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Tag: Editor’s Choice

  • Meet Hakizimana, a Rwandan expert contributing to UN reflections on smart cities in the AI era

    Meet Hakizimana, a Rwandan expert contributing to UN reflections on smart cities in the AI era

    Hakizimana’s career reflects a professional journey spanning media, digital technologies and scientific research.

    Currently a Doctoral Researcher at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid in Spain, he is also involved in international discussions on the role of artificial intelligence in shaping the cities of the future.

    He is among the experts collaborating with the United for Smart Sustainable Cities (U4SSC) initiative, through which he contributed to the development of a document entitled Guiding Principles and Frameworks for People-Centred Smart Cities in the AI Era.

    “I am one of the experts working with U4SSC. We took part in developing this document, which is intended for use by governments around the world,” he explained.

    U4SSC is a global United Nations initiative coordinated by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and UN-Habitat, with the support of several international partners.

    The initiative supports cities and communities in their transition towards smarter, more sustainable and people-centred development. Through assessment tools, policy guidance and partnerships, it helps authorities identify priorities and turn technological innovations into practical action.

    The document to which Hakizimana contributed sets out principles and guidelines to ensure that artificial intelligence and emerging technologies serve people, while addressing issues such as inclusion, sustainability and the protection of fundamental rights.

    A career bridging media and digital technologies

    Before pursuing his academic career in Spain, Hakizimana worked at Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA), where he held responsibilities including serving as a senior engineer in technical planning.

    According to a profile published by the International Telecommunication Union, he also gained experience managing projects related to information and communication technologies (ICT).

    Among the projects he took part in was the digitisation of audiovisual archives accumulated since the early days of broadcasting services in Rwanda. The project highlighted the importance of digital technologies in preserving the country’s media heritage and modernising communication infrastructure.

    His academic background includes studies in electronics and communication systems at the former National University of Rwanda, as well as a master’s degree in communication management obtained through a programme involving the United Kingdom Telecommunications Academy and the University of Rwanda.

    Artificial Intelligence at the centre of his research

    His professional and academic interests have progressively focused on information technology strategy, digital transformation, innovation, technology management and artificial intelligence.

    At Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, he is pursuing research in computer science and technology, with particular interest in the transparency and explainability of artificial intelligence.

    Together with Agapito Ismael Ledezma Espino, he has co-authored research addressing deductive reasoning and the development of AI outputs that are more understandable and verifiable.

    He also contributed to the preparation of educational material presented as part of the NeurIPS 2025 educational programme. Entitled Understanding Artificial Intelligence: An In-Depth Guide for Non-Expert Readers, the resource aims to make fundamental AI concepts accessible to readers without necessarily having a technical background.

    Expertise aligned with the challenges of tomorrow’s cities

    Hakizimana’s contribution to U4SSC comes at a time when artificial intelligence and digital technologies are playing an increasingly important role in urban planning, public service management and sustainable development strategies.

    For Rwanda, which places significant emphasis on digital transformation and the development of smart cities, the participation of Rwandan researchers and professionals in these international discussions is particularly relevant.

    From his experience in audiovisual infrastructure in Rwanda to his current research on artificial intelligence in Spain, Hakizimana’s journey reflects the convergence of several technological fields.

    His contribution to U4SSC adds another dimension to a professional and academic path focused on digital transformation and its impact on society.

    Rwandan researcher Gedeon Hakizimana is among the experts contributing to UN guidelines on AI-powered smart cities.
  • Rubio says little progress in diplomacy with Iran

    Rubio says little progress in diplomacy with Iran

    “Right now, it hasn’t been very productive because the Iranian demands are simply not just unacceptable, but in some cases … really not realistic,” Rubio told reporters in Florida before departing for France to attend a Group of Seven (G7) foreign ministers’ meeting.

    “I wouldn’t say we’re at the verge of a breakthrough,” said Rubio, reiterating that the Trump administration preferred a diplomatic solution to the conflict.

    In an interview earlier on Sunday, U.S. President Donald Trump told CNN that it is “highly unlikely” for the United States to resume large-scale military strikes against Iran as long as negotiations make progress. He did not rule out the possibility of further military action.

    The U.S. Central Command announced on Saturday the formation of Task Force Iron Gate, a unit of about 20 military and civilian personnel tasked with coordinating efforts across U.S. government agencies to disrupt the movement of advanced weapons and other materials across Iran’s land borders and other routes.

