In a statement issued on Sunday, the 55-member continental organization expressed “deep concern” regarding recent developments on Israel’s reported decision to appoint a diplomatic envoy to Somaliland, a self-declared region of Somalia.
The AU reaffirmed its “unwavering respect for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Somalia” in accordance with the Constitutive Act of the African Union and international law.
“The African Union does not recognize Somaliland as an independent state,” the statement read. “The AU remains committed to supporting Somalia’s peace, governance, and national cohesion.”
Recalling an AU Peace and Security Council communique that was issued in January, it underscored that “any unilateral recognition of Somaliland is null and void.” It warned that such actions risk undermining regional stability.
On Dec. 26, 2025, Israel became the first country in the world to formally recognize Somaliland as a sovereign state, prompting immediate condemnation from Somalia and the international community.
In a ministerial-level meeting held on Jan. 6, the AU Peace and Security Council rejected the unilateral recognition of Somaliland by Israel and called for its immediate revocation.
A demining operation combining manned and unmanned systems is adopted by the U.S. military to remove the mines laid by Iran, using both surface and underwater drones equipped with sonar detectors, a U.S. defense official was quoted as saying.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday on his Truth Social platform that “Iran, with the help of the U.S.A., has removed, or is removing, all sea mines!” Iran did not respond to the claim.
After Iran re-closed the strait following a brief opening, 35 outbound vessels have turned back over 36 hours, according to a report by Britain-headquartered maritime analytics company Windward.
Iran tightened control over the strait after the United States and Israel launched joint attacks on the country on Feb. 28. The United States also imposed a naval blockade on the strait following its failed negotiations with Iran in Islamabad, Pakistan.
US Navy deploys unmanned robots and underwater drones to clear sea mines in Strait of Hormuz
What is taking shape across western Rwanda, environmental leaders say, is more than land restoration, it is a synergy between climate action and human development.
“MuLaKiLa shows that restoring landscapes is not only about nature, it is equally about people,” says Dr. Sam Kanyamibwa, Founder and CEO of ARCOS, the organization implementing the project on the ground. “When farmers are empowered with knowledge and financial resources, conservation becomes a pathway to dignity, resilience, and long‑term development.”
That philosophy underpins the MuLaKiLa Project, a large‑scale landscape restoration and livelihood initiative operating around the Mukura–Gishwati Forest and the Lake Kivu catchment landscape.
According to Dr. Amani MABANO, Project Manager of MuLaKiLa, this carbon project was officially launched in 2023 to restore 22,266 hectares (ha) of degraded agricultural land and improve the livelihoods of 40,000 smallholder farmers’ households owning the land in Ngororero and Rutsiro districts.
The land is being restored through two key initiatives: tree plantation and establishment of radical and progressive terraces. The project aims to plant 6 million carbon trees comprising native (50% of the trees), fruit (30% of the trees), exotic (20% of the trees) species.
A project beneficiary standing next to Podocarpus falcatus. MuLaKiLa ensures that 50% of the tree species planted are indigenous.
The radical terraces to be established on 2,400 ha and progressive terraces will cover 7,739 ha. The establishment of these terraces comes with package of organic manure, lime, shrubs, elephant grass, and seeds for the agriculture season following the construction of the terraces. As of March 2026, 5.7 million trees have been planted and radical terraces established on 1,650 plus 5,208 ha of progressive terraces.
The livelihoods of local communities will be improved through several initiatives, including a well-designed set of training modules, increased crop yield, employment, tree maintenance incentive, value chain development for different agro-products, implementation of green projects funded through the Umusave Fund (an NBCF), and carbon benefit sharing.
“Thus, the project intends to build resilience to climate change for the vulnerable landscape and its residents,” says Amani.
For farmers like Ildephonse Bizimana, a smallholder in Rutsiro District, the results are already tangible.
“Before the project, rain used to wash away our soil and our harvests were poor,” he says. “Now, with terraces and trees on my land, the soil is stable and my crops are growing better. I can already see the difference in my yields.”
