AFC/M23 leader Corneille Nangaa recently told reporters he would send a large delegation to the discussions aimed at finding solutions to the DRC’s ongoing crisis.
As promised, a team led by AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka has already arrived in South Africa. Before joining the talks, the group also attended an international peace and security conference hosted by the Mbeki Foundation.
Kabila, who was among those invited, dispatched senior allies including his former chief of staff Néhémie Mwilanya, former Kinshasa governor Andre Kimbuta, former senator Francine Muyumba, and former deputy budget minister Félix Momat Kitenge.
Mbeki’s foundation had extended invitations to a broad range of participants, including members of President Félix Tshisekedi’s government and opposition figures.
However, Tshisekedi declined the Mbeki Foundation’s invitation, insisting that Congolese do not need a mediator to resolve their own political challenges. He argued that peace talks organised abroad are merely a distraction. Government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya reinforced that stance, saying no official from Kinshasa would attend, claiming that Mbeki did not fully understand the country’s problems.
Speaking to South African media on September 4, Kanyuka criticised Tshisekedi’s position, saying it undermined other peace efforts supported by the United States and Qatar.
“I know the map very well. Washington is not in the DRC, Doha is not in the DRC—they are foreign powers,” he said. “Why does he say he doesn’t want to be distracted by external talks? By closing the door to all dialogue, he is choosing war. That has been his position from the start.”
Thabo Mbeki, who served as South Africa’s president from 1999 to 2008, has long taken an interest in the DRC and is considered one of the African leaders most familiar with its conflicts.
Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea said in a statement on Thursday that the missile “hit its target and was not intercepted,” forcing Israelis into shelters and disrupting flights.
He said the attack was in support of Palestinians and in response to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
There has been no immediate comment from the Israeli side so far.
It was the group’s third claimed attack against Israel in two days.
On Wednesday, the group claimed responsibility for launching two missile and drone attacks on “sensitive targets” in Jerusalem, Haifa and Tel Aviv.
The escalation came after an Israeli airstrike last Thursday in the Houthi-held capital Sanaa killed 12 senior Houthi figures, as the Houthi forces have no air defense systems.
The Houthis, which control much of northern Yemen, have been frequently launching missile and drone attacks on Israel since November 2023, citing solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. Nearly all Houthi attacks were reportedly intercepted.
In response, Israel has retaliated, striking Houthi targets in northern Yemen.
Allison Burroughs, judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, wrote in a ruling that “Defendants (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Justice) used antisemitism as a smokescreen for a targeted, ideologically-motivated assault on this country’s premier universities.”
On April 11, Trump administration officials sent a letter to Harvard, demanding that the university eliminate antisemitism on campus and dismantle diversity initiatives that favor certain minority groups.
The Trump administration “did so in a way that runs afoul of” the Administrative Procedure Act, the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, wrote the ruling.
On April 14, after Harvard rejected the administration’s demands, the Trump administration announced a freeze on 2.2 billion dollars in multi-year grants and 60 million dollars in multi-year contract value to the university.
“We must fight against antisemitism, but we equally need to protect our rights, including our right to free speech, and neither goal should nor needs to be sacrificed on the altar of the other,” wrote Burroughs.
Noting that Harvard “was wrong to tolerate hateful behavior for as long as it did,” the judge wrote that “Harvard is currently, even if belatedly, taking steps it needs to take to combat antisemitism and seems willing to do even more if need be.”
“Now it is the job of the courts to similarly step up, to act to safeguard academic freedom and freedom of speech as required by the Constitution, and to ensure that important research is not improperly subjected to arbitrary and procedurally infirm grant terminations, even if doing so risks the wrath of a government committed to its agenda no matter the cost,” Burroughs wrote.
The judge granted a motion for summary judgment, which means she has ruled in favor of Harvard without a trial.
In a phone call with UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) commander Diodato Abagnara, Aoun expressed solidarity with peacekeepers who came under fire near the border town of Marwahin.
