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Explosions and a fire were recorded in the area of the facility, and the extent of the damage is currently being assessed, the statement said.

The Saratov refinery, which processed 4.8 million tons of oil in 2023, produces over 20 types of petroleum products, including gasoline and diesel fuel.

Ukrainian authorities previously reported strikes on the oil refinery in February and August.

Ukraine has claimed overnight strike on Russia’s Saratov oil refinery.

Xinhua

This decision, made in collaboration with educational institutions and relevant authorities, aims to ensure public safety and smooth coordination during the global sporting event.

Schools and universities will remain closed for the specified period, with normal activities resuming on Monday, 29 September 2025.

To mitigate the impact on academic progress, the Ministry has assured that lost school days will be compensated through adjustments to the academic calendar.

Schools are encouraged to prepare online content, assignments, or homework in advance, and a special educational booklet on cycling and the UCI championshipsis available to support this effort.

Learners are also invited to engage with the historic event, turning it into a unique educational opportunity.

The Ministry has requested the cooperation of all education stakeholders in ensuring both safety and learning continuity, while also allowing students to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The UCI Road World Championships is an annual international road cycling competition, bringing together national teams from around the world under the organisation of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI).

The event is expected to attract numerous participants from across the globe, along with visitors who will come for both the event and tourism activities.

First held in 1921 in Copenhagen, Denmark, the most recent edition of the championship took place in Zürich, Switzerland, in 2024.

The event is expected to attract numerous participants from across the globe, along with visitors who will come for both the event and tourism activities.

IGIHE

Following its successful participation at the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) held at ADNEC Abu Dhabi, the committee recently conducted productive discussions with sports federations in the UAE and is preparing to host the Sponsors’ Summit on 17th September.

Aref Hamad Al Awani, Secretary-General of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said, 'The Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 is more than just a sporting competition; it’s a dynamic community initiative designed to foster active lifestyles, encourage a passion for sport, and promote healthy living. Hosting this event is a significant point of pride for Abu Dhabi and will further enhance our reputation as a leading global destination for major sporting events. We are prepared to welcome participants from around the world and are committed to delivering a memorable experience for everyone involved.'

The Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 will be the largest and most diverse international sporting event ever hosted in the region. Taking place from 6 to 15 February 2026 in Abu Dhabi, it will welcome more than 25,000 athletes competing across more than 30 different sports, including six heritage sports that reflect the UAE’s national identity and cultural legacy.

As the first edition of the Masters Games to be held in the Middle East, the event will encourage healthy lifestyles, strengthen community connections and demonstrate that sporting excellence can be achieved at any age. Participants from over 100 nationalities are expected to attend the event, creating opportunities for cultural exchange and intergenerational engagement.

The line-up of sports includes Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Judo, Karate, Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Shooting, Badminton, Weightlifting, Table Tennis, Tennis, Padel, Athletics, Squash, Chess, Cycling, Obstacle Course Racing, Swimming, Golf, Canoeing/Kayaking, Sailing, Orienteering, Triathlon, Bowling, Netball, Rugby, Cricket, Wrestling, Horse Jumping and Archery.

Additionally, six Emirati heritage sports will feature Falconry, Endurance Horse Racing, Camel Racing, Dhow Sailing, Al Taba, and Diving. In line with its mission to foster inclusivity, participation in 18 sports categories have also been opened for people of determination.

Competitions will take place at more than 20 venues across Abu Dhabi, including Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, Zayed Sports City, Al Ain Adventure, Corniche, Al Mirfa, Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi Padel Kingdom, NYU Abu Dhabi, Hudayriyat Island, Space 42, Erth Hotel, Emirates Palace, Mubadala Arena, Green Mubazzarah, ADNEC, Abu Dhabi Cricket and Sports Hub, Khalifa International Bowling Centre, Mohammed Bin Zayed City Swimming Pool, Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club, Abu Dhabi Falconers Club, and Al Ain Equestrian, Golf and Shooting Club.

Volunteer registration, launched in partnership with Emirates Foundation in July, is currently ongoing and is open to students, professionals, sports enthusiasts and community leaders.

The programme offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the success of the Games while leaving a lasting social impact.

Furthermore, the official Open Masters Games wristband was launched at ADIHEX, reflecting the leadership’s strong support for the event and its call for community participation and active living.

The wristband serves as a symbol of the Games and a companion for participants and supporters, accompanying them through the preparations and into the course of the event.

