The king passed away peacefully at Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet at 6:35 a.m. local time (0435 GMT), according to a statement issued by the Royal House.
Under Norway’s rules of succession, 53-year-old Crown Prince Haakon immediately succeeded to the throne and became the country’s new king. His regnal name and motto have yet to be officially announced.
Harald was admitted to the hospital on Aug. 17. The Royal House previously said he had received cortisone treatment for hemolytic anemia in recent weeks, which caused fluid accumulation. During his hospitalization, he was also treated with antibiotics for a bacterial infection in his blood.
The Royal House said Thursday that Harald’s health had deteriorated and his condition was “very serious.”
Born on Feb. 21, 1937, Harald ascended to the throne on Jan. 17, 1991, following the death of his father, King Olav V. He had been hospitalized several times in recent years and received a permanent pacemaker in 2024.
Haakon was born on July 20, 1973. He had served as regent on multiple occasions when his father was ill or abroad. Haakon’s eldest child, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, is now Norway’s crown princess and the heir to the throne.
The king passed away peacefully at Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet at 6:35 a.m. local time (0435 GMT), according to a statement issued by the Royal House.The king passed away peacefully at Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet at 6:35 a.m. local time (0435 GMT), according to a statement issued by the Royal House.
In an address to the nation on August 27, Tshisekedi announced the launch of what he described as an inter-Congolese dialogue aimed at addressing longstanding political challenges, insecurity and divisions, while laying the groundwork for governance reforms.
The process will begin with consultations in the DRC’s 26 provinces before culminating in national-level talks in Kinshasa. Citizens, local authorities, political parties, civil society organisations, traditional and religious leaders and other stakeholders are expected to contribute.
Tshisekedi said the dialogue should produce a “National Pact for Peace, Unity and State Reform”, along with mechanisms to ensure that its resolutions are implemented, unlike previous initiatives that ended without meaningful follow-up.
AFC/M23 kept out
Despite presenting the initiative as a national process for addressing the country’s challenges, Tshisekedi made clear that it would not include the AFC/M23 coalition or other actors he accused of challenging the state through armed action.
He insisted that the national dialogue would not replace the Doha talks, which are focused on resolving the conflict in eastern DRC, arguing that issues related to armed groups, including a ceasefire and disarmament, should be dealt with through that separate process.
“No one can take part in the national dialogue while carrying weapons against the country. No weapon can give its holder greater rights than those granted to a citizen through elections. No military victory can be converted into political legitimacy,” Tshisekedi said.
He said those who have taken control of national territory by force, established what he described as illegal administrations or acted in the interests of foreign powers would be excluded from the talks.
While Tshisekedi said those who renounce violence and respect the law could be allowed to rejoin the national community, he maintained that peace should not mean impunity for those responsible for serious crimes.
Critics question inclusivity
The president’s approach has revived concerns among religious leaders, politicians and other observers who argue that a dialogue meant to address the country’s political and security crisis cannot afford to leave out actors with a direct stake in it.
The Catholic Church and other religious leaders have repeatedly called for an inclusive dialogue bringing together the country’s key political and armed actors, arguing that the DRC’s history has shown the limits of peace processes that exclude major parties.
The National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) has been among those pushing for broader talks, including the participation of representatives of AFC/M23, Thomas Lubanga’s CRP movement and former President Joseph Kabila.
The Kinshasa government has rejected those calls.
Critics argue that excluding such actors risks turning Tshisekedi’s dialogue into a forum for those already aligned with the political order rather than a genuine attempt to confront the forces driving the country’s crises.
They also warn that sidelining armed groups from one political process while fighting continues in the east may do little to address the realities on the ground, particularly as AFC/M23 controls significant parts of North and South Kivu.
Three months to find answers
The dialogue is expected to last no more than three months, starting with provincial consultations before moving to national-level discussions in Kinshasa.
Participants are expected to include representatives of young people, women, workers, farmers, researchers, the private sector and the Congolese diaspora. Tshisekedi has also called on religious leaders and churches to support the initiative.
But the process begins at a time when the country remains deeply divided, and the conflict in eastern DRC continues, raising questions about whether a dialogue that excludes some of the country’s most consequential actors can produce the unity and lasting peace it promises.
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Félix Tshisekedi has launched a three-month national dialogue billed as a path towards peace and unity, but his decision to exclude armed groups and other influential political figures has already drawn criticism from those who question whether the process can deliver a lasting solution to the country’s deep-rooted crisis.
According to a statement released by the Office of the President of Türkiye, the two leaders highlighted the positive development in trade and investment relations between Türkiye and Rwanda.
