The decision on Sunday “could lead to the dispossession of Palestinians of their property and risks expanding Israeli control over land in the area,” said a statement issued by spokesperson Stephane Dujarric.
Such measures, including Israel’s continued presence in the occupied Palestinian territory, “are not only destabilizing but, as recalled by the International Court of Justice, unlawful,” it added.
The UN chief called on the Israeli government to immediately reverse these measures, and again warned that the current trajectory on the ground is eroding the prospect for the two-state solution, the statement said.
Guterres reiterated that all Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the regime associated with them, have no legal validity and are in flagrant violation of international law and relevant UN resolutions.
“The Secretary-General calls on all parties to preserve the only path to lasting peace, a negotiated two-State solution, in line with relevant Security Council resolutions and international law,” the statement said.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday condemned the Israeli government’s decision to resume land registration procedures in Area C of the occupied West Bank.
According to SA News, the discovery was made by Dr. Massimo Meregalli from Italy and Dr. Roman Borovec from the Czech Republic.
These respected entomologists recently published their research on flightless weevils found in remote parts of the park. These tiny insects live in the soil, hidden under shrubs, and mostly come out at night, making them very hard to find and study. Therefore, their discovery required meticulous fieldwork in the Richtersveld’s challenging environment.
SA News quoted a statement by South African National Parks (SANParks) as saying, “With the support and guidance of Richtersveld National Park Nursery Curator Pieter van Wyk, the researchers explored the remote Armmanshoek Valley, an area not previously surveyed for soil insects.”
“Their efforts resulted in the identification of multiple new species, further confirming the Richtersveld as a hotspot of endemism and scientific importance,” it said.
To honor the park’s importance for conservation and SANParks’ support for research, the scientists named a newly found group and species “Richtersveldiella sanparkensis.”
This is the first insect species to be officially named after SANParks and Richtersveld National Park. The researchers have also previously honored the local culture by naming other groups, Khoisan and Nama, recognizing the long history of connection between the communities and this unique land.
“These discoveries highlight the importance of continued scientific exploration within protected areas and reinforce SANParks’ commitment to conserving not only iconic wildlife and landscapes, but also the often-overlooked species that form the foundation of healthy ecosystems,” SANParks said.
“The naming of Richtersveldiella sanparkensis stands as a lasting scientific tribute to the Richtersveld and SANParks’ ongoing dedication to biodiversity conservation,” it added.
To honor the park’s importance for conservation and SANParks’ support for research, the scientists named a newly found group and species “Richtersveldiella sanparkensis.”
These figures are part of the 2025 annual report released by African Parks, which manages the park in partnership with the Rwanda Development Board. The report highlights the park’s achievements across conservation, tourism, community development, and global recognition.
In 2025, Rwandan nationals and international tourists each accounted for 47 percent of visitors, while foreign residents made up 6 percent.
The park was able to cover its core operating costs through its own revenue, marking a milestone as the first park under African Parks management to achieve operational self-sufficiency.
Besides, Akagera earned international acclaim after being listed among the world’s top 25 must-visit destinations for 2026 by National Geographic. The recognition celebrates over a decade of restoration work that has reestablished the park as a Big Five destination, showcasing Rwanda’s growing presence in global conservation and tourism.
Akagera National Park received nearly 60,000 visitors in 2025.
Wildlife conservation milestones also marked the year. In June, 70 southern white rhinos were translocated from South Africa in the largest movement of its kind under the Rhino Rewild Initiative. Some of these rhinos have already given birth, signaling successful adaptation.
Routine wildlife monitoring continued, with 17 white rhinos and 7 black rhinos darted for tracking, along with elephants and lions. A ground survey counted 70 giraffes, while elephant identification projects documented 92 individuals, representing about 75 percent of the park’s estimated 142 elephants.
Tourism infrastructure expanded with the opening of Wilderness Magashi Peninsula, an exclusive retreat overlooking Rwanyakizinga Lake. The new facility strengthens premium tourism offerings and supports the park’s sustainability goals.
