Over 8,000 residential houses, primarily in Kunar province, have been completely or partially destroyed due to the earthquake, Juma Khan Nayeel, head of information and publication at the Afghan Red Crescent Society, told Xinhua.
Relief and rescue teams are working to pull out people trapped under the rubble, and the figures for fatalities and injuries have not yet been finalized.
The earthquake struck the eastern part of Afghanistan at 11:47 p.m. local time on Aug. 31, with the epicenter located 27 km northeast of Jalalabad, the capital of Nangarhar province, at a depth of eight km.
The disaster occurred on August 31, 2025, when massive amounts of earth and mud swept through the village, flattening homes and farmland. The Sudan Liberation Movement Army (SLM/A), which controls the area, reported that all residents had been killed except one.
In their statement, they described the tragedy as unprecedented and urgently appealed to the United Nations and humanitarian agencies to help recover bodies from the rubble.
“The village and its people disappeared. It’s an unprecedented tragedy,” a local farmer, Al-Amin Abdallah Abbas said.
He explained that the community was known for its citrus farming, making the destruction not only a human catastrophe but also an economic loss.
According to Reuters, the isolated location of Tarasin has made rescue efforts almost impossible.
The area can only be reached on foot or by donkey, and years of conflict in Darfur have already left communities cut off from aid.
Fighting between Sudan’s army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has displaced millions, and humanitarian organizations say much of Darfur has become a “black hole” for relief operations.
Medical charities such as Doctors Without Borders have long warned that people living in the Marrah Mountains are among the most neglected in Sudan.
Speaking at a press conference on September 1, 2025, Nangaa criticized President Félix Tshisekedi’s administration for failing to pursue peace despite having signed the Declaration of Principles, with Qatar acting as mediator.
“AFC/M23 warns Mr. Félix Tshisekedi against the new offensives by his coalition of genocidaires, and it reserves the right to destroy them immediately. Let it be clear: they will face the necessary response until this evil is eliminated at its source,” Nangaa declared.
He explained that the DRC’s coalition had deployed 12,000 troops into the mountains of Uvira Territory, including Congolese soldiers, Burundian forces, FDLR fighters, Wazalendo militias, and members of the Imbonerakure youth wing, to prepare for what he described as large-scale assaults.
According to Nangaa, Kinshasa has also violated earlier commitments by refusing to release 700 prisoners, including M23 members and suspected sympathizers, despite agreeing to the condition when both sides signed the Declaration of Principles on July 19, 2025.
He added that M23 had formally notified Qatar, the African Union, the United Nations, and other peace partners that the DRC government is violating ceasefire agreement.
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Former South African President Thabo Mbeki recently invited both the Tshisekedi government and opposition leaders to peace talks among Congolese stakeholders, organized alongside his foundation’s annual peace and security forum.
Those invited include Tshisekedi’s advisor Désiré-Cashmir Eberande Kolongele, government representatives, Nangaa himself, Thomas Lubanga of the CRP armed group, former President Joseph Kabila, as well as opposition figures Martin Fayulu and Moïse Katumbi.
However, Tshisekedi has rejected the need for external mediation. Addressing members of his Union Sacrée coalition on August 29, 2025.
“I will not be distracted by dialogue agendas here and there. Talks must be continuous and held inside the DRC. Congolese people do not need a mediator to discuss among themselves, and they should not take up arms before sitting down for dialogue,” he said.
Nangaa countered that Mbeki’s initiative was not new, emphasizing that the foundation has long played a key role in resolving African conflicts and enjoys wide support across the continent.
He stated that if Tshisekedi refuses to send his representatives to the talks, other Congolese actors will still engage. For that reason, he confirmed that a large delegation representing AFC/M23 had already been dispatched to South Africa.
The development came as Ingabire was scheduled to appear alongside other defendants, including former members of the banned Dalfa-Umurinzi party and Umubavu TV journalist Nsengimana Théoneste.
The presiding judge noted that Ingabire had submitted a written request to postpone the trial for three reasons:
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Ingabire requested to be represented by a Kenyan lawyer, Emily Kwamboka Osiemo, in addition to her current counsel, Gatera Gashabana, who represents nine other co-defendants in the same case. She argued that her Kenyan lawyer should be allowed to represent her, a request requiring approval from the Rwanda Bar Association.
The question of Emily Kwamboka’s representation has frequently arisen during Ingabire’s previous hearings, including her provisional detention case.
The President of the Rwanda Bar Association, Lawyer Nkundabarashi Moise, has noted that under international legal practice, there is a principle of reciprocity. To be allowed to practice in another country, that country must similarly allow lawyers from your country to practice there. Currently, this reciprocity is not in place between Rwanda and Kenya.
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The defendant submitted that she had filed a case in the Supreme Court challenging the legality of the High Court’s order authorising a full investigation against her, which she argued was inconsistent with the constitution.