Erdoğan said Türkiye would continue strengthening cooperation with Rwanda in several areas, particularly the defense industry.
The Turkish president also welcomed efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and expressed Türkiye’s support for the ongoing process.
The conversation between President Kagame and Erdoğan comes at a time when Rwanda and Türkiye continue to strengthen relations across various areas, including trade, investment and security cooperation.
Rwanda-Türkiye relations cover areas such as trade, investment, education, culture, energy, research and security. The relationship gained further momentum after Rwanda opened its embassy in Ankara in 2013, followed by Türkiye opening its embassy in Kigali in 2014, helping to deepen cooperation between the two countries.
In the years that followed, cooperation between Rwanda and Türkiye expanded, particularly in trade and investment.
Trade between the two countries has grown from a value of about $1 million in the 2000s to nearly $500 million.
During President Kagame’s working visit to Türkiye in January 2025, Rwanda and Türkiye signed four cooperation agreements that cover media and communications, civil aircraft accident and serious incident investigation, radio and television, and military electronics and C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence) technologies.
President Kagame said the agreements demonstrated the two countries’ commitment to continuing to explore opportunities for cooperation, while President Erdoğan described the visit as another new step towards strengthening relations between the two countries.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Rwandan President Paul Kagame have discussed bilateral relations and defence industry cooperation.
The funds will support projects in energy, roads, public transport, housing, health infrastructure and waste management, with the largest allocations going to two energy projects.
The Nyabarongo II power plant, which is expected to generate 43.5 megawatts, has the largest allocation at Rwf 149.81 billion, equivalent to about 24.5% of the total infrastructure budget.
Construction of the power plant is currently 73.82% complete and is expected to reach 75% in the first quarter, 80% in the second, 90% in the third and 95% by the end of the financial year.
The planned activities include completing and approving the remaining construction designs for the powerhouse, spillway, switchyard and transmission lines. The project will also involve monitoring construction works, completing the third phase of land acquisition and developing a plan for an early warning system to alert residents in case of a problem.
The second-largest allocation, Rwf 90.97 billion, will go towards connecting 199,487 new households to electricity. Baseline figures show that 2,348,087 households were already connected to the national grid.
The Energy Development Corporation Limited (EDCL) plans to connect 40,487 households in the first quarter, 45,000 in the second, 52,000 in the third and 62,000 in the fourth. The work will include preparing surveys and designs, procurement, construction of medium- and low-voltage electricity networks, compensation payments and connecting households.
Road maintenance in Kigali is the third-largest item, with Rwf 40 billion allocated to the project. The Rwanda Road Maintenance Fund (RMF) will review and approve contracts and invoices related to road maintenance works before payments are made.
The implementation target is to have 25% of the funds disbursed in the first quarter, 50% in the second, 75% in the third and 100% by the end of the financial year.
The rehabilitation and development of housing in Nyabisindu will receive Rwf 29.53 billion, making it the fourth-largest project by allocation. The project consists of 2,029 houses and is currently 23.36% complete, with the target of reaching full completion during the financial year.
The Rwanda Housing Authority (RHA) is responsible for overseeing implementation, while the Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB) will provide financing. The City of Kigali will work with residents, pay temporary rent for people relocated by the project and determine the beneficiaries of the houses. The Ministry of Defence is responsible for construction works.
Another Rwf 22.26 billion has been allocated to the rehabilitation of the 10-kilometre Prince House–Giporoso–Masaka road. The works are expected to progress from 5% to 15% during the financial year.
The project will involve compensation payments, relocating utility networks and other infrastructure along the project route, as well as mobilising construction materials and workers. The Rwanda Transport Development Agency (RTDA), City of Kigali, Ministry of Infrastructure and Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning are involved in its implementation.
Public transport is also a major area of investment, with Rwf 21.45 billion allocated for the construction of 250 smart bus shelters. The facilities will include systems displaying bus arrival times, lighting, seating and infrastructure designed to make them accessible to people with disabilities.
The target is to complete 10% of the shelters in the first quarter, 40% in the second, 40% in the third and all 250 by the fourth quarter.
A further Rwf 21 billion has been allocated for 84 new electric buses. Fifty buses will be provided through the City of Kigali’s RUMI project, while 34 will come through RTDA’s KUTI project, alongside infrastructure for parking and charging the buses.
The programme also includes completing the legal and financial arrangements for the wider project involving 300 electric buses and approving the timeline for the first batch of 100 buses to be delivered to Rwanda.
The rehabilitation of Ruhengeri Referral Hospital has been allocated Rwf 12.5 billion. The project is expected to start from zero and reach 20% in the second quarter, 25% in the third and 30% by the end of the financial year.
