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“Any form of military interference in political processes constitutes a grave violation of the fundamental principles and values of the African Union,” the chairperson stresses in a press statement.

Youssouf called on all actors involved in the coup attempt to immediately cease all unlawful actions, to fully respect the country’s constitution, and to return without delay to their legitimate barracks and professional obligations.

He further encouraged all national stakeholders in Benin to prioritize unity, dialogue, and the preservation of national peace.

Meanwhile, the AUC chief expressed “deep concern over the troubling proliferation of military coups and coup attempts across parts of the region.” He underscored that such actions continue to undermine continental stability, threaten democratic gains, and embolden military actors to act outside constitutional mandates.

He emphasized that the pan-African bloc remains firm and consistent in defending democratic governance, the rule of law, and the sovereign will of the African people.

Benin’s armed forces have foiled an attempted mutiny aimed at destabilizing the state and its institutions, Minister of Interior and Public Security Alassane Seidou said in a statement on Sunday.

Seidou made the remarks after a group of soldiers announced earlier in the day on state broadcaster Benin TV that President Patrice Talon had been “removed from office.”

African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf on Sunday “strongly and unequivocally” condemned an attempted military coup in Benin.

Xinhua

The “yellow line” marks the zone from which Israeli troops have not withdrawn in the Palestinian enclave, as part of the ceasefire arrangements that took effect on Oct. 10.

“The ‘yellow line’ is a new borderline, serving as a forward defensive line for our communities and a line of operational activity,” Zamir said during a visit to Beit Hanoun and Jabaliya in Gaza, where he met division commanders.

He said the military has assumed “operational control over extensive parts of the Gaza Strip,” adding that Israeli forces “will remain” in those areas.

Zamir added the army “will not allow Hamas to reestablish itself” and is preparing for “surprise attack scenarios,” which he described as a cornerstone of the military’s upcoming multi-year plan.

He said that the mission will not be complete until the last deceased hostage in Gaza, Ran Gvili, a police officer, is brought home. Hamas has released all 20 remaining living hostages and the bodies of 27 deceased hostages, except Gvili.

Israeli troops have shot and killed dozens of Palestinians, saying they were suspects who crossed the “yellow line.” More than 370 people have been killed by Israeli fire since Oct. 11, bringing the Palestinian death toll since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023 to 70,360, according to figures from Gaza’s health authorities.

This photo released by Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Sept. 16, 2025 shows Israel’s military chief Eyal Zamir (2nd R) in the Gaza Strip.

Xinhua

Moscow views recent developments in Venezuela with deep concern, and tensions remain high and continue to grow. “This is primarily linked to Washington’s desire to assert unquestioned dominance in the region, a trademark of the Trump administration,” Ryabkov was quoted by TASS news agency as saying.

Ryabkov stressed that Russia maintains strong solidarity with Venezuela, referring to the recently concluded agreement on strategic partnership and cooperation between the two countries. “We support Venezuela, just as it supports us … In this trying time, we stand with Caracas and its leadership shoulder to shoulder,” Ryabkov said.

The U.S. has increased its military presence in the Caribbean Sea. The Pentagon has carried out at least 22 known strikes on alleged drug vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific Ocean since Sept. 2, killing more than 87 people aboard.

Ryabkov stressed that Russia maintains strong solidarity with Venezuela, referring to the recently concluded agreement on strategic partnership and cooperation between the two countries.

Xinhua

Identifying themselves as the “Military Committee for the Refoundation (CMR),” the soldiers said they convened on Sunday and decided that “Mr. Patrice Talon is dismissed from his functions as president of the republic.”

Gunshots were reported at Camp Guezo, near the president’s residence in the largest city of Cotonou, and local media said soldiers had taken control of the state broadcaster.

However, the Presidency said the president is safe and that government forces have regained control of the situation.

Gunshots were reported at Camp Guezo, near the president’s residence in the largest city of Cotonou, and local media said soldiers had taken control of the state broadcaster.

