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  • From Coffee to AI: China’s new ambassador highlights next frontier in Rwanda–China partnership (Video) #rwanda #RwOT

    Gao, who officially presented his credentials to President Paul Kagame on July 11, 2025, succeeds Wang Xuekun as China’s envoy to Rwanda.

    Speaking in an exclusive interview with IGIHE, he expressed admiration for Rwanda’s transformation and enthusiasm for expanding ties that have been described as being in their 'best period.'

    Gao officially presented his credentials to President Paul Kagame on July 11, 2025. He succeeded Wang Xuekun as China’s envoy to Rwanda.

    Having arrived in Rwanda just recently, Gao expressed awe at the country’s stunning landscapes, pleasant weather, and vibrant culture.

    'The city is clean and safe. The culture is very unique. I enjoy the Intore dance very much,' he said, noting his participation in Rwanda’s Car Free Day and his eagerness to join Umuganda, the national community service day.

    His initial impressions, shaped by limited prior knowledge and media portrayals, have been surpassed by Rwanda’s dynamic energy and warm hospitality.

    'The country brings me surprise almost every day,' he added.

    China’s newly appointed Ambassador to Rwanda, Gao Wenqi, has pledged to deepen the growing partnership between Kigali and Beijing, outlining technology, artificial intelligence, and trade as the next frontiers of bilateral cooperation.

    Reflecting on his first meeting with President Kagame, Gao described it as 'exciting' and a significant moment in his diplomatic career.

    'The President says that China is a reliable good friend of Rwanda,' Gao recounted, conveying warm greetings from Chinese President Xi Jinping.

    He praised Rwanda’s unique development path under Kagame’s leadership, noting its success in promoting national unity, social harmony, and strong economic growth. Field trips to remote villages in Rwanda’s north and south affirmed his belief in the people’s support for their leader and pride in their nation’s restored dignity and prosperity.

    Ambassador Gao spoke exclusively with IGIHE journalist Christian Mugisha.

    Gao, who previously served as Deputy Mayor of Changsha, Hunan’s capital, brings a wealth of experience to his role. Changsha, a hub for China-Africa cooperation, has been a gateway for Rwandan products like dried chilli and coffee, which sold out in seconds during Changsha’s online shopping festival.

    'Rwanda was under the spotlight, thanks to your perfect and wonderful exhibition and roadshows,' Gao said, referencing the fourth China-Africa Economic Trade Expo in June 2025, attended by Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe.

    The ambassador underscored the elevation of Rwanda-China relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, formalised at the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit in Beijing.

    This milestone, driven by strategic guidance from Presidents Kagame and Xi, has positioned China as Rwanda’s top trading and investment partner. Bilateral trade hit a record high of $160 million (approximately Frw 230 billion), fueled by Rwandan exports like coffee, tea, and chilli, which resonate with Chinese consumers.

    Looking ahead, Gao highlighted emerging sectors for collaboration, particularly electric vehicles (EVs), AI, and information and communication technology (ICT). Chinese EV brands like BYD, Chang’an, and Dongfang have entered the Rwandan market, marking a 'promising start.'

    Gao anticipates more brands will follow, supported by maintenance services to ensure sustainability.

    In AI and ICT, Rwanda’s forward-thinking approach to innovation makes it a compelling partner for collaboration. Huawei’s smart education project has connected approximately 1,500 Rwandan schools to educational networks, enhancing digital access. Additionally, a digital truck initiative is training local ICT professionals, bolstering Rwanda’s growing tech ecosystem.

    Chinese universities and the embassy are also fostering AI capacity through workshops for Rwandan students.

    ''We have set up the Confucius Institute at the University of Rwanda and the Luban Workshop at IPRC Musanze…AI shouldn’t be exclusive to the wealthy,’ Gao emphasised, highlighting China’s establishment of the World AI Cooperation Organisation, announced last month, to narrow the digital divide.'

    The new envoy also highlighted China’s long-term contributions to the healthcare sector.

