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The suspect, a 30-year-old dual Kenyan-US national, was apprehended on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at the Sirari border crossing in the Tarime-Rorya area, located near the border with Kenya.

According to Tanzanian police, the man, who was driving a Toyota Land Cruiser, was stopped during a routine security check as he crossed into Tanzania from Kenya.

During the search, the grenades were found in his possession. The police stated that even with permission, bringing hand grenades or any explosives into Tanzania is prohibited under the country’s arms ownership law.

The motive behind the suspect’s possession of the grenades remains unclear, and investigations are currently underway.

Tanzanian authorities have not yet disclosed further details regarding his destination or plans. He is being questioned, and authorities assured that appropriate legal action would be taken after the conclusion of the investigation.

The arrest comes amid nationwide crackdown on foreigners suspected of involvement in violent incidents following Tanzania’s elections held on October 29, 2025.

The elections saw President Samia Suluhu securing 98% of the votes.

Rania Umutoni

The event took place at the university’s main campus in Masoro, Kigali, Rwanda, where AUCA conferred degrees for the 31st time. Among the graduates, 528 received bachelor’s degrees in various fields, including Theology, Education, Information Technology, Nursing, Finance, and more.

Additionally, 199 students graduated with master’s degrees in programs such as Master of Business Administration, Master of Education, and Master of Science.

The graduates hailed from Rwanda and 22 other countries, predominantly from across Africa.

Aimé Nduwayesu, a graduate from the Education department and representative of the master’s degree holders, spoke about how the education received at AUCA will enable them to become catalysts for positive change and contribute solutions to Rwanda’s challenges.

“In Kinyarwanda, it is said that those who seek to wear a crown must bear its weight. That’s why we won’t disappoint; we are young leaders ready to be on the front lines,” said Nduwayesu.

AUCA Vice Chancellor Dr. Pacifique Nizeyimana, congratulated the graduates for their dedication and hard work.

'I know you worked hard and prayed to reach this goal,' he said, urging them to uphold integrity as they navigate the challenges ahead.

Dr. Edouard Kadozi, the Director-General of the Rwanda Higher Education Council (HEC), also commended AUCA for its continued contribution to the nation’s development through quality education.

He emphasized that the graduates are expected to play a pivotal role in the country’s efforts to build a knowledge-based economy, aligning with Rwanda’s Vision 2050 and the broader National Strategy for Transformation (NST2).

'As the country progresses towards a knowledge-based economy, you will be at the forefront as professionals driving these changes. No country can develop without a workforce equipped with the necessary skills in the labor market,' Dr. Kadozi said.

AUCA, which has been in existence for 41 years, was the first private university in Rwanda. It currently operates three campuses, two in Kigali and one in Karongi, Western Province.

Lisa Beardsley-Hardy, Director of Education at General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists also graced the event.

Airtel Rwanda also awarded best performers.

Dr. Blasious Ruguri is the Chancellor of the Adventist University of Central Africa (AUCA) congratulated graduates for achieved milestone.

Dr. Edouard Kadozi, the Director-General of the Rwanda Higher Education Council (HEC), commended AUCA for its continued contribution to the nation’s development through quality education.

A total of 728 students graduated from the Adventist University of Central Africa (AUCA) across bachelor’s and master’s programs on Sunday, November 16, 2025.

Bank of Kigali awarded top performing students.

Dr. Hesron Byilingiro, the president of the Rwanda Union Mission and chairperson of the AUCA Council urged graduates to be defined by good conduct.

AUCA, which has been in existence for 41 years, was the first private university in Rwanda.

IGIHE

The two-day event, co-hosted by Xinhua News Agency, the African Union (AU) and South Africa’s Independent Media, among other partners, gathered more than 200 representatives from over 160 media outlets, think tanks, government organizations and other institutions from China and 41 African countries, as well as the AU.

It focuses on how collaboration between media and think tanks can contribute to shaping a fairer and more inclusive global governance under the theme “Reforming Global Governance: New Roles and Visions for China-Africa Cooperation.”

This undated file photo shows a view of the China-Egypt TEDA Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone in Ain Sokhna district of Suez province, Egypt. (TEDA Investment Holding Co., Ltd.

