The U.S. Transportation Department on Friday rescinded funding for projects in 11 states, including 435 million dollars for a floating wind farm in California, 47 million dollars to boost an offshore wind project in Maryland, and 48 million dollars for an offshore wind terminal project in New York’s Staten Island.
“Wasteful, wind projects are using resources that could otherwise go towards revitalizing America’s maritime industry,” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in a statement.
The canceled funding will be redirected to upgrade ports and other infrastructure in the country, where possible, the Transportation Department said.
This is the latest step by the Trump administration against renewable energy sources, according to U.S. media reports.
In another development, the U.S. Energy Department decided Friday to withdraw a 716 million-dollar loan guarantee approved by the Biden administration to upgrade and expand transmission infrastructure to accommodate an offshore wind project in New Jersey.
The Trump administration has stepped up efforts cutting federal support for wind and other renewable energy sources in recent weeks, slashing funding and canceling projects approved by the Biden administration. Last week, the administration halted construction of a nearly completed offshore project near Rhode Island.
The 54-year-old lawmaker was gunned down at midday in central Lviv. According to Ukraine’s Prosecutor General’s Office, the attacker fired multiple rounds before fleeing the scene. A large-scale police operation, codenamed Siren, was immediately launched to track down the suspect.
Unverified video circulating online appears to show the gunman disguised as a food courier, carrying a yellow delivery bag and leaving the scene on an e-bike. Authorities have not confirmed the footage but described the killing as carefully planned.
President Volodymyr Zelensky denounced the murder as a “horrific crime,” pledging that all security resources had been mobilised to capture those responsible.
“All necessary forces and means are engaged in the investigation and search for the killer,” he wrote on X, extending condolences to Parubiy’s family.
Lviv’s mayor Andriy Sadovyi warned that the assassination underscored the vulnerability of Ukrainians even far from the front lines.
“This is a matter of security in a country at war, where, as we can see, there are no completely safe places,” he said.
Parubiy rose to national prominence during the 2013–2014 Euromaidan movement, where he coordinated protest self-defence units that resisted riot police during months of demonstrations demanding closer integration with Europe. After the ouster of President Viktor Yanukovych, he briefly served as secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council in 2014, at the onset of Russia’s annexation of Crimea and the conflict in eastern Ukraine.
He later held the position of parliamentary speaker from 2016 to 2019 and was an influential member of the committee on national security, defence and intelligence. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Parubiy had also joined Ukraine’s territorial defence forces.
Political leaders paid tribute to Parubiy’s role in shaping Ukraine’s democratic path and strengthening its defences.
Former president Petro Poroshenko described his death as “a shot fired at the heart of Ukraine,” praising him as both a loyal ally and a central figure in building Ukraine’s armed forces.
Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called him “a patriot and statesman who made an enormous contribution to the defence of Ukraine’s freedom, independence and sovereignty,” adding that he “rightfully belongs in the history books.”
Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko called the killing “a profound loss,” urging investigators to swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice.
Law enforcement officials have not yet identified the shooter or suggested a motive, though prosecutors have said all possible leads are being pursued, including potential Russian involvement.
Police chief Oleksandr Shliakhovskyi confirmed that at least seven shell casings were recovered at the scene and said the weapon used has not yet been identified.
As investigations continue, the killing of Parubiy – a symbol of Ukraine’s struggle for sovereignty – is being seen by many in Kyiv as both a personal tragedy and a stark reminder of the risks facing the country’s political leadership during wartime.
Situated along two international borders with Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rusizi enjoys the advantages of cross-border trade. To harness this potential, the government has established modern cross-border markets such as those in Bugarama and Rusizi, with investments exceeding 3.2 billion Rwandan francs. The city also benefits from a regional airport served by RwandAir, making travel and commerce even more accessible.
Walking through Rusizi, one quickly notices the rapid pace of development. Hotels, restaurants, and modern commercial buildings are sprouting up, signaling that tourism has become a cornerstone of the district’s economy. The area’s natural treasures—including Lake Kivu, Nkombo Island, and Nyungwe National Park—make it an attractive destination for both local and international tourists.
Rusizi is home to more than 400,000 residents, according to the 2022 census. Over 70 percent of them are under the age of 25, and more than 70 percent depend on agriculture for their livelihoods. Farming remains the backbone of the district, with key cash crops such as coffee and tea, supported by agro-processing industries. Livestock farming is also widespread, with nearly 60 percent of households engaged in animal husbandry.