Xinhua

The decision was taken during an extraordinary district council meeting held on Sunday, December 7, 2025.

According to reliable sources, the officials were removed after failing to address pressing issues affecting residents, particularly in the Ndego and Mwiri sectors. Communities in the areas have faced severe food shortages due to prolonged lack of rainfall. Reports indicate that while government food supplies were available, delays and mismanagement in distribution left residents struggling to meet basic needs.

The council also cited frequent disagreements among the leadership, with officials reportedly clashing over key decisions multiple times, contributing to governance challenges within the district.

John Bosco Nyemazi was elected Mayor in December 2021. Hope Munganyinka joined the district’s executive committee in 2018 and was later re-elected. Jean Damascene Harerimana was elected Vice Mayor in 2016 and re-elected in 2021.

Kayonza District has faced ongoing challenges related to drought, despite the implementation of major irrigation projects, including KIIWP1, KIIWP2, and others, with investments totalling over 100 billion Rwandan francs. However, residents in Ndego and Mwiri continue to experience hardships each year, prompting repeated complaints.

The Mayor of Kayonza District, John Bosco Nyemazi, has been dismissed.

Hope Munganyinka was the Vice Mayor in charge of Economic Development.

Jean Damascene Harerimana was the Vice Mayor in charge of Social Affairs in Kayonza.

IGIHE

In a statement released on December 6, 2025, AFC/M23 clarified that the movement does not claim any territory outside the DRC and has no ambitions in Burundi, despite the country’s ongoing involvement in destabilizing eastern DRC.

'The world has witnessed the extensive destruction caused by bombs launched from Burundian territory by Burundian forces: roads and bridges destroyed, schools damaged, health centres affected, and homes and places of worship destroyed,' the statement read.

'These attacks, carried out from beyond our borders, continue to harm our communities, spread fear, and force thousands of families to flee their homes.'

The statement also highlighted that Burundian forces, armed and supported by the Kinshasa regime, are being used to target Tutsi Banyamulenge populations in Minembwe. AFC/M23 pledged to stand by civilians and urged residents to remain calm while continuing daily activities.

The call for Burundian withdrawal comes amid heavy fighting in South Kivu. Over the past five days, clashes between DRC forces and AFC/M23 have intensified in areas including Kamanyola, Kaziba, and Rurambo in Uvira territory. AFC/M23 fighters have captured Rurambo and are attempting to seize Lubarika, while DRC forces try to regain control of Katogota and Kamanyola.

Reports indicate heavy shelling in Kamanyola originating from Luvungi, while other shells have fallen in Luvungi from Kamanyola. Civilian homes and infrastructure, including schools, have been destroyed, leaving many dead or injured and forcing thousands to flee.

A displaced resident from Kamanyola recounted the harrowing experience: 'They were firing shells that landed in houses. People were dying, others were injured, houses were burning. I have a family of seven: my husband, five children, and I. We fled the war.'

Burundi’s forces have been implicated in the cross-border shelling. AFC/M23 condemned the attacks and vowed to continue protecting civilians, while elite fighters reportedly launched a major counterattack on December 4 against Burundian army positions in South Kivu, killing multiple soldiers, including Lt. Col. Athanase Minani, and taking others captive.

Burundian forces have been openly operating in South Kivu Province since 2022, after Burundi and the DRC signed a military cooperation agreement in an attempt to neutralise M23 rebels.

Burundian forces have been openly operating in South Kivu Province since 2022.

AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka reiterated the group’s commitment to defend local communities and called on the international community to recognise the destabilising role of external forces in the ongoing conflict in South Kivu.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The deal was formalised on Friday, December 5, in Washington by Jeremy Lewin, Senior Official, Under Secretary for Foreign Assistance, Humanitarian Affairs, and Religious Freedom, and Olivier Nduhungirehe, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) outlines a comprehensive plan to strengthen Rwanda’s health system, save lives, and enhance U.S. national interests through global health engagement. It builds on Rwanda’s significant progress in addressing HIV/AIDS, where the country has reached the 95-95-95 epidemic control goals.