    Trump said on social media Sunday that the task force was “in full force and effect” in Iran, and that, combined with the U.S. naval blockade, “very little gets into, or out of, Iran.”

    U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Sunday that diplomatic efforts to end the U.S.-Iran conflict have made little progress, calling Iran’s demands “unacceptable.”
  • 15 women secure new markets through ITC-backed trade fair

    15 women secure new markets through ITC-backed trade fair

    The opportunities include an order for 70 kilogrammes of honey from a Kenyan customer secured by one of the participants, highlighting the potential of regional trade fairs to connect small businesses with new markets.

    The women took part in the exhibition through ITC’s Amplifying Digital Opportunities for Cross-Border Trade (ADO-CBT) programme, which supports small businesses engaged in cross-border trade.

    They showcased a range of products, including dairy products, vegetables, fruits, honey, clothing and coffee.

    Grace Ingabire, a honey producer from Kayonza District, said she had initially hesitated to participate, believing the exhibition was mainly intended for large, established companies.

    “At first, I was hesitant to participate. I almost decided not to come because I thought exhibitions like this were meant for large companies that had been in business for a long time,” she said.

    “However, participating turned out to be one of the most beneficial experiences for my business. I secured a customer from Kenya who ordered 70 kilogrammes of honey, and I also gained new ideas on how to add value to my products.”

    For Annet Muhorakeye, who sells coffee and provides coffee preparation training at Elite Cafe Training Centre, the trade fair offered an opportunity to attract customers while learning more about product certification requirements.

    She said meeting an official from the Rwanda Standards Board (RSB) helped clarify the process of obtaining the institution’s S-Mark certification, which she had previously considered difficult to secure.

    “Before attending the trade fair, I thought obtaining the RSB S-Mark certification would be difficult because I conduct coffee preparation training and processing activities at the same location. However, I met an RSB official who explained the requirements to me, giving me the confidence to start the application process,” she remarked.

    The exhibition also generated business for her training centre, with three people already paying for coffee preparation courses.

    “Other women also expressed interest in bringing their relatives and friends for the training. This has opened up opportunities for me to expand my business through the networks I have established,” she added.

    ITC targets online markets for women entrepreneurs

    Beyond helping the women participate in physical trade fairs, ITC plans to support them in marketing their products online to reach customers beyond their existing markets.

    Christine Nyairo, ITC’s digital trade national coordinator, said connecting small businesses to markets requires more than providing them with opportunities to exhibit their products.

    “It means creating pathways that connect them with customers, other businesses and partners, allowing them to build relationships and access markets they could not previously reach,” she said.

    Nyairo said the trade fair had enabled the women to expand their business networks, showcase their products and explore opportunities in the wider East African market.

    She added that ITC seeks to strengthen their capacity to grow their businesses, compete in regional markets and increase the benefits they derive from their commercial activities.

    Launched in October 2024, the ADO-CBT project is funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by ITC in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

    The project aims to equip 150,000 traders with digital skills, help 25,000 traders access financial services, train 100 people in digital technology and support 50 cooperatives in adopting digital solutions in their operations.

    Vestine Umutoni runs a clothing and accessories business.
    Carine Umuganwa trades in vegetables and chillies.
    Joyce Tumukunde sells dairy products.
    Lucie Mukeshimana exports avocados.
    Claudine Mukanyandwi sells honey.

    Vestine Mukankiko makes solid and liquid soaps.
    Dorcas Mukabutera makes peanut-based products, including peanut butter and ground peanuts.
    15 women secure new markets through ITC-backed trade fair
    ITC officials tour the traders’ exhibition stands at the trade fair.
    Annet Kayitesi sells dairy products.

    Grace Ingabire is a beekeeper and honey producer.
    Annet Muhorakeye processes and sells coffee.

    Rosette Cyarikora sells dairy products.

  • NASA selects 8 companies for new lunar cargo delivery program

    NASA selects 8 companies for new lunar cargo delivery program

    The eight companies are Blue Origin, Firefly Aerospace, Intuitive Machines, iSpace US, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, SpaceX and Voyager Technologies.