Strengthening China-Africa synergy

Against the backdrop of profound changes unseen in a century, the awakening of the Global South and its growing cooperation have become an indispensable part of the international landscape, with China-Africa cooperation at the core.

In 2015, 2018 and 2021, China successively announced at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) the implementation of the 10 cooperation plans, eight major initiatives and nine programs, drawing a blueprint for China-Africa cooperation.

Quoting an African proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together,” Lyu Yansong, editor-in-chief of Xinhua News Agency, called on media and think tanks to take the conference as an opportunity to build consensus, strengthen solidarity and collaboration, and jointly create a better future in his keynote speech at the opening ceremony.

Addressing the event, Chinese Ambassador to South Africa Wu Peng shared three keywords on China-Africa cooperation — partnership, practicality and prospects.

“China is ready to work with African countries to implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, further expand win-win cooperation across all fields, and speed up the common modernization of China and Africa,” said Wu.

Noting that the relationship between Africa and China has evolved over decades of solidarity, mutual respect and shared aspirations for development, Leslie Richer, the AU director of information and communication, said that Africa will work with China and other Global South partners to make its voice heard more strongly, while promoting more balanced narratives through closer media and think tank cooperation.

The event featured the launch of the Global South joint communication partnership network “United in Heart, Path and Action — 2026 China-Africa Partnership Empowerment Action Plan,” with the aim of better supporting the shared development of China and Africa.

Applauding the development of the Africa-China relationship, Jonathan Titus-Williams, deputy minister of planning and economic development of Sierra Leone, said that the partnership has long been characterized by solidarity and shared purpose grounded in mutual respect, equality, and a collective aspiration for a just and peaceful world.

As the permanent host of the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, China’s Hunan province has made great efforts in recent years to promote cooperation in various fields such as agriculture, green energy and industrial chains with African partners.

Recognizing the expo as an important initiative under the FOCAC’s major action plans, Shen Yumou, head of the Hunan provincial commerce department, said that Hunan has been aiming to enhance China-Africa cooperation, focusing on building six major centers for trade in non-resource products, cross-border e-commerce, industrial development, financial cooperation, logistics and trade promotion, to serve as a strategic hub for China-Africa economic ties.

Chinese agronomist Hu Yuefang explains the growth of rice to local farmers at the China Hybrid Rice High-Yield Demonstration Base near Antananarivo, Madagascar, March 25, 2025.

Promoting inclusive governance

At the conference, the Xinhua Institute, a think tank affiliated with Xinhua News Agency, released a report titled “Jointly Building a New Model of Global Leadership — Work Together in Pursuit of a More Just and Rational Global Governance System.”

The report argues that the world faces a global leadership deficit, reflected in the failure of peace, imbalance in development and discord among civilizations. It calls for a “new model of global leadership,” one that does not emanate from any single country, bloc or international organization, but rather represents a multilateral form of leadership — a synergy forged by the international community in active response to global challenges.

Noting the Global Governance Initiative put forward by China at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Tianjin Summit in September, Lyu said, “Let us put the initiative into practice and jointly shape a just and equitable international order.”

He emphasized that media and think tanks from China and Africa should comprehensively expound on the Global South’s solutions for advancing the reform of the global governance system, and demonstrate the Global South’s strength reflected in the solidarity and cooperation of developing countries.

The remarks by Xinhua’s editor-in-chief resonated strongly with the participants.

“Tunisia and many African countries are key partners in the Global Governance Initiative and support China’s aspiration for a fairer and more equitable world order,” said Najeh Missaoui, chairman and CEO of the Tunis Africa News Agency.

Stressing the media’s role in advancing shared governance, Missaoui noted that the media is no longer just a tool for delivering news or sharing information; it has become a powerful force of cultural influence — shaping public opinion, contributing to decision-making, and nurturing dialogue and mutual understanding among peoples.

Similarly, Ismaila Ceesay, minister for information of The Gambia, said that it is believed that the future of global governance must be inclusive, multipolar and reflective of the rich diversity of human experience.