For Devota Uwajeneza, a farmer in Ngororero District, the impact has reshaped farming itself.
“Before, we cultivated but never harvested enough,” she says. “Now the terraces hold water, the soil is getting fertile again, and even during heavy rains, our fields remain intact.”
From the outset, communities have been central to the project’s design and execution. The initiative operates entirely on smallholder land and has engaged farmers and local leaders through village‑level consultations since its inception.
“These farmers are our key stakeholders,” Amani underlines. “They were involved from the beginning and are the drivers of implementation.”
Beyond land restoration, MuLaKiLa targets economic resilience through the Nature‑Based Community Fund (NBCF), a revolving financing mechanism established in 73 cells across the project area. In 2024, €840,000 was deposited into the fund. By early 2026, communities had launched around 450 green projects, with nearly 900 million Rwandan francs invested in climate‑friendly enterprises. For Kankindi Chantal, one of the beneficiaries, access to the fund was decisive.
“Through the community fund, our association was able to invest in livestock farming,” she says. “We repaid the loan and earned enough to plan to upscale our project. We are no longer just farming to survive; we are farming as a business.”
Chantal Kankindi, a project beneficiary of the MuLaKiLa.
All loans have been fully repaid, with interest, an outcome project leaders describe as evidence of growing confidence and financial discipline among communities.
Training has reinforced this transformation. Farmers receive instruction in project management, nursery establishment, and sustainable agricultural practices, alongside basic farming tools and continuous technical support.
“The training also changed how we think,” added Chantal Kankindi. “We now plan, set objectives, and work together. Even when the project ends, these skills will remain with us.”
MuLaKiLa is also structured as a carbon project, allowing communities to benefit directly from climate action. Farmers receive annual incentives to maintain planted trees, while a share of revenue from carbon credits will be returned to communities.
“They are the stewards of the land,” Amani says. “So they should benefit from protecting it.”
The project is the result of collaboration among farmers, district authorities, national institutions, and partners such as Reforest’Action, the project developer. Mabano also credits AstraZeneca for providing the financial support that made the initiative possible.
Much work remains before MuLaKiLa reaches full maturity. But across western Rwanda’s hillsides, terraces are holding, trees are growing, and farmers who once watched their land degrade are now planning for the future.
“What makes us proud,” Amani says, “is when communities succeed. That is when our project succeeds.”
The project invested in key agricultural value chains, including coffee, bananas, beekeeping, and avocado.The project created 280,000 jobs, thanks to nursery management work and terraces establishment.
In an interview with Yaga Burundi, Ndayishimiye defended his decision to keep Burundi’s border with Rwanda closed, arguing that it was necessary to prevent cross-border infiltration by people intent on undermining Burundi’s security.
“We disagree with Rwanda on the issue of criminals who come to attack Burundi,” he said. “Rwanda opens the way for them, and they come to attack Burundi. Burundi has never opened its territory for anyone to go and attack Rwanda.”
Since late 2023, when Ndayishimiye began making these accusations publicly, Rwanda has consistently rejected them, maintaining that it has never collaborated with groups opposed to his administration and reminding the Burundian government of that position.
When asked whether Burundi could not secure itself with open borders, Ndayishimiye argued that unrestricted movement creates security gaps, saying some attackers manage to bypass security forces and carry out operations inside Burundi.
“Even if we lined up all 12 million Burundians from Ruhwa to Muyinga and left no gate unchecked, the way we manage security, you would understand it the day they come,” he said. “If we opened the border, you could find them already attacking you right here.”
Despite Ndayishimiye’s assertion that no attacks against Rwanda have originated from Burundi, armed groups, including FLN, have repeatedly crossed from Burundi’s Kibira forest into Rwanda’s south-western region, carrying out deadly attacks against civilians.
Among the notable incidents were attacks by FLN fighters in Nyabimata and Kitabi sectors of Nyaruguru and Nyamagabe districts in 2018 and 2019, after infiltrating from Burundi.
In May 2021, the group launched another attack in Bweyeye Sector of Rusizi District, but was repelled by Rwandan forces.