This strong agricultural and trading base sustains a vibrant local economy. From fish and second-hand clothing to small-scale retail, commerce thrives in the heart of the city. As a secondary hub supporting Kigali, Rusizi continues to expand its infrastructure and industry. Over the next five years, 145 kilometers of new paved roads are expected to be built, linking urban and rural areas more efficiently.
Land prices in the city have been rising sharply, reflecting its growing economic value. A plot that sold for around 10 million francs in 2023 can now fetch nearly double. Investors are drawn by the district’s unique opportunities, including Rwanda’s largest modern abattoir, completed at a cost of more than 4 billion francs, which supplies both local and regional markets.
Industries are multiplying as well, adding to the well-known cement plant, Cimerwa. Small and medium-scale enterprises are particularly well-positioned to benefit from ongoing improvements in transport, especially shipping across Lake Kivu.
A transformative project currently underway is the construction of the Rusizi Port, designed to handle four boats simultaneously—two for loading and two for unloading.
Once operational, the port will open new trade routes with other Western Province districts along Lake Kivu and strengthen links with the cities of Goma and Bukavu in eastern DRC. This will allow locally produced goods to reach markets faster and cheaper, boosting trade and attracting more investment.
Speaking to IGIHE, Rusizi District Mayor Phanuel Sindayiheba highlighted the region’s immense potential.
“One of our greatest opportunities lies in cross-border trade. Lake Kivu connects us with other districts up to Rubavu. Water transport is unique because it allows us to carry large volumes of goods. Investment in water transport on Lake Kivu will significantly change the dynamics of trade and mobility,” he explained.
But Rusizi is more than just business and infrastructure. It is a community where people balance work with cultural and spiritual life.
By day, residents work hard to earn their livelihoods; by evening, they gather to pray, share meals, and celebrate the beauty of their homeland. With safe and well-maintained roads now connecting Rusizi more closely to the rest of Rwanda, the city feels closer than ever.
With its unique mix of natural beauty, booming commerce, and strategic location, Rusizi is positioning itself as a must-visit destination, and perhaps the perfect getaway for a weekend retreat.
The modern bus terminal, which cost more than 500 million Rwandan francs, is expected to significantly benefit residents of Shyorongi Sector in Rulindo District, who have long struggled with transport challenges when traveling to Kigali.
Justin Uwiringiyimana, the General Manager of Trinity Nyakabingo Mine, said the company remains committed to supporting local communities.
“This bus station was built through a partnership between Nyakabingo Mine and Rulindo District, with the dedication of many people working on the project. The entire initiative, including surrounding works, cost around 500 million Rwandan francs. Beyond being a bus station, it is a symbol of the vision of Trinity Nyakabingo Mine and Trinity Metals as a whole to continue supporting local development and a better future,” he said.
He added that the company’s operations are anchored on seven pillars: promoting local procurement, supporting infrastructure development, creating jobs and employment opportunities, improving health and wellbeing, preventing and mitigating disasters, advancing education and skills, and strengthening community safety and security.
Construction of the Shyorongi bus station began in 2024 to reduce road accidents caused by the absence of a designated vehicle parking and boarding area.
Peter Geleta, the CEO of Trinity Metals, explained that as a mining company, it was important for them to also contribute to local development. “We chose to build a bus terminal in Rulindo because the district did not have one,” he said.
Emma Claudine Ntirenganya, the Director General in charge of Communication and Education at the City of Kigali said the new bus station will be integrated into a revised travel plan between Nyabugogo and Shyorongi.
“This is a major milestone that shows we can only reach Vision 2050 if we work together. This station will transform the lives of Shyorongi residents and strengthen trade between them and Kigali. We believe it will accelerate development for the people of Rulindo,” she said.
She added that work is underway to finalize the new Shyorongi–Nyabugogo bus route, a 24-kilometer corridor that will include proper road signs, bus stops, and modern payment systems to enhance efficiency.
Rulindo District Mayor Judith Mukanyirigira thanked Trinity Metals for funding the project. She assured residents that the station will greatly improve livelihoods and trade, and urged the community to take good care of the facility.
She further noted that the new infrastructure is expected to attract more people to settle in the district, as transport had been a key obstacle for many.
Once the Shyorongi–Nyabugogo route is operational, it will be served by four large buses, which are expected to make a major contribution to meeting the transport needs of the area’s residents.
Shema who has been serving as the President of AS Kigali, secured the majority vote required from FERWAFA members. Of the 53 members, 51 cast their vote in favor by raising a card marked “YES,” while none voted “NO.” Alongside eight individuals on his team, he will lead the federation for the next four years.
Outgoing president Munyantwali Alphonse congratulated the new leadership, saying he had full confidence in their ability to take Rwandan football forward.