On Wednesday, UNIFIL said Israeli drones dropped four grenades on Tuesday as its personnel cleared roadblocks blocking access to a UN post. One grenade landed within 20 meters of peacekeepers, and three others within 100 meters of staff and vehicles. The mission called it “one of the most serious attacks” on its personnel since last November’s ceasefire.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern, stressing that endangering peacekeepers was “unacceptable” and urging all sides to guarantee their safety.
Lebanon’s presidency said Aoun condemned the strike and demanded swift international measures to hold Israel accountable. He accused Israel of defying UN Security Council resolutions, undermining the immunity of UN personnel, and continuing attacks that kill civilians and damage infrastructure in southern Lebanon.
The incident marked the first direct targeting of UN peacekeepers since the November truce, brokered by the United States and France to stop cross-border clashes linked to the Gaza war.
Israel has continued periodic strikes in Lebanon, citing Hezbollah threats, and has maintained positions at several border sites after missing a Feb. 18 withdrawal deadline.
Also on Thursday, Lebanon’s Health Ministry said Israeli airstrikes a day earlier killed four people and wounded 17 in the south. A Lebanese Army intelligence source reported that Israeli aircraft carried out 18 strikes across the region from Wednesday into early Thursday.
The Head of State delivered his remarks at the opening of the 9th edition of the Aviation Africa Summit and Exhibition in Kigali on Thursday, September 4, 2025.
“Since its inception, the Aviation Africa Summit has been pivotal in showing how much growth Africa’s aviation industry has experienced in a very short time,” President Kagame said, welcoming participants from across the continent and beyond.
“With the exhibitors and sponsors present, we also see how much more potential the aviation sector has to offer.”
Highlighting Rwanda’s innovative partnerships, President Kagame pointed to the collaboration with Zipline, which has been delivering urgent medical supplies to health facilities via drones for over a decade.
“This technology does not only save time; it also saves lives,” he said, noting plans to expand the service to urban deliveries and support emerging sectors like e-commerce.
President Kagame also celebrated a landmark moment for African aviation, witnessing the continent’s first-ever autonomous air taxi flight at the summit.
“We are very happy to be part of this demonstration and look forward to seeing what will come next,” he said.
President Kagame underscored the need for investments in a robust and dynamic aviation sector, pointing to a growing middle class, increasing tourism, and projected doubling of passenger traffic across the continent in the coming years.
President Kagame called for stronger collaboration with the African Union and African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) to realise ‘one sky and free movement’ across Africa, noting Rwanda’s policy allowing visa-free entry for all African nationals.
“We have all the resources and capabilities we need,” he said, stressing that collaboration, innovation, and policy reforms are key to making travel more accessible and affordable.
Minister of Infrastructure Jimmy Gasore also welcomed participants, stressing Rwanda’s strategic role as a hub for aviation innovation and future air mobility.
“For Rwanda, aviation is not just a mode of transport; it is a strategic enabler of development,” he said, highlighting the integration of the Africa Drone Forum into the summit.
The two-day summit, hosted by the Government of Rwanda alongside the Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority, RwandAir, and Rwanda Airports Company, opened at the Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre under the theme, “Collaborating to Unlock Africa’s Aviation Growth.”
The summit brings together senior government officials, airline CEOs, Air Chiefs, and industry professionals to discuss key sectoral priorities, including sustainable aviation fuels, advanced air mobility technologies, and airport infrastructure development.
Rwanda is positioning itself as a leader in aviation excellence, investing in major infrastructure projects like the new Kigali International Airport in Bugesera and supporting technological innovation to strengthen the continent’s aviation ecosystem. The previous edition of the summit was held in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 2024.
The Kigali gathering aims to transform policy discussions into practical actions, fostering collaboration that can help Africa fully realise its aviation potential.
This deeply symbolic event, meaning “to give a name” in Kinyarwanda, is a celebration of Rwanda’s conservation successes, community engagement, and the incredible journey of the country’s endangered mountain gorillas.