“China’s support in fostering training, technology transfer and infrastructure development across Africa’s media landscape is a valuable contribution toward this goal,” he added.

Forging shared future

The highlights of China-Africa cooperation represent the Chinese vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity.

Since the establishment of FOCAC 25 years ago, China and Africa have cooperated on building or upgrading nearly 100,000 km of roads and more than 10,000 km of railways across Africa. Over the past three years, Chinese enterprises have created more than 1.1 million jobs on the African continent. The results of China-Africa cooperation are visible and palpable, and have truly benefited the people of both sides.

Iqbal Surve, chairman of South Africa’s Independent Media, hailed the Africa-China partnership as a beacon of what genuine cooperation can achieve, one grounded in mutual respect, shared goals, and a commitment to building a fairer, more inclusive world order.

“Together, we can build a world that is more balanced, more just, and more humane — a world where every voice counts and every nation thrives,” he added.

From Madagascar’s hybrid rice to agricultural poverty reduction demonstration villages in Sao Tome and Principe, from Ethiopia’s Eastern Industrial Zone to the China-Egypt TEDA Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone, and from Mauritania’s China-Africa Green Technology Park to the geothermal power plant of Sosian Energy in Kenya, the Chinese solutions are boosting the continent’s modernization drive.

Erastus Mwencha, former deputy chairperson of the AU Commission, praised China as one of the countries that really speak and advocate for the Global South, noting that Africa’s Ubuntu philosophy, which means “I am because we are” holds that no one should be left behind, and reflects values that align closely with China’s vision and advocacy.

Noting the importance of an action-led global governance model to address the practical concerns of sustainable peace and development, Peter Kagwanja, president and chief executive of the Africa Policy Institute, said that Africa and China should partner in the proposed Global Governance Initiative as the surest pathway to a reformed and inclusive global governance system.

“It is key to realize the noble dream of a community with a shared future for humanity in a multipolar order,” he added.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, chairs the UN Security Council’s high-level meeting on “Practicing multilateralism, reforming and improving global governance” at the UN headquarters in New York on Feb. 18, 2025.

Xinhua

These prices replaced the rates introduced in September 2025, when a litre of petrol cost Frw 1,862 and diesel cost Frw 1,808. This means petrol increased by Frw 127 per litre, while diesel rose by Frw 92. Such a significant rise in fuel prices is rare in Rwanda.

In an interview with IGIHE, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Antoine Marie Kajangwe, explained that the increase in fuel prices this time is driven by two main factors.

'To put it simply, the rise was caused by two things. You may recall that in July, the government introduced VAT on petrol prices. Once you add an extra 18% to any product, the price naturally goes up. That is why you saw prices rise,' he said.

Kajangwe added, 'In the past two months, what pushed prices up slightly is that most of our fuel normally transits through Tanzania because fuel transported through the country is cheaper than that transported through Kenya. But due to some recent issues, importers started sourcing fuel through Kenya. Since fuel from Kenya is a bit more expensive, it affects overall prices.'

Rwanda revises fuel prices every two months. This is because transporting fuel from Arab countries where it is purchased to Kigali typically takes about two months.

This means global market prices affect Rwanda’s fuel prices with a two-month delay.
On November 15, 2025, a barrel of oil on the global market was selling at $60.09, down from $64.1 on September 1, 2025.

Looking at the past two months, this month saw the sharpest drop, with prices ranging between $60.98, $58, and $60.09 since November 1.

In Rwanda, the retail price of petrol is determined by the international price from the previous two months, the cost of transporting the fuel from the ports of Dar es Salaam or Mombasa to Kigali, the exchange rate, and the VAT applied.

The Managing Director of Société Pétrolière Ltd (SP), Habimana Claudien, said that sourcing fuel from Kenya is one of the three reasons prices increased.

He explained, 'We used to import most of our petrol through Tanzania, but now we have started importing through Kenya and fuel in Kenya is more expensive. Another reason is the slight increase in prices on the global market.'

He revealed that at least 99% of fuel imported into Rwanda would be transited through Tanzania. However, delays in offloading ships and security concerns during Tanzania’s recent presidential elections pushed companies to source fuel through Kenya.

