Speaking after a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels, Kallas said she was “really sad” the sanctions didn’t get approved, adding that “the ball is in Slovakia’s court.”
The European Commission unveiled its 18th sanctions package last month, targeting Russia’s energy sector, banking operations, and defense industry. Among the proposed measures is a ban on financial transactions involving Russia’s Nord Stream gas pipelines.
Slovakia, which relies heavily on Russian gas, objected to the proposed package, citing fears of supply disruptions and rising energy costs linked to a separate EU proposal to phase out Russian gas imports by early 2028.
On the topic of military support for Ukraine, Kallas said the EU would like to see the United States “share the burden” of supplying arms.
U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday endorsed a plan for European allies to purchase billions of dollars’ worth of American military equipment for transfer to Ukraine.
“If you promise to give the weapons, but say that somebody else is going to pay for it, it is not really given by you,” Kallas said, referring to Trump’s proposal.
The antenna was launched on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, as part of ATLAS’s Ground Station as a Service offering and will enhance the delivery of atmospheric and space weather data to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
The new station will receive data from six COSMIC-2 satellites, which use radio occultation to continuously observe the Earth’s atmosphere and ionosphere.
Due to the fast-changing nature of atmospheric conditions, timely data delivery is essential. ATLAS ensures that data from its stations reach NOAA in under 60 seconds, a standard the new Rwandan station is designed to uphold.
“The activation of our new antenna in Rwanda is a testament to the strength of our partnership with the Rwanda Space Agency and commitment to growing our network to best serve our customers,” said Corey Geer, CEO of ATLAS Space Operations.
“This strategic addition significantly enhances our ability to deliver critical COSMIC-2 data, ensuring that NOAA receives the vital information they need for accurate and timely atmospheric and ionospheric monitoring.”
Rwanda’s location offers an ideal number of contact points with the COSMIC-2 satellite constellation, making the site a valuable asset for data reception.
The Mwulire station in Rwamagana District joins existing COSMIC-2 support sites in Ghana and Tahiti. Its inclusion in the network was made possible through a collaboration with the Rwanda Space Agency, following a direct request from NOAA for expanded capabilities.
ATLAS currently manages over 3,000 satellite contacts each month and has supported more than 156,000 NOAA satellite interactions since July 2019. As of May 31, 2025, the company maintains a ground station availability rate of 99.36%, with data delivery times averaging under 40 seconds.
Founded in Traverse City, Michigan, in 2015, ATLAS Space Operations is a recognised leader in the satellite communications industry, offering its Freedom software platform and a global network of antennas to provide efficient, secure access to space assets worldwide.
The statement did not offer further details, and there was no immediate comment from the Israeli army on the airstrike.
This came as the Israeli military issued a new statement warning residents of several areas in Gaza City and in Jabalia, northern Gaza, to evacuate immediately to the western areas and then to the southern areas towards Al-Mawasi amid escalating military operations.
On March 18, Israel resumed its military operations in Gaza. At least 7,656 Palestinians have been killed and 27,314 others injured since Israel renewed its intensive strikes, bringing the total death toll since October 2023 to 58,479, and injuries to 139,355, Gaza-based health authorities said Tuesday.
Constructed on a site measuring over 7,000 square meters, the factory specializes in manufacturing high-quality wooden products using pinewood.
According to the company’s management, the processed pinewood is a viable and often superior alternative to many imported wood products.
Theophile Ndoreyaho, the Managing Director of MT Woodtec Solutions, emphasized the plant’s potential to reduce reliance on imports.
“We manufacture furniture from pinewood, which offers unique quality and can replace many products previously sourced from abroad. Our main limitation has been the lack of modern equipment, which we have now addressed,” he noted.
The plant employs 20 full-time staff and 10 part-time workers, with the capacity to produce up to 200 beds or 200 doors per month. The company’s primary market is Kigali City, though its reach is expected to grow.
The product range includes beds, living room furniture, and doors, which are in high demand by institutions and individual clients alike.
The plant is the result of a joint investment between Theophile Ndoreyaho, a native of Karongi District, and Prof. Dr. Mathias Schaefer from Germany.
Karongi District Mayor, Gerard Muzungu, noted that the plant also offers opportunities for hands-on training and employment to graduates from Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) schools.
“This facility provides a platform for vocational graduates to gain practical skills, and some have already been employed here. It’s an important step toward boosting local development and contributing to the national economy,” he stated.
The Minister of Public Service and Labour, Christine Nkulikiyinka, urged Rwandan entrepreneurs to be proactive in attracting international investors.
“If Ndoreyaho was able to convince a German investor to commit $1 million, it’s an example others should follow. Rwanda is a promising country for investment.”
Construction of the plant is valued at $500,000, with machinery and equipment making up the remaining $500,000, totaling an investment of $1 million.
The motion was passed with 299 votes in favor, above a required minimum of 226, lawmaker Yaroslav Zheleznyak said in a post on Telegram.
The government-run Ukrinform news agency said one of the reasons for this decision is “the asymmetric conditions,” given that Russia is not a party to the convention, adding that the suspension would last until the complete cessation of the conflict.