A total of 40 baby mountain gorillas will be named, including 18 born in 2024, when the ceremony was postponed due to the Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda.
Over the past two decades, Kwita Izina has evolved into a global platform, attracting influential figures from around the world who participate in naming the newest generation of baby gorillas. These distinguished participants serve as ambassadors for conservation, highlighting Rwanda’s pioneering role in blending sustainable tourism with rigorous wildlife protection.
The 20th anniversary promises will bring together leaders from diverse fields, including entertainment, sports, business, science, and hands-on conservation.
Below are the 20 prominent figures who will take part in Kwita Izina 2025:
{{1. Michelle Yeoh Todt
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Internationally acclaimed actress and UNDP Goodwill Ambassador, Michelle Yeoh Todt is renowned not only for her stellar career in film but also for her advocacy on gender equality, environmental sustainability, and global development.
At Kwita Izina, she brings her global influence to champion wildlife conservation and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.
{{2. Jean Todt
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The United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety, motorsport executive, and former FIA President, Jean Todt, is a global leader in advocacy and safety. His participation in Kwita Izina underscores the intersection of leadership, global responsibility, and conservation awareness, highlighting the importance of cross-sector support for wildlife protection.
3. Javier Pastore
Argentine professional footballer and PSG legend, Javier Pastore, is known for his elegant play as an attacking midfielder and his environmental advocacy.
His involvement in Kwita Izina reflects how global sports icons can champion conservation and inspire new generations of environmental stewards.
{{4. His Highness Tunku Ali Redhauddin ibni Tuanku Muhriz
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Prince of Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, and President of World Wide Fund for Nature Malaysia, Tunku Ali has long championed environmental protection and sustainable development initiatives.
His presence at Kwita Izina reflects the critical role of international collaboration in safeguarding endangered species such as mountain gorillas.
{{5. Mathieu Flamini
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Former professional footballer for Arsenal and CEO of GFBiochemicals, Mathieu Flamini bridges the worlds of sports and sustainability.
At Kwita Izina, he represents the growing role of public figures in supporting innovative solutions for conservation and environmental stewardship.
{{6. Yemi Alade
}}
Grammy-nominated Nigerian Afropop singer and songwriter, Yemi Alade, uses her global platform to promote awareness of cultural and environmental causes.
Her participation at Kwita Izina highlights the power of arts and culture in engaging audiences for conservation initiatives.
{{7. David S. Marriott}}
Chairman of the Board of Marriott International, Inc., David S. Marriott brings decades of leadership experience in global hospitality. His presence at Kwita Izina symbolises the crucial partnership between conservation and sustainable tourism, highlighting the connection between protecting Rwanda’s natural treasures and responsible travel experiences.
{{8. Susan Chin
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Senior Vice President of Strategy and Advancement at the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Susan Chin, combines architecture, design, and conservation to create immersive wildlife experiences.
Her work educates millions about the natural world, and at Kwita Izina, she exemplifies the importance of connecting people with wildlife through creative and strategic engagement.
{{9. Dr. Gaspard Nzayisenga
}}
Field veterinarian with Gorilla Doctors, Dr. Nzayisenga provides hands-on medical care to wild mountain and Grauer’s gorillas, often treating injuries from snares and monitoring their health in Volcanoes National Park. His role is vital in ensuring the survival of these endangered species.
{{10. Alliance Umwizerwa
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Gorilla Research Assistant with the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, Alliance monitors gorilla populations and conducts behavioural research, contributing critical insights that inform conservation strategies and habitat management.
{{11. Leonard Nsengiyumva
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Data Technician at the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, Leonard supports gorilla conservation by managing and analysing crucial data, helping to track population trends and inform field interventions.
{{12. Brenda Umutoni
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Ranger at Volcanoes National Park, Brenda is on the front lines of protecting mountain gorillas and their habitats through patrols, monitoring, and community engagement programs that ensure long-term conservation success.