“When things are going well, we must acknowledge it. We thank the federation’s president-elect and those already chosen for their decision to advance football. This is not just a place you go to as if attending a service—it’s about making progress,” Munyantwali said.
“I am confident this ‘Dream Team’ will achieve great results. Shema’s team will make us proud and do even better than we did. Where we fell short, we apologize—it was never intentional,” he added.
Munyantwali also thanked the Head of State for his unwavering support to Rwandan football, as well as the Ministry of Sports and FIFA for their assistance.
Davis Ndayisenga, head of the FIFA Regional Development Office in Kigali, also expressed appreciation for the outgoing committee’s work.
Speaking on behalf of FIFA president Gianni Infantino, he welcomed Shema Fabrice and his new team, pledging continued collaboration on future projects.
In his inaugural speech, Shema emphasized unity and transformation, presenting his vision under the theme “One Vision, One Team.”
“What brings us together is football, but what gives us joy is victory. Today, I call for change, a movement. To achieve this, we must rally around a shared vision,” he said.
Presenting his vision, Shema Fabrice highlighted eight key pillars that will guide his leadership. He emphasized the importance of supporting youth football and ensuring its sustainable development, alongside greater investment in infrastructure to create a solid foundation for the sport.
He pledged to raise the standards of competitions while also giving stronger attention to the growth of women’s football.
Equally, Shema committed to building knowledge and professionalism among those involved in the game, and to strengthening governance structures while working towards greater financial independence for the federation.
He also underlined the need to enhance both national and international relations, ensuring that Rwandan football remains connected to global opportunities. Finally, he stressed that fans must be given a greater role and platform, as they are central to the growth and spirit of the sport.
He assured members that he and his team will serve with transparency, resilience, and in the collective interest of advancing Rwandan football.
{{FERWAFA’s newly elected Executive Committee}}
-* President: Shema Fabrice
-* First Vice President in charge of Administration and Finance: Gasarabwe Claudine
-* Second Vice President in charge of Technical Affairs: Mugisha Richard
-* Commissioner for Finance: Nshuti Thierry
-* Commissioner for Women’s Football: Nikita Gicanda Vervelde
-* Commissioner for Competitions: Niyitanga Désiré
-* Commissioner for Technical Affairs and Football Development: Kanamugire Fidèle
-* Commissioner for Legal Affairs and Governance: Ndengeyingoma Louise
-* Commissioner for Sports Medicine: Dr. Gatsinzi Herbert
The court confirmed a municipal decree by Orléans mayor Serge Grouard, which had refused the burial on grounds that it risked turning the cemetery into a site of denial or glorification of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
Zigiranyirazo, once a prominent member of Rwanda’s former ruling elite, was convicted by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) in 2008 before being acquitted a year later on procedural grounds.
Ibuka France noted that this acquittal did not erase his historically established role within the regime that planned and executed the genocide.
His initial planned burial on August 28 was also blocked by Orléans Mayor Serge Grouard. The Diocese of Orléans Loiret in France, citing Protais Zigiranyirazo’s role in the genocide against the Tutsi, also announced that his funeral after his death on August 4, 2025, would be held without a Eucharist and without testimonies.
According to IBUKA, attempts by his family to organize a funeral in France attended by around 400 people, many linked to the former regime, constituted a profound insult to the victims, most of whom never received proper burials.
Ibuka France accused Zigiranyirazo’s relatives and supporters of using long-standing “conspiratorial rhetoric” to shift responsibility away from perpetrators and discredit victims’ associations.
The organization praised Mayor Grouard for personally defending the city’s decree before the court and also commended local mayors in Saran, Fleury-les-Aubrais, and Saint-Jean-de-la-Ruelle for firmly rejecting any burial in their municipalities.
Their stance, Ibuka France said, reflects a republican duty to resist denial, rehabilitation, or trivialization of the genocide.
Ibuka France further called on the French state to establish stronger safeguards to ensure that no municipal cemetery becomes a platform for denial or glorification of the genocide.
The organization also questioned how Zigiranyirazo’s body was transported to Orléans with only authorization from Niger and without the mandatory French consular permit, especially given that he had been barred from entering France during his lifetime.
“Ibuka France will continue, with strength and consistency, to fight denial and any attempt to glorify the genocide against the Tutsi,” the group said.
He emphasized that sustainable peace and security in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are essential for their safe and dignified return.
Grandi was welcomed by the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry in charge of Emergency Management, Aristarque Ngoga and the Mayor of Rubavu District, Prosper Murindwa. He was accompanied by UNHCR Regional Director Mamadou Balde and UNHCR Rwanda Representative, Ndeye Aissatou Masseck Ndiaye.