    NASA made the announcement at the MAX POWER aerospace expo and air show at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

    Under the new Commercial Lunar Payload Services 2 (CLPS 2) framework, the companies will provide lunar delivery services, including managing, building, and operating landers that transport NASA science, technology, and infrastructure payloads to the Moon.

    NASA also announced that it is moving forward with the development of a nuclear-powered Moon rover named Polar Rover for Observation, Mapping, and In-Situ Exploration.

    The six-wheeled rover will land at the Moon’s South Pole to study the surface and subsurface, assess resource potential, and provide data to support future landing-site selection, infrastructure development and exploration activities.

    The nuclear-powered rover will be able to operate during long lunar nights and in permanently shadowed regions believed to harbor ice, a capability considered crucial for a sustained human presence on the Moon, NASA said.

    To extend infrastructure capabilities on the lunar surface, NASA said it plans to purchase commercial components for a Mini-Communications and Solar Tower, including solar arrays, batteries, and wireless power-transfer hardware.

    NASA announced Saturday a series of initiatives to advance its Moon Base exploration, science and infrastructure capabilities, including the selection of eight companies for future lunar delivery missions.

  • Israeli defense minister warns Iran mission “not complete”

    Israeli defense minister warns Iran mission “not complete”

    Katz made the remarks at a memorial ceremony, adding that Israel “cannot accept these threats” and would act as necessary.

    Israel is “more determined than ever” to “preempt threats and pursue a proactive and offensive policy against its enemies,” he said.

    Katz also vowed that Israeli troops would not withdraw from areas they occupy in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria, warning that Hezbollah would face severe strikes if it joined Iran in an attack on Israel.

    He urged Israelis to unite “ahead of the major tasks that still lie before us” when national security is at stake.

    His remarks came as opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot seeks to form a government following an election that deprived Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing bloc of its parliamentary majority.

    Katz offered no evidence to support his claim on Iran. On October 27, International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi said the UN nuclear watchdog had detected no Iranian efforts to repair or rebuild nuclear facilities damaged in the United States and Israeli strikes in 2025 and 2026, though inspectors’ limited access has prevented full verification of Iran’s nuclear activities.

    Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Sunday that Israel’s mission against Iran is “not yet complete,” reiterating allegations that Tehran is seeking to revive efforts to obtain nuclear weapons, which Iran has denied repeatedly.

  • PSG goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier visits Rwanda

    PSG goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier visits Rwanda

    During his visit, Chevalier toured the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Gisozi, where he paid tribute to victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

    He also toured the memorial’s exhibition areas, where he was briefed on the history of the Genocide against the Tutsi and Rwanda’s journey towards rebuilding, unity and reconciliation.

    Chevalier later visited Amahoro Stadium, where he met representatives of the Ministry of Sports and 25 young footballers aged between 13 and 17.

    Born on November 6, 2001, in Calais, France, the 25-year-old goalkeeper came through Lille’s youth academy before joining Valenciennes on loan for the 2021/22 season.

    He returned to Lille in 2022 and established himself as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper. His performances earned him the award for best goalkeeper in France’s Ligue 1 for the 2024/25 season.

    In 2025, Chevalier joined Paris Saint-Germain from Lille, signing a contract that runs until 2030.

    Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) football club goalkeeper Luca Chevalier arrived in Kigali this Sunday for a three-day visit to Rwanda.
    Chevalier toured the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Gisozi, where he paid tribute to victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
  • How self-taught Rwandan AI engineer is making learning accessible without internet (Video)

    How self-taught Rwandan AI engineer is making learning accessible without internet (Video)

    Happy Herman Niyorurema, a student of economics and finance at Texas Christian University (TCU) in Texas, is the founder of Bakame AI, a start-up developing voice-based AI solutions for education and other services in markets where internet access and digital devices remain costly or limited.

    The average internet penetration rate across Africa is approximately 36% to 38%, remaining below the global average of roughly 74%. Rwanda’s rate stands at about 38%, according to reports by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

    Bakame AI allows learners to call a designated number and practise English, mathematics, chemistry and other subjects through conversations with an AI tutor.

    Unlike many AI services that require users to download applications or connect to the internet, Bakame operates through telecommunications infrastructure, routing calls to the company’s servers, where its AI system processes and responds to users.

    The Dallas-based start-up describes its ambition as developing offline, agentic AI solutions for 2.9 billion people in the Global South, starting with Rwanda.