In September 2025, 34% of imported petrol came through Kenya, while Tanzania handled 66%. In October 2025, 87% of fuel came from Tanzania and 13% from Kenya. Overall, fuel imported through Kenya in the past two months rose to 23%, up from just 1%.

He said, 'So you can see that petrol coming through Kenya has increased and since it is more expensive, this contributed to the price increase.'

Habimana added that although the price of diesel rose to Frw 1,900 per litre, the government introduced a subsidy of Frw 78 per litre.

He explained, 'Without that subsidy, the impact would have been much bigger. You know diesel drives public transport and most goods. The government reduced the tax by Frw 78 per litre. However, there is no subsidy on petrol, which is why petrol is much more expensive.'

He concluded by saying that despite these challenges, it is important for Rwanda to continue using both transport corridors through Tanzania and Kenya when importing fuel, as this would give the country better flexibility.

Rwanda revises fuel prices every two months.

What will be the economic impact?

Kajangwe explained that although fuel prices have increased, the government is exploring ways to reduce them in the coming months.

'There are measures the government is putting in place to see how these prices can be brought down, including looking at how fuel coming through Kenya can become cheaper. We expect that in the next three or four months …' he said.

Regarding the possibility of a subsidy, Kajangwe said he could not confirm it but noted that the government constantly reviews the situation.

He highlighted that the rise in fuel prices should not significantly impact the prices of basic commodities because transport costs are not increasing dramatically.

According to an analysis by the Ministry, transport costs may rise by between Frw 4 and Frw 6 per kilogram for goods brought from the Eastern Province, and between Frw 6 and Frw 8 for goods from Rusizi District.

'There should not be an impact on general business, and you have seen that public transport fares have not increased. People should not use this as an excuse to raise prices. Often, those who want to take advantage increase prices by Frw 20, Frw 30, or Frw 40 when there is no real justification,' he said.

However, based on MINICOM’s assessment, if a truck carries five tons of goods meaning 5,000 kilograms the existing transport cost would increase by between Frw 20,000 and Frw 30,000 for goods transported from the Eastern Province, and between Frw 30,000 and Frw 40,000 for those transported from Rusizi. This makes it difficult for transporters to absorb the extra costs since they consume large amounts of diesel.

Cyprien Musabirema, a truck driver transporting goods from the Southern Province to Kigali, said the situation has already changed because transport costs have risen.

He explained, 'Transport fares have not increased, but the cost of diesel we use has increased significantly. Previously, I used Frw 260,000 for fuel, but now it is about Frw 320,000. That is extra money added, yet the client does not want to adjust the payment. It becomes very complicated, but we accept the loss to avoid losing customers, hoping they will eventually understand.'

Modetse Nsengiyumva, a motorcycle taxi rider, said the Frw 123 increase in petrol per litre puts them at a loss because customers refuse to pay higher fares.

He said, 'You tell a customer that fuel has increased, and he replies that his salary has not changed.'

He added that a motorcyclist using petrol at Frw 1,989 per litre cannot make a profit of more than Frw 2,000 a day, yet they have daily needs, including supporting their families.

Claudien Habimana also noted, 'When petrol becomes more expensive but the user’s budget does not increase, he reduces the number of trips he makes. Once trips are reduced, activities are delayed. In that case, people start relying more on phone calls instead of moving around.'

On the other hand, economic expert Teddy Kaberuka told IGIHE that price increases are inevitable when fuel prices rise.

He explained, 'It is well known that when petrol and diesel prices go up, they affect market prices. A person who transports goods to the market faces higher transport costs. For example, someone who used to use a small truck to bring potatoes must use more diesel, and he cannot absorb that cost.'

He added that rising prices reduce people’s purchasing power, making them unable to buy the same amount of goods as before.

Currently, in the East African region, a litre of petrol costs Frw 2,059 in Uganda, Frw 2,069 in Kenya, Frw 1,635 in Tanzania, Frw 1,967 in Burundi, and Frw 1,773 in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Antoine Marie Kajangwe, explained that the increase in fuel prices this time is driven by two main factors.

Economic expert Teddy Kaberuka argues that price increases are inevitable when fuel prices rise.

