The motions, filed separately on Friday by left-wing parliamentary groups including La France Insoumise, the Democratic and Republican Left group (GDR) and the Ecologists, as well as by the far-right National Rally and its ally, the Union of the Right for the Republic (UDR), accused the government of abusing constitutional powers to force the budget through parliament.
The first motion, put forward by 113 left-wing deputies, garnered 260 votes, falling 29 votes short of the 289 required for adoption, according to the National Assembly.
The second motion, tabled by 106 right-wing deputies, was also rejected, receiving 135 votes, well below the threshold needed to bring down the government.
According to the French Constitution, Article 49.3 allows the Prime Minister, with Cabinet approval, to force the passage of a bill (typically finance or social security) through the National Assembly without a vote. The bill is deemed adopted unless a motion of no-confidence is passed.
Lecornu first invoked Article 49.3 in the National Assembly on Jan. 20 to push through the revenue side of the budget bill, and used the mechanism again to adopt the expenditure side after his government survived two no-confidence votes on Jan. 23. Following another round of no-confidence motions last Tuesday, the government made a third and final use of Article 49.3 on Friday to have the budget adopted in its entirety.
With the no-confidence votes cleared on Monday, France’s 2026 state budget was definitively adopted, bringing to an end nearly four months of parliamentary debate and a prolonged political standoff over the budget bill, pending review by the Constitutional Council prior to promulgation.
SpaceX confirmed the takeover of xAI , the company behind the Grok chatbot, in a memo from Musk published on its website.
He described the merger as the creation of an “innovation engine” bringing together AI, rockets, satellite internet and media under a single structure.
Financial terms were not disclosed, but a source familiar with the deal said xAI was valued at about $125bn, while SpaceX was pegged at $1tn, potentially making it the world’s most valuable private company.
The move follows Tesla’s $2bn investment in xAI announced last month. At the time, Musk told Tesla investors that xAI could act as an “orchestra conductor” for the company’s factories, particularly as it shifts toward autonomous robots. Tesla has since said it will stop producing two vehicle models to focus on robotics, a decision that faced resistance from some shareholders.
Industry analysts see the deal as a step toward a future stock market debut. Emily Zheng, a senior analyst at Pitchbook, said the consolidation “has all the markings of a company preparing for a public listing,” citing the high costs of AI infrastructure and energy.
“Consolidating these companies ahead of an IPO [electric car company] allows SpaceX to present a differentiated, capital-efficient growth narrative,” she said.
In the memo, Musk argued that space offers the long-term solution to AI’s energy demands.
“In the long term, space-based AI is obviously the only way to scale,” he wrote, pointing to AI satellites and space-based data centres as a near-term focus.
xAI, which emerged from X (formerly Twitter), has also faced scrutiny in Europe over Grok’s image-generation features. The company said it has since imposed new restrictions on users.
The decision was announced on Monday, February 2, at the conclusion of a meeting of the Ceasefire Oversight and Verification Mechanism held in Doha and hosted by the State of Qatar. During the meeting, the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and AFC/M23 signed the terms of reference stemming from the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), formalising procedures for monitoring, verification and information exchange in support of the peace process in eastern DRC.
According to the statement, members of the mechanism “tasked MONUSCO with dispatching the first field mission to the city of Uvira to monitor the ceasefire in the coming days,” adding that the necessary field communication channels had been established to facilitate the mission’s work.
Both parties also renewed their commitment to the ceasefire and to the Doha Framework Agreement for Peace signed on November 15, 2025, reaffirming their determination to implement “all obligations stipulated therein in good faith, in support of the peaceful process.”
The meeting was attended by members of the mechanism, with the United States and the African Union participating as observers. The Republic of Togo attended in its capacity as the African Union–appointed mediator, alongside representatives of MONUSCO and the ICGLR.
Participants reviewed developments on the ground and discussed existing challenges to the ceasefire. Emphasis was placed on the need for practical measures to strengthen monitoring and verification, particularly through coordinated field missions. In this context, MONUSCO was tasked with dispatching its first ceasefire monitoring mission to Uvira, with dedicated communication channels established to support the mission’s work.
Uvira has been a focal point in recent months. AFC/M23 captured the strategic city in South Kivu late last year, describing the move as an effort to protect civilians from what it alleged were ethnic atrocities committed by coalition forces aligned with the Kinshasa government and its allies. The group later announced a unilateral withdrawal, framing the move as a confidence-building measure aimed at supporting the Doha peace process.