Ukraine ratified the convention in 2005. Last month, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree to withdraw the country from the treaty.
Buhari, who served as Nigerian president from 2015 to 2023, died Sunday in a clinic in London where he had been receiving medical treatment. He was aged 82.
The late former president’s body, draped in the national colors, arrived in Katsina from London on Tuesday afternoon. His body was lowered into the grave at 5:50 p.m. local time, preceded by a military parade and a 21-gun salute by the armed forces.
The atmosphere in Daura was a mix of sorrow and reverence as thousands paid their last respects to a leader who significantly shaped Nigeria’s contemporary history. Security was exceptionally tight, with a heavy presence of military and police personnel ensuring a smooth and dignified proceeding.
President Bola Tinubu, who had earlier declared a seven-day national mourning period with flags flown at half-mast, attended the final rites of passage of his predecessor. Dignitaries, including serving and past West African leaders, family members, and a mammoth crowd of mourners, witnessed the burial rites.
Earlier, in his eulogy, Tinubu described Buhari as a “patriotic statesman” whose contributions to national unity and development would forever be etched in the annals of Nigerian history. “He served our nation with dedication and an unyielding spirit,” the president said, emphasizing Buhari’s legacy of discipline and service.
Born on Dec. 17, 1942, Buhari had a distinguished career in both the military and civilian governance. He spent years in political activism before successfully contesting the presidency in 2015, becoming the first opposition candidate to defeat an incumbent president in Nigeria’s history. He was re-elected in 2019 and handed over power to Tinubu on May 29, 2023.
During his two terms as president, Buhari’s administration focused on three key areas: security, anti-corruption, and economic diversification. He launched significant campaigns against the Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast and worked to recover looted public funds.
His tenure also saw efforts to boost agriculture and infrastructure development, though it was marked by economic challenges.
With the right techniques, even the smallest rooms can feel open, organised, and welcoming. From studio apartments to tiny bedrooms, design is less about size and more about smart solutions.
{{Use light colours to open up the space
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Designers at HGTV emphasise that light shades such as whites, soft greys, and pastels reflect more natural light, making a room appear larger and brighter. Darker colours absorb light, which can make walls feel like they’re closing in. Painting walls and ceilings in the same soft tones also creates a seamless look that visually expands the room.
{{Choose multifunctional furniture
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Experts from IKEA, a store that offers home furnishings and accessories to make customers’ living spaces more comfortable and stylish, recommend investing in furniture that serves more than one purpose.
Think of a bed with storage drawers underneath, a coffee table that lifts into a desk, or a bench that opens to reveal storage space. These pieces help reduce clutter without sacrificing function or comfort.
{{Maximise vertical space
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Interior decorators from Elle Décor highlight the value of vertical storage, especially in small homes. Tall bookshelves, hanging plants, and wall-mounted cabinets draw the eye upward, creating a feeling of spaciousness while also adding storage. Using hooks, floating shelves, or pegboards keeps the floor area free and functional.
{{Let in natural light and use mirrors
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According to design professionals from The Spruce, maximising natural light is one of the most effective ways to make a room feel open and airy. Avoid heavy curtains and instead opt for sheer fabrics or blinds. Placing a large mirror opposite a window reflects light and adds depth, creating the illusion of a bigger space.
{{Keep it clutter-free and organised
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Organisation is crucial in small spaces. The Container Store’s interior experts say that every item in a small room should have a “home.” Use labelled baskets, drawer dividers, and closet organisers to avoid clutter build-up. The less visible the mess there is, the more serene and spacious a room will feel.
{{Choose the right scale and layout
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As reported by Apartment Therapy, selecting appropriately sized furniture is key. Oversized sofas or bulky wardrobes overwhelm small rooms. Instead, opt for slim, streamlined pieces that suit the scale of the room. Furniture with legs also makes a space feel more open compared to pieces that sit flat on the floor.
{{Use rugs and lighting to define zones
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In studio apartments or open layouts, rugs and lighting can help define separate areas for sleeping, working, or relaxing. Interior stylists at House Beautiful recommend layering area rugs or using pendant lights to create visual boundaries without building physical walls. This approach improves flow and helps the space feel purposeful.
{{Keep decor minimal but meaningful
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Minimalism doesn’t mean empty. Designers from Dezeen suggest selecting a few meaningful art pieces, family photos, or souvenirs to decorate the space without overwhelming it. A curated and personal design approach adds warmth and personality while keeping things visually clean.
Living in a small space doesn’t mean compromising on comfort or beauty. With smart furniture choices, creative storage, and a thoughtful color palette, even the tiniest room can become a place of peace, function, and style.
Experts across the interior design world agree that great design is not about how much space you have, but how intentionally you use it. When every detail is chosen with care, small spaces can feel grand.
Golfers from Kabale, Mbarara, Kampala, Entebbe, and Tooro clubs joined their Rwandan counterparts in Kigali for a full day of competition and fellowship, marking a new chapter in the growing tradition of regional golf.