The Ministry of Infrastructure and RHA will procure the contractor and supervising consultant and oversee implementation, while the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) and Musanze District will have responsibilities related to financing, supervision and implementation.
The first phase of the Kigali waste management project in Nduba will receive Rwf 12.03 billion. The project is currently 45% complete and is expected to reach 100% during the financial year.
The Water and Sanitation Corporation (WASAC) is responsible for construction and supervision, while the City of Kigali will support land acquisition and monitor the works.
The tenth project is the rehabilitation of the Masaka–Kabukuba–Riziyeri and Kabukuba–Nyamata/Gahembe–Kindama roads, which has been allocated Rwf 12 billion.
The works are currently at 5% and are expected to reach 20% in the first quarter, 30% in the second, 45% in the third and 60% by the fourth quarter. Activities will include compensation for people affected by the project, construction works and meeting requirements for the release of funding from development partners.
Together, the 10 projects account for Rwf 411.56 billion of the Rwf 610.84 billion infrastructure budget for the 2026/27 financial year, highlighting the concentration of spending on major energy, transport, housing and public infrastructure projects.
Nyabarongo Dam is one of the projects allocated the largest amount of funding in this financial year.The dam is expected to reach 95% completion by the end of this financial year.This photo shows the artistic impression of Nyabarongo dam
The project, valued at more than $49 million, is expected to provide 547 families with modern homes, basic services and opportunities to improve their livelihoods.
The Smart Green Village will combine climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy and tourism-related economic opportunities.
The launch of the construction works coincided with the announcement of funds to be distributed to districts surrounding Volcanoes National Park under Rwanda’s Tourism Revenue Sharing Programme.
The two initiatives highlight Rwanda’s approach of involving communities in environmental conservation and tourism development.
The activities are part of events leading up to the 21st edition of Kwita Izina, the annual gorilla naming ceremony scheduled for September 4, 2026, under the theme, “Conservation is Life: Sustaining the Future.”
Minister of Local Government Dominique Habimana said community development should go hand in hand with environmental protection.
“This project demonstrates Rwanda’s commitment to putting citizens at the centre of development, while building communities with good infrastructure, services, welfare, cleanliness and security.
“The houses and infrastructure being built here belong to the people. I encourage residents to take ownership of them, participate in their development and protect them so that this village continues to be a clean, safe and sustainable place where families can prosper,” he noted.
Rwanda Development Board (RDB) Chief Executive Officer Jean-Guy Afrika said the village demonstrates that environmental conservation and community development should advance together.
“It will provide families with good houses, modern infrastructure, basic services and economic opportunities, while promoting sustainable agriculture, resilience to climate change and environmental protection.”
Project linked to Volcanoes National Park expansion
The Smart Green Village is part of plans to expand Volcanoes National Park by nearly 3,740 hectares and establish a 6,620-hectare buffer zone.
The wider programme is expected to improve the livelihoods of more than 17,000 people from nearly 3,400 families, increase wildlife habitat, conserve biodiversity, promote tourism and create new economic opportunities for communities living around the park.
The programme is estimated to cost nearly $300 million and will be implemented over 10 years.
The first phase covers nearly 450 hectares and will affect 547 families living in the area planned for the park expansion.
The Government of Rwanda acquired 50 hectares in Rurembo where the Smart Green Village is being built. Compensation for the land has already been paid, while compensation for families living in the area to be incorporated into the park is also being paid.
The families relocated to the new village are expected to benefit from improved access to basic services, safer living conditions and new opportunities for economic development.
Esther Mukamakuza, one of the future beneficiaries, said the project had given residents a sense that they could set goals and make decisions that contribute to the development of their families.
“We learned that this new village will bring positive changes to our lives. We will have schools, health centres, roads and clean cooking methods, which will make things easier for women and families. We are grateful to see a future where our needs are considered and where we can also contribute to the development of our families,” she said.
Four districts receive nearly Rwf2 billion
Every year, Rwanda shares part of tourism revenue with communities living around national parks that generate the revenue.
Under the Tourism Revenue Sharing Programme, 10% of tourism revenue generated from national parks is invested in development projects benefiting surrounding communities.
The four districts surrounding Volcanoes National Park have been allocated more than Rwf1.98 billion.
Burera District will receive Rwf495 million, Musanze Rwf659.8 million, Nyabihu Rwf659.8 million and Rubavu Rwf164.95 million.
RDB said the funds will support community development activities in the four districts, ensuring that tourism revenue continues to reach people living around the park.
