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Among those dispatched to Washington are Gen Patrick Sasa Nzita and other experts in military and intelligence matters. According to Radio France Internationale (RFI), the delegation is expected to remain in Washington for ten days.

The United States has indicated that, based on the peace agreement signed between Rwanda and the DRC on June 27, 2025, it is interested in collaborating with these nations on projects that will boost their economic development and that of the wider Great Lakes Region.

However, the Congolese delegation in Washington has expressed a desire for the partnership to extend beyond economic cooperation, calling for stronger American involvement in reinforcing the DRC’s security sector.

Currently, the United States is a close ally of both Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. In those cases, U.S. partnerships go far beyond economic development and include building robust defense and security capabilities to safeguard national sovereignty.

For example, the U.S. played a decisive role in liberating Kuwait in 1991 after its territory was occupied by Iraq. Since then, the partnership has expanded to military collaboration, trade, investment, and counterterrorism initiatives.

Representatives of the DRC stated that their country seeks to develop a relationship with the United States similar to these long-standing alliances with Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, combining both economic and security cooperation.

The Congolese government has emphasized its willingness to grant the United States access to some of its mineral resources to help build its security capacity.

In return, it expects the U.S. to support efforts to strengthen the DRC’s ability to ensure its own security — without replacing the Congolese army itself.

According to the Congolese delegation, what the DRC wants is American involvement in modernizing its military, providing up-to-date equipment, and strengthening its defense systems.

This approach, officials say, would enable the DRC to protect its sovereignty and stability while benefiting both nations through a strategic security and economic partnership.

DRC looks to replicate Kuwait—Saudi security cooperation model with Washington.

IGIHE

The championships, held in Rwanda from September 21 to 28, 2025, marked the first time the prestigious cycling competition took place on the African continent.

Slovenia’s Tadej Pogačar claimed the elite men’s road race title, followed by Belgium’s Remco Evenepoel in second place and Ireland’s Ben Healy in third.

Following the weeklonfg race, President Kagame took to X to applaud everyone involved in the event’s success.

“Rwanda is proud to have hosted this historic UCI Road World Championships. I congratulate all the riders who competed across our capital city for their remarkable achievements and resilience.

'My sincere appreciation to my friend, David Lappartient [UCI President] , the UCI team, our partners, the security organs who kept the race route secure and the people of Rwanda whose energy and support made #Kigali2025 [the race] truly unforgettable,' he said.

The men’s road race started with 165 riders but only 30 managed to finish. None of the six Rwandan cyclists completed the challenging race.

According to the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), nearly one million fans lined the streets to watch the elite men’s road race finale in Kigali.

UCI President David Lappartient also praised the event’s success on social media, expressing how the global cycling community was deeply moved by Rwanda’s passion and organization.

Pogačar, who successfully defended his world road race title, said the competition in Rwanda stood out for its challenging but well-prepared course compared to his experience in Australia.

The 2026 UCI Road World Championships are scheduled to take place in Montreal, Canada.

IGIHE

Watters made the comments during Jesse Watters Primetime on Tuesday while discussing U.S. President Donald Trump’s address to world leaders at the General Debate of the 80th UN General Assembly (UNGA). His remarks came after Trump experienced technical difficulties with an escalator and a teleprompter at the UN headquarters.

“What we need to do is either leave the UN or we need to bomb it… maybe gas it… we need to destroy it,” Watters said during the broadcast.

After the UN contacted Fox News about his remarks, Watters issued a private apology to Melissa Fleming, UN under-secretary-general for global communications.

Dujarric emphasized during a briefing that such language was unacceptable. “There is nothing funny or ironic in calling for the bombing, the gassing, the destruction of this building,” he said.

Regarding the technical issues, the UN confirmed that the escalator malfunction occurred after Trump and First Lady Melania Trump stepped onto it, because a White House videographer likely triggered the safety mechanism that caused the escalator to stop. A UN official said the teleprompter was being operated by the White House, according to Reuters.

“If someone at the UN intentionally stopped the escalator as the President and First Lady were stepping on, they need to be fired and investigated immediately,” White House Press Secretary Leavitt wrote on X on Wednesday.

The General Debate of the 80th UNGA officially opened at the UN headquarters in New York on Tuesday. Nearly 150 heads of state and government attended the high-level week of the UNGA.

Stephane Dujarric, chief spokesman for UN Secretary-General, said on Friday that Fox News host Jesse Watters apologized for his comments suggesting that the United Nations should be “bombed.”