The event, proudly sponsored by BPR Bank, was created to foster stronger bonds between clubs, elevate the sport, and celebrate the values of sportsmanship while bridging communities.
Speaking at the event, Albert Akimanzi, BPR Bank Head of Marketing, Corporate Affairs and Citizenship, highlighted the significance of the regional tournament:
“Golf has always been a central component of our community enrichment strategy. We believe that this particular event has fostered connections across clubs, borders, and cultures. We are a regional entity that is actively engaged in creating opportunities for social and economic connections. The BPR Captains Mug is our attempt to make the game even more inclusive, more competitive, and more meaningful for the East African region.”
Vice-Captain of Kigali Golf Club, Jenny Linda Kalisa, expressed her pride in seeing a successful and colorful gathering:
“This tournament has demonstrated the power of community. We are honored to be able to host local golfers and our visitors from Uganda who added flair, energy, and incredible sportsmanship. We are truly appreciative of every golfer who participated, as well as our partner sponsors who contributed to the undeniable success of this tournament. I would like to extend a special recognition to BPR Bank, our lead sponsor who once again showed their leadership in the game of golf.”
The day concluded with a lively awards ceremony that recognised winners in various categories; Roshni Shah won the Ladies 19-36 with 44 points, while Akanigi Melissa scored 37 points to win the Ladies 0-18 group. Rutamu Innocent took the Seniors category, leading his counterparts with a score of 40 points.
In the Men’s 19-28 group, Mathias Pian held strong to win with 44 points; similarly, Rwitare Derrick registered 41 points to win the Men’s 10-18 category. Rwanyonga Mathias led the Men’s 0-9 group with 40 points. Visiting golfers Musanabera Berna and Maniraguha Bernard posted 34 and 41 points, respectively, to take the visitors category.
In the overall team scores, Kigali Golf Club emerged victorious with 410 points, followed by Entebbe Golf Club with 331 points, Mbarara Golf Club with 330 and finally Uganda Golf Club with a tally of 318 points.
With growing enthusiasm from players and clubs alike, plans are already in motion for the next edition of the BPR Captain’s Mug, which is scheduled for September this year.
In May 2025, the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) imposed a three-month suspension on the monthly prayer gatherings held at Kwa Yezu Nyirimpuhwe, citing the sanctuary’s failure to meet certain regulatory standards.
RGB instructed the Kabgayi Diocese to implement specific measures before activities could resume. These included ensuring freedom of worship for all attendees, creating adequate parking facilities, establishing separate routes for pedestrians and vehicles, and providing quiet spaces where vulnerable individuals could participate in prayers undisturbed.
To comply with these requirements, the management of the sanctuary has launched comprehensive renovation works aimed at upgrading the facilities and improving safety for the large crowds who visit the site.
Father Dominique Ngendahayo Tumaine, Acting Director of the Kwa Yezu Nyirimpuhwe Sanctuary, has told IGIHE that the renovations officially started on July 7, 2025.
“Visitors deserve freedom of movement, with clear pathways for people and designated areas for vehicles,” Father Tumaine explained. “A new road is being constructed from the main tarmac road, passing beneath the shrine and connecting to a parking area being developed on diocesan land.
This infrastructure is expected to significantly enhance security and order.”
In addition, four large digital screens are set to be installed at various points around the sanctuary, enabling worshippers to follow services even from a distance. These will especially benefit vulnerable groups such as the elderly, pregnant women, and others who may find it difficult to access the main prayer grounds.
“One giant screen will be inside Ruhango Parish Church, another at the main entrance visible to people outside, a third in the parking area, and a fourth will be placed wherever else it might be required,” Father Tumaine noted.
Security measures will also include installing surveillance cameras to monitor all activities within the sanctuary premises.
Addressing concerns about the possible purchase of land from residents living near the Peace Plain, Father Tumaine clarified that for now, land acquisitions have been paused since the current available space is sufficient for implementing RGB’s recommendations. However, he indicated that additional land may be acquired in the future for further expansion of the site.
Prayer gatherings at the sanctuary in 1991. Today, the sanctuary is an important religious tourism destination, attracting pilgrims from across Rwanda and internationally. The site regularly hosts crowds exceeding 100,000 worshippers on the first Sunday of each month.
Resolution 2785 extends the mandate of the UN Integrated Office in Haiti for six and a half months, until January 31, 2026. It expresses the council’s intention to consider the UN secretary-general’s February 2025 recommendations on options for the possible role of the United Nations in Haiti, notably regarding the establishment of a UN support office to provide logistical and operational support to the multinational police force in Haiti.
Resolution 2786 extends for six and a half months the mandate of the UN Mission to support the Hudaydah Agreement (UNMHA) until January 28, 2026.
The resolution expresses the council’s intention to review the full range of options for UNMHA’s mandate, including assessing the future viability and sunsetting of the mission, and make any necessary adjustments to gain efficiencies and reduce costs or otherwise as may be required by developments on the ground, including a durable nationwide ceasefire.
It requests UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to present to the Security Council a further review of UNMHA before November 28, 2025.