Northern Province Governor Maurice Mugabowagahunde said benefits from Volcanoes National Park reach communities through employment, businesses and tourism revenue sharing.
“Since this programme started, 838 projects worth Rwf8.6 billion have been supported, demonstrating that the park belongs to the people and contributes to their development.
“The expansion of Volcanoes National Park and this project will help address the shortage of agricultural land while reducing conflicts between people and wildlife. They will provide people with more space to live and farm safely, while creating better ways of protecting the environment,” he noted.
Over the past 20 years, more than Rwf23 billion has been invested in communities through the tourism revenue sharing programme, supporting projects in education, healthcare, access to clean water and social welfare.
Kwita Izina is an annual ceremony that brings together Rwandans and friends of Rwanda to name newborn mountain gorillas, drawing from the longstanding Rwandan cultural tradition of naming children shortly after birth.
Since 2005, Kwita Izina has grown into an international platform celebrating Rwanda’s conservation efforts and recognising the role of communities and partners in protecting mountain gorillas and their habitat.
The 21st Kwita Izina ceremony, during which 22 baby gorillas will be named, will take place on September 4, 2026, in Kinigi, Musanze District.
Officials lay the foundation stone at the site where the Smart Green Village will be built.The four districts surrounding Volcanoes National Park have been allocated more than Rwf1.98 billion.Jean-Guy Afrika, RDB Chief Executive Officer, highlighted the importance of linking environmental conservation with community development.Dominique Habimana, Minister of Local Government, urged residents to take ownership of the infrastructure being developed in the Smart Green Village.
The medals were presented to members of RWANBATT-2 in recognition of their dedication, professionalism, and contribution to peace, security, and stability in the Central African Republic.
The ceremony held on August 27, 2026, was presided over by the MINUSCA Deputy Force Commander, Maj Gen Maychel Asmi. It was attended by the Governor of Ombella-M’Poko Region, Joseph Dokombo; MINUSCA Sector West Commander, Brig Gen Ganselem Lkhagvasuren; Commander of Joint Task Force Bangui, Brig Gen Franco Rutagengwa; Rwanda Defence Attaché to CAR, Col Alphonse Gahima; and members of the Rwandan community in CAR.
Addressing the peacekeepers, Maj Gen Asmi commended RWANBATT-2 for carrying out its duties with professionalism and determination in support of the MINUSCA mandate.
He emphasised that the UN medal represents both individual service and the international community’s commitment to peace and stability.
“Wear this medal with pride. It represents sacrifice, discipline, professionalism, and service to the people of the Central African Republic,” he stated.
Maj Gen Asmi also acknowledged RWANBATT-2’s role in contributing to the creation of a secure environment that has supported the return of internally displaced persons to their homes.
The RWANBATT-2 Contingent Commander, Col Laurent Kalisa Munana, said the peacekeepers remain committed to fully implementing the MINUSCA mandate and maintaining the reputation they have built through discipline, professionalism, and dedication.
“We remain determined to uphold the trust placed in us and to continue serving with the same commitment and professionalism until the completion of our mission,” Col Munana said.
Maj Gen Maychel Asmi commended RWANBATT-2 peacekeepers for their professionalism and determination in supporting the MINUSCA mandate.MINUSCA Deputy Force Commander Maj Gen Maychel Asmi presented United Nations Service Medals to members of RWANBATT-2 at Bossembele Camp.Members of RWANBATT-2 received UN medals for their service and contribution to creating a secure environment in the Central African Republic.Rwandan peacekeepers pose with their United Nations Service Medals following a ceremony recognising their dedication and professionalism in the Central African Republic.Rwandan peacekeepers serving with MINUSCA are recognised for their role in supporting peace, security and stability in the Central African Republic.
Upon arrival, the RDF delegation was received by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), 2 Infantry Division Commander, Maj Gen Paul Muhanguzi along with subordinate commanders and staff.
Prior to the meeting, the two delegations joined local leaders and community members in Kamwezi Sub-County, Rukiga District, for a joint tree-planting activity.
In his opening remarks, Maj Gen Paul Muhanguzi welcomed the RDF delegation and emphasized that Rwanda and Uganda share more than a physical border.
He stressed that peace in Rwanda contributes to peace in Uganda and vice versa, underscoring the importance of continued joint efforts to maintain security for communities on both sides of the border.
Maj Gen Muhanguzi concluded by expressing appreciation to the Commanders-in-Chief and Chiefs of Defence Staff of both countries for their visionary leadership and continued efforts to promote unity, cooperation, and good relations between Rwanda and Uganda.