The Rwanda Defence Force later stated that the attackers had crossed from Giturashyamba in Mabayi Commune, Burundi. After being pushed back, they reportedly retreated across the Ruhwa River into Kibira forest.
According to the RDF, the fighters were found with military equipment bearing the insignia of the Burundian army, strengthening claims that elements within Burundi were cooperating with FLN in operations aimed at destabilising Rwanda.
In May 2022, FLN fighters again launched an attack from Burundi, targeting a passenger bus travelling through Nyungwe National Park and killing two civilians. The group has continued to operate from Kibira forest.
Another case involved RED Tabara fighters who entered Kibira from the Democratic Republic of Congo and clashed with Burundian forces in September 2020. While fleeing, 19 of them lost their way in Nyungwe National Park and were arrested by Rwandan soldiers on patrol.
In October 2021, Rwanda handed the fighters over to Burundi, emphasising that it could not provide refuge to individuals seeking to destabilise a neighbouring country. At the time, Ndayishimiye had been in office for one year and three months.
A report by United Nations experts later indicated that as relations between Rwanda and Burundi deteriorated in late 2023, Burundi renewed and intensified cooperation with armed groups seeking to destabilise Rwanda, including FLN.
Beyond FLN, Burundi has also been linked to cooperation with the genocidal FDLR militia group, particularly in military operations against the AFC/M23 rebel movement active in North and South Kivu provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Reports also indicate that such collaboration extends to broader plans aimed at undermining Rwanda’s security.
Ndayishimiye, in an interview with Yaga Burundi, insisted that no individuals who have carried out attacks against Rwanda have originated from Burundi.
In May 2021, between 10 and 15 FLN fighters crossed from Burundi and launched an attack on Bweyeye, during which they abandoned their equipment as they were repelled.Among the items used by FLN during their incursion into Rwanda were some bearing the insignia of the Burundian army
West Texas Intermediate crude oil futures for May delivery reached as high as 91.2 U.S. dollars per barrel at the start of trading for the new week, up 8.76 percent from the settlement on Friday. Meanwhile, Brent crude oil futures for June delivery had a high of 97.5 U.S. dollars per barrel, up from the previous session’s settlement of 90.38 dollars per barrel.
Thirty-five outbound vessels reversed course over the past 36 hours after Iran reimposed control over the Strait of Hormuz, a London-based maritime analytics firm said on Sunday.
On Saturday evening, the Navy of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps announced that the Strait of Hormuz had been blocked. This announcement followed the Iranian government’s declaration on Friday that the strait would be open to all commercial vessels for the duration of the Lebanon-Israel ceasefire.
Moreover, Iran’s official news agency IRNA said on Sunday the country has rejected taking part in the second round of the peace talks with the United States.
The renewed tensions also sent U.S. stock index futures plummeting on Sunday evening, with precious metal futures dropping significantly.
The optimism over resumption of trade flows in the Strait of Hormuz led to an over 11 percent drop of West Texas Intermediate crude oil futures for May delivery, and sent the S&P 500 Index and Nasdaq Composite Index to new record highs on Friday.
The Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping corridor accounting for around 20 percent of global oil flows, has effectively been closed to oil tanker transit since the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East at the end of February.
Thirty-five outbound vessels reversed course over the past 36 hours after Iran reimposed control over the Strait of Hormuz, a London-based maritime analytics firm said on Sunday.
The meetings, organised by Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Ugandan Embassy in Kigali, are scheduled to take place from April 20 to 22, 2026, in Kampala.
The discussions are expected to bring together representatives from more than 15 ministries, with a focus on reviewing and enhancing cooperation across key sectors of mutual interest.
Uganda’s delegation will be led by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, John Mulimba, while the Rwandan delegation will be headed by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Usta Kaitesi.
According to Uganda’s daily NewVision, the meetings will be held at Mestil Hotel in Kampala. In addition to technical discussions, high-level closed-door sessions between ministers from both sides are expected, ahead of the adoption of joint resolutions and the signing of cooperation agreements.