    'In healthcare, the Chinese medical team has been serving Rwanda for over 40 years, and Masaka Hospital is set to become one of the largest hospitals in the country,' he said.

    Addressing criticisms of China’s engagement with Africa, Gao dismissed the 'debt trap diplomacy' narrative as a 'narrative trap.' He stressed that China attaches no political conditions to its financing, which has built railways, ports, and jobs across Africa without causing debt stress.

    'Facts speak louder than words,' he said, citing President Kagame’s rejection of the debt trap narrative at the 2024 Doha Forum and former Namibian President Hage Geingob’s defense of African nations’ agency in managing their affairs.

    Addressing criticisms of China’s engagement with Africa, Gao dismissed the 'debt trap diplomacy' narrative as a 'narrative trap.'

    Gao described Rwanda—China relations as comprehensive, constructive, and congenial, built on mutual respect, shared values, and people-centred development models.

    He reiterated that both nations are guided by long-term visions — China’s centenary goals and Rwanda’s Vision 2050 — which provide a strong foundation for cooperation and which he is eager to deepen during his tenure in Rwanda.

    'I am not just a visitor passing through. My mission is to observe, to learn, to love, and most importantly, to share. Congratulations on Rwanda’s achievements, and I wish the country greater success on the path of peace and development,” he remarked.

    On global trade challenges, particularly U.S. tariffs, Gao argued that openness remains the dominant trend. Despite the 2018 U.S.-China trade war, China’s foreign trade grew from $30 trillion to $43 trillion, underscoring the resilience of global cooperation.

    As the world’s second-largest economy, China offers 100% zero-tax access to 53 African countries, including Rwanda, to bolster market access for the least developed nations.

    Gao also reaffirmed China’s stance on Taiwan, emphasising the one-China principle and Rwanda’s consistent support, as reiterated at the 2024 FOCAC Summit.

    'Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory,' he said, noting the historical mandates of the Cairo Declaration, Potsdam Proclamation, and UN General Assembly Resolution 2758.

    Watch the full interview below.

    Wycliffe Nyamasege

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/from-coffee-to-ai-china-s-new-ambassador-highlights-next-frontier-in-rwanda

  • Israel calls deadly Gaza hospital strike “tragic mishap” as Arab League, Egypt condemn #rwanda #RwOT

    Gaza health authorities said the strike on the hospital in Khan Younis, the last one operational in southern Gaza, killed five journalists and four medical staff.

    Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit called the attack “just one episode in a relentless series of massacres deliberately targeting civilians.” The Egyptian Foreign Ministry labelled it a “new episode in a long series of blatant Israeli violations of international humanitarian law.”

    In a statement, Netanyahu said Israeli military authorities were conducting a thorough investigation. “Israel values the work of journalists, medical staff, and all civilians,” he said.

    An Israeli military spokesman, Effie Defrin, told reporters the army “does not intentionally target civilians” and blamed Hamas for creating “impossible conditions” in the territory.

    According to Gaza’s health authorities, an initial strike hit the fourth floor of the complex, and a second strike targeted medical teams as they responded to the casualties.

    Citing Israeli military officials, Israel’s Kan TV reported the strike was carried out by a tank, not an aircraft. The report said the tank targeted a camera on the hospital that troops believed Hamas was using to monitor their movements.

    The war, which began in October 2023, has devastated the coastal enclave. Israel does not permit foreign journalists into Gaza, but local reporters continue to provide coverage. According to Gaza health officials, at least 273 journalists and a total of 62,744 people have been killed by Israeli fire since the conflict began.

    The Arab League and Egypt on Monday condemned an Israeli strike on Gaza’s Nasser hospital that killed at least 20 people, an incident Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called a “tragic mishap.”

    Xinhua

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/israel-calls-deadly-gaza-hospital-strike-tragic-mishap-as-arab-league-egypt

  • Rwanda’s new surrogacy law: Key responsibilities for surrogates and intended parents #rwanda #RwOT

    The development comes at a time when figures from the Ministry of Health show that, between 2020 and 2024, at least 5,925 people in Rwanda needed assisted reproductive services because they were unable to conceive naturally.

