Blog

Watters made the comments during Jesse Watters Primetime on Tuesday while discussing U.S. President Donald Trump’s address to world leaders at the General Debate of the 80th UN General Assembly (UNGA). His remarks came after Trump experienced technical difficulties with an escalator and a teleprompter at the UN headquarters.

“What we need to do is either leave the UN or we need to bomb it… maybe gas it… we need to destroy it,” Watters said during the broadcast.

After the UN contacted Fox News about his remarks, Watters issued a private apology to Melissa Fleming, UN under-secretary-general for global communications.

Dujarric emphasized during a briefing that such language was unacceptable. “There is nothing funny or ironic in calling for the bombing, the gassing, the destruction of this building,” he said.

Regarding the technical issues, the UN confirmed that the escalator malfunction occurred after Trump and First Lady Melania Trump stepped onto it, because a White House videographer likely triggered the safety mechanism that caused the escalator to stop. A UN official said the teleprompter was being operated by the White House, according to Reuters.

“If someone at the UN intentionally stopped the escalator as the President and First Lady were stepping on, they need to be fired and investigated immediately,” White House Press Secretary Leavitt wrote on X on Wednesday.

The General Debate of the 80th UNGA officially opened at the UN headquarters in New York on Tuesday. Nearly 150 heads of state and government attended the high-level week of the UNGA.

Kabuga, a former Rwandan businessman and financier of the genocide, remains in detention in The Hague, Netherlands, as no country has agreed to host him. In 2023, the IRMCT suspended his trial, citing his inability to participate because of illness.

His lawyer, Me Emmanuel Altit, said Kabuga wishes to spend his remaining years in France, where his family lives, and has requested court approval for his transfer. Me Altit noted that if approved, the process would require authorisation from the French government and could take 8 to 10 months.

The CPCR denounced the request as an insult to survivors of the Genocide against the Tutsi.

“This act is an affront to the victims and a disgrace to anyone committed to justice,” the association said. It emphasised that France has a history of granting refuge to some officials involved in the genocide, giving them confidence that they could evade justice.

The organisation also urged that, beyond denying Kabuga entry, France should strengthen efforts to prosecute those still in the country, providing sufficient resources to ensure suspects are tried before age or illness prevents justice.

The CPCR noted that, since the start of this year, no new trials of the genocide suspects have been launched, though around 35 individuals remain accused of genocide-related crimes.

“North Kordofan State is witnessing major operational gains, including the killing of hundreds of militia fighters, the seizure of more than 100 combat vehicles, and the liberation of several areas,” the SAF spokesperson’s office said in a statement.

The statement also noted that Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, chairman of Sudan’s Transitional Sovereign Council and commander of the SAF, visited the strategic city of Bara, which the military recaptured on September 11.

Fierce fighting has continued since Friday night between the SAF and the RSF on the western outskirts of El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan State.

Field sources said the SAF, backed by allied joint forces, recaptured the town of Um Sumaima, west of El Obeid near the border of North and West Kordofan. The area has changed hands several times between the two sides.

The SAF Special Forces said in a statement that it had expelled RSF units from Um Sumaima, pushing them about 50 km west of El Obeid toward the outskirts of Al-Khuwei, a town in West Kordofan.

The Joint Forces of armed movements allied with the army stated Saturday: “Military operations in the Kordofan area are proceeding according to plan, with precise implementation on the ground driven by determination and resolve. We have achieved significant victories, and the sacrifices of our heroes will bear fruit in a victory worthy of Sudan’s dignity.”

For its part, the RSF said it had repelled an SAF-led attack on multiple fronts west of El Obeid.

“We inflicted heavy losses in personnel and equipment on the attacking forces,” the RSF said. “Our forces remain stationed at their positions and are determined to advance toward new fronts in preparation for continuing the march toward enemy strongholds.”

Meanwhile, in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur State, the SAF’s 6th Infantry Division reported that it had repelled a new RSF assault on the besieged city.

“The militia attempted to infiltrate and attack El Fasher from the north and southwest, but our forces repelled them and inflicted significant losses in personnel and equipment,” the division said. “In the evening, the militia shelled residential neighborhoods with heavy artillery, suicide drones, and light weapons, but no civilian casualties were reported.” It added that the situation in the city remains “stable.”

Since May 10, 2024, violent clashes have been ongoing in El Fasher between the SAF and its allies on one side, and the RSF on the other, with the fighting intensifying in recent days.

Sudan remains gripped by a conflict between the SAF and the RSF, which erupted in April 2023. The fighting has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions, both internally and across borders, deepening the country’s humanitarian crisis.

The positions of the Wazalendo Lunyuki group in Uvira were reportedly heavily shelled by FARDC troops.

André Byadunia, a civil society leader in Uvira, said those killed included one soldier and members of the Wazalendo Lunyuki group, while others were wounded.

“The figures show that two civilians were killed by gunfire, one FARDC soldier was also shot dead by the Lunyuki group, and one member of Wazalendo from the Lunyuki faction was injured,” he said.

FARDC forces and Wazalendo fighters have frequently clashed despite being allies in the fight against AFC/M23 rebels.

Speaking at the gala dinner in Kigali, Kagame thanked UCI President David Lappartient, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, and cycling fans worldwide for supporting the championship.

“Today, we stand here because the leadership at UCI put their trust in our country and our people to provide you with the best possible experience,” Kagame said.

“Rwanda is proud to be contributing to such an important moment in cycling history, and we are happy to be sharing it with you all as one team.”

