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The U.S. draft urges the Council to endorse a comprehensive two-year framework aimed at stabilising Gaza, restoring governance, and addressing longstanding humanitarian and security concerns. The plan outlines the creation of a new governing body, the “Board of Peace,” which would oversee the region’s transition while operating under international oversight.

The U.S. draft calls for the establishment of a temporary International Stabilisation Force (ISF) to disarm non-state armed groups in Gaza, ensure the protection of civilians, secure humanitarian corridors, and assist in the demilitarisation of the area.

The force, which is expected to be around 20,000 strong, would not include U.S. troops but would be staffed by international personnel. The draft emphasises the necessity of peace efforts, stating, “Conditions may finally be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood” after necessary reforms by the Palestinian Authority (PA).

Despite broad support for the idea of creating a “Board of Peace,” several member states raised concerns over the proposed framework. Issues include the lack of clarity regarding the PA’s role in the future governance structure, limited oversight mechanisms, and the vague nature of the ISF’s mandate.

“While the Board of Peace is a positive development, questions remain on how the PA will operate within this new structure,” one UNSC member noted.

In response to the U.S. proposal, Russia, currently engaged in the war in Ukraine, presented a counter-resolution calling for a more balanced approach to achieving a sustainable cessation of hostilities. Russia’s draft emphasises “a unified approach” to resolving the Gaza conflict, focusing on the immediate cessation of violence and the addressing of humanitarian concerns.

“The goal is to enable the Security Council to develop a balanced, acceptable, and unified approach toward achieving a sustainable cessation of hostilities,” Russia’s representative stated.

The context of these diplomatic efforts stems from the October 8, 2025, ceasefire agreement brokered by the U.S., which brought about the first phase of Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan.

The ceasefire paused the violence that had claimed over 69,000 Palestinian lives over two years of fighting. While the ceasefire has largely held, Israel’s repeated violations, through near-daily airstrikes and attacks, have exacerbated the fragile peace process, leading to further casualties.

The U.S. mission to the UN emphasised the critical need for adoption of the resolution, framing it as a historic opportunity to “pave a path toward enduring peace in the Middle East.”

“This is a historic moment for the international community to act decisively in securing lasting peace and stability in Gaza and the broader region,” said the U.S. Ambassador to the UN.

While the situation remains fluid and complex, the international community now faces a critical decision regarding its approach to the Gaza crisis. The Security Council’s response to the U.S. draft and Russia’s counterproposal will likely determine the trajectory of peace efforts in Gaza in the coming months.

“This programme is about taking the capital market to the people,” said Pierre Celestin Rwabukumba, Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Stock Exchange. “By simplifying account opening and showing how small, regular contributions grow over time, we remove barriers and widen participation practically.”

During the sessions, market players explained how the capital market works, the protections in place for investors and issuers, and the role of the regulator. They also gave new investors a simple step-by-step path to open an account through a licensed intermediary, set clear financial goals and timeframes, and choose suitable products such as shares, bonds, or collective investment schemes.

“Gisagara is proud to host the first stop,” said Jerome Rutaburingoga, Mayor of Gisagara District in the Southern Province. “Financial inclusion is central to our development agenda. When families invest formally, we strengthen resilience, create opportunity, and support the growth of our economy as a whole.”

In Ndora Sector, resident Felix Mirimo opened an investor account and committed to a monthly contribution. “Investing through the capital market gives me a clear plan for my family,” he said. “Even a modest amount each month can grow, helping with school fees today and building a foundation for a small business tomorrow.”

By taking capital market players closer to communities, the campaign helps close information gaps that keep money in short-term or informal savings. A stronger base of local investors supports a more active market, while companies gain better access to long-term funds to buy equipment, expand production, and grow value chains.

Rwanda’s capital market industry plans to extend the campaigns to other districts. Each visit will combine public education with on-the-spot services so that participants leave with better information, an active account, and a clear plan for their next steps in the market.

Resolution 2800 won the support of 14 members of the council, while the United States abstained.

The resolution decides that the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the CAR, known by its French acronym as MINUSCA, shall comprise up to 14,046 military personnel and 2,999 police personnel, as well as 108 corrections officers.

It recalls the Security Council’s intention to keep the numbers under continuous review, taking into account progress on the security situation and the objective of transition and eventual drawdown of MINUSCA when conditions are met.