In a statement dated December 15, 2025, AFC/M23 said the withdrawal followed progress in the Doha talks and was carried out at the request of United States mediation. The alliance said it opted to pull back its forces despite what it described as continued provocations by the Congolese army (FARDC) and allied militias, arguing that the move was intended to give the peace process “the maximum chance” to succeed.
At the same time, AFC/M23 warned against a security vacuum in Uvira and called for concrete measures, including demilitarisation, protection of civilians and infrastructure, and neutral ceasefire monitoring.
Despite the renewed commitments in Doha, tensions persist. Both the Congolese government and AFC/M23 have continued to accuse each other of ceasefire violations. The Kinshasa administration, in particular, has been accused by AFC/M23 of targeting civilian populations through drone attacks.
Observers say the success of MONUSCO’s mission in Uvira, and the broader credibility of the peace process, will depend on whether commitments made in Doha translate into restraint on the ground and improved protection for civilians in South Kivu.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi are reported to plan a meeting in Istanbul on Friday to discuss a potential nuclear deal and other issues, Axios cited a U.S. official as saying on Monday.
But Iranian media later cast doubt on the reports. Tasnim, citing Iranian officials, said details of the talks have not been finalized. “The potential negotiations are still at a preliminary stage, and once the overall framework and structure of the talks take shape, subsequent stages and further details will be finalized,” the agency reported.
Earlier Monday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran was carefully studying the structure of potential negotiations with Washington, with a focus on lifting sanctions and advancing national interests.
He emphasized that sanctions relief remains a core priority. Baghaei cited Araghchi as saying the nuclear issue has long been used as a pretext for conflict against Iran, and added that Iran’s primary demand in any talks is “the removal of unjust sanctions.”
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has reportedly ordered the start of negotiations with the United States on the nuclear issue, according to semi-official Fars News Agency, citing an unnamed government source. Fars also reported that talks would likely take place in Türkiye in the coming days.
Trump on Sunday warned that if Iran fails to reach a nuclear deal with Washington, the United States would assess whether Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s claim that an attack could spark a regional war is accurate. Araghchi told CNN the same day that a “just, fair, and equitable” nuclear deal with the United States remains achievable if Washington abandons coercive policies.
{{Tensions remain high}}
The developments come amid heightened U.S.-Iran tensions. The Trump administration deployed an aircraft carrier strike group and multiple warships to the Middle East in late January, with the U.S. leader continuing to send warnings to Tehran.
Also on Monday, the Israeli military announced that Israeli and U.S. naval forces conducted a joint exercise in the Red Sea a day earlier.
The drill is part of the ongoing strategic coordination between the Israeli Navy and the U.S. 5th Fleet, which oversees maritime operations in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Gulf of Oman, the Israeli military added. Officials characterized the maneuvers as a routine effort to strengthen regional security and interoperability between the two partners.
In response to the military buildup, Iran’s Armed Forces’ Chief of Staff Abdolrahim Mousavi warned that Tehran’s response to “the slightest mistake” by the United States could trigger a regional war, according to official news agency IRNA. He said Iran cannot be “blockaded” and any attack would have severe consequences for U.S. forces and their allies.
Washington has said any deal with Iran must include a ban on uranium enrichment, the removal of already enriched material, limits on long-range missiles, and a rollback of support for regional proxies. Analysts said such conditions would be “very difficult” for Iran to accept.
A senior Iranian security official told Fars on Monday that Tehran does not plan to send enriched nuclear materials abroad, after Russia and Türkiye suggested they could host or process Iran’s uranium to ease tensions.
Regional diplomacy is also active. Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi assured his Iranian counterpart that Jordan would not allow its territory or airspace to be used for attacks on Iran. “Jordan will not be a battleground in any regional conflict or a launching pad for any military action against Iran,” the ministry said. Similar assurances have come from other regional countries, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
{{Domestic security operations}}
Iranian authorities on Monday said they arrested four foreigners of undisclosed nationalities for “participation in riots” in Tehran province. State television reported that homemade stun grenades were found during searches of suspects’ belongings. Authorities have accused Israel and the United States of involvement in the unrest.
The office of President Pezeshkian released a list Sunday of 2,986 people killed in the unrest, compiled from data provided by the Iranian Legal Medicine Organization. The total death toll, including unidentified victims, stands at 3,117. The statement emphasized a commitment to transparency and accountability, pledging that no bereaved family would be left unheard.
Weeks of protests over the sharp depreciation of the rial swept cities across Iran from late December to January. Initially peaceful, the demonstrations escalated into clashes that caused casualties and damage to public property, including mosques, government buildings, and banks. Tehran has blamed the unrest on the United States and Israel.