Xinhua

Belgium’s Remco Evenepoel had to overcome mechanical problems and multiple bike changes but still battled his way to the silver medal, finishing 1 minute and 28 seconds behind. Ireland’s Ben Healy delivered a strong performance to take bronze, crossing the line 2 minutes and 16 seconds back.

The triumph marked a thrilling conclusion to the weeklong UCI World Championships in Kigali, the first ever held in Africa. The event drew global attention and showcased Rwanda’s growing reputation as a premier cycling destination.

More to follow…

Slovenia’s cycling superstar Tadej Pogačar defended his world title in style, powering to victory in the Men’s Elite Road Race at the UCI World Championships in Kigali.

Belgium’s Remco Evenepoel had to overcome mechanical problems and multiple bike changes but still battled his way to the silver medal.

Ireland’s Ben Healy delivered a strong performance to take bronze, crossing the line 2 minutes and 16 seconds back.

Belgium’s Remco Evenepoel had to overcome mechanical problems and multiple bike changes but still battled his way to the silver medal, finishing 1 minute and 28 seconds behind. Ireland’s Ben Healy delivered a strong performance to take bronze, crossing the line 2 minutes and 16 seconds back.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Kabuga, a former Rwandan businessman and financier of the genocide, remains in detention in The Hague, Netherlands, as no country has agreed to host him. In 2023, the IRMCT suspended his trial, citing his inability to participate because of illness.

His lawyer, Me Emmanuel Altit, said Kabuga wishes to spend his remaining years in France, where his family lives, and has requested court approval for his transfer. Me Altit noted that if approved, the process would require authorisation from the French government and could take 8 to 10 months.

The CPCR denounced the request as an insult to survivors of the Genocide against the Tutsi.

'This act is an affront to the victims and a disgrace to anyone committed to justice,' the association said. It emphasised that France has a history of granting refuge to some officials involved in the genocide, giving them confidence that they could evade justice.

The organisation also urged that, beyond denying Kabuga entry, France should strengthen efforts to prosecute those still in the country, providing sufficient resources to ensure suspects are tried before age or illness prevents justice.

The CPCR noted that, since the start of this year, no new trials of the genocide suspects have been launched, though around 35 individuals remain accused of genocide-related crimes.

The Collectif des Parties Civiles Rwandaises (CPCR), an association of Rwandan families seeking justice for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, has strongly condemned Félicien Kabuga’s request to be admitted to France after the IRMCT court found him unfit to stand trial due to health issues.

IGIHE

Speaking at the event, Lappartient praised Rwanda for staging a championship that 'took our breath away,' describing it as an unforgettable milestone for the global cycling community.

'The cycling family has fallen in love with your country, Your Excellency, Rwanda, this week,' he said. 'In love with its countryside, in love with its people, in love with its beauty, in love with its vitality. These UCI World Championships are not over, but we can already declare them an immense success.'

The UCI President also noted the groundbreaking nature of the Kigali edition, highlighting that it was the first time the Road World Championships were held on the African continent, and the first time women in the under-23 category had their own dedicated races.

'Quite simply, we have never experienced an event like this before,' he said.

In a gesture of appreciation, Lappartient presented President Kagame with a framed rainbow jersey, the same awarded to world champions during the week, along with the UCI Order medal.

'This is the highest distinction awarded to people who make an outstanding impact on the sport of cycling,' he said. 'We will leave Rwanda with unforgettable memories, and we sincerely hope that you will also have unforgettable memories of the UCI World Championships.'

For his part, President Kagame welcomed guests, including His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, senior officials, and the wider cycling family.

He congratulated Lappartient on his recent election and thanked him for the honour bestowed upon him. 'So, for me, I won’t necessarily have to participate in the competition. I have more or less already won,' Kagame joked, drawing applause.

The President emphasised the power of sport to unite and inspire, particularly among Africa’s youth. 'The chants, the crowds, and the smiles are a true testament to the unifying power of sports,' he said.

'For our young and talented people, this is an inspiration for them to follow their own dreams with a spirit of sacrifice and endurance, like true champions.'

Kagame added that investing in sport on the continent is part of investing in Africa’s future. 'It all comes down to giving everyone a fair chance, not out of sympathy, but because everyone has something good to give back and because the sport is stronger for it,' he said.

