Asked who is running Venezuela in a Thursday interview with U.S. broadcaster NBC News, Rodríguez said, “I can tell you I am in charge of the presidency of Venezuela, as it’s stated clearly in the constitution of Venezuela.”
She added that her daily workload reflects the seriousness of her role: “From the amount of work that I have… it’s very, very hard work and we’re doing it completely day by day.”
The comment comes more than a month after U.S. forces captured Maduro in Caracas and transferred him to federal custody in New York on narcoterrorism, drug trafficking and corruption charges, where he has pleaded not guilty.
Despite his detention, Rodríguez made a clear legal and political defense of her predecessor, saying: “I can tell you President Nicolás Maduro is the legitimate president… Both President Maduro and Cilia Flores, the first lady, are both innocent.”
Rodríguez, who once sharply criticised the U.S. military operation, has signalled a shift toward cooperation with Washington.
She confirmed receiving an invitation to visit the United States, saying, “We’re contemplating coming there once we establish this cooperation and we can move forward with everything.”
The interview also took place amid an ongoing visit by U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, focused on discussions over Venezuela’s crippled oil industry and potential economic and diplomatic engagement with the interim government.
President William Ruto made the announcement during a visit to the northeastern town of Mandera, saying the decision follows years of security assessments and preparations aimed at ensuring the safety of citizens.
The border was closed after a wave of deadly cross-border attacks carried out by al-Shabaab, which said it was retaliating against Kenya’s military presence in Somalia as part of international peacekeeping efforts.
Among the most devastating incidents was the 2013 assault on the Westgate shopping mall in Nairobi, where 67 people were killed. Two years later, gunmen attacked Garissa University College, leaving at least 148 people dead.
Other major attacks included the killing of 28 bus passengers in Mandera County in 2014 and a 2019 hotel siege in Nairobi that left at least 21 people dead.
Kenya subsequently closed the 680-kilometre border with Somalia as a precautionary measure amid threats of further violence. In 2015, the government began constructing a perimeter security barrier along the frontier. However, the project stalled after nearly three years, with only about 10 kilometres of fencing completed at a cost of $35 million.
A previous attempt to reopen the border in 2023 was shelved following renewed militant activity. President Ruto said the renewed plan will see two crossing points reopened under heavy security deployment to prevent infiltration and curb the smuggling of illicit goods, including weapons.
“It is unacceptable that fellow Kenyans in Mandera remain cut off from their kin and neighbours in Somalia due to the prolonged closure of the Mandera Border Post,” Ruto said in a post on X.
He expressed optimism that reopening the crossings would stimulate formal cross-border trade and unlock economic opportunities for communities on both sides of the frontier.
Mandera, which has a predominantly ethnic Somali population, has been one of the areas most affected by insecurity linked to al-Shabaab. Addressing residents, Ruto urged them to support government efforts to combat extremism.
“These al-Shabaab are useless. I want to assure that Kenya will work together with you, just help us combat these criminals and terrorists,” he said.
The reopening marks a significant policy shift and signals Nairobi’s confidence in strengthened security measures along the frontier, even as authorities remain cautious about the persistent threat posed by militant networks operating in the region.
The disclosure was made by the Finance and Economic Planning Minister Yusuf Murangwa during his presentation of the revised national budget for the 2025/26 fiscal year to Parliament on Thursday, February 12, 2026.
Minister Murangwa stated that the construction of the Masaka hospital, where CHUK will move, is now 98% complete.
He confirmed that the relocation of the hospital will begin in March 2026, with the move being carried out in phases, and the entire process is expected to be completed by September this year.
Murangwa explained that the remaining tasks to ensure CHUK’s relocation include finishing the construction work, installing equipment, and preparing the staff, as the new hospital will have double the capacity of the existing one.
“The new hospital is significantly larger than the current CHUK; the current facility has 400 beds, but the new one will have over 800 beds. This requires more modern equipment and staff, which will exceed what we currently have at CHUK. However, as advised, the relocation cannot happen all at once; some services will move first, while others will continue to operate at CHUK to ensure that services remain uninterrupted during the transition,” he said.