In Rwanda, the retail price of petrol is determined by the international price from the previous two months.

IGIHE

Participants engaged in in-depth discussions on how the West has long dominated the global governance system, overlooking the Global South’s interests and concerns in agenda-setting, rule-making and resource allocation — a pattern that urgently needs to change amid the collective rise of the Global South.

South Africa’s Independent Media Executive Chairman Iqbal Surve told Xinhua that the call by Global South countries to claim their rightful place in international narratives should not be ignored, noting that this forum, which brings together senior government, media and academic representatives from across Africa and China, demonstrates the Global South’s growing cohesion and voice.

Didier Kebongo, publisher of the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Forum des As newspaper, said the forum has provided a platform for Global South countries to “build trust and discuss cooperation,” sending a strong signal on the eve of the G20 Leaders’ Summit that the Global South is calling for a fairer and more equitable global governance system.

He noted that Western media have long dominated agenda-setting, causing a structural imbalance in the current global governance system. “The forum sets to encourage the Global South to tell its own stories, jointly set agendas, share content and build common standards,” said Kebongo.

The two-day event gathered more than 200 representatives from over 160 media outlets, think tanks, government organizations and other institutions from China and 41 African countries, as well as the African Union (AU).

In addition to launching the “United in Heart, Path and Action — 2026 China-Africa Partnership Empowerment Action Plan,” the forum also published a think tank report titled “Jointly Building a New Model of Global Leadership — Work Together in Pursuit of a More Just and Rational Global Governance System.”

Participants voiced strong support for the report’s call to build a “new model of global leadership” and urged media and think tanks to strengthen bilateral cooperation and coordination under multilateral mechanisms to help lead the Global South’s narrative.

“The Global South must not speak in fragments. Our strength lies in unity,” said Leslie Richer, director of information and communication at the AU, stressing that the priority is to align efforts into a unified strategic voice that shapes global decision-making rather than merely reacting to it.

Erastus Mwencha, member of the Advisory Council of the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation and former deputy chairperson of the AU Commission, said the success of mechanisms such as the Global South Media and Think Tank Forum, the World Media Summit, and the BRICS Media Think Tank Forum reflects a broader shift toward the Global South in global development priorities.

Global South countries have the capacity to bring about change and development that is sustainable, he added.

Over the past two days, participants also held discussions on such topics as China-Africa commitments to global governance reform, China-Africa action for Global South revitalization, and China-Africa exchanges in global civilizational coexistence. They also attend a series of side activities, including a cultural exchange event between China’s Hunan Province and its African partners.

Liu Hongwu, director of the Institute of African Studies at China’s Zhejiang Normal University, said that the rise of the Global South signals the emergence of a more balanced, diverse and inclusive governance model, and that China-Africa cooperation offers a good example for global governance.

China-Africa cooperation is not one-way aid but a partnership built on equality, mutual support and win-win outcomes, demonstrating that global affairs “should be governed collectively by all countries, rather than led by a few,” said Liu.

Najeh Missaoui, chairman and chief executive officer of the Tunis Africa News Agency, said he hoped that practical cooperation in news reporting and information exchange under both bilateral and multilateral mechanisms would be strengthened.

“The holding of this forum is a clear affirmation of China’s commitment to strengthening South-South cooperation and supporting the causes of development and lasting peace on the basis of mutual respect and shared interests,” he said.

Participants also expressed their hope that the consensus reached during the event could be translated into tangible cooperation outcomes, calling for stronger collaboration in areas such as clean energy transition, industrial connectivity, talent development and co-creation and joint dissemination of content, which would help promote a more just and equitable global governance.

“Increasingly, African and Chinese entrepreneurs are co-creating solutions in renewable energy, e-commerce and digital technology, showing how shared progress can emerge from shared learning,” said Fikresus Amahazion, research analyst at Eritrean Center for Strategic Studies. “Across our continents, these exchanges are thriving,” the analyst said.

Confidence Musariri, chief commercial officer of the Namibia Press Agency, believed that as the Global South’s contribution to the world economy continues to grow, media and think tanks should step up collaboration to strengthen their collective voice, deepening cooperation in news sharing, training and new-media applications.