Participation in the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 is open to all individuals aged 30 and above, with no restriction on experience or sporting level.

IGIHE

According to the Ministry of Defence, the services provided included treatment for malaria, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, respiratory, pediatric, and gynecological conditions, as well as chronic disease screenings and health education.

Major Emmanuel Kayinamura, deputy commanding officer of RWABG VII encouraged community members to maintain proper hygiene, protect water sources, and consistently use mosquito nets.

Mr. Omar Ramadhan, the local community representative, expressed gratitude to the Rwandan peacekeepers and appealed for continued support.

This initiative underscores the commitment of MINUSCA and Rwandan peacekeepers in particular to improving public health and strengthening Civil-Military Cooperation in their area of responsibility.

The outreach followed a March 2025 exercise in which the RWAMED X team provided free medical treatment to more than 400 people in Mingala Commune, Central African Republic, for various illnesses, including malaria.

During the same outreach, residents were also screened for non-communicable diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes.

The initiative aimed to help communities better understand their health status and adopt practices that promote well-being and disease prevention.

The services provided included treatment for malaria, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, respiratory, pediatric, and gynecological conditions, as well as chronic disease screenings and health education.

The exercise was conducted on Monday, September 15, 2025.

The medical outreach programme was extended to more than 200 residents.

IGIHE

Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee published a map on the social media platform X identifying an area marked in red as the target. “For your safety, we urge all those present at Hodeidah Port and the ships anchored there to evacuate the area immediately,” he said. “Anyone who remains in the area puts their life in danger.”

Adraee said Houthi forces have used the site.

The warning came hours after Israel launched a large-scale ground incursion into Gaza City, expanding its nearly two-year offensive in the Gaza Strip, and following a United Nations commission report accusing Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in the enclave.

The Houthis, who control much of northern Yemen, have stepped up drone and missile attacks after Israel struck senior Houthi leaders in an airstrike in Sanaa.

Houthi forces have carried out repeated attacks on Israel since November 2023, saying they are acting in support of Palestinians during Israel’s war in Gaza. Israel has responded with strikes on Houthi-held areas, including Sanaa and the Red Sea port of Hodeidah.

Xinhua

The wetlands under rehabilitation include Gikondo, which stretches across Remera, Kimihurura and Gatenga and connects with Rugenge—Rwintare wetland.

This in turn extends through Kacyiru and Muhima and links with the Muhima marshland near Kinamba. Kibumba, located at the former UTEXRWA site, connects Kinyinya and Gisozi, while Nyabugogo links Muhima and Gatsata.

Together, these wetlands make up a total of 500 hectares: Gikondo with 162, Nyabugogo with 131, Kibumba with 68, Rwampara with 65, and Rugenge—Rwintare with 65.

The entire project is expected to cost $80 million, with the first $32 million allocated to restoration work. The second phase will focus on building recreational facilities. The project is designed to reduce flooding in Kigali, conserve biodiversity and improve water purification systems.

These wetlands will feature a combined 61.5 kilometers of pedestrian and cycling paths. The Gikondo wetland will include 16.9 kilometers of paths, Rugenge—Rwintare will have 15.5 kilometers, and Rwampara will feature 10 kilometers. Kibumba will include 9.8 kilometers of pedestrian paths, while Nyabugogo will have 9.3 kilometers.

In addition, 13 water catchment ponds will be constructed, including the 10-hectare Nyabugogo Lake. Gikondo will have four ponds, Kibumba five, Rugenge—Rwintare one, and Rwampara two.

These wetlands have also been fitted with 142 waste traps. Gikondo will have 24 traps, Kibumba 16, Rugenge—Rwintare 48, Nyabugogo 30, and Rwampara 24.

There will also be 14 islands within the ponds, including four in Gikondo, six in Kibumba, one in Rugenge—Rwintare, two in Nyabugogo, and one in Rwampara.

As for progress, rehabilitation works have reached 38 percent in Rwampara, 70 percent in Gikondo, 62 percent in Rugenge—Rwintare, 76 percent in Kibumba, and 59 percent in Nyabugogo.

Eng. Martine Uwera, the Programme Manager for Environment Mainstreaming and Biodiversity Management at Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) explained that the Nyabugogo marshland is lagging behind because a lake is being constructed there, with the work requiring special equipment and significant effort to make it possible.