His counterpart, Maj Gen Karusisi, thanked the hosts for the warm welcome. He emphasized that the common border should remain a space for peace, lawful movement, trade, and cooperation rather than a source of insecurity or misunderstanding.
He further noted that commanders have a responsibility to maintain open channels of communication, strengthen confidence between the two forces, and ensure that emerging issues are addressed through dialogue and appropriate coordination.
Maj Gen Karusisi highlighted that the strong relationship between Rwanda and Uganda provides a solid foundation for further cooperation at the military level.
The meeting is part of a series of quarterly engagements that bring together RDF and UPDF commanders whose units are deployed along the Rwanda–Uganda border.
It aims to assess the security situation, address cross-border security challenges, strengthen coordination, and develop lasting solutions to issues affecting communities on both sides of the border.
Maj Gen Ruki Karusisi (left), Commander of the RDF 5 Infantry Division, led the Rwandan delegation at the 8th Proximity Commanders’ Meeting with the UPDF in Mbarara, Uganda.RDF and UPDF commanders joined local leaders and community members in Kamwezi Sub-County, Rukiga District, for a joint tree-planting activity ahead of their meeting.The 8th Proximity Commanders’ Meeting brought together RDF and UPDF commanders deployed along the Rwanda–Uganda border to strengthen communication, confidence and cooperation.RDF and UPDF commanders convened in Mbarara for their 8th Proximity Commanders’ Meeting to discuss security, cross-border challenges and coordination along the Rwanda–Uganda border.
“The secretary-general is concerned about any new measures, any additional rhetoric that we see that could lead to an escalation. And we’re continuing to see disruptions in the flow of energy, disruption in the flow of food,” Stephane Dujarric, the spokesperson, said in response to a question about whether Guterres had received a letter from Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi regarding new U.S. sanctions against Iran.
Dujarric said the letter had been received and distributed to the Security Council and the General Assembly as requested.
This conflict, even in somewhat of a frozen kinetic phase, continues to do a lot of harm to the region and to the global economy, said the spokesperson.
The only way to reach a durable settlement is through dialogue, and the secretary-general is very much appreciative of the mediation efforts by Qatar, Egypt, Pakistan and others who are doing their best to try to lead to a political solution, said the spokesperson.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Monday threatened Iran with “an economic D-Day,” announcing a wave of new sanctions against the country.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Wednesday that the United States will not achieve anything through its economic pressure on Iran.
New York: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks at a press encounter at the UN headquarters in New York on July 31, 2026. Guterres said Friday that fighting must stop on all fronts in the Middle East.
Kagame first met Sahr Kpundeh, the outgoing World Bank Country Manager for Rwanda, for a farewell meeting.
Their discussions focused on Rwanda’s longstanding partnership with the World Bank and continued collaboration in support of the country’s development priorities.
Kpundeh has served as the World Bank’s Country Manager for Rwanda, working with the government on development programmes and initiatives across various sectors.
Discussions with the outgoing World Bank representative focused on Rwanda’s longstanding partnership with the World Bank and continued collaboration in support of the country’s development priorities.
Later in the afternoon, Kagame received Julie Crowley, the outgoing High Commissioner of Canada to Rwanda, as she concludes her tour of duty.
The two discussed Rwanda-Canada relations and efforts to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
The meetings come as both Kpundeh and Crowley conclude their respective assignments in Rwanda, with Kagame reflecting on the partnerships between Rwanda and the institutions and countries they represented.
President Kagame also received Julie Crowley, the outgoing High Commissioner of Canada to Rwanda, as she concludes her tour of duty.The two discussed Rwanda-Canada relations and efforts to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
The match, played at Ulinzi Complex Hall in Nairobi, Kenya, saw Rwanda dominate from the opening set as they secured their third consecutive victory in Group D.
Rwanda raced to a 25-6 win in the first set before claiming the second 25-11. They completed the sweep with a 25-13 victory in the third set.
The first set lasted 18 minutes, while the second and third sets took 22 and 18 minutes, respectively.
The victory gave Rwanda a perfect nine points from three matches and secured their place at the top of Group D.
Rwanda had earlier defeated Algeria 3-0 before recording another straight-set victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Rwanda will face the fourth-placed team from Group B in the round of 16. Senegal and Burkina Faso are among the teams in contention for that position.
Rwanda’s women’s national volleyball team finished the group stage of the 2026 African Volleyball Championship unbeaten after defeating Burundi 3-0 on Thursday.The match, played at Ulinzi Complex Hall in Nairobi, Kenya, saw Rwanda dominate from the opening set as they secured their third consecutive victory in Group D.
