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The movement of civilians came shortly after the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas entered into effect at noon local time, ending two years of conflict that left tens of thousands of people killed and caused widespread destruction across the enclave.

In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces said its forces had redeployed along new lines in accordance with the terms of the agreement and the framework for the return of captives.

It added troops under the Southern Command would continue to monitor the situation and respond to any immediate threats to Israel’s security.

In a message to Gaza’s residents, army spokesperson Avichay Adraee said Israeli troops would remain deployed in specific areas inside the Gaza Strip and warned civilians against approaching military sites “until further notice.”

He cautioned civilians to avoid Beit Hanoun, Beit Lahia, and al-Shuja’iyya in the north, as well as Rafah and the Philadelphi Corridor in the south, describing them as high-risk areas.

Adraee also urged residents to stay away from the sea and border areas, advising against fishing or swimming during the coming days.

Local security sources and eyewitnesses reported that shelling and gunfire stopped completely across the Gaza Strip as the ceasefire took effect. A cautious calm prevailed over Gaza City, the central region, Khan Younis, and Rafah for the first time in months.

Thousands of displaced Palestinians were seen walking or driving north along the coastal Rashid Road, which reopened to traffic following the withdrawal of Israeli military vehicles from the area. Heavy movement was also reported along Salah al-Din Road as more families began to return to their homes in northern Gaza.

“We are going back despite the destruction; what matters most is that the war has stopped and our children are safe,” Mohammed al-Louh, a displaced resident from Gaza City, told Xinhua.

He described the moment as “the beginning of life’s return after two years of hardship.”

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Friday that Israeli forces will remain in the Gaza Strip to maintain pressure on Hamas until the group disarms and the enclave is demilitarized.

In a televised address, Netanyahu said the Israeli military “remains deep inside the strip and holds all the positions that control it.”

“In this way, we are encircling Hamas from every direction ahead of the next stages of the plan, in which Hamas will be disarmed and Gaza demilitarized,” he said. “If this is achieved the easy way — that will be good. If not, it will be achieved the hard way.”

He said that 20 living hostages and 28 bodies would be released in the coming days.

The implementation of the ceasefire follows days of intensive negotiations in Egypt, as part of broader understandings that include a prisoner exchange and arrangement to reopen border crossings and facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.

Under the agreement, the Israeli army would halt fighting and partially withdraw from the Gaza Strip, while Hamas would release all remaining detainees in exchange for Israel freeing more than 2,000 Palestinian detainees.

Two years of Israeli strikes have left Gaza in ruins, caused famine, and killed more than 67,000 people, according to the Gaza health authorities.

Palestinians walk on road returning to Gaza City, near the central Gaza Strip, Oct. 10, 2025. Displaced Palestinians have begun returning from the southern part of the Gaza Strip to the north after the Israeli army announced that civilians are permitted to move through the coastal Rashid Road and Salah al-Din Road, local sources said on Friday.

Xinhua

The Elysee Palace said in the statement that Lecornu has been tasked with forming a new government.

Following his reappointment, Lecornu said on social media that the political crisis, which has stirred public anger and damaged France’s image and interests, “must come to an end.” He pledged to “do everything possible to ensure France has a budget by the end of the year.”

Lecornu resigned on Monday, less than a month after being appointed by Macron and just one day after unveiling part of his cabinet lineup, saying that the conditions “were no longer in place” for him to remain in office.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday evening reappointed Sebastien Lecornu as prime minister, announced the Presidency, four days after accepting his resignation.

Xinhua

The African Union Election Observation Mission (AU-EOM), deployed at the invitation of the Government of Cameroon, arrived in the country on October 7 and will remain until October 16, 2025.

According to a statement from the African Union Commission (AUC), the mission’s objective is to observe the final days of the campaign period, polling day operations, and the counting process to ensure transparency and fairness throughout the electoral exercise.

