“We leave because there’s no reason for us to do this,” Trump told reporters at the White House.
“All I have to do is leave Iran, and we’ll be doing that very soon, and they’ll become tumbling down,” Trump said when asked about his plan for lowering gas prices.
The U.S. president, facing mounting pressure from energy market volatility and investor concerns over a prolonged conflict, has issued a number of conflicting remarks on the timeline of the war since the U.S. and Israel launched massive attacks on Iran on Feb. 28.
Trump said the U.S. and Iran are negotiating, and it’s possible that the war will come to an end sooner if the two countries reach a deal.
“It’s possible that we’ll have a deal because they want to make a deal. They want to make a deal more than I want to make a deal. But in a fairly short period of time, we’ll be finished,” Trump said.
“Now we have a group of people that’s very — that are very different. They’re much more reasonable,” Trump added.
Trump reiterated that it will be up to other countries to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and secure the crucial global energy waterway.
“If France or some other country wants to get oil or gas, you go up through the strait and — the Hormuz Strait — they’ll go right up there and they’ll be able to fend for themselves,” Trump said.
Trump said the U.S. and Iran are negotiating, and it’s possible that the war will come to an end sooner if the two countries reach a deal.
Flydubai said Iranian nationals holding a UAE “Golden Visa” are exempt from the restriction.
The restriction comes amid growing strains between Iran and Gulf nations.
On Wednesday morning, loud explosions from intercepted missiles were heard across Dubai. Authorities in the emirate of Fujairah reported that one person was killed after debris from an intercepted drone fell on a farm in the Al-Rifa’a area.
The total value of the losses may exceed the cumulative regional GDP growth achieved in 2025, said the report from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Coupled with an estimated rise in unemployment of up to 4 percentage points or 3.6 million jobs lost, more than the total jobs created in the region in 2025, these reversals will push up to 4 million people into poverty, according to the report titled “Military Escalation in the Middle East: Economic and Social Implications for the Arab States Region.”
The assessment exposes the concerning reality of structural vulnerabilities characteristic to the region, which enable a short-lived military escalation to generate profound and widespread socioeconomic impacts that may persist over a long term, it said.
The findings highlight that impacts are not uniform, varying significantly across the region due to the structural characteristics of its main subregions.
Across the region, human development as measured by the Human Development Index is expected to decline by approximately 0.2 to 0.4 percent, corresponding to a setback of roughly half a year to nearly one year of human development progress, according to the report.
“This crisis rings alarm bells for countries of the region to fundamentally reevaluate their strategic choices of fiscal, sectoral, and social policies, representing an important turning point in the development trajectory of the region,” Abdallah Al Dardari, UN assistant secretary-general and director of the Regional Bureau for Arab States in UNDP, said in a press release.
“Our findings underline the pressing need to strengthen regional collaboration to diversify economies — beyond reliance on growth driven by hydrocarbons, and to expand production bases, secure trade and logistics systems, and broaden economic partnerships, to reduce exposure to shocks and conflicts,” he said.
The assessment employs Computable General Equilibrium modeling to capture the magnitude of disruptions caused by a four-week conflict, and models its effects through key transmission channels, including increased trade costs, temporary productivity losses and localized capital destruction.
It conducted five simulation scenarios, representing escalating levels of conflict scenarios, ranging from a “moderate disruption,” where trade costs increase by tenfold, to an “extreme disruption and energy shock,” where trade costs increase a hundred-fold, intensified by a stop of hydrocarbon production.
This photo shows a damaged building after joint U.S.-Israeli strikes in Tehran, Iran on March 29, 2026.
According to the company’s financial statement, insurance revenue for 2025 reached Rwf24.23 billion, up from Rwf22.33 billion in 2024, driven by increased underwriting activities. Profit before tax rose to Rwf 7.03 billion, while net profit after tax stood at Rwf4.92 billion, compared to Frw 4.42 billion in the previous year.
The company’s balance sheet also reflected a stronger financial position, with total assets rising to Rwf43.94 billion from Rwf38.19 billion, and total equity increasing to Rwf20.15 billion. Insurance liabilities accounted for Rwf 16.21 billion, while cash and cash equivalents amounted to Rwf 2.67 billion, underscoring improved liquidity.
The 2025 results demonstrate Prime Insurance’s sustained profitability, operational efficiency, and compliance with the IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts standard. The company also reported growth in its investment portfolio, supporting long-term stability.
Camille Karamaga, Chairman of the Board expressed satisfaction with the results, highlighting disciplined underwriting, prudent financial management, and a strengthened capital base.
“The company remains well-capitalized, financially sound, and strategically positioned to continue delivering sustainable growth and value to its shareholders and policyholders,” he stated.
Prime Insurance has also declared a dividend payout of Rwf1.5 billion, signaling a commitment to shareholder value creation.
Looking ahead, Prime Insurance has affirmed commitment to expand market share across Rwanda, enhance customer-centric insurance solutions, drive innovation and digital transformation, strengthen property and medical insurance offerings, and build strategic partnerships across sectors.
