AUSSOM Force Commander Sam Kavuma, who spoke during a field visit to assess the combat readiness of frontline troops following the successful liberation of the strategic towns of Mubarak and Durasalaam in Somalia, said the allied forces are united in their efforts to flush out al-Shabaab terrorists in the country.
“Through sweat, struggle, and sacrifice, we stand united to eliminate al-Shabaab and secure a future for our brothers and sisters in Somalia,” Kavuma said in a statement on Friday evening after the field visit.
He called on the Ugandan contingent serving under AUSSOM and the Somali National Armed Forces to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, morale, and discipline in fulfilling the mission’s mandate.
“AUSSOM, in partnership with the Somali government and other stakeholders, will provide essential relief support to the liberated communities,” he added.
The joint operation conducted on Monday with international partners resulted in the full capture and securing of two strategic locations that had long served as strongholds and safe havens for al-Shabaab terrorists.
Owiny Akena, Battle Group 44 commander and operation commander, said Mubarak and Durasalaam remain under the full control of the joint forces.
AUSSOM Force Commander Sam Kavuma said the allied forces are united in their efforts to flush out al-Shabaab terrorists in the country.
The forum, themed “Your Health. Your Choice. Your Future,” was held on Saturday, March 7, at BK Arena and brought together students aged 15 to 20.
The event focused on discussions about health, consent, and responsible decision-making.
It was organized by Global Citizen in collaboration with the Rwanda Development Board, the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Youth and Arts, Imbuto Foundation, Health Development Initiative (HDI), and other stakeholders.
Designed as an interactive session, the forum aimed to equip young people with accurate information on sexual and reproductive health while encouraging open conversations in a safe and non-judgmental environment.
Batamuriza spoke about the importance of recognizing the value of their current stage in life and using it wisely.
“You must first be a child before becoming an adult. Life has stages, and young people should recognize the opportunities they have today while they are still young. A time will come when they are no longer young, so they must make the most of the opportunities available to them now,” she said.
She also emphasized the importance of making wise choices early in life.
“Young people must understand that the choices they make today will follow them into adulthood and shape the kind of parents and elders they become. They should reflect on the temptations that may mislead them, set clear values, and make decisions that guide them toward a better future,” Batamuriza added.
She noted that the lack of safe spaces for young people to access accurate information often drives them to rely on social media and other unreliable sources, exposing them to misinformation and increased vulnerability.
Batamuriza stressed that platforms like the youth forum provide reliable information, empowering young people to make informed decisions about their health and relationships.
“Dialogue about consent, boundaries, and healthy relationships empowers young people to make informed and responsible decisions. Knowledge builds confidence, and confidence helps young people protect their health, respect one another, and pursue their ambitions,” she concluded.
The forum is part of the activities surrounding Move Afrika, an initiative by Global Citizen aimed at promoting the creative economy and creating jobs through large-scale music events across Africa.
Ifeoma Chuks-Aduzeo, Managing Director for Africa at Global Citizen, thanked Rwanda for its key role in bringing the initiative to life.
“We want to thank the Rwanda Development Board for their continued support in bringing the Move Afrika vision to life,” she said.
This year’s edition will be headlined by Grammy Award-winning artist Doja Cat and will begin in Kigali on March 17 before heading to Pretoria on March 20.
According to Chuks-Aduzeo, Move Afrika is part of a broader effort to strengthen Africa’s creative economy and create employment opportunities for young people.
Since its start in 2023, the initiative has created about 2,500 jobs, with that number expected to grow as the concept expands to more countries.
She added that Move Afrika aims to position African cities as part of the global touring circuit, potentially stimulating tourism, entrepreneurship, and cultural exchange.
During the forum, participants engaged in panel discussions on consent, healthy relationships, and emotional well-being.
Health professionals and youth representatives answered questions about recognizing pressure in relationships, setting boundaries, and accessing youth-friendly health services.
Bernice Ineza, a 19-year-old student and one of the panelists, emphasized the importance of consent in everyday life.
“One of the key lessons we learned is that consent is something we should apply in everyday situations. For example, if someone asks for a picture or asks to do something you are not comfortable with, you should feel confident to say no, and that no really means no,” she said.
The event also featured a musical performance by Kivumbi King.
Organizers stated that such youth-focused engagements aim to reduce stigma around health conversations, improve awareness of sexual and reproductive health rights, and encourage responsible behavior among young people.