In his remarks, the High Commissioner highlighted that his visit aligns with the ongoing peace processes between Rwanda, the DRC and regional actors.
He commended Rwanda’s inclusive refugee programs, expressed solidarity with asylum seekers and acknowledged the tireless efforts of humanitarian partners despite global funding challenges.
“Rwanda has shown remarkable commitment to protecting those forced to flee, and we must work together to create the conditions that will allow them to return home safely,” Grandi said.
While meeting with representatives of Congolese asylum seekers, Grandi heard first-hand accounts of violence and displacement.
“We want to return home, where we were born,” said Gashati Nyanjwenge, 41, who was disabled by the FDLR while protecting his cows in Masisi territory.
“We recommend increased efforts in addressing the ongoing wars in Congo so that we can return home,” added Anatalie Mukankusi, 75, who has been at the camp for three years fleeing violence in Masisi.
Speaking to journalists after touring the camp, Grandi explained that his visit to Rwanda, which followed a stop in DR Congo, was in response to the Rwanda-DR peace agreement signed on June 27, 2025, in Washington, and the Doha Declaration of Principles.
He pledged to advocate for peace and security in eastern DRC as the foundation for safe returns, reaffirming UNHCR’s commitment to durable solutions.
Partners present at the camp raised concerns about the impact of global funding shortages on humanitarian operations, highlighting prioritisation, coordination and community engagement as key strategies to sustain support.
The High Commissioner later toured the camp, praising the conducive environment created through collaboration between the Government of Rwanda, UNHCR, and partners.
The announcement on August 29, 2025, was delivered with uncompromising language in Ankara’s parliament, where Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan underscored the depth of Türkiye’s break with Israel.
“We have completely cut off our trade with Israel. We do not allow Turkish ships to go to Israeli ports. We do not allow their planes to enter our airspace,” Fidan declared in his address to the Grand National Assembly.
He accused Israel of “committing genocide in Gaza for the past two years, ignoring basic humanitarian values right before the world’s eyes.”
The measures extend a decision taken in May 2024, when Türkiye suspended direct trade with Israel, halting a commercial partnership worth nearly $7 billion the year before.
Friday’s announcement closes off every remaining avenue of cooperation, from trade to transportation, and enforces strict new maritime rules requiring ships to prove they are not connected to Israel or carrying military cargo.
At the same time, Türkiye has positioned itself as a potential humanitarian actor. The presidency confirmed that air drops of aid to Gaza are prepared and awaiting coordination with Jordan.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has matched his government’s policies with fierce criticism of Israel’s leadership.
The fallout is expected to affect regional transport and trade flows, forcing airlines and shipping companies to reroute at greater cost.
By tailoring education to each child’s passions, whether it’s art or science, SkillSeed promises to unlock a future where kids don’t just learn, but thrive.
The platform uses artificial intelligence to create unique learning profiles, drawing on data from interactive assessments, engagement with videos and books, and feedback from mentors.
“Based on the data that has been collected, when the child answers questions in the assessment, we get to know what they are interested in, and we now give them the content that aligns with what they like,” says Juliet Kelechi, Wekraft’s Chief Technology Officer.
“We have modals that they interact with as well, and they can create things on their own depending on what their interest is.”
The platform offers gamified challenges, like puzzles and creative tasks, that make learning fun and hands-on. Parents receive detailed progress reports, with stars and badges marking their child’s growth.
“It’s not as serious as I make it sound; it’s more game-like,” Kelechi adds. “A six-year-old watches cartoons, of course, so we use those kinds of avatars to portray, so it’s fun and colourful.”
For co-founder and Chief Operations Officer (COO) Agnes Wambui, SkillSeed’s mission, which started in 2023, is deeply personal. Growing up, she excelled at debating on a national level but felt demoralised by a system that valued grades above all else.
“I felt that I would never amount to anything because I was not really good academically, but I never got much support for these other passions that I had,” Wambui recalls.
“We started Wekraft to show parents there are more levels and more measures of intelligence.”
SkillSeed complements the traditional education system, recognising what Wambui calls “up to nine types of intelligence.” The platform is aimed at nurturing diverse talents like art or debate, even helping kids build digital portfolios to showcase their work globally.
“You have a kid who can draw really well. Why don’t you have a portfolio for them that they can showcase to the rest of the world?” Wambui asks, noting opportunities like international exchange programs that such exposure can unlock.
Wekraft’s journey began with in-person workshops, where kids engaged in hands-on activities to spark their curiosity.