“This partnership builds on Rwanda’s progress by moving away from parallel NGO delivery systems, investing in cutting-edge health infrastructure, fostering greater national ownership over health delivery systems and frontline workers, and putting Rwanda on an accelerated path to a more durable, responsive, and sustainable health system, including Rwanda taking over full control of its HIV/AIDS response by year four of the partnership,” the U.S. Department of State said in its statement.

Under the partnership, the United States will provide up to $158 million over five years to support Rwanda’s efforts to combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other infectious diseases, while also strengthening disease surveillance and outbreak response capabilities. Rwanda, in turn, will contribute an additional $70 million from its own domestic health budget, gradually assuming greater financial responsibility as U.S. support declines.

The agreement emphasises national ownership of healthcare delivery, moving away from parallel NGO systems, and investing in cutting-edge health infrastructure. By year four of the partnership, Rwanda is expected to take full control of its HIV/AIDS response, reinforcing a sustainable and self-reliant health system.

The MoU also fosters U.S. commercial interests in Rwanda and the broader region. The deal builds on the U.S. Department of State’s November 2025 award to Zipline International Inc., supporting the construction of American-made advanced robotics for delivering life-saving medical products. Rwanda, as an early adopter of Zipline technology in Africa, will manage and maintain this infrastructure. Additionally, the agreement includes $10 million for U.S. biotech firm Ginkgo Bioworks to expand disease outbreak surveillance in Rwanda, establishing a regional biothreat radar system.

Other areas of collaboration include next-generation HIV treatments and the deployment of artificial intelligence in healthcare, further reinforcing Rwanda’s health system and promoting sustainable development.

This agreement follows Kenya’s recent signing under the America First Global Health Strategy, which was launched in September 2025. The strategy aims to enhance the self-reliance of recipient countries in managing their health sectors and replaces certain funding previously provided by USAID.

The U.S. government plans to continue signing multi-year bilateral health agreements with additional countries in the coming weeks, advancing the objectives of the America First Global Health Strategy.

The deal was formalised on Friday, December 5, in Washington by Jeremy Lewin, Senior Official, Under Secretary for Foreign Assistance, Humanitarian Affairs, and Religious Freedom, and Olivier Nduhungirehe, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

Rwanda becomes the second African country to join the United States’ America First Global Health Strategy after Kenya signed a similar agreement.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Since the morning of December 5, 2025, DRC, Burundian, and Wazalendo forces have launched attacks in parts of Uvira territory, including Katogota, Kamanyola, and the Luvungi groupement.

Shelling in Luvungi has forced residents to flee to other areas of Uvira that are not affected by the clashes, including Sange, Runingu, Ndolera, and Uvira town.

Bertrand Bisimwa, the AFC/M23 rebellion’s deputy coordinator, said Burundian forces stationed in Burundi were targeting Kamanyola, Katogota, and Luvungi.

'This morning, Burundian troops in Burundi shelled densely populated areas in Kamanyola, Katogota, and Luvungi, causing civilian casualties, including children, and destroying homes, schools, churches, and markets,' Bisimwa said.

Footage shared on social media shows homes destroyed by the shelling. In one clip, a resident near Ngomo hill in Kamanyola reported, 'The first shell fell here. All the houses were destroyed. Six people died near Ngomo. Things are terrible.'

Lawrence Kanyuka, AFC/M23 spokesperson, added that the shelling of civilian areas began more than three days ago and that the group’s fighters remain prepared to defend affected populations.

The fighting erupted despite ceasefire commitments made by both parties during the ongoing mediation efforts in Doha, Qatar, raising concerns about escalation of violence.

The AFC/M23 rebel coalition reports that recent shelling in its controlled areas of South Kivu province in the DRC originates from Burundi.