In a statement released on Thursday, the corporation acknowledged that the edited sequence created “the mistaken impression that President Trump had made a direct call for violent action”. The programme, first broadcast shortly before the 2024 US election, will not be shown again in its current form.

BBC chair Samir Shah has written directly to the White House, expressing regret over what the organisation now calls an “error of judgement”. The corporation has also responded formally to Trump’s legal team, but maintains the clip was not maliciously produced.

Despite the apology, the BBC stated it “strongly disagrees there is a basis for a defamation claim”, arguing that the edit was an attempt to condense a lengthy speech rather than mislead viewers. The broadcaster also emphasised that the documentary did not air in the United States and was restricted to UK audiences, undermining the assertion that Trump suffered reputational harm.

Trump’s lawyers have demanded a full retraction, a public apology and financial compensation, claiming the edit “butchered” Trump’s words and “defrauded” audiences. Failure to comply, they warned, would prompt legal action. But experts note Trump faces significant hurdles: strict timelines for bringing defamation cases in the UK have already expired, and US law offers strong protections for political speech and opinion.

The controversy has triggered political scrutiny in Westminster. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said the corporation was “gripping this with the seriousness that it demands”, though she warned that the BBC’s editorial guidelines had “not been robust enough” in some areas. She indicated that political appointments to the BBC board would be reviewed in the upcoming charter process, after concerns that such roles may undermine perceptions of impartiality.

Liberal Democrats leader Sir Ed Davey earlier urged the prime minister to intervene with Trump directly to defend the BBC’s independence and prevent escalating tensions.

The row has already claimed senior casualties inside the organisation. Director-general Tim Davie and head of news Deborah Turness resigned on Sunday following mounting pressure over the accuracy and impartiality of the Panorama edit.

Fresh scrutiny emerged on Thursday after the Daily Telegraph uncovered a second instance of selective editing involving Trump’s January 6 speech, this time from a 2022 episode of Newsnight. In that segment, lines from different parts of Trump’s address were combined, followed by footage of the Capitol attack. Former White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney, appearing on the programme at the time, criticised the edit as misleading.

A BBC spokesperson said the corporation holds itself to “the highest editorial standards” and is reviewing the newly surfaced Newsnight allegations.

The events come amid broader debate over the BBC’s handling of politically sensitive coverage. An internal memo leaked last week criticised aspects of the corporation’s reporting not only on Trump but also on trans issues and the Israel–Gaza conflict, adding further fuel to questions about consistency in editorial oversight.

According to MINEMA, from January to October this year, Rwanda received 5,101 returning citizens, including those who had previously been unable to return due to threats from armed groups in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), such as the FDLR, which had warned that returnees would be killed if they attempted to go home. The FDLR is a militia group formed by remnants of the perpetrators of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.

The figures were disclosed on Tuesday, 12 November 2025, during a visit to the Nyarushishi Transit Centre, where officials met with recently returned Rwandans. Discussions during the visit focused on governance reforms, national opportunities, and the Ndi Umunyarwanda (“I am Rwandan”) programme.

The Mayor of Rusizi District, Phanuel Sindayiheba, welcomed the returnees and commended their decision to come back.

“Rwanda has chosen not to be held back by discrimination, poverty, or ignorance, but to pursue development and unity among Rwandans,” he said.

Marie Alice Kayumba Uwera, the Executive Director in Charge of National Unity and Community Resilience at MINUBUMWE, emphasised the importance of the Ndi Umunyarwanda programme in fostering a sense of national identity.

“Although you are returning late, it is better late than never. You are encouraged to work hard to make up for lost time,” she said, adding that some returnees had been misled into prioritising ethnic identity over their Rwandan roots.

Kayumba Uwera also urged returning women to encourage their husbands to come back. “Women have a strength we often do not realise. Many of you have already made the right choice to return, and you have inspired your husbands to follow,” she said.

Gonzage Karagire, Director of Refugee Programmes at MINEMA, said that receiving returning Rwandans is an ongoing effort.

“This year alone, over 5,000 Rwandans have come home. Currently, there are 592 people in this transit camp, including children and adults who recently returned,” he said.

Of the 592 returnees at Nyarushishi, 396 are children and 196 are adults. Among the adults, 160 are women and 36 are men.

Mushimiyimana Immaculée, who returned after 31 years in exile, recounted the challenges she faced and expressed her commitment to national unity.