“This is a well-thought-out plan, and we expect to begin the phased relocation starting in March, with full completion by September. Some services, such as emergency care, will remain at CHUK for a longer period, but eventually, all services will move. We aim for CHUK to be fully relocated by the end of this year,” Murangwa added.
Major construction work has now been completed, and the remaining tasks include final touch-ups, cleaning, and preparing the landscaping around the hospital.
The hospital is being built by the Chinese company, Shanghai Construction Group Co. Ltd, at a cost of 85 billion Rwandan Francs, (approximately 580 million Chinese Yuan).
The new hospital will have 18 operating rooms, excluding those for maternity cases.
The hospital will also be equipped with advanced medical technology, including four X-ray machines, two anti-rays, MRI machines, radiology services, and other essential equipment.
Rwanda’s goal is to build a healthcare system that serves as a leading medical hub in Africa and promotes medical tourism.
This move will help reduce the number of Rwandans seeking medical treatment abroad, as many of these services will now be available within the country.
The two-day meeting, attended by foreign ministers from AU members under the framework of the 39th AU Summit, among others elected 10 members of the Peace and Security Council of the AU. Accordingly, Somalia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Uganda, Morocco, Lesotho, South Africa, Benin, Cote d’Ivoire and Sierra Leone are elected to serve the council for a two-year term.
The foreign ministers’ session also discussed discussed the AU’s strategic engagement with the G20, building on the momentum of the summit held in South Africa, and underscored the need for strengthening its cooperation with member states of the group to tap into possible sources of funding and finance the continent’s development programs.
In a concluding remark, Tete Antonio, Angolan Minister of External Relations and outgoing chair of the executive council, underscored the AU’s continued commitment to strengthening continental governance, advancing peace and security, and accelerating the implementation of Africa’s shared development agenda.
The session appreciated the tangible progress on the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement and specialized agencies, stressing the need for applying innovative financing and inclusion of the private sector, civil society, and philanthropic foundations to accelerate the continent’s development.
The session also underscored the critical importance of AU’s 2026 theme on water and sanitation, framing water as a vital collective resource that must be preserved amid climate change, and as a tool for peace and cooperation.
“The session highlighted the huge gap between required and available investment in water and sanitation in Africa,” Antonio said, noting that 400 million people in the African continent still lack water for their daily livelihood, and over 800 million African people lack basic hygiene services.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said the allocation from the Central Emergency Response Fund will help more than 90,000 people. Additional funds from other donors are helping to kick-start response efforts.
With the storm raging across eastern and central Madagascar, local authorities have reported 31 people dead, four missing and 35 injured. Preliminary reports indicated that more than 250,000 people have been affected, with nearly 7,000 people displaced.
The office said more than 65,000 homes were flooded, damaged, or destroyed, and about 600 classrooms were rendered partially or completely unusable.
OCHA said the government has called for international support and is leading search-and-rescue, evacuation, shelter and food assistance efforts, including the distribution of some 800 metric tonnes of rice, with support from the world body and partners.
OCHA said the cyclone could affect central and southern Mozambique in the coming days.
The Rwanda Formed Police Unit three (RWAFPU3-7) rotation seven commanded by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Devotha Nyinawumuntu, was operating serving in the capital, Juba.
They were replaced by RWAFPU3-8 under the command of SSP Dative Iribagiza, which was deployed earlier in the day.
The officer’s mandate in South Sudan focuses on restoring peace and stability, protecting civilians, safeguarding UN personnel and facilities, and promoting community well-being.
At Kigali International Airport, the contingent was received by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Yahaya Kamunuga, on behalf of the Rwanda National Police (RNP) leadership.
ACP Kamunuga commended them for their dedication and professionalism throughout the mission.
“You return to Rwanda to continue serving your country. You may find certain changes. However, your discipline and commitment should remain constant,” ACP Kamunuga said.
Speaking on behalf of the returning contingent, Superintendent of Police (SP) Vincent Mwine Rubimbura, the Deputy Contingent Commander, outlined the key responsibilities undertaken during their deployment.