'As for the Rwampara marshland, the reason behind it is that rehabilitation only began in November 2024, while the others started in March 2024,' she said.

Each marshland has been given a unique focus. Gikondo will serve as an eco-tourism site, featuring libraries, kiosks and other amenities for visitors.

Rugenge—Rwintare will host a five-hectare retention pond that collects water from Rwampara, Gikondo. It is designed to showcase Rwanda’s environment conservation efforts.

Kibumba will focus on aquaculture with interconnected fish ponds, flower gardens and an exhibition center showcasing Rwanda’s fishing industry.

Nyabugogo is being designed as a hub for research and biodiversity education, while Rwampara will highlight Rwanda’s cultural heritage through exhibitions of traditional crops, foods and artifacts.

According to Uwera, all pedestrian paths and parking areas will be powered by solar energy. However, swimming will not be permitted in the ponds for now, since the marshlands were once sites for factories that used chemicals. Water quality is tested every six months, and authorities say swimming may only be allowed once the water is deemed completely safe.

In the area designated for sports infrastructure, two football fields will be constructed in the Kibumba Wetland, while Gikondo will have one, and Rwampara will have two.

Meanwhile, Kibumba Wetland will host two basketball courts, one in Gikondo, and one in Rugenge-Rwintare.

Two volleyball courts will be established in the Kibumba Wetland, one in Gikondo, and one in Rugenge-Rwintare, while in the Gikondo Wetland, one handball court will be built, and another in Rwampara.

Tree planting in these wetlands has also been emphasized. A total of 1,560 trees will be planted In Gikondo Wetland; 1,511 in Rwampara, 1,419 trees in Kibumba, and 204 trees in Rugenge-Rwintare.

So far, the rehabilitation of these wetlands has created jobs for 5,917 people, including 2,893 women. By the time the project is complete, more than 12,000 people will have been employed.

Uwera stated that the rehabilitation work will be completed by December 2025. However, the official unveiling will take place in April 2026 after testing to ensure that everything functions properly.

Rwanda is also conducting a study on additional projects to be implemented in these wetlands. This study is expected to be completed by November 2025, alongside the recreational areas that will be developed afterward.

A total of 220,500 residents will benefit from reduced flood risks and will have access to relaxation areas.

Uwera noted that the benefits of these wetlands are already becoming evident.
In addition to the return of wildlife, the recent heavy rains have demonstrated their importance.

He said, 'You know that rain in Nyabugogo used to cause flooding, even covering the roads. Recently, despite heavy rainfall, the roads did not flood.'

Currently, Rwanda has 915 wetlands, covering 10.6% of the country’s total land area, of which 38 constitute 20% of protected wetlands.

IGIHE

The event was organised by Never Again Rwanda on the occasion of international day of Democracy 2025. The symposium discussed the theme titled ‘Democracy in Rwanda amid regional and global trends’.

The objective of the symposium was to provide stakeholders with a platform for dialogue and reflection on the challenges and prospects for democracy in Rwanda, the region and the continent.

In his remarks, Brig Gen Ronald Rwivanga emphasized that Africa is facing a wide range of security challenges, including widespread violent criminality, intercommunal conflicts driven by ethnic divisions, internal and cross-border insurgencies and terrorism.

He noted that in some parts of the continent, governments have effectively surrendered control of certain areas to criminal elements and have become complacent about it.

'These issues seriously hinder Africa’s socio-economic transformation,' he said, stressing that it is the primary responsibility of governments to address the root causes of these problems. 'You cannot outsource solutions to external actors or make national security a foreign responsibility. The moment you do that, you have already failed from the outset.'

Brig Gen Rwivanga concluded by highlighting the importance of both internal commitment and regional collaboration, stating that governments must work within their means and in partnership with regional entities to ensure lasting peace and stability.

Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) Spokesperson Brig Gen Ronald Rwivanga, on Monday, September 15, 2025, joined other panellists to discuss security and democracy in the Great Lakes region in a symposium held in Kigali.

IGIHE

According to the Times of Israel, the IDF has been gradually expanding airstrikes in and around the city in recent days, but has not dispatched ground troops into the densely populated northern city.

Local sources and eyewitnesses in Gaza denied any Israeli tank incursion into Gaza City. There was no sighting yet of penetration or movement of Israeli tanks into the depths of the city, said residents in Gaza City. But they confirmed intense air strikes and drone bombings in most parts of Gaza City.