“I only completed the first three grades, and I feel ashamed that at 32 years old I cannot read or write. I had to leave school when fighting broke out,” she said. She added that she intends to work with others to preserve unity and create opportunities for future generations.

The renovation began following a suspension in May 2025 by the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) of the monthly prayer gatherings at ‘Kwa Yezu Nyirimpuhwe’, due to non-compliance with certain regulatory standards.

RGB instructed the Kabgayi Diocese to implement specific measures before activities could resume.

These included ensuring freedom of worship for all attendees, creating adequate parking facilities, establishing separate routes for pedestrians and vehicles, and providing quiet spaces where vulnerable individuals could participate in prayers undisturbed.

In an interview with IGIHE, the Chief Priest of Ruhango Parish, where the Peace Valley (the shrine) is located, Ngendahayo Tumaini Dominique, stated that the renovation works and the expansion of the worship space are almost complete to enhance the security of the large crowds.

“The work to expand and renovate the Peace Valley seems to be nearing completion, as most of the planned structures have been built, with others almost finished,” Father Ngendahayo said.

He explained that 60 new, fully-compliant toilets had been constructed, over 500 meters of pedestrian route and vehicle pathways had been laid, and large parking lots and gardens with various trees were established to improve air quality for worshippers.

“We have completed the construction of 60 new toilets and showers, a garden, a road, and a large parking area, all of which are nearing completion, with laterite being added and compacted,” he said.

Additionally, he mentioned that weak individuals will be accommodated in the Ruhango Parish Church, where “giant screens” will be installed to help them follow the prayers held at the Peace Valley.

Father Ngendahayo also highlighted that surveillance cameras will be installed to ensure the safety of worshippers, adding that these efforts aim to meet the requirements set by RGB and improve security for the large crowds attending.

The renovation work began on July 7, 2025, and is expected to be completed by the beginning of December. At that time, RGB will be notified of the completion, which will grant permission to resume the prayer gatherings at the site.

The gatherings at ‘Kwa Yezu Nyirimpuhwe’, began in 1991. Today, it has become a religious tourism destination, attracting visitors from across Africa and the world. The site attracts more than 100,000 people for worship on the first Sunday of each month.

This is a significant increase from the current $110 million generated from 35,000 tons of exported tea.

The role of tea in Rwanda’s economy was underscored on November 12, 2025, after officials from NAEB, alongside tea farmers from the Rutsiro Tea Growers’ Cooperative (RUTEGROC), participated in an activity to replant and expand the areas under tea cultivation.

This activity is part of the PSAC project, which seeks to support smallholder farmers to boost both the quantity and quality of crops, ensuring competitiveness in international markets.

The project will be implemented in six districts known for tea and coffee production: Nyaruguru, Karongi, Nyamasheke, Rutsiro, Nyabihu, and Rulindo.

Nkurunziza Alex, traditional commodities Division Manager at NAEB, emphasized that the PSAC project will help farmers address areas where tea plants have not flourished and expand cultivation areas.

“Tea continues to improve livelihoods, which is why we are focusing on filling gaps in tea cultivation and increasing the planted areas. Our collaboration with agronomists and farmers aims to boost production so that, by 2029, tea exports will generate $164 million for Rwanda,” he said.

He acknowledged the challenges faced by tea farmers, particularly the impacts of climate change, and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting farmers daily to achieve these goals.

Aloys Nzamwita, president of RUTEGROC, shared how the community’s perception of tea farming has evolved.

“When we first started, there was skepticism, but over time, people recognized its value. In 2015, a kilogram of tea sold for 100 Rwandan Francs, but today it sells for 460 Rwandan Francs. We now view tea farming as akin to owning a cow that is milked every day. Last year, we harvested 74 new hectares, and by 2027, we plan to expand by an additional 200 hectares,” he said.

Nzamwita also mentioned that tea farmers replacing old plants will benefit from an affordable payment plan during pruning, and increased yields.

Tea farmer Bitonda Boniface added, “Initially, we were hesitant because we only thought about growing potatoes. But with improved seedlings, our harvests will increase, and the money is good. Tea farming has lifted us out of poverty and provides monthly income to support our children’s education.”

The PSAC project aims to plant 8 million tea seedlings across 520 hectares in the six districts this year, with a focus on expanding cultivated areas and replacing poorly performing tea plants.

In Rutsiro, 150 hectares will be planted with tea in 2025, and by 2029, 40 million seedlings will be planted across 2,410 hectares.