    Happy Herman Niyorurema, founder of Bakame AI, a start-up developing voice-based AI solutions for education.

    From a computer at 18 to building AI

    Herman’s journey into artificial intelligence began without a background in computer science.

    Growing up in a low-income household in Rwanda, he did not have access to a computer until he was 18, when his uncle gave him one during the Covid-19 pandemic.

    “I didn’t have access to a computer until I was 18,” he recalled during an exclusive video interview with IGIHE.

    He began teaching himself basic programming languages, including Python, HTML and CSS. Despite his growing interest in technology, he chose to study economics and finance at university rather than computer science.

    The idea for Bakame took shape when he started exploring how to make AI accessible to people who could not afford the devices and internet connections required by many existing platforms.

    When he approached a consulting firm to develop the product, he was quoted $100,000 (about 150 million Rwandan francs).

    “I didn’t have that money,” he said.

    Instead, he paid for a one-hour consultation to establish whether the idea was technically possible. He was advised to learn more about telephone infrastructure, a process that took him about a year before he began building the product.

    “That’s how an economics and finance student found himself building things that should have been built by computer scientists,” he said, describing his journey into becoming a self-taught AI engineer.

    Happy Herman Niyorurema, founder of Bakame AI, has received several recognitions for the innovation.

    Turning phone calls into AI access

    Herman says his research pointed to two related challenges: the digital divide and the growing gap in access to artificial intelligence.

    He became particularly interested in the potential impact on education, where access to AI-powered learning tools could give students in Rwanda, for example, additional support in English and other subjects.

    Rwanda pivoted to English as the main language of instruction in 2008, replacing French. However, the adoption has remained gradual, with many students and teachers still facing challenges in achieving strong English proficiency.

    His solution was to build a platform that works through telephone networks rather than relying on internet connectivity.

    “We don’t really need internet to use Airtel or MTN,” he explained. “We just need a phone, and we need access to basically their communication systems.”

    Bakame currently operates offline through voice calls, according to Herman. When a user calls the number assigned to the platform, the call travels through the telecommunications operator’s network before being routed to Bakame’s servers, where the AI system generates a response.

    This allows users to access the service without using mobile internet data. Herman says calls are currently toll-free.

    An AI tutor that encourages critical thinking

    Education is Bakame’s initial focus. A student can select a lesson and engage in a conversation with the AI tutor, which asks questions to encourage learners to explain their reasoning and defend their views rather than simply receive answers.

    Herman describes the approach as Socratic, using questions and dialogue to help students examine ideas and reach their own critical conclusions.

    For example, after reading a passage on resilience or economic development, a learner may be asked whether they agree with the author’s argument and to explain why.

    The platform supports English, French and Kinyarwanda. Herman says it has been trained using more than 2,000 calls in Kinyarwanda.

    For Rwandan learners, conversations begin in English, but the system can switch to Kinyarwanda when a student struggles with a word or concept before returning to English once the learner understands.

    “That’s something that reflects the human psychology, how we process things, how we learn,” he explained.

    The company is exploring a similar model for Senegal, where learners could interact in French, with the system providing support.

    In February 2026, Bakame AI won first place in the Global Best M-Gov Award (Gold) in Dubai, an award sponsored by the UAE government.

    Early results and expansion plans

    Bakame has already been tested in an education setting in Rwanda.

    Herman says the company worked with Isomo Academy during a five-week pilot involving about 81 students. The version used in the pilot was accessed through computers because the students already had the devices, rather than through telephone calls.

    According to Herman, the pilot recorded an improvement of more than 70% in English proficiency, based on specific acoustic measures and sentiment analysis.

    The start-up is working with Isomo Academy and TCU, which has supported its research efforts. Herman said it is also in discussions with the Rwanda Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR Rwanda) and the Ministry of ICT and Innovation, which has expressed its commitment to supporting the initiative in various ways.

    He noted that Rwanda has an ambitious plan to develop 50 AI tools for use across different sectors of the economy by 2029, with education among the priority areas.

    “Rwanda wants to build 50 AI tools that will be used in the economy. Most of the tools outlined in the policy are intended for education and could help improve learning,” he said, adding that Bakame could be among them.

    Bakame has two engineers in Rwanda and three team members in the United States.