She made these remarks during the commemoration of the 32nd National Heroes Day on Sunday, February 1, 2026, hosted by the Rwandan community in Luxembourg under the theme “Heroism and Unity of Rwandans: Pillars of Development.”
In her address, Amb. Munyangaju emphasized the profound meaning of February 1 as a day to reflect on Rwanda’s history, appreciate those who sacrificed for the country, and renew collective commitment to its shared vision.
Quoting the National Anthem, “Our brave ancestors gave themselves without reservation, they created you and made you great…”, she highlighted that heroism has characterized Rwandans from ancient times and remains the foundation of development and hope.
The Ambassador explained that heroism in Rwanda goes beyond military courage to include love for the country, selflessness, integrity, the pursuit of good, resistance to evil, and respect for human dignity.
These values, she said, enabled Rwanda to endure colonial attempts to divide its people, discriminatory policies during the First and Second Republics, and the horrors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Amb. Munyangaju paid tribute to the RPF/Inkotanyi liberation struggle, launched on October 1, 1990, and successfully concluded on July 4, 1994, when the Genocide was stopped. That effort, she noted, exemplified extraordinary sacrifice, unity, foresight, and leadership, marking the start of a new Rwanda founded on security, reconciliation, and sustainable progress.
The Ambassador recalled that Rwanda honors exceptional contributions through the National Heroes categories—Imanzi, Imena, and Ingenzi—each recognizing different expressions of courage and commitment, yet all united by prioritizing the common good above personal interest.
Turning to the present day, Amb. Munyangaju called on Rwandans to live out these heroic values in the ongoing pursuit of development, better living standards, and national self-reliance. She stressed that true unity must be anchored in integrity, dedication to quality work, and the preservation of Rwandan cultural foundations.
In conclusion, with a message addressed particularly to the youth, Amb. Munyangaju declared: “Dear young people, the future of your country, Rwanda, is in your hands. Draw inspiration from the values of the National Heroes: courage, unity, hard work, and integrity. Be agents of progress, builders of peace, and ambassadors of Rwandan values wherever you may be.”
She also strongly encouraged young people to master and transmit Kinyarwanda, describing it as “the foundation of national unity and the vehicle of our culture and values,” essential for preserving national identity and ensuring the continuity of Rwanda’s shared heritage.
The event, which brought together Rwandans living in Luxembourg and neighboring areas, featured traditional dances and a panel discussion with Joseph Kayijuka, Jean Bosco Busindu, and Solange Demarck, focusing on the significance of the day.
Amb. Munyangaju further tied the day’s message to Rwanda’s broader development achievements, including significant progress toward eliminating cervical cancer by 2027.
She highlighted key gains, including 90% HPV vaccination coverage among 15-year-old girls, 31% screening coverage for women aged 30–49, 82% access to treatment, and nine districts already meeting elimination targets. She also outlined remaining needs, including USD 27.8 million to screen an additional 712,110 women, establish radiotherapy capacity, and strengthen human resources.
She emphasized that this health initiative reflects the same heroic dedication to protecting lives that defines Rwanda’s path forward, calling on Rwandans in Luxembourg to play a key role in supporting this campaign.
The event which brought together Rwandans in Luxembourg and neighboring areas, featured traditional dances, a panel discussion featuring Joseph Kayijuka, Jean Bosco Busindu, and Solange Demarck revolving around the significance of the day.
In an interview with IGIHE, Mayor Katembo stated that prior to AFC/M23’s takeover, the Congolese government had deployed fighters from the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) in Goma, alongside the national army (FARDC) and Wazalendo militias, contributing to insecurity in the city.
“They brought the FDLR into the city,” Katembo said. “The FDLR is a foreign armed group, not Congolese. The Kinshasa government armed them to fight the Congolese, us, the AFC/M23. Those weapons were used to kill people here in Goma.”
According to the mayor, the Congolese government’s cooperation with the FDLR, Wazalendo militias, Burundian troops, forces from the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and European mercenaries was intended to protect President Félix Tshisekedi’s administration rather than ensure civilian security.
He noted that abuses were widespread. “Wherever the Wazalendo passed, they destroyed property, killed civilians, and looted. That was also the case with FARDC and the FDLR,” he said.
AFC/M23 seized control of Goma on January 27, 2025, following clashes with a coalition of Congolese government forces. Mayor Katembo said restoring security was the group’s immediate priority, including collecting weapons left throughout the city.
“When I assumed office, for two to three months, we collected between 30 and 40 weapons per day,” he said. “Weapons were being picked up from the streets across all neighbourhoods of Goma. At the time, the city was hosting more than 40,000 soldiers.”