The mission, led by Makuza, comprises 40 short-term observers drawn from 29 African countries, representing a broad cross-section of the continent’s political, diplomatic, and civil society institutions.

Members include parliamentarians from the Pan-African Parliament, African ambassadors accredited to the AU in Addis Ababa, officials from Election Management Bodies (EMBs), representatives of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), media professionals, and scholars.

The observers hail from countries including Algeria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Côte d’Ivoire, Central African Republic, Chad, Djibouti, Egypt, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Liberia, Mauritania, Mauritius, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles, Somalia, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.

The mission is expected to issue its Preliminary Statement on October 14, 2025, at the Hilton Hotel in Yaoundé, summarizing its initial findings and recommendations aimed at strengthening democratic governance, transparency, and the rule of law in electoral processes across the continent.

Cameroon’s presidential elections are scheduled for October 12, 2025, with Paul Biya, who has been in power for over 43 years, among the top contenders expected to win.

The 92-year-old leader confirmed that he will run again, representing his party, the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (RDPC).

Although some citizens are calling for change, many still believe Biya stands a strong chance of securing another term.

On the opposition side, Cabral Libii, the leader of the Cameroon Party for National Reconciliation (PCRN), is emerging as one of the most promising candidates with significant support. Libii, a young reformist politician focused on tackling youth unemployment and poverty, finished third in the 2018 elections.

Another notable contender is Joshua Osih of the Social Democratic Front (SDF), a well-known opposition party active since the early 1990s.

Other candidates in the race include Serge Espoir Matomba (PURS), Hermine Patricia Ndam Njoya (UDC), and Akere Muna, a lawyer and governance expert, all of whom are campaigning on promises of renewal and political change in Cameroon.

Team of AU observers led by Bernard Makuza has arrived in Cameroon ahead of presidential elections.

IGIHE

Rwanda was also recognized for excellence at the trade show, where the country received a certificate and medal of recognition for quality and innovation from PTAK Warsaw Expo.

Represented by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), the country was accorded an exclusive space during the official opening ceremony to showcase captivating visuals that highlighted Rwanda’s diverse tourism attractions.

The fair running from October 10 to 12, was inaugurated by Polish Minister of Tourism and Sports.

Ambassador Prof. Anastase Shyaka representing Rwanda to the country was among the keynote speakers during the opening session.

In his remarks, Amb. Shyaka commended the strong and growing relations between Rwanda and Poland, and expressed gratitude to the organizers of the fair for naming Rwanda the principal partner in its first-ever participation at TT Warsaw 2025.

He also spoke about the Visit Rwanda brand, noting that it represents Rwanda’s uniqueness and positions the country as an exceptional destination for visitors from around the world.

The Polish Minister of Tourism and Sports expressed appreciation to Rwanda for partnering in this year’s event and commended the country’s remarkable preparations to host the 2025 UCI Road World Championships in Kigali.

Speaking to IGIHE, Ambassador Shyaka praised RDB and commended all stakeholders in the tourism sector, including the eight Rwandan companies participating in the fair.

'It is a privilege for us to be here together. These companies will help us showcase the beauty of Rwanda’s tourism over the three days of this event,' he said.

The ceremony also featured a performance by Icyeza traditional dance troupe, whose young men and women entertained the audience with energetic dances and celebrations that captivated the crowd.

Ambassador Prof. Anastase Shyaka addressing participants of the international travel and tourism trade show held in Poland.

Ambassador Prof. Anastase Shyaka representing Rwanda to the country was among the keynote speakers during the opening session.

The Polish Minister of Tourism and Sports expressed appreciation to Rwanda for partnering in this year’s event and commended the country’s remarkable preparations to host the 2025 UCI Road World Championships in Kigali.

Rwanda was also recognized for excellence at TT Warsaw Expo, with Rwanda’s Ambassador in Poland Prof. Anastase Shyaka and RDB Head of Tourism Ariella Kageruka receiving a certificate and medal of recognition for quality and innovation.