    This article outlines key aspects of the new surrogacy law, including the responsibilities of both surrogate mothers and intended parents.

    Surrogacy practices abroad and in Rwanda

    Surrogacy is already common in many parts of Europe, Asia, and the United States. In India, for example, only legally married couples may apply, while surrogates must be between 25 and 35 years old and are only allowed to carry one pregnancy for someone else in their lifetime.

    In Rwanda, the law takes a different approach. While in some countries surrogacy became commercialized, with surrogates earning between $55,000 and $100,000 depending on the country and their experience, Rwanda insists it will remain an act of compassion.

    No payment is allowed beyond covering medical expenses linked to pregnancy and childbirth.

    Legal framework and eligibility

    The law passed on August 4, 2025, defines surrogacy as an assisted reproductive arrangement in which a surrogate mother agrees to carry a child for another person or couple and hand over the baby immediately after birth.

    To qualify as a surrogate, a woman must be aged between 21 and 40, must have previously carried a pregnancy to term without complications, and must pass a medical assessment confirming she is healthy enough for another pregnancy.

    The intended parents are responsible for finding their own surrogate. They must cover all medical costs throughout the pregnancy and for up to six weeks after delivery, including any complications the surrogate may face.

    They are also required to respect the surrogacy contract and to accept any outcome of the pregnancy. This means that whether the child is born with a disability, is stillborn, or is of a particular sex, the intended parents must accept the circumstances.

    Responsibilities of the surrogate mother

    Like any pregnant woman, the surrogate is expected to safeguard her health and that of the baby. The law requires her to follow medical advice, attend regular health check-ups, and avoid any actions that might endanger the pregnancy. She must also keep the intended parents informed of her condition.

    Once the baby is born, the surrogate is legally obliged to hand the child over to the intended parents and honor the terms of the agreement.

    Restrictions on genetic selection

    The law makes it clear that reproductive technology cannot be used to alter a person’s genetic makeup or to select the sex of the baby.

    In addition, sperm or embryos donated by one individual cannot be shared with more than one couple seeking assisted reproduction.

    State Minister for Health, Dr. Yvan Butera, recently told Members of Parliament that infertility in Rwanda is caused by male factors in 30 percent of cases and female factors in another 30 percent. Another 30 percent of cases are due to problems affecting both partners, while 10 percent remain unexplained.

    Rwanda’s law legalizing surrogacy has been warmly welcomed across society. AI generated photo

    IGIHE

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/what-you-need-to-know-about-rwanda-s-new-surrogacy-law

  • More than 500 Rwandans repatriated from DRC #rwanda #RwOT

    The returnees were received by the government on Monday, August 25, 2025, and will be accommodated at the Nyarushishi Transit Center in Rusizi district before resuming normal life.

    The repatriation follows decisions made during a high-level tripartite ministerial meeting between Rwanda, the DRC, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on July 24, 2025.

    Most of the returnees had been staying in the temporary Goma camp after fleeing areas in eastern DRC, where they were previously held captive by the FDLR militia group.

    Egide Twagirumukiza, 65, who has lived in the DRC since 1994, said the FDLR had instilled fear among residents, preventing anyone from returning.

    'They really prevented us from returning! They would either kill you or detain you if you tried to go back,' he said.

    The group joins over 1,100 Rwandans who returned in May 2025 with UNHCR’s support. According to UNHCR, as of August 6, 2025, the temporary Goma camp still hosted 630 Rwandans awaiting return, with another 31 at various sites in Kitshanga, Karuba, and Mweso.

    A total of 532 Rwandans returned from DR Congo on Monday, crossing the Grande Barrière border post in Rubavu District.

    UNHCR facilitated the repatriation of the Rwandan nationals.

    Buses at the border transported the returnees to Nyarushishi Transit Centre.

    IGIHE

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/more-than-500-rwandans-repatriated-from-drc

  • AFC/M23 urges urgent action as Kinshasa forces, allied militias accused of new attacks #rwanda #RwOT

    According to a statement released by the Congo River Alliance on Monday, August 25, at around 2:30 a.m., these forces carried out incursions into densely populated areas of Kibati, Munigi, Goma, and surrounding communities. The attacks resulted in the deaths of four civilians and left three others seriously injured.