The evening closed on a celebratory note, with both leaders commending the tireless work of organisers, volunteers, and the Rwandan Cycling Federation in delivering what has already been hailed as one of the most memorable championships in UCI history.

The UCI Road World Championships conclude on Sunday with the highly anticipated men’s elite road race, bringing together some of the world’s best talent after an unforgettable week in sporting history.

UCI President David Lappartient presents President Paul Kagame with the federation’s highest honour, the UCI Order, in recognition of his contribution to cycling and the successful hosting of the 2025 Road World Championships.

The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) capped a historic week in Kigali with a gala dinner on Saturday evening.

Lappartient praised Rwanda for staging a championship that 'took our breath away,' describing it as an unforgettable milestone for the global cycling community.

President Kagame welcomed guests, including His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco (left), senior officials, and the wider cycling family.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Speaking at the gala dinner in Kigali, Kagame thanked UCI President David Lappartient, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, and cycling fans worldwide for supporting the championship.

'Today, we stand here because the leadership at UCI put their trust in our country and our people to provide you with the best possible experience,' Kagame said.

'Rwanda is proud to be contributing to such an important moment in cycling history, and we are happy to be sharing it with you all as one team.'

The President described the week-long championships as a source of inspiration for Africa’s youth.

'The chants, the crowds, and the smiles are a true testament to the unifying power of sports,' he said. 'For our young and talented people, this is an inspiration for them to follow their own dreams with a spirit of sacrifice and endurance, like true champions.'

Kagame stressed that investing in sports on the continent goes hand in hand with creating opportunities for the next generation.

'It all comes down to giving everyone a fair chance, not out of sympathy, but because everyone has something good to give back and because the sport is stronger for it,' he said.

UCI President David Lappartient, in his remarks, hailed Rwanda’s successful staging of the first Road World Championships ever held in Africa.

'This week in Kigali has not just met our expectations. It has, of course, done more than that. It has taken our breath away,' Lappartient said.

'The cycling family has fallen in love with your country, Your Excellency — in love with its countryside, in love with its people, in love with its beauty, in love with its vitality.'

Lappartient highlighted the historic nature of Kigali 2025, which included dedicated women’s under-23 races for the first time and the crowning of 12 world champions so far.

He presented Kagame with a framed rainbow jersey and the prestigious UCI Order, the federation’s highest distinction, in recognition of his role in advancing cycling and supporting the championships.

Both leaders paid tribute to organisers, the Rwandan Cycling Federation, and the volunteers who ensured the success of the event.

'They are always ready with a big smile and assistance,' Lappartient noted, to applause.

The 2025 UCI Road World Championships conclude on Sunday with the men’s elite road race, a highly anticipated finale that will feature some of the sport’s top riders after an unforgettable week in Kigali.

The President described the week-long championships as a source of inspiration for Africa’s youth.

The President described the week-long championships as a source of inspiration for Africa’s youth.

UCI President David Lappartient, in his remarks, hailed Rwanda’s successful staging of the first Road World Championships ever held in Africa.

President Paul Kagame thanked UCI President David Lappartient, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, and cycling fans worldwide for supporting the championship.

UCI president presented Kagame with a framed rainbow jersey and the prestigious UCI Order, the federation’s highest distinction, in recognition of his role in advancing cycling and supporting the championships.

The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) capped a historic week in Kigali with a gala dinner on Saturday evening.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Addressing President Paul Kagame, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, and international delegates, Lappartient said the 2025 edition in Kigali had exceeded all expectations.

'This week in Kigali has not just met our expectations. It has, of course, done more than that. It has taken our breath away,' he said. 'In love with its countryside, in love with its people, in love with its beauty, in love with its vitality — we will never forget your country’s welcome.'

The UCI President hailed the historic significance of this year’s championships, the first to be hosted in Africa. He highlighted two milestones: the debut of dedicated women’s under-23 races and the crowning of 12 world champions before Sunday’s men’s elite road race.

'Quite simply, we have never experienced an event like this before,' he said.

In recognition of Rwanda’s role, Lappartient presented President Kagame with a framed rainbow jersey and the UCI Order, the federation’s highest distinction.

'This is the highest award given to people who make an outstanding impact on the sport of cycling,' he said.

President Kagame, in his own remarks, welcomed the honour and congratulated Lappartient on his election as UCI President. He also acknowledged the warm presence of Prince Albert II of Monaco.

With humour, Kagame noted the symbolic value of the gift: 'So, for me, I won’t necessarily have to participate in the competition. I have more or less already won.'

