, since the activities are labour-intensive. We also urge citizens to avoid setting fires in the park, as the funds being used for restoration could have supported other development initiatives.”
The Vice Mayor of Karongi District in charge of economic development, Ntakirutimana Julienne, said the project will create employment opportunities and encouraged residents to apply for available jobs. She also urged them to save through cooperatives so their earnings can be more beneficial.
Workers recruited for the project will be provided with temporary accommodation inside Nyungwe National Park, along with food and water, and will return home once every two weeks. The project is expected to employ about 1,500 workers, each earning 3,000 Rwandan francs per day.
Nyungwe National Park covers an area of 1,020 square kilometres. It is known for its ancient montane forest that protects important water catchments.
The park hosts rich biodiversity, including 13 species of primates, 85 species of mammals, 300 species of birds, 40 species of reptiles, and 38 species of amphibians.
Located in south-western Rwanda, Nyungwe National Park spans 23 sectors across Karongi, Nyamasheke, and Rusizi districts in the Western Province, as well as Nyaruguru and Nyamagabe districts in the Southern Province.
In a statement released late on June 11, 2026, Kabila, who led the country from 2001 to 2019, said the country was “heading towards a cliff” and risked instability or fragmentation unless urgent political reforms were undertaken.
The statement came two days after members of the Congolese Parliament approved by majority a proposal to initiate a referendum on constitutional reform, a process widely seen by critics as potentially paving the way for Tshisekedi to extend his stay in power beyond the constitutional two-term limit.
Kabila described the current governance system as marked by “arrogance,” discrimination, and disregard for fundamental freedoms.
“Our country is governed in an arrogant manner, one that suppresses freedoms, is corrosive, and marked by widespread discrimination against many categories of Congolese. What makes it worse is that it is governed in a way that does not respect established laws,” he said.
He argued that the parliamentary vote reflected a broader shift toward entrenching executive power, warning that the constitutional revision process had moved beyond political speculation into active implementation.
Kabila also warned that the Constitution, as the country’s foundational legal framework, should not be altered for political convenience, saying such a move would amount to a betrayal of national principles.
“A major step has already been taken toward entrenching an authoritarian regime and establishing a system of power whose end is unknown, with no guarantee of democratic political change,” he said.
“Our country is increasingly becoming like a boiling pot of water about to explode because it has been deprived of the oxygen of democracy, which is essential for stability and coexistence,” he added.
Kabila further called on Congolese citizens to take responsibility for defending constitutional order, arguing that external actors cannot be relied upon to resolve internal political challenges.
Citing Article 64 of the Constitution, he said citizens have a duty to resist any attempt to violate the country’s supreme law.
“When the government has taken the decision to amend the Constitution, and given the consequences this may have for the country, I must remind everyone that Article 64(1) of our Constitution states that every Congolese citizen has the responsibility to oppose any individual or group using their power to violate the Constitution. This is not just a right; it is a duty,” he said.
Kabila concluded by urging Congolese citizens to “wake up,” unite, and support all actions aimed at resisting the proposed constitutional changes.
The births come just a year after 70 southern white rhinos were relocated to Rwanda, marking a significant milestone in the country’s wildlife conservation programme.
According to Jean Paul Karinganire, Funding & Reporting Manager at Akagera National Park, three calves have already been born from the group of 70 white rhinos that arrived in 2025. He noted that more births are expected this year, as rhinos typically have a gestation period of between 15 and 16 months.
“The rhinos have also brought tourism benefits. Akagera National Park is now one of the easiest places in Africa where visitors can see rhinos in the wild,” Karinganire said.
He added that the white rhinos are helping to strengthen biodiversity in the park and represent an important conservation achievement for East Africa.
On June 10, 2025, Rwanda received 70 white rhinos, including 28 males, from South Africa. The relocation was the largest single translocation of animals ever carried out into the country.