In addition to the protection of civilians, UN personnel, and facilities, the contingent implemented community-oriented initiatives aimed at strengthening relations with the local population.
These included community work activities, rehabilitation of schools, distribution of mosquito nets, provision of scholastic materials to vulnerable students, and support to disadvantaged families through medical assistance and access to clean water.
SP Rubimbura noted that such initiatives enhanced trust and cooperation between peacekeepers and the communities they served.
Briefing journalists Wednesday on the sidelines of the ongoing 48th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the AU at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, Mataboge called on African nations to enhance domestic resource mobilization to address the funding shortfall to support the continent’s infrastructure development.
“We find that globally capital is more expensive and even more so for the African continent, and that our development assistance is declining,” she said. “Africa needs to unlock domestic resources, including pension funds to meet its core infrastructure needs.”
The funding shortfall not only affected infrastructure development across the continent, but also held back the continent’s growth, slowed competitiveness and trading among AU members, Mataboge said.
According to the AU, Africa’s infrastructure needs are estimated at 130-170 billion U.S. dollars annually, and the funding gap is costing the continent a 2 percent annual reduction in its gross domestic product growth.
The commissioner called for the adoption of innovative financing solutions through domestic resource mobilization, strengthening African multilateral institutions, and negotiating effectively with international partners to tap into its resources and finance infrastructure development projects.
“It’s about strengthening our ability to negotiate with partners better so that our infrastructure projects are anchored on local content, local skills and local products. Whether we’re talking about steel or cement, that is going to be actually delivering the infrastructure needed to the continent,” she said.
Finance has been a critical challenge for infrastructural development in Africa and many African countries are in a financial dilemma, Mataboge said.
“Many African countries are unable to tap into domestic resources for infrastructural development, and international loans are expensive. Besides, many countries are experiencing poor credit rating, which means the cost of borrowing is much higher for them in the financial markets,” she added.
The 14th edition of Africa’s premier conservation prize will recognise individuals and ranger teams whose work protects wildlife, landscapes, and community livelihoods.
Held in partnership with global investment firm Ninety One, the Awards provide both international recognition and funding to help winners scale proven conservation solutions across the continent. This year, prize money of £225,000 will be awarded across three categories: the Prince William Award (£100,000), the Tusk Award (£75,000), and the Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award (£50,000).
In a statement on Thursday, the organisers said the Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award has been expanded to recognise ranger teams alongside individual rangers, reflecting the collaborative nature of modern conservation efforts in Africa’s protected areas.
“The Awards shine a light on the remarkable courage and commitment of individuals working tirelessly to safeguard Africa’s natural heritage, often in challenging and dangerous conditions,” said Nick Bubb, CEO of Tusk.
“We encourage anyone who knows an individual or ranger team who has made a significant impact on wildlife conservation to nominate them for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have their achievements recognised on a global stage.”
Rwandan ranger Claver Ntoyinkima has previously made a mark at the Tusk Awards. In 2024, the Senior Ranger Guide and Trainer at Nyungwe National Park was honoured with the Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award for his exceptional work in primate and bird conservation. Born near the forest he now protects, Ntoyinkima has played a key role in primate habituation, anti-poaching patrols, scientific research, and youth conservation education initiatives.
“I am truly grateful to be a finalist for the 2024 Tusk Conservation Awards; there are no words to describe how proud I am to win this award,” Ntoyinkima said. “The acknowledgement of my dedication and efforts to give back to the community is truly inspiring.”
Since its launch in 2013, the Tusk Conservation Awards have recognised 61 winners from 23 African countries, helping expand ranger patrols, secure critical habitats, build community conservancies, and create sustainable livelihoods linked to conservation. Past winners have protected gorillas in eastern Congo, turtles in Sierra Leone, and restored forests in Madagascar, among other achievements.
Nominations for the 2026 Awards are open until April 26, 2026 and can be submitted online at [www.tuskawards.com/nominations->www.tuskawards.com/nominations]. Nominees must be entered by someone familiar with their work, such as a colleague, mentor, partner, lecturer, supervisor, or collaborator.