“Media cooperation must advance rapidly to avoid becoming an ‘endangered species’ in the era of artificial intelligence (AI),” he said, urging media colleagues to “leverage technologies like AI and big data to enhance digitalization and distribution efficiency.”

Drummond Mafuta, president of the Board of Directors of Angola’s Edicoes Novembro, said that this forum provides an important platform for media organizations to engage and for countries to more proactively tell their own stories.

“This forum is a meeting place, a space for consultation among all of us, where new ideas may emerge and cooperation agreements between our institutions may also be formed,” Mafuta said.

This photo taken on Nov. 13, 2025 shows a scene at the Global South Media and Think Tank Forum China-Africa Partnership Conference in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Xinhua

Lawyer Richard Gisagara submitted the complaint to the French media regulatory authority, ARCOM, on November 15, 2025.

The community cited an article published by RFI on November 10, 2025, titled 'We will continue to resist until Kigali accepts dialogue: FDLR says' (Nous résisterons jusqu’à ce que Kigali accepte un dialogue”, affirment les FDLR).

The community argues that the article misrepresents the FDLR as a lightly armed faction operating in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), while ignoring its genocidal history and the sanctions imposed on it by the UN Security Council, the United States, and the European Union.

'The FDLR has been responsible for mass killings in Rwanda and atrocities in eastern Congo over the past 30 years,' the association said in the complaint. 'Some of its leaders have even been prosecuted in German courts. RFI’s report gives this group an undeserved legitimacy by failing to provide this critical context.'

The association emphasised that RFI, as a state media outlet, is expected to uphold democratic values and provide accurate, impartial reporting. Citing French law, France Médias Monde regulations, and RFI’s own code of conduct, CRF said journalists must not act as mouthpieces for armed groups.

The community also highlighted that this misreporting occurred in the context of prior intimidation of French media by the DRC government in January 2025, warning journalists that reporting contrary to government lines could lead to sanctions or even threats of death.

The Rwandan community has urged the French media regulator to review RFI’s practices and ensure that the station fulfils its legal and ethical responsibilities. The organisation also reaffirmed its commitment to preserving historical truth and combating hate speech and impunity.

The Rwandan Community in France has filed a formal complaint against Radio France Internationale (RFI), accusing the broadcaster of giving a platform to members of the FDLR militia group linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, and portraying them as a legitimate organisation.

IGIHE

Speaking to reporters, Trump said the U.S. is considering the possibility of engaging Maduro directly, adding that he had 'sort of made up' his mind on the direction of American policy toward Venezuela. His comments come at a moment when tensions in the region remain high and U.S. military activity around the Caribbean has increased significantly.

“We may be having some discussions with Maduro, and we’ll see how that turns out,” Trump told reporters on Sunday in West Palm Beach, Florida, before getting on a flight back to Washington. “They would like to talk.”

The United States recently deployed the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, along with a fleet of supporting warships, to the Caribbean as part of operations targeting drug-trafficking networks. Washington accuses elements within the Venezuelan government, including the alleged Cartel de los Soles, of involvement in narcotics operations. Maduro and his administration strongly deny the allegations, saying they are fabricated to justify external interference.

Despite hinting at possible dialogue, Trump made clear that pressure on Venezuela would not ease. U.S. officials are preparing to designate the Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organisation, a move that would mark one of the most aggressive steps taken against Caracas in years.

This opening toward potential talks marks a notable shift in tone. The U.S. has spent years isolating Maduro through economic sanctions and diplomatic pressure, and relations have been further complicated by Washington’s recognition of opposition figure Juan Guaidó as interim president in 2019, a position that has since lost momentum internationally.

A willingness to even consider discussions suggests the Trump administration may be exploring a new path, though it remains uncertain whether this reflects a firm policy change or an exploratory gesture.

Any diplomatic movement would carry significant consequences for the region. Venezuela’s economic collapse and political turmoil have forced millions to flee, impacting neighbouring countries and reshaping regional alliances.