The President described the week-long championships as a source of inspiration for Africa’s youth.

“The chants, the crowds, and the smiles are a true testament to the unifying power of sports,” he said. “For our young and talented people, this is an inspiration for them to follow their own dreams with a spirit of sacrifice and endurance, like true champions.”

Kagame stressed that investing in sports on the continent goes hand in hand with creating opportunities for the next generation.

“It all comes down to giving everyone a fair chance, not out of sympathy, but because everyone has something good to give back and because the sport is stronger for it,” he said.

UCI President David Lappartient, in his remarks, hailed Rwanda’s successful staging of the first Road World Championships ever held in Africa.

“This week in Kigali has not just met our expectations. It has, of course, done more than that. It has taken our breath away,” Lappartient said.

“The cycling family has fallen in love with your country, Your Excellency — in love with its countryside, in love with its people, in love with its beauty, in love with its vitality.”

Lappartient highlighted the historic nature of Kigali 2025, which included dedicated women’s under-23 races for the first time and the crowning of 12 world champions so far.

He presented Kagame with a framed rainbow jersey and the prestigious UCI Order, the federation’s highest distinction, in recognition of his role in advancing cycling and supporting the championships.

Both leaders paid tribute to organisers, the Rwandan Cycling Federation, and the volunteers who ensured the success of the event.

“They are always ready with a big smile and assistance,” Lappartient noted, to applause.

The 2025 UCI Road World Championships conclude on Sunday with the men’s elite road race, a highly anticipated finale that will feature some of the sport’s top riders after an unforgettable week in Kigali.

Speaking at the event, Lappartient praised Rwanda for staging a championship that “took our breath away,” describing it as an unforgettable milestone for the global cycling community.

“The cycling family has fallen in love with your country, Your Excellency, Rwanda, this week,” he said. “In love with its countryside, in love with its people, in love with its beauty, in love with its vitality. These UCI World Championships are not over, but we can already declare them an immense success.”

The UCI President also noted the groundbreaking nature of the Kigali edition, highlighting that it was the first time the Road World Championships were held on the African continent, and the first time women in the under-23 category had their own dedicated races.

“Quite simply, we have never experienced an event like this before,” he said.

In a gesture of appreciation, Lappartient presented President Kagame with a framed rainbow jersey, the same awarded to world champions during the week, along with the UCI Order medal.

“This is the highest distinction awarded to people who make an outstanding impact on the sport of cycling,” he said. “We will leave Rwanda with unforgettable memories, and we sincerely hope that you will also have unforgettable memories of the UCI World Championships.”

For his part, President Kagame welcomed guests, including His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, senior officials, and the wider cycling family.

He congratulated Lappartient on his recent election and thanked him for the honour bestowed upon him. “So, for me, I won’t necessarily have to participate in the competition. I have more or less already won,” Kagame joked, drawing applause.

The President emphasised the power of sport to unite and inspire, particularly among Africa’s youth. “The chants, the crowds, and the smiles are a true testament to the unifying power of sports,” he said.

“For our young and talented people, this is an inspiration for them to follow their own dreams with a spirit of sacrifice and endurance, like true champions.”

Kagame added that investing in sport on the continent is part of investing in Africa’s future. “It all comes down to giving everyone a fair chance, not out of sympathy, but because everyone has something good to give back and because the sport is stronger for it,” he said.

The evening closed on a celebratory note, with both leaders commending the tireless work of organisers, volunteers, and the Rwandan Cycling Federation in delivering what has already been hailed as one of the most memorable championships in UCI history.

The UCI Road World Championships conclude on Sunday with the highly anticipated men’s elite road race, bringing together some of the world’s best talent after an unforgettable week in sporting history.

Among individuals frequently associated with efforts to glorify the First and Second Republics are Antoine Mukiza Zigiranyirazo, son of Protais Zigiranyirazo, and Jean-Luc Habyarimana, son of former President Juvenal Habyarimana who led Rwanda until 1994, along with other similar figures.

These individuals often claim that their parents and other officials of those regimes committed no wrongdoing, despite well-documented evidence that many played a key role in planning and carrying out the genocide against the Tutsi in 1994.

In a message shared on X , Minister Bizimana stressed that one way to preserve historical truth is to counter those who spread false narratives about the country’s past.

“The journey of building unity starts with acknowledging the truth of our history — showing how our unity was destroyed. Rwandans had lived in unity for centuries, but this was deliberately broken and culminated in the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994.

“Let me also remind you that the genocide was planned before that year and, in some areas, killings began earlier [Kibilira, Mutara, Nasho, Rwankuba in Murambi, Mbogo in Kigali, Shyorongi, Bugesera, Gisenyi, Kibuye, Ruhengeri…].”

He explained that the real root of Rwanda’s disunity lies in Belgian colonial policies, missionary influence, and the governments of PARMEHUTU and MRND.

“To legitimize the regimes that planned and carried out the genocide is to keep destroying Rwandan unity. The genocide and its ideology defined the rule of Habyarimana and deeply fractured our unity. We cannot stand by and watch this happen. Instead, we must work together to ensure the truth prevails. That is how we strengthen, support, and safeguard our unity from those who seek to undermine it,” Dr. Bizimana stated.

According to the 2020 Rwanda Reconciliation Barometer (RRB), national reconciliation in Rwanda was measured at 94.7%, indicating a remaining 5.3% gap where continued education and engagement are needed to further strengthen social cohesion.