The Tusk Conservation Awards are held in partnership with Ninety One and supported by the Nick Maughan Family Foundation and other generous donors.
It also emphasized its ability to meet larger financing needs through partnerships with other Bank of Africa subsidiaries across Africa, as part of the broader BMCE Group.
The event drew leaders from various institutions, including Morocco’s Ambassador to Rwanda, Youssef Imani. Jean Havugimana, the Executive Head of Business at Bank of Africa Rwanda, described the past decade as one of steady growth and client trust.
“The past 10 years in Rwanda have been very positive and marked by growth, culminating in the inauguration of our headquarters,” he said.
“More importantly, the trust our clients and shareholders have placed in us confirms that Rwanda is a place where we can build profitable business while contributing to national development.”
He attributed this progress to the bank’s responsiveness to client needs and robust lending capabilities.
“In Rwanda, we can provide loans of up to Rwf 6 billion at once. More broadly, there is no financing level beyond our reach, as we are part of the BMCE Group, which includes around 20 Bank of Africa subsidiaries that can pool their capacity,” Havugimana explained.
Looking forward, he outlined priorities for the next decade: accelerating service delivery, deepening client partnerships, expanding engagement with the Rwandan diaspora, and supporting private sector growth.
Managing Director Serge Atikossie emphasized the institution’s evolution. “Through the dedication of our teams, professionalism, and accountability, we have built more than a bank, we have built a trusted institution,” he said. “Today’s inauguration is not just about a building; it represents modernization and confidence in the future.”
National Bank of Rwanda (BNR) Deputy Governor Nick Barigye praised the bank’s trajectory.
“As BNR, we view its journey as a positive example of how a financial institution can perform strongly in the market while strengthening our financial sector,” he said. “Banks in Rwanda do more than provide financial services; they support investment, job creation, and broader national economic transformation.”
Barigye urged the bank to further prioritize support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), advance financial inclusion, and invest in technology, key areas aligned with Rwanda’s development goals.
Businessman Eugène Higiro, a client for five years, shared his positive experience. The bank has provided him with loans exceeding Rwf 1.4 billion.
“Bank of Africa understands that in business, speed matters,” he said. “Their loan processing is fast, you receive financing and can immediately move forward with your projects.”
Bank of Africa Rwanda began operations in 2015 following its merger with the former microfinance institution Agaseke Bank.
Today, it serves over 25,000 clients through 14 branches nationwide (including eight in Kigali) and has disbursed loans totaling more than Rwf 80 billion across various sectors.
As part of the BMCE Group, Bank of Africa operates in 20 countries, primarily across Africa, with additional presence in Asia and France.
Speaking after landing at Goma Airport, Ms. van de Perre highlighted the symbolic and operational significance of her visit, signalling the gradual reopening of the airport, which has remained closed since late January 2025.
“Over a year ago, on January 26, 2025, I was on the last plane to land in Goma. And today, I am on the first helicopter to land again, and I hope this marks the beginning of the gradual reopening of Goma airport for the benefit of the population,” she said.
The interim MONUSCO chief said her visit aims to operationalise the ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism agreed upon by the DRC government and the AFC/M23 rebel alliance.
“Verification procedures, coordination, communication, and practical conditions will be put in place to ensure the mechanism functions credibly. MONUSCO will continue to support the ongoing peace process,” she stated, adding that her visit aims to engage relevant stakeholders and advance practical preparations.
Ms. van de Perre confirmed that MONUSCO plans to deploy its first aerial reconnaissance mission to Uvira in the coming days, stressing that all operations remain strictly within the UN Security Council mandate and respect DRC sovereignty.
The visit follows months of diplomatic efforts to consolidate peace in eastern DRC. In October 2025, the DRC government and the AFC/M23 rebel alliance signed a ceasefire agreement in Doha, establishing a joint monitoring and verification mechanism to investigate and prevent violations. Observers from the United States, the African Union, and Qatar are also part of the mechanism.
Goma International Airport has been closed since January 2025, when M23 rebels took control of the city following clashes with government forces.