The President emphasised the unifying power of sport and its role in inspiring Africa’s youth.

'The chants, the crowds, and the smiles are a true testament to the unifying power of sports,' he said.

'For our young and talented people, this is an inspiration for them to follow their own dreams with a spirit of sacrifice and endurance, like true champions.'

He added that investment in sports across the continent is part of investing in Africa’s future.

'It all comes down to giving everyone a fair chance, not out of sympathy, but because everyone has something good to give back and because the sport is stronger for it,' Kagame said.

As the evening drew to a close, both leaders praised the organisers, the Rwandan Cycling Federation, and hundreds of volunteers whose smiles and energy were credited for much of the event’s success.

The 2025 UCI Road World Championships conclude on Sunday with the highly anticipated men’s elite road race, set to feature some of the world’s top riders in what promises to be a historic finale.

Addressing President Paul Kagame, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, and international delegates, Lappartient said the 2025 edition in Kigali had exceeded all expectations.

In recognition of Rwanda’s role, Lappartient presented President Kagame with a framed rainbow jersey and the UCI Order, the federation’s highest distinction.

The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) capped a historic week in Kigali with a gala dinner on Saturday evening.

President Kagame, in his own remarks, welcomed the honour and congratulated Lappartient on his election as UCI President. He also acknowledged the warm presence of Prince Albert II of Monaco.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The positions of the Wazalendo Lunyuki group in Uvira were reportedly heavily shelled by FARDC troops.

André Byadunia, a civil society leader in Uvira, said those killed included one soldier and members of the Wazalendo Lunyuki group, while others were wounded.

'The figures show that two civilians were killed by gunfire, one FARDC soldier was also shot dead by the Lunyuki group, and one member of Wazalendo from the Lunyuki faction was injured,' he said.

FARDC forces and Wazalendo fighters have frequently clashed despite being allies in the fight against AFC/M23 rebels.

Three people, including one soldier, were killed in recent clashes between the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and Wazalendo fighters in Uvira territory, South Kivu.

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“North Kordofan State is witnessing major operational gains, including the killing of hundreds of militia fighters, the seizure of more than 100 combat vehicles, and the liberation of several areas,” the SAF spokesperson’s office said in a statement.

The statement also noted that Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, chairman of Sudan’s Transitional Sovereign Council and commander of the SAF, visited the strategic city of Bara, which the military recaptured on September 11.

Fierce fighting has continued since Friday night between the SAF and the RSF on the western outskirts of El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan State.

Field sources said the SAF, backed by allied joint forces, recaptured the town of Um Sumaima, west of El Obeid near the border of North and West Kordofan. The area has changed hands several times between the two sides.

The SAF Special Forces said in a statement that it had expelled RSF units from Um Sumaima, pushing them about 50 km west of El Obeid toward the outskirts of Al-Khuwei, a town in West Kordofan.

The Joint Forces of armed movements allied with the army stated Saturday: “Military operations in the Kordofan area are proceeding according to plan, with precise implementation on the ground driven by determination and resolve. We have achieved significant victories, and the sacrifices of our heroes will bear fruit in a victory worthy of Sudan’s dignity.”

For its part, the RSF said it had repelled an SAF-led attack on multiple fronts west of El Obeid.

“We inflicted heavy losses in personnel and equipment on the attacking forces,” the RSF said. “Our forces remain stationed at their positions and are determined to advance toward new fronts in preparation for continuing the march toward enemy strongholds.”

Meanwhile, in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur State, the SAF’s 6th Infantry Division reported that it had repelled a new RSF assault on the besieged city.

“The militia attempted to infiltrate and attack El Fasher from the north and southwest, but our forces repelled them and inflicted significant losses in personnel and equipment,” the division said. “In the evening, the militia shelled residential neighborhoods with heavy artillery, suicide drones, and light weapons, but no civilian casualties were reported.” It added that the situation in the city remains “stable.”

Since May 10, 2024, violent clashes have been ongoing in El Fasher between the SAF and its allies on one side, and the RSF on the other, with the fighting intensifying in recent days.

Sudan remains gripped by a conflict between the SAF and the RSF, which erupted in April 2023. The fighting has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions, both internally and across borders, deepening the country’s humanitarian crisis.

Chairman of Sudan’s Transitional Sovereign Council Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan talks with military commanders in El Obeid, North Kordofan, Sudan, as the SAF reports victories against the paramilitary RSF.

Xinhua