{{13. Claver Ntoyinkima
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Senior Ranger Guide and Trainer at Nyungwe National Park, Claver oversees wildlife protection and ranger training, fostering a new generation of skilled conservationists dedicated to preserving Rwanda’s rich biodiversity.
Claver was in November 2024 awarded the prestigious Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award in recognition of his exceptional dedication to primate and bird conservation in Rwanda.
{{14. Reed Oppenheimer
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As the Chairman and CEO of the Reed Jules Oppenheimer Foundation, Reed leads philanthropic initiatives supporting education, health, and environmental conservation.
At Kwita Izina, he demonstrates the role of private foundations in promoting global conservation goals.
{{15. Sang-Hyup Kim
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Sang-Hyup is the Director-General of the Global Green Growth Institute. He advances sustainable development and environmental policies worldwide. His participation highlights the link between international policy, economic growth, and the preservation of endangered species.
{{16. Athanasie Mukabizimungu
}}
Founder and Chairperson of the Imbereheza Cooperative in Gahunga, Athanasie empowers local communities through sustainable agriculture and development projects, showing how grassroots efforts can complement wildlife conservation.
{{17. Charlie Mayhew OBE
}}
Charlie Mayhew OBE is the co-founder and CEO of Tusk Trust. He leads initiatives that protect wildlife and support community development across Africa, illustrating the power of collaborative conservation models.
{{18. Dr. Yin Ye
}}
The CEO of BGI Group and science popularisation vlogger bridges the gap between scientific innovation and public engagement, bringing evidence-based insights to global conservation efforts.
{{19. Princess Ingeborg zu Schleswig-Holstein
}}
Artist, philanthropist, and Chairperson of the Louisenlund Foundation, Princess Ingeborg uses her artistic and philanthropic influence to support environmental and cultural causes, inspiring broader societal involvement in conservation.
{{20. Camille Rebelo}}
Camille Rebelo is the founder and CEO of EcoPlanet Bamboo. Camille implements sustainable land-use projects that combat deforestation, rehabilitate degraded land, and create employment opportunities, demonstrating the impact of entrepreneurial solutions in conservation.
Together, these distinguished individuals will participate in the symbolic act of naming the newest baby gorillas, a gesture that reinforces the global commitment to biodiversity, conservation, and Rwanda’s leadership in sustainable tourism.
Their involvement highlights not only the remarkable recovery of mountain gorilla populations but also the importance of international collaboration, community engagement, and innovative approaches to wildlife protection.
According to a joint statement released by the US Department of State, the committee acknowledged delays in implementing some provisions of the agreement but underscored a shared commitment to ensure its complete and timely implementation to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in eastern DRC and the wider Great Lakes region.
Deliberations focused on recent challenges, including reports of violence in eastern DRC, and the need for actionable steps to guarantee compliance with the agreement.
Members welcomed the decision to merge the technical secretariats of the East African Community (EAC), Southern African Development Community (SADC), and the African Union (AU) into a single independent joint secretariat. This, they said, would enhance coordination, with the AU playing a central role in implementation.
The DRC and Rwanda also reaffirmed commitments made during the August 8 Tripartite High-Level Ministerial, particularly regarding the safe return of refugees.
The committee welcomed the upcoming meeting of the Joint Security Coordination Mechanism (JSCM), tasked with accelerating efforts to neutralize support for the FDLR armed group and advancing Rwanda’s lifting of defensive measures as outlined in Appendix A of the Peace Agreement.
Ahead of the JSCM meeting in Doha, the DRC reiterated that it has no policy of supporting the FDLR and pledged concrete action to reflect this position.
Rwanda, in turn, reaffirmed its respect for the DRC’s territorial integrity and committed to ensuring its actions remain consistent with this principle.
Both governments also committed to establish a technical-level intelligence and military channel for direct information exchange.
The committee emphasized that these steps are essential to realizing the Regional Economic Integration Framework, which aims to open key economic corridors and drive long-term development and stability in the region.
Qatar provided an update on the ongoing negotiations in Doha between the DRC government and AFC/M23, describing them as critical to achieving stability in eastern DRC. Both the DRC and Rwanda pledged full support for bringing these negotiations to a successful conclusion.