The ceremony also featured a performance by Icyeza traditional dance troupe.

Rwanda received a Certificate and Medal of Recognition for Quality and Innovation.

Rwanda’s booth at the trade fair held in Warsaw.

[email protected]

Karirima Aimable Ngarambe

Every October 11, the world marks the International Day of the Girl Child, a moment to reflect on the opportunities and challenges facing girls as they grow into young women.

This year, we ask governments, policymakers and private-sector stakeholders to consider the impact those same young women could have as business leaders and entrepreneurs.

Across Rwanda and Africa, young women are creating businesses, driving innovation, and transforming livelihoods. Yet too often, they are doing so without the social and institutional support that enables success.

Families and communities have a critical role to play in ensuring that when young women take risks by building businesses — and in turn, generating jobs for others in their communities — they are rewarded by being able to access networks that support financial inclusion, rather than being held back by systems that traditionally exclude them.

Rwanda’s efforts in this space offer both promise and perspective. It has made remarkable strides in advancing financial inclusion and increasing access, with 96 percent of adults reporting access to some form of financial service.

Yet research from the Mastercard Foundation reveals persistent gaps in these gains. Only about 22 percent of adults hold formal bank accounts, and just one in four can access formal credit.

For young women in particular — as well as young people in rural areas, refugees, and persons with disabilities — access remains constrained by collateral requirements, financial products (such as business loans, savings accounts, or insurance schemes) that do not reflect their realities, and digital divides that limit opportunities.

Access to finance alone is not enough. For women to succeed, that access must be fair, appropriate, and linked to real opportunities. In practice, this means loans and savings options designed around the real situations women face — such as limited collateral and balancing household and business responsibilities — alongside financial literacy, coaching, and access to markets that help their enterprises grow. It also requires reshaping institutional practices so that women, refugees, and persons with disabilities can benefit on equal terms.

When these barriers are addressed, opportunities increase. For example, we’ve seen partners of the Mastercard Foundation achieve success by enabling young women’s access to agricultural value chains.

Programs like the Supporting and Enhancing Resilient and Viable Employment (SERVE) have helped hundreds of young women by providing low-interest loans, digital savings tools, and financial products that reflect young women’s realities and help them devise strategies for success.

Consider also the example of Allen Umulisa, Founder of RAI Green Stalks Ltd., who turned her vision for export-ready agribusiness into reality through the Value-Adding Initiative to Boost Employment (VIBE), another partner program supported by the Mastercard Foundation.

With access to technical expertise, trade facilitation, and financial networks, Allen built a thriving company that exports avocados, chillis, and French beans to international markets. By partnering with youth-led cooperatives, she is creating jobs and income for smallholder farmers (with a focus on women), while proving that young African entrepreneurs can compete globally.

These efforts point to what is possible, yet real change can only be sustained when systems shaped by families and communities change too. The path to entrepreneurship is less lonely when parents share the burden of care, spouses recognize women’s right to invest and lead, and communities normalize young women owning assets such as land.

Women’s entrepreneurship does not just change households — it strengthens communities and contributes to national growth. Research by the McKinsey Global Institute indicates that advancing women’s equality in Africa could add an estimated $316 billion to the continent’s GDP by 2025.

As we commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child, we call on policymakers, financial institutions, civil society, families, communities, and development actors to work together to ensure that young women entrepreneurs are not held back by financial, social, or cultural barriers. We challenge other stakeholders to design finance that works for women, create enabling policies, and build environments that support and nurture young women’s success.

Let’s all commit to ensuring that girls and young women who dare to dream of enterprise and leadership grow into women who have the finance, networks, and supportive systems they need to succeed. In doing so, we will strengthen families, communities, and economies for generations to come.

Ivan Ntwali is the Country Director at the Mastercard Foundation in Rwanda.

Ivan Ntwali

In a post on his Truth Social platform on Saturday, Trump said the move was necessary to prevent service members from missing their regular pay due on October 15.