Panelists share valuable insights on youth health, relationships, and empowerment at the Global Citizen Move Afrika eventLeaders and youth unite at the Global Citizen Move Afrika event, empowering the next generation.Kivumbi King brings the energy, entertaining the youth at the Global Citizen Move Afrika eventIphie Chuks-Adizue, Global Citizen’s Managing Director for Africa, praised efforts to empower young people in Rwanda during the Global Citizen Move Afrika event
This timeline was announced following the cabinet meeting held on March 4, which greenlighted an agreement between the Government of Rwanda and Bauhaus International Rwanda Ltd, a subsidiary of Bauhaus International Incorporated, headquartered in New Jersey, United States, for the phased development of more than 3,000 housing units.
This initiative will make a major contribution to Rwanda’s urban development goals and expand access to modern, affordable housing.
Phase one development
The initial phase involves constructing 892 housing units in Gahanga Sector, Kicukiro District, Kigali. The estate will feature diverse modern residential options, including one- and two-bedroom apartments, three-bedroom apartments, and three-bedroom terraced duplex houses.
The project also incorporates a community center to offer social and recreational services for residents.
“This development represents an important contribution to Rwanda’s vision of modern, sustainable urban living. Our goal is to deliver high-quality housing while creating a vibrant community environment for residents,” said Mukiza.
The project will be implemented through a partnership framework involving key national institutions, with the City of Kigali and the Rwanda Development Board acting as project promoters, and Bauhaus International Rwanda Ltd serving as the developer.
This collaboration underscores Rwanda’s ongoing commitment to attracting international investment and forging partnerships that fast-track infrastructure and housing advancements.
The project will be implemented through a partnership framework between the City of Kigali, the Rwanda Development Board, and Bauhaus International Rwanda Ltd serving.Dr Victor C ONUKWUGHA, the CEO of Bahaus International Ltd Richard Mukiza, Managing Director of Bauhaus International Rwanda Ltd said the project will be completed within 24 months.
“Only by going to the grassroots and staying close to the people can we understand their real needs, and every positive response from them makes all the effort worthwhile,” said Chen, who runs an agricultural company in Tianjin.
For her, fulfilling duties is not something that can be figured out sitting in a meeting room; what is needed is “walking into the hearts of the people”.
The 58-year-old has been serving as a national political adviser for two terms. A longtime advocate for people’s livelihoods, Chen has made the elderly and the children a major focus of her work over the past year.
During a visit to a nursing home last year, she found that the residents’ daily routines and meals were well taken care of.
Through conversations, she came to realize that what the elderly lacked most was not material support, but companionship. “What they want most is simply someone to sit with them and talk to them.”
The loneliness she witnessed prompted Chen to think about how to improve eldercare services. She began exploring a more integrated model that connects traditional services with social resources to offer companionship and explore AI applications in eldercare.
That same year, around Children’s Day, Chen took part in activities for children with special needs, including those with autism and physical disabilities. She was struck not only by the challenges those children face, but also by the pressures faced by their parents.
In a period of high-quality national development, special-needs children must not be left behind, and they need more attention and support from society, Chen said.
These experiences have reinforced her belief that fulfilling duties requires not just “physical presence”, but “genuine commitment”, truly keeping people’s urgent concerns and needs at heart, she said.
As a national political adviser from the Women’s Federation group and an agribusiness entrepreneur, women’s rights and development in rural areas, as well as rural vitalization, have long been her priorities.
Over the years, Chen has visited regions including the Xizang autonomous region and the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, and Gansu, Qinghai and Hubei provinces, establishing e-commerce platforms to help local women sell agricultural products, offering them technical training and support to engage in specialty industries such as ethnic handicraft production, and specialized planting and breeding.
With women now accounting for over 65 percent of the rural labor force, their contribution has become irreplaceable to rural vitalization, Chen said. “They are cultivators in the fields, creators of rural industries, and builders of harmonious and beautiful countryside.”
In the context of integrated agricultural, cultural, and tourism development, women are often the backbone running homestays, providing tourism services, and developing local industries. Their resilience, Chen said, makes them a key force in comprehensive rural vitalization.
To ensure sustainable development in rural areas, Chen also helped build service platforms and communication mechanisms between women entrepreneurs and agricultural science and technology experts and policymakers.
She also launched training programs, which helped create jobs for more than 200 women in villages surrounding Tianjin.
“As a CPPCC National Committee member and a woman entrepreneur, I want to convey the values of independence, resilience, and confidence,” Chen said. “When women grow stronger, they can fully demonstrate their capabilities across various sectors and contribute to national development.”