    The company has attracted financial support through university programmes and international recognition. It received seed funding through Texas Christian University’s (TCU) CREATE Accelerator programme and went on to win the Global Best M-Gov Award at the World Governments Summit in Dubai in February 2026. TCU also reports that the venture has secured additional early-stage capital and pre-deployment government grants.

    The funding has helped Bakame AI access computing resources and continue developing the platform.

    Beyond Rwanda, the start-up is exploring deployment in Senegal, with a longer-term ambition to serve markets across the Global South. Herman also sees potential applications in agriculture and healthcare, although these remain areas for future development.

    He believes Rwanda’s growing focus on artificial intelligence creates opportunities for locally developed solutions.

    “Intelligence is not intelligence when it’s not accessible,” he said, arguing that AI must reach people who cannot use conventional digital platforms.

    For young Rwandans interested in building technology businesses, Herman’s advice is to start with the resources available rather than wait for perfect conditions or substantial funding.

    “Build, pilot and present,” he said. “You don’t have to wait until you have a million dollars to start something.”

    His ambition is to build a technology that can serve people across the Global South while becoming an innovation exported from Rwanda.

    Watch the video below to learn more about Bakame AI and the mission driving its founder, Happy Herman Niyorurema.

  • World Media Summit: Xinhua brings global media to Beijing to shape journalism’s future in the AI age

    World Media Summit: Xinhua brings global media to Beijing to shape journalism’s future in the AI age

    That journey gave Saturday’s opening of the seventh World Media Summit particular significance. On November 7, 2026, Xinhua News Agency marked its 95th anniversary as nearly 500 representatives from almost 330 organisations across 112 countries and regions gathered at the Great Hall of the People.

    Jointly organised by Xinhua and the Beijing Municipal Government, the summit demonstrated China’s capacity to bring diverse media institutions together around a shared challenge: ensuring that artificial intelligence strengthens journalism and that its benefits reach newsrooms around the world.

    This year’s summit is the largest to date in terms of participating countries, organisations and the seniority of delegates. Established in 2009, the gathering has become an important platform for international cooperation, particularly for media organisations from the Global South seeking stronger representation and greater access to technological opportunities.

    This year’s summit is the largest to date in terms of participating countries, organisations and the seniority of delegates.

    The five-day programme, running from November 5 to 9, began translating those ambitions into tangible experiences ahead of Saturday’s opening ceremony. On Thursday, Xinhua and robotics company UBTECH unveiled Xinyu and Xinyan, two humanoid news presenters. A reception on Friday brought delegation leaders together ahead of the formal opening.

    Beyond the conference rooms, visits to Beijing’s historic cultural sites and innovation centres connected the discussions to China’s own experience, giving delegates a firsthand look at how cultural preservation and technological ambition can advance together.

    Under the theme “Media in the Intelligent Age: From Consensus to Action”, Saturday’s proceedings produced concrete commitments. Xinhua launched the Global Media Initiative for the Joint Development of AI Application Standards, with 22 initial participants, including Bernama, TASS and South Africa’s Independent Media.

    The participants plan to spend approximately two years developing standards to safeguard news authenticity, data security and professional ethics. Xinhua’s think tank also released its “AI Plus Media: Global Development Report 2026”, while the Beijing Consensus committed delegates to promoting inclusive and responsible AI and strengthening international cooperation.

    For African newsrooms, these discussions carry immediate relevance. Artificial intelligence can expand reporting capacity and support multilingual publishing, but the cost of adopting the technology remains a barrier. Bernama Chairman Wong Chun Wai highlighted the potential for international cooperation to make AI more affordable.

    Practical partnerships reinforced that message. On November 5, Xinhua signed cooperation agreements with the news agencies of Gabon and Lesotho, covering information and personnel exchanges. The agreements provide concrete avenues for strengthening professional ties and supporting newsroom modernisation.

    The summit also brought together Xinhua and executives from the Associated Press (AP), Reuters, Agence France-Presse (AFP) and CNN to discuss technological change and media credibility, highlighting the value of international dialogue.

    From a farmhouse transmitter to a forum connecting continents, Xinhua’s 95th anniversary captured an extraordinary transformation.

    Beijing’s contribution was to give that history a forward-looking purpose: helping more countries participate in shaping journalism’s next chapter.