'I will not allow the Democrats to hold our Military, and the entire Security of our Nation, HOSTAGE, with their dangerous Government Shutdown,' he wrote.

The instruction, which Trump said draws on his authority as Commander in Chief, comes amid growing concern that troops would miss their first paycheck since the shutdown began on October 1.

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has reportedly notified Congress of plans to reallocate research and development funds within the Department of Defence to cover the payments. According to sources cited by NBC News, there are sufficient funds available for at least two years.

The Defence Department has not yet publicly commented on the directive.

Partisan blame over the shutdown

The shutdown, now in its twelfth day, has deepened the standoff between Republicans and Democrats over a federal spending plan. Democrats have refused to back a Republican proposal unless it includes provisions to maintain key health insurance tax credits and reverse Trump’s cuts to Medicaid, the healthcare program serving low-income and elderly Americans.

Republicans, in turn, accuse Democrats of prolonging the crisis and disrupting essential services. Trump reiterated this position on Saturday, writing: 'The Radical Left Democrats should OPEN THE GOVERNMENT, and then we can work together to address Healthcare, and many other things that they want to destroy.'

Thousands of federal layoffs

While military personnel are considered 'essential' and must continue working even without pay, around 750,000 other federal employees—roughly 40% of the government workforce—have been furloughed without pay.

In a highly unusual move during a shutdown, the Trump administration has begun permanently laying off thousands of workers across several agencies. White House Budget Director Russell Vought confirmed the move Friday, posting on X: 'The RIFs have begun,' referring to 'reductions in force.'

According to administration disclosures, more than 4,000 employees have already been terminated across seven federal agencies. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) saw its entire Washington, D.C. office dismissed, including staff working on immunisations, Ebola response, and the agency’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees the CDC, said the cuts targeted 'nonessential' personnel and were part of efforts to eliminate 'wasteful and duplicative entities' under Trump’s Make America Healthy Again agenda.

Employees at the Treasury Department and the Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency were also among those laid off.

The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) and the AFL-CIO have filed a lawsuit in federal court in Northern California seeking to block the layoffs, calling them unlawful.

'It is disgraceful that the Trump administration has used the government shutdown as an excuse to illegally fire thousands of workers who provide critical services to communities across the country,' said AFGE President Everett Kelley.

In court filings opposing the unions’ motion, the Justice Department revealed that additional cuts could affect staff at the Departments of Education, Housing and Urban Development, Commerce, Energy, and the Environmental Protection Agency. The filing argued that halting the layoffs would 'irreparably harm the government.

Trump said the move was necessary to prevent service members from missing their regular pay due on October 15.

President Donald Trump has directed US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth to pay military personnel despite the federal government shutdown.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

U.S. Senior Advisor for Arab and African Affairs Massad Boulos said on Saturday that Washington supports the DRC’s 'decisive step' to implement the accord, calling it crucial for 'facilitating repatriation, restoring state authority, and strengthening stability across the Great Lakes region.'

DRC military issues disarmament order

In a communiqué issued on October 10, the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) directed all FDLR factions operating on Congolese territory to immediately lay down their arms and surrender to Congolese authorities or to the UN mission, MONUSCO, for repatriation to Rwanda.

The statement, signed by Major General Ekenge Bomusa Efomi Sylvain, said the order follows the operational directive adopted on October 1 by the Joint Supervisory Committee overseeing the implementation of the Washington Peace Agreement, which was mediated by the United States.

The FARDC also urged civilians living in areas under FDLR influence to cut all ties with the rebel group and to encourage its members to surrender peacefully. It warned that any refusal to comply would lead to forced disarmament 'by coercion or use of force' in accordance with the Washington accord.

The Congolese army further warned its personnel that collaboration of any kind with the FDLR is strictly prohibited, noting that any soldier found aiding or coordinating with the group would face 'severe disciplinary sanctions.'