    The Alliance called on human rights organisations, as well as the national and international community, to document and strongly condemn what it described as 'systematic war crimes and crimes against humanity' perpetrated by the Kinshasa regime.

    The statement further accused the government of trampling the spirit and letter of the ongoing Doha Peace Process, citing continued arbitrary arrests, death sentences for alleged members of the Alliance, and targeting former President Joseph Kabila in what the group called 'a mockery of justice.'

    In an earlier statement on Sunday, August 24, the Alliance warned that coalition forces—including foreign mercenaries—had launched attacks on KADASOMWA and nearby positions, causing significant civilian displacement and casualties from drone bombardments.

    The statement warned that, unlike previous attacks where perpetrators were allowed to return home without consequence, this new campaign would not go unpunished.

    The Congo River Alliance reiterated its commitment to protect civilian populations and establish a security perimeter to neutralise what it described as the 'terrorist forces of the Kinshasa regime.'

    The AFC/M23 remains engaged in ongoing peace talks in Doha, Qatar, aimed at resolving the conflict in eastern DRC, where the group has accused government forces of targeting Kinyarwanda-speaking communities through marginalisation and violence.

    The AFC/M23 rebel coalition has condemned coalition forces of the Kinshasa regime, including the FARDC, FDLR, Mai-Mai Wazalendo, and the Nyatura, for launching deadly attacks in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) over the weekend.

    IGIHE

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/afc-m23-urges-urgent-action-as-kinshasa-forces-allied-militias-accused-of-new

  • Archbishop Mbanda cautions against complaints over closure of non-compliant churches #rwanda #RwOT

    He made these remarks during the celebration of the Anglican Church of Rwanda’s 100th anniversary, which took place at Gahini Diocese in Kayonza District.

    When asked about the progress of reopening closed churches, Dr. Mbanda explained that they are working to fulfill all the requirements and are hopeful that the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) will authorize their reopening.

    'The requirements and guidelines from RGB are being implemented. We are using the Irembo platform to register all churches that meet the standards. Many have already completed this process while others are still working on it. This does not only concern the Anglican Church but applies to all churches in Rwanda that wish to reopen,' he said.

    Dr. Mbanda also cautioned religious leaders and Christians against criticizing the policy of closing churches that fail to meet standards, emphasizing that the measures are meant to protect the faithful, not to serve the interests of the state.

    'Sometimes we misinterpret these requirements. But they are actually for our own good. If someone tells you that a church must have toilets, proper ventilation, or sufficient lighting, those are not bad demands—they are meant to help us. It is true that some churches face financial challenges that prevent them from meeting all the requirements immediately, but difficulty does not mean they are unnecessary. In fact, they are very important,' he said.

    He added: 'We need to comply step by step, patiently putting in place the necessary facilities. Once this is done, RGB will begin inspections and allow churches that meet the standards to reopen.'

    Dr. Mbanda admitted that it is not easy for all churches to meet the requirements at once, but noted that the situation is improving gradually.

    'Some churches struggle to raise funds, while others have pastors who do not yet meet the required educational qualifications. However, many denominations have started addressing this. For example, ADEPR has sent more than 1,000 pastors to pursue diplomas so they can meet the standard,' he explained.

    He urged church leaders to fulfill the requirements, stressing that doing so benefits both the leaders themselves and their congregations.

    According to RGB, a nationwide inspection in 2024 found that out of more than 13,000 churches, about 59.3% were closed for failing to meet standards. In February 2025, a follow-up inspection led to more than 20 denominations losing their licenses to operate in Rwanda.

    The Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Rwanda, Dr. Laurent Mbanda, has said that efforts are ongoing to meet the government requirements needed for closed churches to reopen.