Observers note that a U.S. shift, even symbolic, could influence political dynamics across Latin America. At the same time, the strong U.S. military presence in the Caribbean raises questions about whether diplomacy or pressure will ultimately shape Washington’s strategy.

For now, the future of U.S.-Venezuela relations remains unclear. Neither government has confirmed any formal steps toward negotiation, and deep mistrust continues to define their interactions. Trump’s remarks, however, have opened a rare possibility for dialogue between two governments whose relations have been frozen for years.

As events unfold, the prospect of talks, however uncertain, will be closely watched by regional leaders, international observers, and humanitarian groups hoping for stability in one of Latin America’s most complex political crises.

United States President Donald Trump has signalled that his administration may open talks with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

Rania Umutoni

Araghchi said the appeals for dialogue were “natural” after Western powers “did not achieve what they were after regarding Iran’s nuclear program through military attacks,” adding that there is no military solution to the dispute.

He said Iran would not accept negotiations conducted through pressure, saying talks must be based on “reasonable and logical” principles rather than “dictating and bullying.”

Araghchi said the United States and Israel had failed to meet any of their goals through the latest conflict, adding that while airstrikes could damage nuclear facilities, they could not destroy Iran’s technological capabilities or the resolve of its people. “Our facilities were destroyed, but our technology remains, and our will is even stronger,” he said.

He said Iran has always been ready for serious negotiations under the right conditions, and reiterated that diplomacy remains “the ultimate solution” for resolving disputes in the region.

Iran and the United States had held five rounds of indirect, Oman-mediated talks on the nuclear issue and U.S. sanctions relief, and were preparing for a sixth round when Israel launched major airstrikes on June 13 on nuclear and military sites in Iran, killing senior commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians. On June 22, U.S. forces struck the Iranian nuclear facilities at Natanz, Fordow and Isfahan.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said on Sunday that Western governments have renewed calls to resume talks on Tehran’s nuclear program after “failing” to achieve their objectives through recent military action.

Xinhua

She made the remarks in an interview with Xinhua on the sidelines of the Global South Media and Think Tank Forum China-Africa Partnership Conference held in South Africa’s Johannesburg on Nov. 13-14.

Media, think tanks play important role

In African nations’ collaboration with other Global South countries, media plays an important role in ensuring people-to-people understanding, while think tanks can serve as a foundation for policy discussions, notably those between Africa and China, the AU official said.

When media and think tanks are combined, a dynamic force can be achieved to bring together people from research, academia and media, as well as policymakers to “promote understanding of what we want to do in terms of development,” Richer noted.

She said the Global South Media and Think Tank Forum China-Africa Partnership Conference, jointly hosted by Xinhua News Agency, the AU and South Africa’s Independent Media, among other partners, took place at a key moment amid a shifting global landscape.

The global order is in transition with centers of economic activity emerging across the Global South, and the demands for fairer representation concerning development and global governance that reflect the realities of the 21st century are growing stronger, according to the AU official.

In her opinion, the narratives that circulate globally about African countries and people are often shaped elsewhere, filtered through lenses that do not reflect the realities of the continent. These narratives can distort understanding and limit the potential for genuine partnership.

“The Global South must be partners not only in trade, infrastructure, and diplomacy, but also in storytelling. We must promote balanced narratives that reflect the dignity, diversity, and dynamism of our peoples through people-to-people and institutional exchanges, so that learning flows in both directions and brings our societies closer,” Richer noted.

Global South should be better represented, heard

The G20 Leaders’ Summit is set to take place on Nov. 22 and 23 in Johannesburg. The AU was invited to join the G20 in September 2023. China was the first country to explicitly express its support for the AU’s membership in the G20 — consistent with its support for the AU in playing a greater role in global governance.

Richer highlighted that the inclusion of Africa through the AU in the G20 is not just symbolic, but also important in making sure Africa has a better representation in today’s multilateral world. Apart from G20, other collaboration mechanisms, including the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, allow Africa to have its voices heard on the international stage.

“We are now actually in the rooms, but it’s not just about being in the room. It’s about impacting the decisions that are being made with the G20,” the AU official stressed.