'The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo exhort the FDLR to facilitate the ongoing peace process by surrendering without violence or bloodshed,' the statement concluded.

The Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Rwanda signed the Washington Peace Agreement on June 27, 2025, under U.S. mediation.

Under the deal, Kinshasa committed to dismantling the FDLR, a militia formed by elements responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. Kigali has long raised concerns that the group’s continued presence and cooperation with the Congolese army pose a persistent security threat to Rwanda and regional stability.

The implementation of the Washington Pact has faced setbacks in recent months, with Rwanda accusing President Félix Tshisekedi’s administration of lacking good faith in its execution. It remains to be seen whether the FDLR, which is deeply entrenched within some government forces, will finally be dismantled, potentially easing long-standing tensions between Rwanda and the DRC.

In a communiqué issued on October 10, the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) directed all FDLR factions operating on Congolese territory to immediately lay down their arms and surrender to Congolese authorities or to the UN mission, MONUSCO, for repatriation to Rwanda.

U.S. Senior Advisor for Arab and African Affairs Massad Boulos said on Saturday that Washington supports the DRC’s 'decisive step' to implement the accord, calling it crucial for 'facilitating repatriation, restoring state authority, and strengthening stability across the Great Lakes region.'

Wycliffe Nyamasege

“The Presidency of the Republic wishes to inform the nation and the international community that an attempt to seize power illegally and by force, contrary to the Constitution and to democratic principles, is currently underway,” Rajoelina said in a statement released on Sunday morning.

The warning followed dramatic scenes on Saturday when soldiers from the elite CAPSAT unit abandoned their barracks on the outskirts of the capital to join demonstrators at the historic Place du 13 Mai. This is the same unit that played a key role in the 2009 uprising that first brought Rajoelina to power.

The troops were widely reported to have been greeted by cheering crowds as they marched into the city centre, calling on security forces to 'refuse orders to shoot' and condemning what they described as excessive police force used against protesters.

The protests, led largely by young people identifying with a 'Gen Z' movement, began on September 25 in response to chronic power outages and water shortages but have since morphed into a broader call for political reform.

Demonstrators are demanding Rajoelina’s resignation, an apology for violence against protesters, and the dissolution of both the Senate and the electoral commission.

According to the United Nations, at least 22 people have been killed and more than 100 injured since the demonstrations began. The government disputes those figures, with President Rajoelina insisting that only 12 people, whom he described as 'looters and vandals', have died.

Prime Minister Ruphin Zafisambo, appointed just weeks ago, urged calm and dialogue in an address on Saturday evening, saying the government 'remains firm but ready to collaborate and listen to all forces — the youth, unions, and the army.' He warned that 'Madagascar will not withstand another crisis if this division among citizens continues.'

The presidency also issued assurances that President Rajoelina 'remains in the country' and is 'managing national affairs.'

Madagascar has a long history of political instability and military interventions since gaining independence from France in 1960. Rajoelina himself rose to prominence during mass protests that ousted then-president Marc Ravalomanana in 2009, with the backing of the same CAPSAT unit now rebelling against him. He went on to win presidential elections in 2018 and 2023, both marred by opposition boycotts.

Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has warned of an 'attempt to seize power illegally and by force' after a group of soldiers joined ongoing anti-government protests in the capital, Antananarivo.

An army contingent called on soldiers at the airport to refuse orders to shoot civilians.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The initiative, aimed at supporting the well-being of IDPs, brought together peacekeepers, community members, and partner organisations in a coordinated campaign to reduce the risks and impact of malaria.

During the outreach, participants engaged in clearing overgrown vegetation, eliminating mosquito breeding sites, educating residents on malaria prevention methods, and distributing mosquito repellents to families living in the camp.

Speaking at the event, Colonel Leodomir Uwizeyimana, Commander of the Rwanbatt-3 Contingent and representative of the Rwandan peacekeepers in UNMISS, emphasised the importance of collaboration between peacekeepers and the local community. He encouraged residents to actively maintain a clean environment by removing bushes and stagnant water, crucial steps in preventing malaria transmission.