More details about the financial statement can be accessed here
According to the Office of Rwanda’s President, their discussions held on March 31, 2026, centered on deepening the already strong bilateral ties between Rwanda and Tanzania.
Rwanda and Tanzania maintain a robust partnership in areas such as technology and communications.
The two countries also have existing cooperation agreements covering media, education, ICT, and internet infrastructure among others.
In July 2025, Rwanda and Tanzania on Saturday signed two memoranda of understanding to facilitate cooperation in agriculture and the establishment of a Tanzania Ports Liaison Office in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda.
The agreements were signed by Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Olivier Nduhungirehe and Tanzanian counterpart Mahmoud Thabit Kombo during a ministerial session of the 16th Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) between the two countries in Kigali.
Trade also forms a cornerstone of the Rwanda-Tanzania partnership, with Rwandans regularly using the port of Dar es Salaam and Rwandan goods frequently exported to Tanzania.
Tanzania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Mahamoud Thabit Kombo was hosted at Urugwiro Village along with his delegation. President Paul Kagame on March 31, 2026 received Tanzania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Mahamoud Thabit Kombo, at his office in Village Urugwiro.
The Burundian coach joins from Kiyovu Sports FC, where he delivered impressive performances this season despite the club facing financial difficulties.
With only a few months remaining on his contract, Haringingo makes the switch following Rayon Sports’ decision to part ways with Bruno Ferry, who was dismissed after just three months in charge.
Rayon Sports’ leadership has set clear ambitions of winning the league title, last secured in 2019 or lifting at least one domestic trophy this season.
The team is currently preparing for the resumption of the Rwanda Premier League, with a Matchday 26 fixture against Gicumbi FC scheduled for Saturday at 6:00 PM at Kigali Pelé Stadium.
Haringingo previously coached Rayon Sports in 2023, when he led the club to victory in the Rwandan Peace Cup. He takes over a side currently sitting fourth in the league standings with 42 points.
Francis Haringingo Christian has rejoined Rayon Sports FC as head coach. Haringingo previously coached Rayon Sports in 2023, when he led the club to victory in the Rwandan Peace Cup.
This exhibition taking place in London, United Kingdom, officially opened on March 30, 2026, and runs through April 1, 2026, at the ExCeL London exhibition centre.
At the trade fair, a delegation from Rwandan companies is showcasing a range of locally produced goods and engaging directly with international partners.
Rwanda’s participation is coordinated by the Embassy of Rwanda in the United Kingdom, in collaboration with NAEB.
The event aims to support Rwanda’s ambition to boost agricultural exports, strengthen its presence on the international stage as a competitive food-processing nation, and attract new buyers for Rwandan products.
IFE brings together thousands of professionals each year from the food, beverage, and hospitality sectors across all continents. For Rwanda, this is not only an opportunity for visibility but also a strategic platform to increase exports, build new partnerships, and showcase the quality of its products to the global market.
This participation comes at a time when the Middle East, previously a key export market for Rwanda’s agricultural products, is facing instability due to ongoing conflict. Exploring new markets in Europe could help Rwanda mitigate the potential impact of these disruptions and sustain its export growth.
More than one billion tonnes of food, equivalent to 19 percent of all food available to consumers, are wasted, while 13 percent is lost before arriving at retail outlets, according to a joint statement from the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and the United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-Habitat).
About 60 percent of food waste happens within households, followed by food service at 28 percent and retail at 12 percent, with households alone wasting over one billion meals daily, according to the UN agencies.
Inger Andersen, UNEP executive director, noted that food loss and waste cost the global economy one trillion U.S. dollars annually, while combating the challenge is key to taming the climate crisis, desertification, and water scarcity.
“Reducing food waste makes economic sense, delivers methane cuts, supports food security, and helps build a circular, zero-waste, zero-emissions future,” Andersen said.
Food loss and waste generate 8 to 10 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, nearly five times the emissions from the aviation industry, with food waste alone accounting for up to 14 percent of global methane emissions, according to the statement.
Anaclaudia Rossbach, UN-Habitat executive director, noted that urban centers have been at the forefront of integrating food systems, water services, waste management, and recovering surplus food to foster circularity.
Rossbach added that informal workers, waste pickers, and community water managers are providing solutions to the food waste crisis in cities, helping to create circular systems that save money, cut emissions, and generate jobs.
This facility, which is part of the company’s phased development plan, will provide essential support for the efficient handling, aggregation, and movement of temperature-sensitive products, specifically for the domestic and export markets.
The new packhouse is the first step in Cold Solutions’ strategy to expand its cold storage capacity and logistics services in Rwanda. It will strengthen the country’s cold chain infrastructure and offer reliable solutions for horticultural produce, food manufacturers, and pharmaceutical companies.
Cold Solutions Rwanda has been at the forefront of providing world-class temperature-controlled storage and logistics solutions across East Africa, playing a pivotal role in handling and storing perishable goods.