    Jointly organised by Xinhua and the Beijing Municipal Government, the summit brought global media together to discuss AI’s role in journalism.
    Established in 2009, the summit provides a platform for international media cooperation, with a focus on amplifying Global South voices and expanding access to technology.
    The discussions explored technological change, media credibility and the importance of international cooperation.
    The summit was held under the theme “Media in the Intelligent Age: From Consensus to Action”.
    This year’s summit has drawn the highest number of participating countries and organisations, as well as the most senior delegation of any edition.
    Nearly 500 representatives from almost 330 organisations across 112 countries and regions participated in the summit at the Great Hall of the People.
    Kenyan content creator Crazy Kenna, among the summit participants, films the proceedings.
    Experts highlighted the potential for international cooperation to make AI more affordable.

    All photos: Xinhua News Agency

  • Two Rwandan researchers elected to global science academy

    Two Rwandan researchers elected to global science academy

    Prof. Léon Mutesa, a human genetics researcher at the University of Rwanda, and Prof. Eugénie Kayitesi, a food science and nutrition specialist at the University of Pretoria in South Africa, were among 87 scientists elected as regular Fellows on November 5, 2026.

    Their election takes effect on January 1, 2027, expanding Rwanda’s representation in an academy whose membership has historically included relatively few researchers from the country.

    The two academics work in different fields, but their research addresses challenges with direct relevance to Africa. Mutesa has helped establish Rwanda’s capacity in human genetics, while Kayitesi explores how indigenous crops can be better used to tackle food insecurity and malnutrition.

    Prof Eugénie Kayitesi, PhD, in the lab at the Department of Consumer and Food Sciences at the University of Pretoria, South Africa.

    For Kayitesi, the recognition also carries a personal significance, given that her academic journey began in Rwanda.

    “My election validates a core mission anchored in my Rwandan heritage, proving that indigenous knowledge combined with rigorous science can solve Africa’s most pressing food security and nutritional challenges,” she told The New Times.

    Kayitesi is an Associate Professor at the University of Pretoria, where her research focuses on food science and technology, particularly food chemistry, biochemistry and processing.

    She investigates ways of transforming underutilised indigenous African crops into nutritious products that can serve as alternatives to expensive imported staples.

    Her work uses techniques including fermentation, malting and infrared heating to improve nutrient absorption, reduce harmful substances in food and develop products that address protein-energy malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies.

    Beyond improving nutrition, processing locally available and drought-tolerant crops could extend their shelf life, reduce post-harvest losses and create markets for smallholder farmers and food businesses.

    Kayitesi obtained her bachelor’s degree in Food Science and Technology from the University of Rwanda, formerly the Kigali Institute of Science and Technology. She is also an Honorary Visiting Professor at the university’s College of Agriculture, Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine.

    Her previous recognitions include the 2023 OWSD-Elsevier Foundation Award and the 2022 Rwanda Women in Science Award. She is a member of the African Academy of Sciences and the Pan-African Scientific Research Council.

    Building Rwanda’s human genetics capacity

    Mutesa’s election recognises his contributions to human genetics and the development of research capacity in Rwanda.

    Prof. Léon Mutesa is a human genetics researcher at the University of Rwanda.

    In 2006, he spearheaded the establishment of Rwanda’s reference centre for human genetics, the only facility of its kind in East Africa.

    His research examines how genetic and epigenetic changes can be transmitted across generations, including the effects of traumatic experiences. He has particularly investigated the intergenerational impact of trauma linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, including post-traumatic stress disorder among women survivors and their children.

    Mutesa is a Professor of Human Genetics and Director of the Centre for Human Genetics and Genomics at the University of Rwanda’s College of Medicine and Health Sciences.

    He obtained his medical degree from the University of Rwanda in 2003 and a PhD from the University of Liège in Belgium in 2009. He later undertook postdoctoral research at the University of Erlangen in Germany.

    He previously served as Director General of the Medical Research Centre at the Rwanda Biomedical Centre. His scientific contributions have earned him several distinctions, including the Human Genome Organisation (HUGO) African Prize in 2024. He is also a Fellow of the African Academy of Sciences.

    The two elections bring the number of Rwandan scientists who have become TWAS Fellows to four. Physicist and former Minister of Education Prof. Romain Murenzi was elected in 2005, while paediatrician and former Minister of Health Prof. Agnès Binagwaho joined the academy in 2021.