Speaking of this year’s two sessions, Chen said she will focus on using digital technology to empower rural women and improve eldercare services, as well as protecting the rights of women and children.
CPPCC National Committee members act as a bridge, bringing policies to the grassroots, and the voices from the grassroots back to the decision-making table, she said. “This is how we truly fulfill our duty to the country and our responsibility to the people.”
Chen Zhonghong (right) talks with a female farmer at a village in Tianjin.
Paul Ehorn recently announced the discovery of the ‘Lac La Belle’, a 217-foot luxury passenger steamer that sank during a storm in October 1872. The vessel had departed from Milwaukee heading to Grand Haven, Michigan, when it was damaged in a gale just two hours into its journey.
Eight of the 53 people on board died after a lifeboat capsized, while the remaining passengers survived.
The Great Lakes are known for their dangerous maritime history. Historians estimate that more than 6,000 shipwrecks have been documented in the region, most occurring between 1840 and 1900 when heavy traffic and severe weather often collided.
In Lake Michigan alone, about 1,500 ships are believed to have sunk. According to Brendon Baillod, president of the Wisconsin Underwater Archaeology Association, many vessels were pushed ashore by storms, while fewer, like the ‘Lac La Belle’, sank in deeper waters.
At the time of its operation, the ‘Lac La Belle’ was considered a high-quality and fast vessel, reportedly about 30 percent faster than other steamers.
It featured elegant passenger spaces including parlours and a main salon decorated with chandeliers. Alongside its passengers, the ship also transported cargo such as barley, flour, pork and whiskey along an important commercial route connected to Michigan’s railroad network.
Ehorn’s fascination with shipwrecks began at age 15 when he started scuba diving. Since 1965, he has helped locate 15 shipwrecks, including the automobile carrier Senator in 2005. His breakthrough in the search for the ‘Lac La Belle’ came in 2022 after fellow shipwreck hunter Ross Richardson uncovered a key clue. Using side-scan sonar, Ehorn detected the ship’s outline on the lakebed.
Two years later, divers documented the wreck, which remains in surprisingly good condition. Ehorn plans to share footage of the discovery at the 2026 Ghost Ships Festival in Manitowoc, Wisconsin in the United States, while continuing his lifelong search for other lost vessels.
The stern of the Lac La Belle showing one of her propellers missing.This image of an original photo print provided by Brendon Baillod shows the Lac La Belle docked at Marquette, Mich., in 1866. (Brendon Baillod via AP)
Holding a PhD from the University of California, Berkeley, Faraj first moved to Tanzania for dissertation research, where he ended up living for about 12 years before eventually relocating to Rwanda, where he established the African Olympiad Academy.
The latter is a unique school dedicated to training the continent’s next generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders.
In an exclusive interview with IGIHE reflecting on the decision to set up his school in Rwanda, Dr. Faraj explained that the country offers a unique environment for building impactful institutions.
“Both my wife and I have a very strong commitment to Pan-African institution building. We chose Rwanda as our base, but it’s not just to do work in Rwanda or just to impact Rwanda. Rwanda is almost like a sandbox where you can operate within a very safe and disciplined environment to build institutions and structures that have broader impact beyond the borders of Rwanda,” he said.
Dr. Faraj’s journey into education deepened after working in Tanzania’s private sector during a period when the country’s economy was opening up and undergoing rapid change.
“Education is my real passion. I believe in the transformative power of education,” he said.
His academic path led him to the African Leadership University (ALU), where he first worked in Mauritius before being asked to move to Rwanda to help launch the institution’s campus in 2018.
During his time in Rwanda, Faraj came to see the country as an example of how strategic planning and discipline can rebuild a nation and create an environment that supports innovation and institution building.
“One of the things that I really appreciate about Rwanda is that it is a proof of concept. Rwanda has been able to rebuild itself through focus, discipline, strategic planning and a real commitment to institution building,” he explained.
Inspired by this environment, Dr. Faraj later co-founded the African Olympiad Academy (AOA) in Kigali, a Pan-African residential high school dedicated to nurturing Africa’s most talented students in mathematics, science, and technology.
The academy, launched in November 2025, offers full scholarships and uses an Olympiad-based learning approach to prepare students for international competitions and careers in advanced technology.
Dr. Faraj and his wife are both committed to Pan-African institution building, using Rwanda as a foundation to impact the continent and beyond.
According to Dr. Faraj, the school also aims to challenge common misconceptions about Africa’s intellectual history.