Speaking to IGIHE, Julie Igiraneza, Commercial Director at Cold Solutions Rwanda, shed light on the company’s commitment to supporting the local and regional supply chains.
“As part of our phased development, we have commissioned a modern, fully equipped packhouse facility to support the handling and export of horticultural produce. This will provide exporters with reliable, high-quality services while our flagship temperature-controlled complex in Rwanda remains under construction and will be launched in 2027,” she noted.
This packhouse not only addresses a key market gap in the cold storage sector but also introduces cold chain logistics services, such as intercity, long-haul, and cross-border transportation. These services are designed to ensure product quality and integrity throughout the entire value chain, from production to export.
“Our operations are powered by advanced technologies, including a robust warehouse management system, blast chilling, and blast freezing capabilities, with temperature control ranging from ambient to -40°C,” added Igiraneza.
Cold Solutions’ broader vision includes expanding its operations through the development of a 4,000-pallet position temperature-controlled warehouse.
This new facility, which will be launched in Q3 2027, will significantly increase the company’s storage capacity and integrated logistics offerings, enabling it to cater to Rwanda’s growing horticulture, food, and pharmaceutical sectors.
Azhar Rifai, Managing Director of Cold Solutions Rwanda, emphasized the importance of this expansion, stating, “This milestone marks a defining moment in bringing our packhouse vision to life. It reflects our ambition to set new benchmarks in quality, efficiency, and innovation within the industry. As we move toward completion of the full facility, we are building more than infrastructure; we are shaping the future of our operations and unlocking long-term value for our partners and stakeholders.”
Fredd Kambo, Managing Director of ARCH Emerging Markets Partners, also commented on the significance of the new packhouse, saying, “The opening of our 1,400 sq m packhouse in Kigali is an important milestone in our strategy to build a modern, integrated cold chain platform in Rwanda. Through Cold Solutions Rwanda Limited, we are establishing critical handling infrastructure while also launching dedicated cold chain logistics services to support the movement of temperature-sensitive goods.”
This development is part of a broader regional initiative aimed at enhancing cold storage infrastructure across East Africa.
Cold Solutions Rwanda Limited (CSRL) operates as the Rwandan platform of the ARCH Cold Solutions East Africa Fund, which is managed by ARCH Emerging Markets Partners, a private equity firm dedicated to building and growing market-leading businesses across Africa.
The packhouse caters to Rwanda’s growing horticulture, food manufacturing, and pharmaceutical sectors, supporting both local and export supply chains.The new facility provides advanced cold storage and logistics solutions for temperature-sensitive products such as French beans.Julie Igiraneza, Commercial Director at Cold Solutions Rwanda, highlighted that the packhouse supports the handling and export of horticultural produce for domestic and regional markets.Fredd Kambo, Managing Director of ARCH Emerging Markets Partners, noted that the Kigali packhouse is a critical step in building an integrated cold chain platform in Rwanda.Azhar Rifai, Managing Director of Cold Solutions Rwanda, described the expansion as a milestone in delivering efficient, high-quality cold chain services.
Premier Dr. Nsengiyumva, representing President Paul Kagame, is among dignitaries who attended the inauguration ceremony of Touadéra at at the Barthelemy Boganda Sports Complex on Monday.
The development was confirmed by the Office of the Prime Minister of Rwanda without disclosing further details of their discussions.
President Faustin-Archange Touadéra was re-elected in December 2025 with 76.15% of the vote.
Rwanda and the Central African Republic (CAR) maintain cooperation particularly in the areas of security, mineral resources, and other sectors.
Security cooperation is central to the partnership, with Rwandan Defence Forces (RDF) and police contributing to the UN peacekeeping mission, MINUSCA, since 2014. In 2020, Rwanda deployed 1,200 troops under a bilateral agreement to neutralize rebel groups loyal to François Bozizé that were threatening Bangui.
Beyond peacekeeping, Rwandan forces provide security for the President, government officials, and key infrastructure, including M’Poko International Airport.
They also support the development of the Central African Armed Forces (FACA), helping the country build its capacity to maintain security independently. Since 2023, RDF has trained over 2,400 soldiers and 300 officers, with several cohorts integrated into FACA between 2023 and 2025.
Currently, around 1,200 Rwandan personnel operate in CAR under bilateral arrangements separate from the UN mission. Their duties include restoring peace, safeguarding Bangui and its surroundings, ensuring the smooth functioning of daily life, and securing President Touadéra’s residence in Damara, Ombella-M’Poko Prefecture.
It was glamour at the inauguration of CAR President Faustin-Archange TouadéraTouadera took the oath of office at the Barthelemy Boganda Sports Complex, with heads of state and diplomats in attendance.President Faustin-Archange Touadéra was re-elected in December 2025 with 76.15% of the votePrime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva met with CAR President Faustin-Archange Touadéra following the President’s inauguration on March 30, 2026.
