The lower chamber voted 212-219 — largely along party lines — to reject the resolution, which is intended to prevent Trump from ordering further military strikes on Iran without congressional approval.
On Wednesday, the Republican-led upper chamber blocked the resolution by a 53-47 vote.
The latest votes in Congress showed that Democrats and Republicans remain sharply divided over the issue, with Democrats largely criticizing the military strikes against Iran, while Republicans predominantly defended the president.
“We cannot allow a wannabe King to drag us into an endless war in the Middle East. Republicans can find billions for bombs, but nothing to bring down your grocery bill or healthcare costs,” Hakeem Jeffries, the top Democrat in the House, wrote in a post on social media platform X.
Photo taken on Nov. 5, 2025 shows U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., the United States.
The U.S. artificial intelligence (AI) company said the model integrates recent advancements in reasoning, coding, and workflows, building on the capabilities of GPT-5.3-Codex.
OpenAI also introduced GPT-5.4 Pro, which it described as a more powerful version for complex tasks.
GPT-5.4 improves performance in spreadsheets, presentations, and documents, allowing for more efficient completion of professional work, said the company, adding the model also supports larger context processing and better web search integration.
The GPT-5.4 Thinking version in ChatGPT can outline its reasoning before providing a final answer, allowing users to adjust instructions during the response process. It also recognizes interface elements from screenshots, enabling it to perform mouse and keyboard operations across different software.
In benchmark tests, GPT-5.4 outperformed previous models. It matched or exceeded industry professionals in 83 percent of GDPval comparisons and achieved higher scores than its predecessor in coding ability tests, it said.
The model has improved factual accuracy and is less likely to produce incorrect information compared to GPT-5.2.
GPT-5.4 is available to ChatGPT Plus, Team, and Pro users, and to developers through the API. OpenAI plans to gradually retire GPT-5.2 Thinking in the coming months. Despite higher per-token costs, improved token efficiency may lower overall costs in some scenarios, it said.
The press conference came as the Middle East entered the sixth day of a rapidly escalating regional war, triggered by massive joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran that began on February 28.
The Strait of Hormuz is a shipping lane that handles about 20 per cent of the world’s traded oil.
The attacks, code-named Operation Roaring Lion by Israel and Operation Epic Fury by the U.S., targeted Iranian nuclear sites, missile infrastructure, and leadership, including the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in the opening strikes.
Iran’s counterattack, Operation True Promise IV, has involved waves of missiles and drones targeting U.S. bases across Iraq, Jordan, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and the UAE, as well as Israeli cities including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
The conflict has disrupted international trade, closed airspaces, and triggered mass evacuations of foreign nationals, creating both a humanitarian and economic crisis.
“Iran wants to close the Strait of Hormuz to drive oil prices up and force the international community into applying pressure to end Israel’s operations,” Ambassador Weiss said. “This is a desperate measure by a country under attack, but it also affects Africa. You are not out of this game.”
The Ambassador emphasised the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, a shipping lane that handles about 20 percent of the world’s traded oil, and warned that disruptions could drive global oil prices higher. Recent data shows fuel prices have surged from $70 to over $85 per barrel, with global fuel costs increasing by more than 10 percent since the escalation of U.S.-Iran tensions.
File photo: Israeli air defence systems were activated to intercept Iranian missiles over the Israeli city of Tel Aviv.
Ambassador Weiss framed Israel-U.S. operations as preemptive measures designed to prevent Iran from acquiring capabilities to destroy Israel, stressing that strikes were carefully targeted at government and military infrastructure.
She described Iran’s support for proxy groups such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and Houthi forces in Yemen as a regional threat extending beyond the Middle East.
“Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Iran – they are all linked. Iran funds, arms, and directs these groups. The impact is global, including Africa,” she said.
Beyond security concerns, Weiss highlighted Israel’s development and humanitarian cooperation in Rwanda. Initiatives in agriculture, renewable energy, STEM education, and vocational training for women were cited as lessons in resilience and self-reliance during times of crisis.
“The lesson from Israel is how to remain self-sufficient even under siege,” she said. “Rwanda can apply the same principles to ensure food security, energy independence, and stability for its people.”
The ambassador expressed hope for pragmatic engagement to prevent further escalation while advocating for regional stability.
The Ambassador concluded with a message emphasising peace and solidarity, clarifying that Israel’s conflict is with the Iranian regime, not its people. She expressed hope for pragmatic engagement to prevent further escalation while advocating for regional stability.