“We started with the in-person program where we were going to schools and having physical activities with the kids,” says Staphord Nkumbuye, Wekraft’s CEO.
The team soon realised the need for a broader reach, leading to the creation of a learning toolkit kids could take home.
“Kids wanted to take some of these activities home… learning continues even after school,” Nkumbuye explains. This toolkit laid the groundwork for SkillSeed’s digital platform, scaling its impact to reach more children with personalised, AI-driven experiences.
The platform’s practical impact resonates with students like Stalon Mbanda, who recently finished high school. Using SkillSeed’s toolkit, he created a vivid illustration of a kidney’s structure.
“It helped me bring out the vivid description of what I had in my mind,” he says, noting how the toolkit bridged theory and practice in his pursuit to become a doctor.
Commenting on the current platform, he noted, “Such programs help me to envision how I would be so that more of my knowledge is no longer theoretical but also practical.”
Beyond academics, SkillSeed connects kids with professionals through virtual mentorships and career excursions, exposing them to fields from science to creative arts.
“The goal is to expose kids to as many careers as possible, including the ones which are not here in Rwanda, because the world is an oyster,” Wambui says.
Recognising the digital divide in developing countries like Rwanda, the platform offers offline content for rural areas through partnerships with schools and community centres.
“We are using a hybrid approach to help children in rural areas access the platform,” Kelechi explains.
Wekraft also runs a donation program, where a portion of each subscription, starting at 15,000 Rwandan francs per month, subsidises access for those who can’t afford it.
The company is calling on organisations to donate refurbished computers to equip underserved schools.
For Wekraft’s CEO, SkillSeed is about shaping a generation. “We’re trying to tell parents we are in an era where passion and love for what you do take you further than following someone else’s path,” Nkumbuye says.
The journey to build SkillSeed wasn’t easy. But with support from Jasiri, a program empowering high-impact startups in Rwanda and the region, Wekraft found the wings to lift their idea.
“I never believed someone could help me when I just have an idea. Jasiri provided the best coaches in Africa, office spaces, and funding that made it easier to create something really wonderful,” Nkumbuye remembers those early days.
“Entrepreneurship can be brutal, but I was having fun because I loved it,” he adds.
According to Wekraft’s CEO, SkillSeed has enrolled over 600 students and earned crucial backing from Rwanda’s Ministry of Education.
“We even have the backing from the Rwandan government through the Ministry of Education,” he says, adding that the startup’s journey has been shaped by guidance from experts in early childhood education.
In a recommendation seen by IGIHE, the Ministry of Education states that Wekraft, through the SkillSeed platform, significantly advances inclusive, skills-based education, preparing youth for the future of work.
“Their learner-centred approach equips young people with essential 21st-century skills such as creativity, critical thinking, digital literacy, and problem-solving.
“Their pilot programs have engaged hundreds of learners, demonstrating a commitment to community development through collaboration with schools, educators, and local artisans. The SkillSeed platform also aligns with global frameworks, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for quality education and decent work.”
Sarah Mukundwa, an educationist and parent, sees platforms like SkillSeed as a game-changer in shaping the next generation of experts across diverse fields.
“My son is 10. He likes football so much. He told me, ‘Mommy, I can be a footballer and a doctor.’ This platform tests his skills, so he can know what he can excel in. It will help kids do what they love, not just what they’re told by their parents,” she says.
Wekraft plans to expand the program to the United Arab Emirates and Kenya in the near future as it gains momentum.
For parents and guardians, the platform is accessible at: [https://parents.wekraft.co/->https://parents.wekraft.co/]
Watch the video to discover more about the platform.
He is expected to stand trial before the General Court Martial, with charges reported to include treason, corruption, terrorism, and murder, according to local media.
Birungi’s arrest follows an investigation led by Deputy Chief of Defence Forces Lt Gen Sam Okiding.
The inquiry was launched earlier this year to scrutinize alleged misconduct within the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), particularly in intelligence and counterterrorism operations.
Findings from the probe suggest that certain UPDF officers may have fabricated or exaggerated bomb threats in Kampala as a means to obtain funds or mask illegal dealings.
Investigators also looked into misleading intelligence reports, including a claim about the death of ADF commander Meddie Nkalubo, information that had been verified under Birungi’s leadership at CMI.
The senior officer was apprehended on Friday night and immediately transferred to Makindye Prison. His case marks the first time a former CMI chief has been jailed.
Birungi’s military career has been turbulent in recent months. After being removed from CMI earlier this year, he briefly served as commander of the UPDF Mountain Division before being reassigned as a military attaché to Burundi, a role he never formally assumed.