“We want our students to understand that they come from a rich tradition of doing mathematics and STEM on the continent. Too often Africans get pigeonholed as only doing culture, but the reality is we built the pyramids, and the pyramids required a great amount of math,” he said.
The academy is located in Kanombe, Kigali, on the renovated campus of a former primary school. At the entrance stands a large mural illustrating the history of science and technology in Africa, linking ancient achievements with modern landmarks like the Kigali Convention Centre and an imagined Afro-futurist future.
“This is our Afro-futurism mural. We want to inspire our students to think about themselves as the architects of Africa’s future,” Dr. Faraj said. “If we ever achieve the Africa we want, it will be because our students have been able to imagine and build what that future looks like.”
Currently, the academy hosts 30 students from eight African countries, with plans to expand gradually to about 120 students. Admission is highly competitive, and unlike traditional schools, students do not apply.
Students are selected through competitions, mathematics camps, and the Rwanda Olympiad program, which attracts tens of thousands of participants across the continent. In one recent competition, more than 60,000 students participated before the selection process narrowed down to a small group of finalists.
At AOA, the curriculum is built around three core subjects: foundational mathematics, applied mathematics, and global perspectives. The emphasis on mathematics is particularly important in the age of artificial intelligence.
“You can’t really have AI if you don’t have strong foundational math,” Dr. Faraj said. “If Africa does not develop its own AI developers, we will simply remain consumers of technologies created elsewhere.”
The applied mathematics courses include physics and computer science, while the global perspectives program ensures students understand history, geopolitics, economics, and African identity.
“We want our students to understand the world around them and have a strong sense of African identity so that when they apply their skills, they are solving real problems facing the continent,” he said.
Students at the African Olympiad Academy (AOA) are mastering applied mathematics, equipping themselves with the skills needed to innovate in AI and technology.Some of the dedicated staff at the African Olympiad Academy (AOA).
Life at the academy extends beyond the classroom. The campus features murals celebrating African scientists and innovators, residential facilities for students, and spaces where learners interact through activities such as games, movie nights, and discussions.
The academy also runs an online initiative called Rising Stars, which provides mathematics training for talented students across Africa in both English and French.
Rwanda’s supportive environment played a crucial role in the academy’s rapid development. According to Dr. Faraj, the country’s stability, openness to African diaspora professionals, and ease of establishing institutions allowed the school to launch in just one year.
Looking ahead, the academy aims to prepare students to compete in prestigious competitions such as the International Mathematical Olympiad and other global science contests. Dr. Faraj believes that such programs can help African students gain entry to the world’s top universities and become innovators shaping the continent’s future.
“Our mission here is really about scaling impact,” he said. “Research shows that students who participate in math Olympiads often go on to achieve extraordinary things. We want our students to be AI creators and developers so that Africa is not dependent on technologies built elsewhere.”
Through the African Olympiad Academy, Dr. Faraj hopes to build a Pan-African educational ecosystem capable of transforming Africa’s youngest generation into global leaders in science, technology, and innovation during the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Outside the classrooms of the African Olympiad Academy.The academy is located in KanombeDr. Gaidi Faraj, an educator hailing from California.
The deal is worth about 151.8 million U.S. dollars, the department said in a statement.
Israel has requested to purchase 12,000 BLU-110A/B general purpose, 1,000-pound bomb bodies, it said.
“The Secretary of State (Marco Rubio) has determined and provided detailed justification that an emergency exists that requires the immediate sale to the Government of Israel of the above defense articles and defense services is in the national security interests of the United States, thereby waiving the Congressional review requirements under Section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act,” it said.
“The proposed sale will improve Israel’s capability to meet current and future threats, strengthen its homeland defense, and serve as a deterrent to regional threats,” it added.
The package also includes U.S. government and contractor engineering, logistics, technical support services, and other related elements of logistics and program support, said the statement.
The United States and Israel launched massive attacks on Iran on Feb. 28, killing Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, multiple senior military commanders and hundreds of civilians. Iran has responded with multiple waves of missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and U.S. assets across the region.
Over 180 children across the country have been killed and more than 20 schools have been damaged, Iravani told reporters at the UN headquarters in New York, quoting the Iranian Red Crescent Society.
The United States and Israel have deliberately targeted civilians and civilian infrastructure across Iran, demonstrating that they recognize “no red line in committing their crimes,” he said.
Iravani said that Iranian cities are being attacked indiscriminately, and densely populated residential areas and critical civilian infrastructure are deliberately targeted.