Law enforcement and anti-poaching efforts remained effective. Rangers completed over 21,000 field days, covering 134,076 kilometers in patrols. Only five animals were poached inside the park, while collaborative operations outside the park resulted in 135 arrests and 20 prosecutions. The number of illegal fires dropped dramatically, from 13 in 2024 to just one in 2025.
Community engagement and capacity building were a key focus. More than 124,000 community members participated in 30 outreach events, including the Rhino Velo Race, Rhino Foot Race, and Lion’s Cup football tournament. Over 4,000 individuals accessed the Savannah Learning Centre, nearly 2,000 visited the community library, and 4,300 students and teachers participated in school visits. The park also supported 30 local teachers in strengthening eco-clubs focused on biodiversity and climate change.
Community enterprises benefited significantly, generating $555,242 in revenue for approximately 1,200 individuals. Beekeeping cooperatives produced over 17 tons of honey, while fishing groups earned $122,356. Other income came from guiding services, hospitality initiatives, and procurement of goods and services from local businesses, contributing an additional $637,000. Through Rwanda’s Tourism Revenue Sharing Program, $886,379 was allocated for local development projects.
Infrastructure development in 2025 included the completion of the Gishanda Fish Farm Aquaculture Training Centre, fencing of Karenge Bush Camp, maintenance of Ruzizi Tented Lodge, and road upgrades totaling 27 kilometers, bringing the park’s operational road network to 511 kilometers. New ranger facilities, expanded gift shops, and a café kitchen were also completed.
Akagera National Park spans more than 1,200 square kilometers, covering the districts of Kayonza, Gatsibo, and Nyagatare.
Over the past 30 years, Rwanda has made significant efforts to restore the park, which was once heavily impacted by poaching, resulting in the extinction of some species.
In 2025, elephant identification projects documented 92 individuals, representing about 75 percent of Akagera National Park’s estimated 142 elephants.Akagera National Park is home to diverse species including giraffes.
The cemetery was established in 2011 after Remera Cemetery in Gasabo District was permanently closed. Remera had been in use long before 1994, and by the time it closed, 9,525 burials had taken place on seven hectares of land. Since its opening, Rusororo Cemetery has accommodated 13,396 burials across 18 hectares.
Rwandan law sets specific standards for burial plots, including maximum dimensions and spacing between graves, and allows multiple burials in a single grave if the family consents.
Despite these provisions, the remaining space at Rusororo is limited, prompting authorities to explore options for expansion.
According to Anselme Nkusi, the Director of Cons Tech Ltd, which manages the cemetery, “The land we currently have will last about seven to eight months. When additional space is needed, the City of Kigali relocates nearby residents to create more room for burials.”
Cremation has been legally permitted for over ten years as a potential solution to land shortages, but adoption remains low among Rwandans, who are often reluctant to burn the remains of loved ones. Since the law was enacted, only 28 cremations have been performed in Rwanda, primarily by foreign residents accustomed to this practice in their home countries.
Authorities have also considered stacking two coffins in a single grave to maximize space, but cultural sensitivities have made this approach difficult.
“We tried burying two people in one grave with family consent,” Nkusi said. “Some families initially agreed but later withdrew, insisting no additional burial should be added above. This illustrates the challenge of balancing practical needs with cultural preferences.”
Attitudes, however, appear to be shifting. A 2025 study by the Ministry of Unity and Civic Engagement found that 61 percent of respondents agreed that cremation could help address the growing shortage of burial space.
Of more than 12,000 people surveyed, 32 percent strongly supported cremation, 29 percent moderately supported it, while 34 percent opposed it and 5 percent were undecided.
Since its opening, Rusororo Cemetery has accommodated 13,396 burials across 18 hectares.
His policies on trade, foreign aid, and immigration have cast a long shadow over the summit’s discussions, leading analysts to describe him as the “elephant in the room” amid efforts by African leaders to find balance in their global engagements.
Although President Trump did not travel to the summit, leaders from all member states are acutely aware of how his administration’s actions have shifted the landscape of U.S. Africa relations.
Under Trump’s leadership, the United States has moved away from traditional broad‑based foreign aid programs toward a more transactional, bilateral approach.