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She claimed she had insufficient time to prepare her defence after receiving the prosecution’s case file on August 20, 2025.
When asked by the presiding judge about her choice of legal representation, Ingabire immediately recused the entire bench, stating that the court had already taken sides by ordering the investigation and that she could not expect impartial justice.
Under Rwandan law, recusal must be submitted in writing before judgment is delivered. The request must be filed within one day following the hearing. If the court accepts the recusal, the judge is replaced, and the trial is rescheduled. If rejected, the trial continues.
The bench suspended proceedings following the recusal. A decision on the acceptance of the recusal will determine when the trial resumes.
In 1936, American journalist Edgar Snow took a picture in northwest China: on the dusty Loess Plateau, a young Red Army soldier stood upright, holding a bugle to his lips. That image, symbolizing a rallying call for the nation to unite and fight Japanese aggressors, conveyed to the world a message of unyielding resistance from the East.
Through the arduous and heroic War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression from 1931 to 1945, a great spirit of resistance was formed. The Chinese people demonstrated to the world the patriotism that every citizen has a responsibility for the nation’s future, the national integrity of being ready to die and never yielding, the heroic spirit of not fearing violence and fighting to the end, and the indomitable and tenacious belief in victory.
When American journalist Agnes Smedley asked General Yang Hucheng in the 1930s if China could truly resist Japan’s tanks and bombers, Yang gave an unwavering answer: “They may have more planes and tanks. But we know we must fight. And when the will is firm, the strength follows.”
Over the 14 grueling years, a nation with limited military and economic resources stood its ground and ultimately prevailed.
Since the Opium War in 1840, China had been the constant target of invasions and bullying from foreign powers. Victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression marks Chinese people’s first complete victory in national liberation and a historic turning point for the Chinese nation — from the depths of crisis in modern times to the path of great rejuvenation. Its people are no longer a pile of “loose sand,” but a people of national pride and unity.
The spirit behind the victory is an invaluable asset for the Chinese people. It has inspired and will continue to inspire Chinese people to overcome all difficulties and obstacles in their pursuit of modernization and national rejuvenation.
It is with this spirit that the country established a complete industrial system after the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. It is with this spirit that China eliminated absolute poverty and lifted nearly 800 million people out of poverty in 40 years since the reform and opening up in the late 1970s. It is with this spirit that China achieved the feat of rapid economic growth and long-term social stability and became the world’s second-largest economy.
China, a country of 1.4 billion people, has no precedent to follow on its path to modernization. When Western observers ask how the Communist Party of China consistently gets things done, the answer is that it is the result of the enduring resolve, unity and perseverance of generations who have embraced self-reliance and sacrifice, and who have had unshakable faith in the power of collective will.
China is in a critical stage of realizing its national rejuvenation, during which internal and external difficulties and challenges remain. It has yet to realize complete national reunification.
Externally, the world is undergoing profound changes with tariff and trade wars disrupting global economic order and unilateral bullying challenging multilateral mechanisms. Certain countries are attempting to contain China’s development.
The greater the external pressure, the more important it is to harness spiritual strength. These challenges and difficulties will inspire the Chinese people to carry forward the unyielding courage, strengthen their conviction and confidence, confront problems head-on and manage their country’s own affairs well.
The victory 80 years ago has since proved a truth time and again: never underestimate China’s potential, resilience and strength.
The team departed Kigali International Airport on Tuesday morning, September 2, led by Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) president Shema Ngoga Fabrice. A 20-man squad was on board, with four additional players — Kavita Phanuel, Mugisha Bonheur “Casemiro,” Kwizera Jojea, and Buhake Twizere Clement — set to join the team in Lagos before heading to Uyo.
The match is scheduled for Saturday, September 6, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
Amavubi will be looking to replicate their last visit to Nigeria, when they stunned the Super Eagles with a 2–1 victory in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. However, Nigeria had the upper hand in their most recent meeting in Kigali, winning 2–0 in the reverse World Cup qualifier.
Group C remains tightly contested. South Africa currently lead the table with 13 points, while Rwanda and Benin are level on 8. Nigeria sits just behind on 7 points, followed by Lesotho with 6, and Zimbabwe at the bottom with 4.
Entire villages built with mudbrick homes collapsed, leaving many residents buried under the rubble. Rescue teams have struggled to reach survivors because roads were destroyed by landslides, aftershocks continue to shake the region, and heavy rain has made conditions worse.
Helicopters and ground units have been deployed to evacuate the injured and deliver emergency supplies.
One survivor, Ziaul Haq Mohammadi, a student studying in Jalalabad, described the panic: “We spent the whole night in fear and anxiety because at any moment another earthquake could happen.”
According to Reuters, the country’s health system is overwhelmed. Sharafat Zaman, spokesperson for Afghanistan’s health ministry, appealed for urgent support.