“These acts constitute clear war crimes and crimes against humanity,” he said.
To date, 13 healthcare facilities in the country have been attacked, and several civilian sports and recreational facilities in Tehran and other cities were deliberately targeted on Thursday, with more than 18 female athletes killed, and around 100 others injured, he said.
“Their intention is clear, to terrorize civilians, massacre innocent people, and cause maximum destruction and suffering,” the ambassador said.
Their claims that they have targeted only military objectives are baseless, he said.
Noting that Iran will continue to exercise its inherent right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter until the aggression stops, Iravani said Iran’s response is “lawful, necessary, and proportionate,” and it targets only the military objectives of the aggressors.
Iravani stressed that “Iran does not seek war,” but Iran “will never surrender its sovereignty” and “will take all necessary measures to defend our people, our territory, and our independence.”
On U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks on the election of a new supreme leader in Iran, Iravani said those constitute “a clear violation of the principles of non-interference in the internal affairs of states enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations,” vowing that Iran “does not accept and will never allow any foreign power to interfere in its internal affairs.”
The Iranian ambassador called on all UN member states to condemn “this aggression, war crimes,” and stop the aggression that poses a serious threat to regional and international peace and security.
“The Security Council must act now, firmly, clearly, and without delay,” he urged.
Citizens gather for a mass funeral ceremony for students and staff members killed in a U.S.-Israeli attack on a school in Minab, Iran’s southern province of Hormozgan, March 3, 2026.
AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka explained that the attack targeted densely populated areas in the Masisi territory of North Kivu province, resulting in numerous civilian casualties and the destruction of homes.
“At 5:15 a.m., the Kinshasa government forces fired multiple indiscriminate shells at heavily populated areas in Mushaki and its surroundings. These attacks were blind and showed no regard for human life, killing many innocent civilians and destroying numerous houses,” Kanyuka said.
AFC/M23 seized control of Mushaki in early December 2023, expelling DRC, Burundian, and allied forces. Mushaki is a strategically important area in Masisi territory, located approximately 30 kilometers from the city of Goma.
Kanyuka further stated that this morning, DRC forces also carried out a significant attack in the densely populated Gakenke area in Minembwe commune, actions he described as part of a plan to target the Banyamulenge population.
These attacks follow a drone strike carried out by DRC forces on March 6 in the Kibanda Mangobo area of Walungu territory, South Kivu province.
AFC/M23 reported that eight people were killed and 12 others injured in this latest attack, reiterating its commitment to protecting civilians who continue to be affected by ongoing hostilities.
The agreement ensures that products from Rwanda certified as meeting quality standards will no longer require retesting upon arrival in these countries and can move directly to their markets.
The same applies to products originating from Zimbabwe and Congo Brazzaville exported to Rwanda. The agreement was signed in Kigali at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation on March 6, 2026, and is based on collaboration between Rwanda Standards Board (RSB) and the equivalent institutions in Zimbabwe and Congo Brazzaville.
Key provisions include recognizing that laboratories in the three countries meet internationally trusted quality standards. Products tested in Rwanda will not need to be retested in Zimbabwe or Congo Brazzaville, speeding up trade and reducing the costs associated with repeated testing.
The signing followed a three-day meeting of the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) held in Kigali, which focused on establishing 25 continental quality standards for unstitched fabrics, textile products, and related goods.
Following the agreement, 32 Rwandan factories received certificates confirming that their products meet trade-quality standards across Africa. This will prevent delays at customs and the need for additional testing in other countries.
The head of Uniworks Transporters and Logistics, which also operates a maize-processing factory in Rwanda, said the certificates will ensure their products are internationally trusted.
He stated, “When we started, it was challenging. We even began operations in Uganda before coming here, and it was not easy. Opening doors to other African markets is very important for our business. Previously, the challenge was proving the quality of our products; retesting in other countries caused delays and extra costs.”
Rwanda’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Sebahizi Prudence, said that Africa has long been criticized for signing agreements without implementing them. He emphasized that such agreements now help accelerate trade among the signatory countries.
ARSO Secretary-General Dr. Hermogene Nsengimana said the agreement benefits all parties and will open opportunities for Rwanda to expand trade with Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries, where Zimbabwe is a member.
Rwanda and Zimbabwean representatives signing the agreement in Kigali. Officials who participated in the meeting in a group photo. The agreement was signed on Friday, March 6, 2026. The signing followed a three-day meeting of the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) held in Kigali.