Following air strikes and bombardment in Gaza City, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Tuesday morning in a statement that “Gaza is burning.”

Katz said that the IDF is striking the “terror infrastructure” with an iron fist and fighting to create the conditions for the release of the hostages and the defeat of Hamas.

“We will not relent and we will not back down, until the mission is completed,” Katz added.

The Palestinian official news agency WAFA reported early Tuesday that the Israeli army has intensified its raids on Gaza City since Monday night. Citing local sources, WAFA said that Israeli warplanes were launching continuous raids on the city, almost without stopping.

In recent weeks, some 300,000 Palestinians have fled Gaza City, home to nearly 1 million people, reported Israel’s Army Radio.

On Monday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio vowed Washington’s “unwavering support” to Israel in its offensive in Gaza and called for Hamas’ eradication during his visit to the country.

“The people of Gaza deserve a better future, but that future cannot begin until Hamas is eliminated,” Rubio told reporters at a press conference alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem.

In early August, Israel’s Security Cabinet approved a plan to take over Gaza City. Israel’s military spokesperson Effie Defrin said earlier this month that Israeli forces control about 40 percent of Gaza City and will “expand and intensify” the offensive in the coming days to seize the enclave’s largest urban center.

Israeli newspaper The Jerusalem Post confirmed that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF)’s invasion of Gaza City erupted late Monday night.

Xinhua

Read the full statement below:

On Monday September 15ᵗʰ 2025, His Excellency Paul Kagame, the President of the Republic of Rwanda, chaired a Cabinet meeting at Urugwiro Village.

1. The Cabinet was briefed on the 2024/25 national examination results and reopening of schools for the 2025/26 academic year. Notable performance improvements were recorded across all levels of basic education, supported by remedial programs and strengthened student and school engagement. The 2025/26 school year commenced smoothly on September 8, 2025, and continued collaboration between schools and parents is encouraged to sustain progress in learning outcomes.

2. The Cabinet discussed preparations for the 2026A agricultural season and noted good progress. Farmers are encouraged to complete land preparation, ensure timely planting and appropriate use of inputs (seeds & fertilizers) to maximize crop productivity.

3. The Cabinet discussed progress achieved in expanding electricity access, connectivity and reliability nationwide. Access to electricity has increased to 85% in 2025 from less than 2% in 2000. To achieve universal access and financial sustainability in the power sector, the Cabinet noted that the electricity tariff, which has remained unchanged since 2020, is currently under review as part of broader strategic measures.

4. The Cabinet was updated on preparations for the 2025 UCI Road World Championship, the first of its kind on the African continent to be held in Rwanda from 21—28 September 2025. All preparations are on track. The public is invited to be part of this exciting and vibrant cycling week.

5. The Cabinet was briefed on new actions to expand forest and landscape restoration across the country, including in urban areas. These efforts engage communities and partners, and will help Rwanda adapt to climate change, protect the environment, enhance quality of life, and create sustainable economic opportunities.

6. The Cabinet approved a Partnership Agreement between the African Parks Network and the Government of Rwanda.

7. The Cabinet approved applications of Rwandan nationality.

8. The Cabinet approved the following Orders:

• Ministerial Order establishing the code of conduct and governing disciplinary committees in the Rwanda Defence Force.

• Ministerial Order on land expropriation in public interests for Ngoma River Water Supply Project in Gicumbi and Nyagatare.

9. The Cabinet approved the Agrément for proposed Ambassador and Honorary Consuls:

• Mr. Victorino-Nká Obiang Maye, Ambassador of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea to the Republic of Rwanda, with residence in Brazzaville.

• Mr. Husain Saif Aziz Al — Harthi, Honorary Consul of the Sultanate of Oman in the Republic of Rwanda.

The Cabinet meeting held on September 15, 2025, was chaired by President Paul Kagame.

IGIHE

The new cabinet includes 34 ministers — 10 of them new, and three state secretaries. Ghrieb, the former industry minister, has been serving as acting prime minister since Tebboune ended Nadir Larbaoui’s tenure last month.

The energy portfolio was split into the Ministry of Energy and Renewable Energy, led by Mourad Adjal, and the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Mines, led by Mohamed Arkab.

Algeria, which supplies energy to several European countries, is working to diversify its economy.

Xinhua