    Rwanda’s representation in global science

    The latest election brings together 87 scientists, including 29 women, with 77 coming from countries in the Global South.

    Rwanda is among 15 countries identified by TWAS as science- and technology-lagging countries represented in the new intake. The group also includes Bangladesh, Bolivia, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nepal, Senegal and Zimbabwe.

    The academy has separately identified Rwanda among countries historically underrepresented in its membership.

    China recorded the highest number of newly elected Fellows, with 13, followed by India with eight, Brazil with seven and South Africa with six.

    The new members will bring TWAS’s total membership to 1,510 Fellows across 10 scientific divisions covering fields such as agriculture, nutrition, health, engineering, environmental sciences and physics.

  • U.S.-Iran tensions intensify amid regional calls for restraint

    U.S.-Iran tensions intensify amid regional calls for restraint

    Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) said Saturday its aerospace division has established underground missile and drone production facilities and is continuously increasing the range of its missiles.

    “We will not stop in this regard,” IRGC spokesman Hossein Mohebbi told a press conference, adding that the corps is prepared to defend the country “without any geographical limitation” if the enemy renews strikes.

    His remarks come amid heightened U.S. threats of military action against Iran, and as the U.S. Army reportedly carried out “minor” attacks targeting Iran’s southern Qeshm Island.

    Earlier on Saturday, local media reported that two missiles hit Qeshm Island, while Iran’s air defence force shot down two U.S. MQ-9 drones.

    U.S. President Donald Trump said Friday that U.S. forces launched new strikes targeting Iran’s air defense systems, describing the military action as “minor.”

    This was the second strike reportedly carried out by the United States against the Iranian island this week. The Wall Street Journal, citing U.S. officials, reported Tuesday that the United States attacked the island on Monday.

    U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the press on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on May 1, 2026.

    Meanwhile, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said late Friday that the United States is offering a reward of up to 20 million U.S. dollars and “possible relocation” for information about Iran’s nuclear program.

    Iran has said that uranium enrichment is an “inseparable” part of the country’s nuclear industry, and that Iran’s nuclear program is in compliance with its safeguards agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

    Tensions at sea also escalated around the Strait of Hormuz. The IRGC said on Friday morning that two “violating” oil tankers seeking to transit the strait through an “unauthorized” route caught fire after hitting naval mines.

    Its navy warned that bids by CENTCOM forces to compel oil tankers to cross the waterway through the mined route will lead to nothing but “consecutive and abject” defeats.

    As hostilities intensified, regional countries stepped up diplomatic efforts to avert a wider conflict, while Tehran engaged in active outreach to secure strategic support and coordinate de-escalation steps.

    Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Mohsen Rezaei met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Thursday, delivering a message from Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.

    Rezaei said Putin strongly condemned the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran and expressed his country’s readiness to provide any assistance necessary to help bring the war to an end.

    Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Thursday held several phone calls with his counterparts from Oman, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Kuwait to discuss ongoing diplomatic processes.

    During a phone conversation, Araghchi and Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi stressed the importance of consolidating sustainable understandings to ensure maritime security, end the state of war and prevent renewed confrontations in the region.

    Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi speaks during a meeting with foreign ambassadors and diplomats in Tehran, Iran, October 4, 2026.

    In Doha, Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani spoke by phone with Trump on Friday to discuss ongoing diplomatic efforts to ease regional tensions and reach a comprehensive agreement to end the crisis.

    To facilitate direct engagement, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein proposed on Friday the establishment of a regional foreign ministers’ committee to visit Tehran and Washington to help de-escalate regional tensions and resolve existing differences.

    Meanwhile, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and his Saudi counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, held phone calls on Thursday and Friday to review joint efforts to defuse tensions, calling for restraint and dialogue to avoid further escalation.

    Despite the diplomatic flurry, Iranian officials maintained that progress depends on concrete U.S. actions. SNSC Deputy Secretary Ali Bagheri Kani said Friday that Iran needs to see practical measures by the United States rather than mere “paper commitments,” stressing that efforts must be made to make the United States implement Iran’s proposed plan for reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

    People take part in a rally to mark the anniversary of the 1979 takeover of the U.S. embassy in Tehran, Iran, on November 4, 2026.