This means that instead of large multilateral development projects involving many countries, Washington increasingly focuses on individual deals with selected nations that offer strategic or economic advantages.
Speaking to Al Jazeera, experts note that this approach has created uncertainty among African leaders.
“There has been a perceptible shift away from broad multilateral engagement toward a more security‑ and deal‑focused approach,” said Carlos Lopes, a politics professor at the University of Cape Town.
As a result, many African states are pursuing closer ties with other global powers including China, Europe, and Middle Eastern partners to avoid over‑dependence on Washington.
One of the more controversial aspects of recent U.S. policy has been cuts to foreign assistance. Historically, the United States has been a major donor to health and development programs across Africa, including initiatives focused on combating HIV/AIDS and improving maternal and child health.
Trump’s budgetary decisions have significantly reduced funding, prompting concern from civil society and public health experts across the continent.
Economically, Trump’s administration also imposed tariffs on imports from several African countries in previous years, affecting key export markets and increasing pressure on nations that rely on trade with the United States. These trade policies, paired with slower aid flows, have pushed African leaders to seek alternative trading partners and development models.
At past AU Summits, representatives have been working to strike a calculated equilibrium between engaging with the United States and deepening ties with other international partners.
Analysts believe that African diplomats will emphasize “strategic ambiguity” engaging the U.S. where beneficial while also strengthening relationships with China, the European Union, and intra‑African bodies such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks in a recent instruction on work related to the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC).
Noting the NSFC’s positive role in advancing basic research and nurturing innovators over the past four decades, Xi urged the foundation to seize the opportunities presented by the new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation, and deepen the reform of the science funding system to further refine the funding framework and enhance funding efficiency.
He called on the NSFC to help foster a sound research ecosystem and expand international collaboration, thereby empowering scientists and researchers to yield a greater output of original innovations, and to contribute more to achieving greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology.
The NSFC was established in February 1986 and has become a major channel for national funding of basic research.
The international competition, which concluded on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, drew 109 teams from 48 countries. It tested elite police and military units in realistic counter-terrorism and tactical scenarios across five challenging categories.
The culminating obstacle course, a grueling test of physical endurance, teamwork, wall scaling, and navigation through tough terrain, required five-member teams to tackle 19 complex stations as quickly as possible.
RNP SWAT Team I, Rwanda’s top-performing squad, completed the demanding course in 3 minutes, 40 seconds, and 90 milliseconds. This placed them third in the event, securing the bronze medal behind Kazakhstan’s dominant teams and ahead of strong showings from China and others.
In the overall standings, which combined results from all stages, RNP SWAT Team I finished an impressive sixth with 484 points, marking the team’s best-ever result in the competition. RNP SWAT Team II placed 29th with 386 points, while the Rwanda Defence Force Special Operations Forces (RDF SOF) Team came in 37th with 361 points.
Kazakhstan led the field decisively: their Team C claimed gold with 536 points, Team A took silver with 515 points, and China Police Team C rounded out the podium bronze overall with 493 points.
The study, led by Australia’s University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, is the first to show that sex modulates gene networks controlling bronchial responsiveness under normal physiological conditions, said a UTS statement on Thursday.
“Biological sex fundamentally shapes how the lungs function, even under healthy, non-diseased conditions,” said study lead author, UTS and Woolcock Institute Research Fellow Razia Zakarya.
“Male lungs are intrinsically more reactive to inhaled triggers than female lungs, which helps explain why the sexes experience respiratory disease differently,” Zakarya said, adding these differences arise from discrete gene network activity rather than a single gene or hormone.
The study, published in the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology journal, shows that sex differences in lung function exist at a deep molecular level, long before disease develops.
“Essentially, the sexes utilize different genetic toolboxes when exposed to environmental factors,” Zakarya said.
The team also found that early-life environmental exposures could alter these molecular networks in sex-specific ways, potentially influencing vulnerability to diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Zakarya said the findings underscore the need for sex-inclusive biomedical and environmental health research from the earliest stages of discovery.