The white rhinos joined Akagera’s existing black rhino population, pushing the total number of rhinos in the park above 145. With the recent births, the population has now reached 148.
White rhinos are nearly twice the size and weight of black rhinos. They are grazers that feed mainly on short grasses and are easily identified by their broad, wide mouths adapted for grazing. They also have a prominent shoulder hump and distinctive muscular features on their bodies.
Rwanda’s rhino population had completely disappeared by 2007, when the last remaining rhino in the country died. A decade later, in 2017, black rhinos were successfully reintroduced to Akagera National Park, and their numbers have steadily increased over the years. The arrival and reproduction of white rhinos mark another important step in restoring the country’s wildlife heritage.
Forward Julián Quiñones etched his name into World Cup history by scoring the tournament’s opening goal after just nine minutes before veteran striker Raúl Jiménez sealed victory with a second-half header in front of more than 80,000 fans at Mexico City Stadium.
The victory provided an ideal start for Javier Aguirre’s side, which is seeking to erase memories of its disappointing group-stage exit at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Mexico started brightly and nearly took the lead within five minutes when Jiménez forced South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams into an early save. The breakthrough arrived shortly afterward when Erik Lira dispossessed Sphephelo Sithole in midfield and Quiñones drove a low shot through Williams’ legs from just inside the penalty area.
South Africa managed to keep the deficit at one goal before halftime despite sustained Mexican pressure, with Williams producing another fine save to deny Jiménez while Quiñones also struck the post.
The match turned decisively in Mexico’s favour early in the second half when Sithole was shown a straight red card for bringing down Jiménez as the striker raced through on goal.
Moments later, Mexico doubled its lead. Quiñones combined neatly with Jiménez before feeding Roberto Alvarado, whose cross was headed home by the 35-year-old striker at the back post.
The contest descended into further drama late on as South Africa substitute Themba Zwane was sent off for striking an opponent, while Mexico defender Cesar Montes also received a red card for a late challenge.
The three dismissals made it the first World Cup opening match in history to feature three red cards and the most in any World Cup game since Portugal’s infamous clash with the Netherlands in 2006.
“I made an effort to explain to them what a World Cup and an opening match on home soil meant, but they had to experience it for themselves,” Aguirre said after the match.
Quiñones, named player of the match, said scoring the opening goal of the tournament was a special moment.
“I’m happy and excited to score my first World Cup goal in such a spectacular stadium with amazing fans,” he said.
Earlier in Guadalajara, South Korea recovered from a goal down to defeat the Czech Republic 2-1.
After a largely uneventful first half, Czech captain Ladislav Krejci put his side ahead in the 59th minute with a header following a long throw into the penalty area.
South Korea responded eight minutes later when Hwang Hee-chan equalised with a composed finish after cleverly evading two defenders. The winger then turned provider in the 80th minute, delivering a cross from the right that was converted by Oh Hyeon-gyu for the winning goal.
The results leave Mexico and South Korea level on three points at the top of Group A. The two sides will meet next Thursday in Guadalajara, while South Africa faces the Czech Republic in Atlanta.
“It would be important to win the group, but right now the only thing we’re thinking about is the match against Korea,” Aguirre said. “We’re going to take it step by step and see what the future holds.”
Trump told reporters at the White House that he expected a signing ceremony, attended by Vice President JD Vance, to be held in Europe over the weekend.
He said the documents were in “final shape” and that the deal would be completed “pretty quickly.”
Asked if Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei had agreed to the deal, Trump said: “I understand the answer is yes.”
While describing the possible deal as “a little conceptual,” Trump said it is “a very strong memorandum of understanding” and “something that’s going to get done.”
Tehran has not yet confirmed whether it has agreed to terms with the United States on a settlement to end the war that the United States and Israel launched against Iran on Feb. 28.
Earlier on Thursday, Trump vowed to strike Iran for the third consecutive day but announced hours later that he had canceled the plan.