“We hope for peace and normal lives for all, but we cannot wait for Iran to become fully equipped to destroy Israel. Our actions are about defence, deterrence, and protecting not just Israel but also the stability of the wider region,” she said.
From Tehran’s viewpoint, the conflict is not seen as a defensive struggle against terror but as a response to what Iranian officials describe as “unlawful aggression” by the United States and Israel. Iran’s government has condemned the February 28 strikes as a “clear act of aggression” that violates international law and the United Nations Charter, asserting that it targeted sovereign territory without justification.
Watch our recent exclusive interview with the ambassador below:
Meloni revealed the planned expansion while speaking at the conference “Laying the groundwork for jobs in Africa” held at the Bank of Italy on Wednesday, where she outlined Italy’s broader strategy for economic partnership with African countries.
“The Matte Plan has involved 14 countries, and in 2026, we will extend it to another 4: Congo, Rwanda, Gabon, and Zambia,” Meloni said.
The Mattei Plan is a strategic initiative launched by the Italian government to promote what it describes as a “non-predatory” and equal partnership with African nations.
The programme focuses on key sectors such as energy, infrastructure, education, health, and agriculture.
Backed by more than €1.2 billion in funding, the plan aims to boost development in partner countries while also helping to address the root causes of irregular migration toward Europe.
Meloni also stressed that the success of cooperation with Africa should be judged by practical results.
“We believe that the effectiveness of cooperation is measured not by good intentions but by the concrete results it achieves in terms of jobs created, businesses supported, and investments mobilized.
“This is our approach, and we believe it should also be the approach Europe and the West adopt toward Africa: less fragmentation, more coordination, less rhetoric, more construction projects, fewer promises, more innovative and concrete financial instruments, less charity, more development,” she noted.
Currently, the initiative involves 14 partner countries. The initial pilot group includes Algeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Côte d’Ivoire, Morocco, Mozambique, and Tunisia.
Additional partners later added to the programme are Angola, Ghana, Senegal, Mauritania, and Tanzania.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced a plan to extend the ‘Mattei Plan’ to more African countries.
The agreement was simultaneouly signed on Thursday, March 5, 2026, in Addis Ababa by Dr Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, and in Tokyo by Professor Dr. Norihiro Kokudo, President of JIHS.
According to a statement released by Africa CDC, the agreement establishes a framework for enhanced cooperation to address emerging and re-emerging public health threats and to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response.
The partnership will promote closer collaboration in infectious disease surveillance and early warning systems, laboratory and research capacity, and coordinated responses to public health emergencies.
It will also support workforce development through structured training programs, institutional exchanges, and technical collaboration aimed at strengthening resilient public health institutions.
“Health threats cross borders, and preparedness depends on strong partnerships,” said Dr Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC. “This cooperation with JIHS will strengthen scientific collaboration, reinforce public health institutions and workforce capacity, and accelerate our ability to prevent, detect, and respond to outbreaks.”
The collaboration will also advance One Health and climate-resilient approaches to address zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and other emerging risks.
“JIHS was established as an integrated national institution combining infectious disease intelligence, research and development, clinical expertise, and international cooperation,” said Professor Dr. Norihiro Kokudo, President of JIHS. “Through this partnership with Africa CDC, we look forward to expanding joint research, strengthening workforce development, and building practical collaboration that contributes to regional and global health security.”
The cooperation reflects a shared commitment to strengthening science-based preparedness and fostering mutual learning between institutions, researchers, clinicians, and public health professionals from Africa and Japan.
It also supports Africa CDC’s Strategic Plan (2023–2027) and theAfrica Health Security and Sovereignty (AHSS) Agenda. The partners will operationalize the agreement through a Joint Action Plan that will define priority activities, timelines, and implementation mechanisms.
The agreement was signed in Addis Ababa by Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, and in Tokyo by Professor Dr. Norihiro Kokudo, President of JIHS.
The decision was communicated in an announcement issued on March 4, 2026, by the Rwandan embassy in Doha.
“Due to the current security situation, the Embassy of Rwanda in Doha is currently operating online until further notice,” reads the notice.
The embassy reaffirmed full commitment to continue providing assistance to all those who require its services remotely.
The move comes as Iran continues to launch attacks on Qatar, which hosts a major United States military base.
The rising tensions follow strikes launched by the United States and Israel against Iran on February 28, 2026, escalating tensions across the Middle East.
In retaliation, Iran began targeting countries in the region that cooperate with the United States, including Qatar.
As a result of the attacks, several institutions in Qatar have temporarily suspended operations, including the national carrier, Qatar Airways.