{{Cross-border trade between Goma and Rubavu
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Goma and Rubavu, a Rwandan border town, are often described as twin cities due to their close proximity. The two are separated by the La Corniche main border post and the Grande Barrière crossing, which facilitate significant cross-border trade and movement involving Congolese, Rwandans, and foreign nationals.
Mayor Katembo said that restrictions imposed by the Congolese government, including the closure of banks, had disrupted daily life and commerce in Goma, prompting AFC/M23 to seek cooperation with neighbouring Rwanda to ease trade.
“We share a border with Rwanda, specifically with Rubavu,” he said. “Good neighbourly relations are a basic principle between countries. Rwanda is our neighbour today and tomorrow. Cooperation and peaceful coexistence are essential.”
He noted that the cost of the CPGL border pass, previously between 12 and 20 US dollars, has been reduced to 5 dollars under AFC/M23 administration.
According to Katembo, another travel document used as a passport substitute previously cost between 45 and 60 dollars when the Congolese government controlled Goma. That fee has now been reduced to 25 dollars.
AFC/M23 leader Corneille Nangaa has stated that more than 40,000 people cross the shared borders with Rwanda at Rubavu and Rusizi every day.
{{Measures to combat drug trafficking
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Drug trafficking, particularly cannabis smuggling into Rwanda via unofficial border routes, has long been a security concern along the Rwanda–DRC border, especially in the Rubavu area.
Authorities in Rubavu District have previously cited legal discrepancies between the two countries as a major challenge, noting that substances illegal in Rwanda may be permitted in the DRC, complicating joint enforcement efforts.
Mayor Katembo said addressing drug use and trafficking is a priority for AFC/M23, emphasizing the need for reforms in areas under its control to ensure long-term stability and youth protection.
Public awareness campaigns have been launched to discourage drug consumption and trade, he said, alongside efforts to identify and shut down illicit production of strong alcoholic beverages.
“As the leadership of Goma City, our focus today is combating drugs such as cannabis,” Katembo said. “People may come and go, but institutions remain.”
He warned that individuals found violating anti-drug and alcohol regulations in Goma will be arrested and detained at Munzenze Prison.
Under the agreement, the UAE will provide a grant of US$20 million to help accelerate emergency response efforts in Sudan by delivering food assistance to populations affected by the conflict and addressing urgent food security needs of vulnerable groups, including displaced people in host communities.
The agreement was signed in the presence of Dr. Tareq Ahmed Al Ameri, Chairman of UAE Aid Agency, by Rashid Salem Al Shamsi, Executive Director of Logistics Support at the Agency, and Bashar Al Hammami, Head of the WFP Partnership Office in the UAE, representing the United Nations World Food Programme.
Dr. Tareq Ahmed Al Ameri affirmed the UAE’s continued commitment to its global humanitarian leadership in providing urgent relief to alleviate the suffering caused by the conflict in Sudan. He emphasised the importance of meeting essential food needs for displaced populations within Sudan as well as in neighboring host countries, including Chad, South Sudan, Uganda, and Ethiopia.
He further highlighted the shared international and moral responsibility to address challenges in famine-affected and high-risk areas, underscoring the necessity of delivering life-saving humanitarian assistance in crises situations.
Bashar Al Hammami, Head of the WFP Partnership Office in the UAE, stated, “The United Nations World Food Programme expresses its profound gratitude and appreciation to the Government of the United Arab Emirates for its generous contribution of US$20 million, which will support WFP’s life-saving operations in Sudan. This significant contribution will enable us to reach millions of people facing acute hunger and daily hardship, and will have a tangible, life-saving impact on the lives of vulnerable families.”
The UAE continues its sustained humanitarian support for the Sudanese people, in line with its firm and longstanding commitment to addressing the ongoing catastrophic crisis in Sudan. Over the past decade (2015–2025), the UAE has provided US$4.24 billion in assistance to Sudan, including US$784 million in humanitarian aid since the outbreak of the civil war (2023–2025).
The UAE also underscores the importance of collective action with regional and international partners and reiterates the need for a humanitarian ceasefire to ensure the protection of civilians and facilitate safe and unimpeded access for humanitarian aid, contributing to stability and peace for the brotherly Sudanese people.
The Office condemned “in the strongest possible terms” Russia’s decision to expel a British diplomat last month and its “baseless accusations against our staff,” said the statement.
Any further action taken by Russia will be considered an escalation and responded to accordingly, it added.
On January 15, the Russian foreign ministry said Russia had decided to expel a British embassy employee for alleged affiliation with the British special services.