Uganda’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Richard Kabonero, said the talks will cover a wide range of areas, including defence and security cooperation, infrastructure development, immigration and border management, police cooperation, education, and other strategic sectors.
He added that the two sides will also review progress made in implementing previous agreements, particularly those reached during the 11th PJC session held in Kigali in 2023.
The Ugandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs further noted that the session will also explore new opportunities to deepen bilateral relations, boost trade and investment, and develop joint development initiatives aimed at fostering regional integration and mutual growth.
At the most recent session of the Permanent Joint Commission between Uganda and Rwanda, held in Kigali, the two countries concluded cooperation agreements aimed at strengthening bilateral relations.Representatives of Rwanda and Uganda are set to meet once again to discuss and strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
The international karate tournament will be held at the indoor sports and entertainment hall of Ecole Notre Dame des Anges in Remera, bringing together children, cadet, juniors, and senior athletes from Rwanda and beyond.
Previously staged in Huye, the championship features both male and female competitors aged six years and above, competing across different age and weight categories.
Young participants will compete in Kata (forms demonstration) and Kumite (sparring) based on age groups, while senior athletes will contest Kumite bouts according to weight divisions, in line with World Karate Federation regulations.
One of the tournament’s distinguishing features is the use of advanced Video Review (VAR) technology in scoring, allowing coaches to challenge refereeing decisions when they believe their athletes were denied deserved points.
The championship is also officiated by international referees and experts drawn from across the African continent.
Dieudonné Mwizerwa, Director of Zanshin Sport Solutions and the tournament organiser, said registration will open in June and run until the end of July 2026.
“This year, all preparations are well in place. We expect top international athletes to participate, and international referees from different African countries will officiate the matches,” he said.
Mwizerwa urged teams to register their athletes early and in large numbers, while also calling on supporters to attend and cheer on the competitors.
He also thanked FERWAKA and Martin Hardware & Twyford Rwanda, the main sponsor of the tournament, for their continued support.
He further encouraged other partners to collaborate with Zanshin in promoting karate development and nurturing young talent.
In the 2025 edition, Flying Eagles Karate Club won the Zanshin Karate Championship for Children, Cadets and Juniors (3rd Edition).
APR Karate-Do claimed the Zanshin Seniors Open Karate Championships (2nd Edition), which brought together senior athletes and was held at Hotel Credo in Huye District.
Participating teams included clubs from Rwanda and Kenya, as well as individual athletes from Gabon and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The “Zanshin Karate Championship 2026” tournament will take place in Kigali from August 7–9. The karate tournament features both junior and senior categories.Dieudonné Mwizerwa, Director of Zanshin Sport Solutions and the tournament organiser, said registration will open in June and run until the end of July 2026.Teams from Kenya were among those that participated in the tournament during its most recent edition in 2025, which was held in Huye.
In a wide-ranging discussion with the German newspaper WELT AM SONNTAG, Rutte stated he does not foresee a future where the United States abandons its post-war security commitments. However, he balanced this reassurance with a stern call for a “stronger Europe within a stronger alliance,” suggesting that the burden of Western defense must be more equitably shared.
The remarks serve as a direct response to recent escalations from U.S. President Donald Trump. The President has intensified his “America First” stance, labeling NATO a “paper tiger” and expressing visible frustration over European involvement, or lack thereof, in Middle Eastern tensions, specifically regarding Iran. Trump’s repeated suggestions that he is “considering” a withdrawal have sent ripples of anxiety through Baltic and Eastern European capitals.
Rutte acknowledged that the U.S. commander-in-chief’s disappointment is not without merit.
“The President is visibly frustrated with certain members,” Rutte noted, acknowledging the long-standing U.S. grievance regarding defense spending. Currently, while more nations are hitting the 2% GDP spending target, several key European economies still fall short.
Despite the friction, Rutte emphasized that the structural foundations of the alliance remain indispensable. He reaffirmed that the U.S. nuclear umbrella continues to serve as the “ultimate guarantor” of European security, a deterrent that no individual European nation can currently replicate.