Rwandan Embassy in Qatar has moved services online.
AFC/M23 stated that it conducted drone strikes on the airport on February 1 and March 1, 2026, targeting a section of the facility used by the DRC military and its allies.
The aim was to destroy part of the airport’s infrastructure utilized by the DRC military forces and their partners.
The alliance explained that the DRC military and its partners use the airport to prepare and launch drone strikes against AFC/M23 bases and civilians in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces.
Dr. Oscar Balinda, the Deputy Spokesperson for AFC/M23, revealed that the alliance has deployed commando units near Kisangani.
These units are tasked with carrying out operations aimed at disrupting the DRC’s plans to destabilize areas under AFC/M23 control.
“The commandos operate day and night, completing their missions and returning once the task is finished. Our goal is to halt this terror and restore peace so we can return to the negotiation table and work towards lasting peace,” he stated.
On March 2, 2026, AFC/M23 enrolled 1,518 special force recruits who were trained at the Rumangabo military camp in Rutshuru Territory.
The alliance clarified that these new recruits are specially trained commandos with advanced combat skills, prepared to undertake mobile operations and establish permanent bases.
Yannick Tshisola, Chief of Staff to AFC leader, hinted that these new fighters would be involved in future missions, similar to the recent strike on Bangoka International Airport.
Dr. Balinda stated that AFC/M23 fighters conduct targeted attacks in Kisangani before returning to their original positions.
The report, produced by intelligence services in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in February 2019, details the activities of a coalition of armed groups known as P5, which was reportedly formed with the aim of overthrowing the Government of Rwanda.
According to the document, the coalition brought together several political and armed groups, including the Rwanda National Congress (RNC) led by former Rwandan army officer Kayumba Nyamwasa; FDU-Inkingi associated with Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza; CNRD-FLN linked to Paul Rusesabagina; RUD-Urunana led by Nshimiyimana Cassien; and the FDLR commanded by Victor Byiringiro.
The report claims that fighters from this coalition were recruited and trained at a military camp in Bijabo, located in Balala-Sud Groupement in the Tanganyika sector of Fizi Territory, South Kivu.
On the night of January 22, 2019, more than 1,500 fighters from the FDLR reportedly moved from Masisi Territory in North Kivu toward Shanje in Lowa-Numbi, within the Buhavu Chiefdom, where they were expected to link up with other P5 elements led by Nyamwasa.
The document further alleges that the coalition intended to establish operational bases in Burundi before launching attacks into Rwanda. At the time, Burundi was led by former president Pierre Nkurunziza, whose government is said to have provided logistical support and coordination for the coalition’s activities.
According to the report, Agricole Ntirampeba, then a senior adviser to President Nkurunziza, was responsible for coordinating FDLR activities in the region.
He reportedly facilitated cooperation among the various P5 groups with the goal of strengthening their ability to destabilize Rwanda and attempt to overthrow its government.
The 2019 attack in Musanze
In October 2019, about 67 fighters affiliated with groups linked to the P5 coalition, mainly members of RUD-Urunana, entered Rwanda through Volcanoes National Park near Kinigi, close to the border with the DRC.
According to figures from the Rwandan government, the attackers killed 14 civilians and injured several others. Homes and businesses were looted, shops were destroyed, and food supplies were stolen during the assault.
Rwandan security forces launched operations to pursue the attackers, killing some and arresting others.
Those captured were later brought before the Military High Court in Kigali, where prosecutors charged them with crimes including membership in an illegal armed group, attempting to wage war against the state, and terrorism-related offenses.
Allegations of long-standing cooperation
The report also points to what it describes as a long-standing relationship between Burundi and the FDLR. According to the document, members of the armed group have at times found refuge in Burundi, and some of their activities have allegedly been facilitated from within the country.
It further claims that Burundi’s ambassador to Kinshasa at the time, Agricole Ntirampeba, helped facilitate communication between Félix Tshisekedi, president of the DRC, and the FDLR.
This reportedly contributed to joint military operations involving Congolese forces, the FDLR terrorist group formed by individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda and Burundian troops against the AFC/M23 coalition.
On December 5, 2019, the then commander of CNRD/FLN, Wilson Irategeka, was reportedly assisted by Burundian officials to travel to Bujumbura for medical treatment via Nyangezi-Ngomo and Kamanyola in South Kivu. Congolese soldiers stationed in the region allegedly helped transport him by motorcycle and ensured his security during the journey.
Recently, when asked about Burundi’s cooperation with the FDLR, President Évariste Ndayishimiye acknowledged the relationship, citing the adage: “The enemy of my enemy is my friend.”