    IGIHE

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/archbishop-mbanda-cautions-against-complaints-over-closure-of-non-compliant

  • Up close with Kate Bashabe: Life, style, philanthropy, and her love for dogs #rwanda #RwOT

    Beyond her public image, she is an entrepreneur who seamlessly blends fashion, business, and philanthropy, most notably by supporting children from underprivileged families with school supplies to promote education.

    But while her polished appearances often steal the spotlight, Kate lives a personal life that surprises many. She is unapologetic about her choices, prioritising happiness even when it sparks mixed reactions from the public.

    One example is her love for animals—particularly her eight dogs, which she openly showers with affection and care, even buying land for them. For her, the bond is genuine, though some critics see it as excessive.

    In an exclusive sit-down with IGIHE, Kate opened up about her journey, lifestyle, and values—from her playful childhood to her passion for giving back, and everything in between.

    IGIHE: Who is Kate Bashabe?

    Kate Bashabe is an ordinary Rwandan woman who loves people, is calm, and enjoys things that bring happiness.

    What kind of child were you growing up?

    As a child, I was very playful, and that energy has never really left me. I still keep everyone at home entertained with my liveliness. Back then, my parents were often concerned, wondering if I would return home safely or without any injuries. Despite my playful nature, I was also a well-behaved and respectful child.

    We often see you attending football matches outside Rwanda. Which teams do you support?

    I am a big fan of Liverpool, but I also support Arsenal. I started following Liverpool when I was in the UK. As for Arsenal, I was once lucky to be invited by the club itself, and that was a very joyful experience because it’s something many people dream of but never get the chance to do. So whenever I get the opportunity, especially to watch Liverpool, I always go because I support them passionately.

    Kate Bashabe is a big fan of Liverpool.

    How do you usually spend your day at home, from morning until night?

    When I don’t have work commitments, I often spend time with children from families I am close to. They enjoy being around me because I still have a childlike energy. I love playing, dancing, and watching movies. I also dedicate a lot of time to my dogs, which I love dearly. I currently have eight of them. On such days, I don’t feel the need to do much else. I take time to relax, watch films, or exercise, as fitness is something I really enjoy.

    How did you develop such a strong love for dogs?

    I grew up in a household where dogs were part of the family. My father kept as many as seven, so I was surrounded by them from a young age, and that is where my affection for dogs began. As I got older, I always dreamed of owning my own and caring for different breeds. Beyond companionship, my dogs also provide security at home.

    Kate Bashabe revealed that she has eight dogs and even cultivates food for them on land she specifically purchased for their care.

    Of course, some people have different opinions, especially when I share a lot about them on social media. They may think I go overboard, but it simply comes from genuine love. Perhaps in the future, I’ll share less, but they remain a big part of my life.

    With eight dogs, how do you manage their care professionally?

    Taking care of dogs is almost like managing another project. If I didn’t have the means, I couldn’t do it, because it requires both time and significant resources. They eat a lot, mostly meat, which is costly. To support them, I even set aside savings specifically for their needs and allocated land where I grow food for them.

    Caring for them goes beyond feeding. It includes cleaning, medical care, and monitoring their overall well-being. My dogs eat twice a day, receive vaccinations regularly, and have a dedicated veterinarian who checks on them. It truly is a lot of work, but I see them as part of the family, deserving of proper attention and professional care.

    What kinds of sports do you enjoy?

    I go to the gym regularly, but I also enjoy walking every evening. The area where I live has hills, so walking there is refreshing. I also love swimming—it’s something I enjoy a lot. Going to the gym and lifting weights helps me stay strong so that when I grow older, I will remain healthy.

    Kate Bashabe says that staying happy, humble, and kind is her secret to thriving in life.

    What do you love so much that you think you might actually be addicted to it?

    I love eating! That’s actually why I do a lot of exercise, because I eat a lot and not always the healthiest foods. I love rice, fries, meat, and mayonnaise. I can eat up to four times a day. Honestly, I really love food. If I didn’t exercise, I would gain too much weight. For me, food is life, especially when I enjoy it with a cold soda—it makes me feel alive.

    What is the most painful experience you’ve ever gone through?