Simon Khan Lok, Chairman of the Mangateen IDP Camp, praised the initiative, highlighting how the partnership promotes community health by combining education with practical tools to fight malaria.

Malaria continues to pose a serious health challenge in Mangateen, located on the outskirts of Juba. This outreach activity underscores the shared commitment of Rwandan peacekeepers, diaspora groups, and health organisations to improving the living conditions and health outcomes of displaced residents.

The initiative, aimed at supporting the well-being of IDPs, brought together peacekeepers, community members, and partner organisations in a coordinated campaign to reduce the risks and impact of malaria.

During the outreach, participants engaged in clearing overgrown vegetation, eliminating mosquito breeding sites, educating residents on malaria prevention methods, and distributing mosquito repellents to families living in the camp.

IGIHE

While the total value of all exports, including non-merchandise items, fell by 14.5 percent to USD 1,182.7 million, down from USD 1,382.7 million in the same period of 2024, the nation’s core merchandise export earnings grew by 6.2 percent, reaching USD 826.0 million from USD 777.7 million.

This growth was driven by gains in traditional crops and manufactured goods, highlighting a healthy shift in Rwanda’s export profile.

Traditional goods surge, manufacturing rises

Traditional exports, a cornerstone of the economy, led the momentum, with revenues increasing by 29.7 percent to USD 254.3 million, up from USD 196.2 million in the first half of 2024. These goods now account for 30.8 percent of total merchandise exports, up from 25.2 percent in the same period last year.

Coffee receipts soared by 159.1 percent, while mineral exports rose by 30.8 percent. These strong performances were supported by favourable weather and higher global commodity prices. Tea, however, recorded a 3.2 percent decline due to a 4.7 percent drop in unit prices, despite a modest 1.6 percent increase in volumes.

In the first quarter of 2025, coffee receipts soared by 159.1 percent.

Non-traditional exports also gained traction, rising 22.7 percent to USD 212.2 million from USD 173.0 million, increasing their share of merchandise exports to 25.7 percent from 22.2 percent.

Imports and the widening deficit

Despite export gains, the overall merchandise trade deficit widened by 3.6 percent to USD 1,488.4 million, from USD 1,436.3 million in the first half of 2024, driven by a 4.5 percent increase in merchandise imports, which reached USD 2,314.3 million.

Rising imports reflect strong domestic demand for capital and intermediate goods. Consumer goods imports grew 18.9 percent in value and 12.6 percent in volume. Food imports rose 19.3 percent in value and 13.0 percent in volume, while non-food products increased 18.5 percent in value and 10.2 percent in volume.

A major export commodity, Rwandan tea is known for its quality and has found success in niche markets in Europe and Asia.

Consequently, the export-to-import ratio fell to 45.3 percent, down from 49.1 percent, a 7.8 percent decline.

Re-exports fell by 17.6 percent to USD 277.4 million, reducing their share of total merchandise exports to 33.6 percent from 43.3 percent. Conversely, informal cross-border trade increased slightly to 9.9 percent, up from 9.2 percent.

Regional trade

Rwanda recorded strong performance within the East African Community (EAC). Formal exports to the EAC surged 30.4 percent to USD 155.1 million from USD 118.9 million, driven by growth to the Democratic Republic of Congo (up 72.9 percent) and Uganda (up 26.4 percent).

Rwanda recorded strong performance within the East African Community (EAC). Formal exports to the EAC surged 30.4 percent to USD 155.1 million from USD 118.9 million.

At the same time, imports from EAC countries contracted 28.9 percent to USD 545.5 million from USD 767.4 million, mainly due to sharp declines from Kenya (84.5 percent drop) and Tanzania (25.4 percent drop). As a result, Rwanda’s trade deficit with the EAC narrowed by 39.8 percent, falling to USD 390.4 million from USD 648.6 million.

IGIHE