Through the collaboration with China and other Global South partners, Africa can now start using these multilateral platforms to ensure that Africa’s voices are heard and that its interests are clearly understood, she said.

This helps strengthen the representation of the Global South in multilateral spaces, according to her.

Advocating global governance reform, she said that the majority of existing international institutions were established at a time when many Global South countries were not independent. “And even when they acquired independence, they were not adequately represented in these governance structures.”

Taking many global financial institutions, she noted that their governing rules are not designed to favor developing countries, but are actually impeding their development because “they were not designed with our interests in mind.”

Richer called for building a world that is more inclusive, equitable and peaceful, with development being a right instead of a privilege. The destinies of nations should not be determined by historical inequity, but by cooperation and shared progress, she noted.

Leslie Richer, director of information and communication at the African Union (AU), has said that through the collaboration with China and other Global South partners, Africa can now use multilateral platforms such as the Group of Twenty (G20) to ensure that Africa’s voices are heard and its interests clearly understood.

Xinhua

Goma International Airport was closed on January 26, 2025, following intense clashes between M23 and DRC government forces, which resulted in the fall of Goma city to the rebels.

In a statement issued on Sunday, November 16, the rebel coalition said President Félix Tshisekedi’s government lacks both the 'legitimacy' and the authority to decide on the fate of infrastructure located in what it described as 'liberated territory.'

According to the statement, the airport, currently under AFC/M23 control, 'can and will be reopened solely by AFC/M23, not by Mr Tshisekedi Tshilombo or any other party,' accusing the government of having previously 'plundered and sabotaged' the facility.

Monitoring military movements

The group also addressed the broader security situation, stating that it continues to monitor the deployment of Congolese forces, military equipment and logistics support to what it described as 'mercenaries' aligned with Kinshasa. The rebel coalition reaffirmed that its units remain stationed across the front lines and are closely observing the operations of the government-led coalition forces.

Rwanda Dispute 'Not Our Concern’

AFC/M23 further distanced itself from the ongoing diplomatic tensions between Kinshasa and Kigali, saying the tensions 'in no way concern' the rebel movement.

'The Kinshasa regime alone is responsible for its actions toward neighbouring states,' the statement read, insisting that the DRC government should resolve the dispute without attempting to 'involve our organisation.'

The strongly worded declaration comes only days after the DRC government and AFC/M23 signed the Framework for a Comprehensive Peace Agreement in Doha, Qatar, described as one of the most significant steps toward resolving the eastern DRC conflict in years.

The agreement, signed on Saturday, was hailed by regional and international partners as a major step toward stabilising a region that has suffered cycles of conflict and humanitarian crises for over two decades.

U.S. Senior Advisor for African Affairs Massad Boulos described the framework as one that 'charts a clear path toward a peace accord,' noting that both sides had committed to upholding the ceasefire, ending hostilities, and addressing the root causes of the conflict.

Boulos outlined eight key protocols embedded in the framework, explaining that they include provisions for prisoner exchanges, mechanisms for ceasefire monitoring and verification, expanded humanitarian access, and the restoration of state authority. The framework also covers the disarmament and reintegration of armed groups, the return of displaced populations, measures to support economic recovery, and initiatives aimed at promoting justice and reconciliation.

'These obligations will strengthen the foundation for peace, stability, and the rebuilding of trust in affected communities,' Boulos said, expressing appreciation to Qatar for its mediation.

Phased implementation roadmap

AFC/M23 Permanent Secretary Benjamin Mbonimpa confirmed that each protocol will be implemented progressively under a phased roadmap. A final peace agreement will only be signed once both sides have met all obligations under the framework.

Among the commitments is a plan to jointly restore state institutions and public services in eastern DRC, envisioned to roll out in stages. Another protocol sets out temporary security arrangements to maintain calm and protect civilians during the transition.

The parties also agreed to create an independent national commission tasked with advancing truth, reconciliation, accountability for crimes and preparing the reconstruction of damaged infrastructure.

The signing ceremony in Doha was witnessed by Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al-Khulaifi, and Massad Boulos, Advisor to the U.S. President on African Affairs.

M23 has been controlling Goma airport since January 2025.

Wycliffe Nyamasege