IGIHE

The signing followed a landmark ceremony earlier in the day in Washington, D.C., where Rwanda and the DRC formalised a US-brokered peace accord aimed at ending decades of conflict, enhancing regional security, and unlocking new opportunities for cooperation. The Washington Accord was witnessed by US President Donald Trump, President Paul Kagame, DRC President Félix Tshisekedi, and several African and international leaders.

In addition to the peace compact, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olivier Nduhungirehe, concluded two separate economic agreements: the Regional Economic Integration Framework (REIF) with his DRC counterpart, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, and the Framework Between the United States and Rwanda for Shared Economic Prosperity with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olivier Nduhungirehe, concluded two separate economic agreements: the Regional Economic Integration Framework (REIF) with his DRC counterpart, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the agreements are designed to accelerate economic integration and promote shared prosperity across the region.

Rwanda—DRC economic integration framework

Minister Nduhungirehe said the newly signed REIF creates a structured platform for Rwanda and the DRC to make joint investments in five priority sectors: energy, infrastructure, mineral supply chains, national park management and tourism, and public health.

He noted that the framework provides both countries with pathways to strengthen cross-border trade and cooperation, complementing the security commitments embedded in the Washington Accord.

'This agreement opens economic opportunities for Rwanda and the DRC to work together in a coordinated and mutually beneficial way,' Nduhungirehe said.

The economic components of the REIF align with the broader objectives of the Washington Accord, which emphasises regional economic integration as a foundation for durable peace.

Rwanda—U.S. framework for shared economic prosperity

A second agreement signed with Secretary of State Marco Rubio establishes a bilateral framework for economic cooperation between Rwanda and the United States. The partnership focuses on mining and mineral processing, energy, and broader trade and investment promotion, operating outside the scope of the REIF.

Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olivier Nduhungirehe, also signed a separate Framework for Shared Economic Prosperity between the United States and Rwanda with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The framework is expected to strengthen Rwanda’s position as a reliable partner in critical mineral supply chains and expand American investment opportunities in the country.

The peace and economic agreements come at a pivotal moment as Rwanda and the DRC seek to turn the page on three decades of instability in eastern Congo. During the signing of the Washington Accord, President Trump hailed the development as 'a great day for Africa,' underscoring the accord’s potential to bring lasting stability and unlock new economic prospects.

President Kagame emphasised that the success of the agreement and the new economic frameworks rests primarily with African leadership and commitment.

'Rwanda will not be found wanting,' he said, reaffirming Rwanda’s readiness to play its part decisively.

DRC President Félix Tshisekedi described the accord and its accompanying frameworks as a turning point that offers a pathway out of the 'cycle of violence, mistrust, and forced displacement' that has long affected both nations.

By committing to deeper cooperation in sectors ranging from energy to mineral supply chains, Rwanda, the DRC, and the United States aim to lay the groundwork for a more stable, interconnected, and prosperous Great Lakes region.

The new pacts mark a significant step toward rebuilding cooperation and advancing shared economic interests alongside the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The figure, agreed upon by the two ministries, represents a decrease from the 117.5 billion shekels allocated in 2024 and the 135.7 billion shekels this year, during which Israel was engaged in fighting on several fronts.

The ministries said the reduction is due to a significant expected drop in the recruitment of reserve soldiers next year following the Gaza ceasefire that took effect on October 10.

Despite the decrease compared to the wartime budgets, the 2026 figure is still 47 billion shekels higher than the 2023 defense budget, which covered most of the period before the Gaza war erupted in October that year.

The new defense budget, subject to parliamentary approval as part of the 2026 state budget, was agreed upon after extensive discussions between the two ministries.

The ministries noted that the planned defense budget allows the government to avoid tax increases next year and even creates room for potential tax relief within the state budget.

They also agreed on a separate three-year budget package of around 725 million shekels to reinforce security infrastructure in the occupied West Bank, including travel protection measures, new road construction, military facilities, and projects along the eastern border with Jordan.

Israel’s defense budget for 2026 is set at 112 billion shekels (about 34.7 billion U.S. dollars), according to statements issued by the finance and defense ministries on Friday.

Xinhua