To ensure the alliance remains viable, Rutte argued that Europe must move beyond “rhetorical support” and invest in tangible military capabilities. Analysts suggest that by framing the issue as an opportunity for European growth, Rutte is attempting to bridge the gap between Trump’s isolationist leanings and Europe’s security requirements.
As the next NATO summit approaches, the focus will likely remain on these two pillars: maintaining the U.S. commitment while rapidly accelerating European defense autonomy to satisfy a frustrated Washington.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte dismissed growing concerns over a potential U.S. withdrawal from the alliance in an interview published Saturday.
The agreement also includes a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishing regular political consultations, signalling a structured framework for deepening bilateral engagement between Kigali and Tashkent.
As both countries explore new areas of cooperation in trade, investment, and innovation, here are 10 key things to know about Uzbekistan.
Doubly landlocked, but strategically connected
Uzbekistan is one of only two doubly landlocked countries in the world, the other being Liechtenstein, meaning it is surrounded entirely by other landlocked states. This unique geography makes it highly dependent on regional transit routes and cross-border cooperation, particularly through Kazakhstan and other Central Asian corridors.
Like Rwanda, which has long focused on overcoming geographical limitations through regional integration, Uzbekistan views connectivity as a core development priority under its South–South cooperation agenda.
A parallel growth story
Uzbekistan is often cited alongside Rwanda as an example of rapid, state-led economic transformation. Since reforms began in 2016, the country has transitioned from a relatively closed economy to one increasingly integrated into global markets.
Tashkent is the capital of Uzbekistan.
In 2026, Uzbekistan is maintaining strong growth of around 6.7%, driven by privatisation, infrastructure expansion, and industrial modernisation, part of one of the fastest post-Soviet economic reform trajectories in recent years.
A multi-billion-dollar tech ambition
Uzbekistan is investing heavily in digital transformation through initiatives such as the IT Park Uzbekistan, a government-backed tech zone offering tax incentives for technology firms.
Uzbekistan is investing heavily in digital transformation through initiatives such as the IT Park Uzbekistan.
The country aims to reach $5 billion in IT exports by 2030, positioning itself as a regional digital hub. The model draws parallels with Rwanda’s innovation ecosystem, including Kigali Innovation City, creating potential for collaboration between African and Central Asian tech startups.
Silk Road heritage meets modern infrastructure
Uzbekistan was a major centre of the ancient Silk Road, with cities such as Samarkand playing a key role in global trade and cultural exchange for over two millennia.
Po-i-Kalyan complex in Bukhara, Uzbekistan, is one of the most iconic landmarks along the ancient Silk Road.
Today, this heritage coexists with modern infrastructure. The Afrosiyob high-speed rail network connects Samarkand, Bukhara, and Tashkent, linking UNESCO-listed historical cities with fast-growing urban centres and reflecting the country’s push to modernise connectivity.
A mining and textile transformation economy
Uzbekistan is among the world’s leading gold producers, home to the Muruntau mine, one of the largest open-pit gold mines globally.
Muruntau produced 2.68 million ounces of gold in 2024, second only to the Nevada mine in the world.
While natural resources remain central, the country is gradually shifting toward value addition, particularly in textiles. It has developed a growing manufacturing base for products such as Ikat and Suzani fabrics, reflecting a broader strategy to move from raw exports to industrial production.
The Tashkent metro
The capital, Tashkent, boasts a metro system that is widely considered a subterranean art gallery. Once a secret nuclear bunker where photography was banned, the stations now feature ornate marble, chandeliers, and murals. It serves as a reminder of how functional urban infrastructure can also be a point of national cultural pride.
The city of Tashkent boasts a metro system that is widely considered a subterranean art gallery.
Increasingly accessible for international visitors
Uzbekistan has significantly liberalised its visa regime in recent years, introducing streamlined e-visa systems for many nationalities.
Visitors can typically obtain a 30-day stay permit online, reflecting the country’s broader efforts to open up to tourism, investment, and international exchange.
A young and growing population
With a population of over 36 million people, Uzbekistan has a demographic structure similar to many African countries, with approximately 60% of its population under the age of 30.