Among others, the JOC reaffirmed its commitment to holding regular meetings to monitor progress, address challenges, and ensure the Peace Agreement’s effective implementation.
In closing, the DRC and Rwanda expressed appreciation for the United States, Qatar, and the African Union, recognizing their vital contributions and coordinated efforts to advance durable peace in eastern DRC.
A medical report from Kyegera Doctors Center, seen by IGIHE, confirmed that she succumbed to an illness that evening.
The news was also confirmed by Bikem Uwayesu, one of her close representatives, who was with her in Uganda.
He explained that Gogo and her team had travelled from Rwanda to Uganda on August 28, 2025, to attend a gospel crusade in Mbarara, held from August 29 to 31.
Following the event, she and her team continued to Kampala on August 31, where she was scheduled to work on promotional activities with a certain company.
Shortly after arriving in Kampala, Gogo fell ill. At first, those close to her thought it was a mild condition, as she had battled the same illness before. However, her health deteriorated rapidly, and despite being rushed to the hospital, she was pronounced dead on arrival.
Gogo who rose to prominence on social media, gained wider attention after her worship track was remixed by South African musician David Scott, popularly known as The Kiffness.
Gogo was best known online for her heartfelt worship songs, often sung in English with her distinct accent. In the viral clip, she sings: “Everyday, I need the blood of Jesus.”
The Kiffness reworked the video by layering her vocals with trumpet and piano, creating a lively new version that he shared on TikTok and YouTube in January.
By September 4, 2025, the remix had been viewed over 780,000 times on his YouTube channel, which has over three million subscribers.
The launch took place on September 3, 2025, just hours before the ninth edition of the Aviation Africa summit, a two-day conference bringing together over 80 aviation companies from across the continent.
The drones, known as eVTOLs (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing vehicles), are manufactured by Chinese company EHang and run entirely on electricity.
Each drone costs approximately $400,000 (approximately Frw 579 million), can carry two passengers, transport over 620 kilograms of cargo, cover 30 kilometres, and fly for up to 25 minutes on a full charge. They operate at an altitude of 100 metres, feature 12 rotors mounted on four arms, and are equipped with technology to detect obstacles mid-air.
Melissa Rusanganwa, International Affairs Manager at the Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority (RCAA), was the first to experience the aircraft in flight.
“I felt safe throughout the flight,” she said. “The crew conducted thorough checks and gave us instructions to follow. This technology will connect people across different regions and support tourism while being environmentally friendly, as the drones are fully electric.”
Rwanda has previously used drones mainly for medical deliveries. Zipline Rwanda, operational since October 2016, has delivered blood, vaccines, and medical supplies to over 650 health facilities, including more than 100 small clinics. Their drones carry 2–3 kilograms, travel up to 160 kilometres at speeds of 130 km/h, and complete long-distance trips in under 40 minutes.
The country is also developing a state-of-the-art Drone Operation Centre in Huye District, Southern Province, on the site of a former airfield. The 13.4 billion Rwandan franc facility will accommodate drones of all sizes, including large models comparable to helicopters with wingspans of 18–20 metres. It will host up to 3,000 drones at once and include areas for assembly and testing of new drones.
“The death toll of the boat incident has risen to 60 and the casualty figure is rising,” said Abdullahi Baba Ara, chair of Borgu local government area, adding that 10 people were in serious condition and many others still missing.
Emergency personnel and local divers were searching for the victims, according to the Niger State Emergency Management Agency.
The accident occurred around 11 a.m. local time (1000 GMT) on Tuesday when the overloaded vessel collided with a tree stump and capsized near the Gausawa community in the Borgu local government area.
The boat carried more than 100 people, with women and children being the majority of the fatal victims, said Sa’adu Inuwa Muhammad, the district head of Shagumi.
Boat accidents, often caused by overloading, adverse weather, and operational errors, are common in Nigeria.