“We need it because here lots of people lost their lives and houses,” he said.
With limited hospitals and medical supplies, doctors and nurses are struggling to treat the growing number of casualties.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) also raised concerns about the challenges facing rescue teams.
“The area of the earthquake was affected by heavy rain in the last 24–48 hours … many of the roads are impassable,” Kate Carey, a UNOCHA officer explained.
She added that aid workers are racing to clear debris and even remove animal carcasses to prevent water contamination, highlighting the multiple risks facing survivors.
The Taliban administration has formally appealed for international aid, stressing that Afghanistan cannot handle this crisis alone.
Humanitarian funding for the country has already dropped sharply in recent years, making the situation even more dire. Several countries have pledged support, with India sending tents and food supplies and China promising to provide additional assistance.
This earthquake is one of the deadliest to strike Afghanistan in recent years. With thousands displaced and entire villages destroyed, survivors now face a second crisis of hunger and disease.
The law establishing the DST was passed in February 2025 and applies to services originating outside Rwanda. Jean Paulin Uwitonze, RRA’s Deputy Commissioner for Taxpayer Services and Communications, confirmed that the tax will take effect at the start of the 2026 fiscal year.
“From 2026, digital services tax will be collected. It will cover online businesses such as Airbnb, Netflix, Amazon, and others. They will be required to pay tax on the services they provide in Rwanda, based on the revenues they generate,” Uwitonze said.
He added that RRA is finalising preparations to ensure a smooth rollout of the tax.
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In addition to the DST, a tourism accommodation tax introduced in February 2025 came into force on July 1, 2025. It is charged at a rate of 3% of the amount paid or payable for accommodation, excluding value-added tax (VAT).
The law requires accommodation providers, including hotels, lodges, apartments, motels, and Airbnb hosts, to register with RRA, collect the tax from clients, and remit it monthly.
According to RRA, taxpayers have largely complied since collections began on August 15, 2025.
“The tax is collected every month. For example, a business collects it from the 1st to the 30th of a given month and submits it to RRA no later than the 15th of the following month,” Uwitonze explained.
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RRA has also warned businesses attempting to evade taxes. Uwitonze said the authority is working with partners, including buyers and the Electronic Billing Machine (EBM) system, to identify and penalise defaulters.
“Those who do not want to pay will be caught quickly. We can detect all unpaid taxes and ensure compliance,” he said.
The initiative was highlighted by a landmark visit from Pakistan’s Foreign Minister to Dhaka, the first such visit in over ten years. The visit signaled a willingness on both sides to reopen dialogue and find new ways to work together.
According to Al Jazeera, Pakistan’s approach reflects a changing regional environment, with both countries searching for stronger positions in a time of shifting alliances.
Speaking during the visit, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister said, “We are here to turn a new page. Our people share deep ties, and we believe cooperation with Bangladesh is essential for regional peace and prosperity.”
Bangladesh’s interim leadership has also shown cautious openness. Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Advisor of Bangladesh, responded by noting the potential benefits for both nations. “Bangladesh seeks partnerships that will bring growth and stability to our people,” he said. “If cooperation with Pakistan serves those goals, we are ready to explore it.”
Still, the history between the two countries remains difficult. The memory of the 1971 Liberation War, which led to Bangladesh’s independence, continues to cast a shadow. Dhaka has long called for greater accountability from Islamabad, but both sides are now focusing more on practical issues such as economic development and regional security.
Experts point out that the timing of this diplomatic outreach is significant. With India still the dominant power in South Asia, Pakistan and Bangladesh both see value in broadening their options and strengthening their positions. For Pakistan, improved ties with Dhaka could provide much-needed diplomatic and economic gains. For Bangladesh, engagement with Islamabad could serve as a way to diversify alliances and secure new opportunities.
The ceremony was attended by Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara, Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani, and members of the AfDB Group’s Board of Governors.
Ould Tah delivered the oath of office with solemnity. After taking the oath, he signed the written version, which was officially certified by Ludovic Ngatse, minister of economy, planning, and regional integration of the Republic of the Congo, also chair of the Board of Governors of the AfDB.
Ould Tah was elected the ninth president of the bank on May 29, securing more than 76 percent of the vote, the highest first-term margin in the bank’s history.
Elected for a five-year term, the new AfDB president outlined four strategic pillars — to unlock Africa’s financial resources, to reform and strengthen the continent’s fiscal sovereignty, to turn demography into a dividend, and to build resilient infrastructure.
Ould Tah, 60, is introduced on the AfDB website as a seasoned economist and development banker with more than 40 years of experience in banking, as well as economist and ministerial roles in Africa and the Global South.
Founded in 1964, the AfDB has 81 member countries, comprising 54 African countries and 27 non-African countries.