Critics argue that despite presenting himself as a stabilizing figure in the region, Ndayishimiye’s policies and continued engagement with armed groups have contributed to ongoing instability in the Great Lakes Region.
Attackers were tried before the Military High Court.Some of arrested assailants who took part in Kinigi attack in 2019.
The report examines how much international visitors spend from the time they arrive in Rwanda until they depart, covering expenses such as accommodation, food, shopping, and other services.
In recent years, Rwanda has opened several high-end hotels capable of hosting international conferences that bring together thousands of participants from across the world to discuss different issues.
The country has also invested heavily in healthcare infrastructure, with existing facilities being expanded to increase capacity.
In the fourth quarter of 2025 alone, more than 1,400 people entered Rwanda specifically seeking medical services.
Among the most sought-after services are cancer treatment offered at Butaro Cancer Center of Excellence and specialized procedures such as heart surgery available in Kigali.
Sports infrastructure has also contributed to the inflow of international visitors. The recently completed Amahoro Stadium now hosts international matches organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA.
During the 2025/2026 football season, Amahoro Stadium has hosted several continental matches after Al-Hilal SC reached the quarter-finals of the CAF Champions League.
The matches have attracted many foreign fans and officials to Rwanda, who in turn spend on services and goods during their stay.
In addition to football, Rwanda continues to host other international sporting events including cycling, handball, volleyball, and basketball competitions, as well as entertainment concerts that bring visitors from across the world to the “Land of a Thousand Hills.”
According to the Travel Expenditure Survey included in the fourth-quarter report, visitors who came to see Rwanda’s mountain gorillas were the biggest spenders during the period.
Data was collected from travelers passing through 11 border points, including Rusumo, Kagitumba, Buziba, Gatuna, Cyanika, Rusizi I, Rusizi II, Bugarama, La Corniche, and Kigali International Airport.
Information for foreign visitors was gathered at exit points, while data for Rwandans traveling abroad was collected when they re-entered the country.
In the fourth quarter of 2025, international visitors spent more than $161.5 million in Rwanda on shopping, accommodation, and other services.
Tourists traveling for holidays alone spent $65 million during the quarter, while revenue generated from gorilla tourism accounted for 71.4% of total tourism earnings.
NISR data also indicates that visitors from North America spent the most on shopping and purchasing goods in Rwanda, totaling $40.8 million.
Foreign travelers entering Rwanda by land spent about $24.9 million, with the majority traveling to visit friends and relatives, accounting for $11.3 million.
Strong performance in 2025
The report further shows that international visitors spent $130.7 million in the first quarter of 2025, $121.7 million in the second quarter, $190.6 million in the third quarter, and $161.5 million in the fourth quarter.
Leisure travelers made up the largest share of spending, accounting for 41.1% of total tourism revenue. They were followed by visitors traveling to see friends and relatives, while those visiting Rwanda for business and investment opportunities contributed 16.2% of the spending.
Meanwhile, Rwandans traveling abroad spent $83.7 million in the first quarter, $89.3 million in the second quarter, $90.1 million in the third quarter, and $95.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Rwandans who traveled abroad for business purposes accounted for the largest share of spending, representing 35.7% of the total. Those visiting friends and relatives spent 28.3%, while travelers seeking education-related services accounted for 23.1%.
A 2024/25 report from the Ministry of Trade and Industry shows that 1.15 million visitors entered Rwanda, including 37% who came for gorilla tourism, 24% visiting friends and relatives, and 17% traveling for business.
In the fourth quarter of 2025, international visitors spent more than $161.5 million in Rwanda on shopping, accommodation, and other services.
“We expect to have complete and total dominance over Iranian airspace in the coming hours,” Leavitt said at the White House daily press briefing.
She added that deploying U.S. ground troops to Iran is not currently planned, though U.S. President Donald Trump said earlier he is open to the option in the future.
Earlier in the day, U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said at a Pentagon briefing that the U.S.-Israeli military operation against Iran is still in its early stages.
Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said U.S. forces will begin striking progressively deeper into the Iranian territory as operations expand.
Iran and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah have conducted their first coordinated attacks on Israel amid the ongoing escalation, the Israel Defence Forces told CNN on Wednesday.
On Saturday morning, U.S.-Israeli airstrikes against Iran killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with some of the leader’s family members, senior military commanders and civilians. Iran responded through waves of missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and U.S. bases across the Middle East.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Wednesday that the United States will have “complete and total dominance” over Iranian airspace in the next few hours.