The ministry said it summoned the British charge d’affaires in Russia on the same day and lodged a strong protest regarding the issue.
The ministry had decided to revoke the accreditation of the employee and ordered him to leave Russia within two weeks.
“Moscow will not tolerate the activities of undeclared British special services staff on Russian territory,” it said, adding that if London escalates the situation, the Russian side will give a decisive “mirror” response.
In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, Attiya, the creative mind behind the revered [ Scribs and Nibs->https://thescribsandnibs.com/] platform, opened up about her journey of living in Rwanda. Known for sharing her travels, uncovering hidden gems, and sampling local delicacies, she offers a perspective that is both personal and inspiring.
{{From South Africa to Kigali
}}
Attiya and her husband first visited Rwanda in 2022 while living in South Africa, and they were instantly captivated. “We absolutely loved Kigali,” she recalls. “So when the chance came to move here in March 2025, we jumped at it.”
Having grown up and lived in various parts of Africa, Attiya says her passion for experiencing new cultures and places made Rwanda a perfect fit.
She describes Kigali, where her husband now works, as safe, clean, and welcoming, with plenty of spots to explore. From international cafes to colourful art galleries, the city feels lively yet cosy, offering the perfect balance for both work and leisure.
{{The Birth of Scribs and Nibs
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Settling into a new country naturally comes with curiosity, wanting to explore every corner, taste every flavour, and capture the experiences along the way. For Attiya, this curiosity became the spark for Scribs and Nibs. The blog began during the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to document weekend trips, local eateries, and hidden spots, first in South Africa and later in Rwanda.
“The name comes from the ‘scribbles’ of my writing and the ‘nibbles’ from my love of trying new foods,” Attiya explains with a smile.
Over time, her blog evolved into a full guide for travellers, offering detailed reviews of hotels, tours, restaurants, and experiences. What began as a hobby now helps readers explore new places independently while also providing Attiya with income through ads, affiliate links, and partnerships with local businesses.
{{Exploring Rwanda’s rich landscape
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Since settling in Rwanda in March 2025, Attiya has embraced both urban life and countryside adventures. She’s been mesmerised by the views at Musanze and Volcanoes National Park, enjoyed peaceful weekends at Twin Lakes, and embarked on a memorable chimpanzee hike in Nyungwe National Park with her family. Close to Kigali, spots like Lake Muhazi and Nena House offer the perfect mix of calm and adventure, just a short drive from the city.
Her love for Kigali’s cafe culture is evident. One of her favourite places is YO ki GA li, a charming space that combines a cafe, B&B, and yoga studio.
“It’s somewhere you can come and feel at home. You can spend all day enjoying the company of others, or just enjoy reading a book or working on your laptop. I think it’s a really lovely space to enjoy in Kigali,” she remarks.
{{Culinary adventure
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Food is an essential part of life in Rwanda for Attiya. She has quickly fallen in love with local dishes like Sambaza, Isombe, Dodo, and the spicy Akabanga hot sauce. Each restaurant offers its own take on these classics, turning every meal into an opportunity for discovery. Fried fish, rich sauces, and fresh ingredients have become a big part of her everyday enjoyment and blog content.
Beyond blogging and food, Attiya enjoys staying active. From yoga and Pilates to paddleboarding, tennis, and even the occasional CrossFit session, her weekends are full of exploration and movement. She also visits art galleries like Niyo Art Gallery and Inkingi Arts Space. Both spaces showcase diverse, authentic Rwandan art, including contemporary paintings and mixed media, offering welcoming atmospheres for art lovers.
She also keeps an eye on new restaurant openings or cultural events, all of which fuel her blog and personal inspiration.
Reflecting on her life in Rwanda, she calls it “relaxing.” Weekdays are for writing, exploring local cafes, and taking in the city’s vibrant spaces. Weekends are for discovering nature, new activities, and spending time with family.
“The people are so kind, and nothing feels hectic,” she notes.
Attiya encourages everyone to explore Rwanda. Despite its small size, the country offers a surprising variety of experiences.
“From Kigali, you can reach Musanze, Lake Kivu, Nyungwe, and Akagera within just a few hours,” Attiya says. “It’s amazing how you can experience mountains, lakes, wildlife, and city life all in a single trip.”
Looking ahead, Attiya plans to continue living in Rwanda for the next few years, documenting her adventures, sharing hidden gems, and celebrating the culture, cuisine, and lifestyle that make this country special.
Watch the full interview on the IGIHE YouTube channel to see more of Attiya’s adventures in Rwanda.