Approximately 60% of the population of Uzbekistan is under the age of 30.
This “youth bulge” is shaping national priorities around education, skills development, and vocational training. International universities, including partnerships with institutions from the UK and Singapore, have established campuses in Tashkent to support workforce development.
A hub for “Halal Tourism”
Uzbekistan is increasingly positioning itself as a destination for cultural and Halal tourism, leveraging its Islamic architectural heritage and historic Silk Road cities.
Uzbekistan is increasingly positioning itself as a destination for cultural and Halal tourism.
Destinations such as Bukhara and Samarkand are attracting growing international attention, combining historical preservation with modern hospitality infrastructure.
Shared environmental advocacy
Uzbekistan faces significant environmental challenges, most notably the shrinking of the Aral Sea, one of the world’s most severe ecological crises.
Aral Sea.
This experience has driven national focus on water management, climate adaptation, and sustainable irrigation. These priorities align with Rwanda’s own environmental conservation agenda, particularly in wetland protection and ecosystem restoration, creating potential for future collaboration in climate resilience research.
As Rwanda and Uzbekistan formalise diplomatic relations, both countries are positioning themselves for expanded cooperation in trade, technology, education, and environmental sustainability. Despite being geographically distant, they share striking similarities in reform-driven development, youthful populations, and ambitions for global integration, laying the foundation for a potentially dynamic new partnership.
The discussions were facilitated by Qatar, the United States, Switzerland, the African Union Commission, and Togo in its role as African Union mediator, with participation from the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR).
The talks focused on strengthening humanitarian access, establishing mechanisms to monitor a ceasefire, and advancing confidence-building measures, including the release of detainees.
Humanitarian access and civilian protection
The two sides made substantial progress toward a protocol on Humanitarian Access and Judicial Protection, agreeing on the urgent need to ensure life-saving assistance for civilians in eastern DRC.
Both parties committed to comply with international humanitarian law, international human rights law, and international refugee law, as well as constitutional principles of the DRC.
They further agreed to prohibit attacks on or destruction of essential civilian infrastructure, including food supplies, agricultural areas, water systems, energy networks, telecommunications infrastructure, and health and education facilities.
The agreement also emphasises the protection of humanitarian workers and the guarantee of safe, rapid, and unimpeded access for aid delivery. Humanitarian assistance will be provided based on need, without discrimination on political, ethnic, religious, or social grounds.
“The Parties undertake to facilitate the transport of medical and humanitarian relief supplies by impartial humanitarian organisations to support the functioning of healthcare facilities and other medical units in areas affected by armed conflict,” a joint statement released by the parties reads.
Ceasefire monitoring mechanism activated
In a significant step toward implementing the ceasefire under the Doha Framework, the parties, together with ICGLR, signed a memorandum of understanding operationalising the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism Plus (EJVM+).
This mechanism enables the Ceasefire Oversight and Verification Mechanism (COVM) to begin surveillance, monitoring, verification, and reporting on compliance with the permanent ceasefire.
Initial verification missions are expected to be planned within a week, with logistical support from the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO).
Prisoner release within 10 days
As part of confidence-building measures, the parties also agreed to release prisoners within ten days, in line with a previously established detainee release mechanism signed in September 2025.
Under the agreement, the DRC government is expected to release 311 prisoners linked to AFC/M23, while the rebel group will free 166 individuals held from the government side.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) provided the relevant detainee lists to facilitate the process under agreed procedures.
The parties reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining momentum in the peace process and advancing remaining protocols under the Doha Framework. They also agreed to submit proposals for next steps to the mediation team to expedite negotiations.
After repeated setbacks in the implementation of the ceasefire, including accusations by AFC/M23 that Kinshasa forces have continued to carry out drone strikes on civilian populations, questions remain over whether the latest commitments will succeed in breaking the cycle of mistrust and restoring stability on the ground.
As part of confidence-building measures, the parties also agreed to release prisoners within ten days, in line with a previously established detainee release mechanism signed in September 2025.