    The death of my grandmother. She was my closest friend. When she passed away, it left me traumatised for a long time. Even my parents didn’t know how to help me through it. I struggled in school, and her death broke me completely. I was deeply hurt, and even today, I still think about her.

    What’s your secret to looking good and maintaining your figure?

    The real secret is having a good heart. Let me explain: if you keep stressing about life, it becomes even harder. But if you stay positive, keep smiling, and choose to live with joy, that shows on the outside too. There’s really no magic secret. It’s about being kind, staying humble, and enjoying life with others without thinking of yourself as above anyone else. Life is short, and none of us know what tomorrow will bring.

    You once participated in MTN Rwanda’s beauty contest and won. Why didn’t you pursue pageantry further like other girls who later competed in Miss Rwanda?

    Yes, I was crowned 'Miss Nyarugenge' in the MTN Rwanda competition, and we were supposed to move forward to the final round. Unfortunately, my father was in a car accident at the time, and I had to travel to Kenya where he was. I couldn’t continue with the competition. I had set my heart on becoming Miss Rwanda, but once it didn’t work out, I decided to shift my focus and put my energy into business instead.

    As a businesswoman, what is the first project you worked on that brought you significant income?

    It was a contract with MTN. Imagine, I was still in secondary school when I signed it, and it was worth about 1 million Rwandan francs, which was a lot of money at the time. I was paid monthly, and I also earned from having my face on billboards and in newspapers. That was the starting point for my business journey. I saved every franc I earned—I didn’t even spend a coin on clothes. Later, I invested those savings into my own business.

    What inspired your passion for helping underprivileged children?

    Kate Bashabe: I would say my grandmother inspired me the most. She helped so many people, and I lived with her for a while, so I saw that spirit of generosity firsthand. My mother also has a very giving heart. But beyond family influence, it also comes from within. If you don’t genuinely have that heart, you won’t do it, even if your family does. For me, it’s part of who I am—the desire to give and do good.

    Despite your financial independence, some say women no longer need a husband. What’s your take?

    Everyone has their own choices in life. I can’t judge those who feel they don’t need a husband once they have money. But personally, I do want a husband. I dream of having a family, and I don’t believe that financial independence should take that away. Even if I had all the money in the world, I would still wish for a family, because it is something every person naturally desires.

    For Kate Bashabe, success doesn’t mean giving up on marriage.

    Considering your age, what advice would you give to an 18-year-old girl?

    My advice would be to pay close attention to the people around you, the groups you associate with, and the friends you spend the most time with because they can influence your direction in life. I would also encourage having a mentor, someone who can guide you and help you understand things better. This could even be a parent, since they often have wisdom in areas you may want to pursue. Lastly, it’s important to remain humble and open to advice, listen carefully, and then choose the guidance that is best for you.

    How did you receive the recent law passed in Rwanda that allows a woman to carry a child for another through surrogacy?

    I don’t have much to say about the law itself, because people’s situations are different. There are women who may not have the ability to carry a child themselves, and this gives them an option to still experience motherhood. However, I would personally prefer to carry my own children.

    Kate Bashabe visiting Anfield, the iconic home of Liverpool FC.

    IGIHE

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/lifestyle/article/up-close-with-kate-bashabe-life-style-philanthropy-and-her-love-for-dogs

  • AFC/M23 demands clarification from DRC government on Kabila trial #rwanda #RwOT

    Speaking on August 24, the coalition’s deputy coordinator, Bertrand Bisimwa, stated that Kinshasa must account for the charges brought against Kabila, who ruled the DRC from 2001 to 2019.

    Kabila is currently being tried before the country’s High Military Court on accusations of treason, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. The trial opened on July 25, 2025.

    Prosecutors allege that Kabila committed these crimes in connection with his supposed leadership role within the AFC/M23 movement, despite his earlier public denial in March that he had no involvement with the group.

    During court proceedings on August 22, 2025, prosecutors requested the death penalty for Kabila. They also demanded the confiscation of assets valued at approximately $32 billion and sought an additional $21 billion in damages.

    Bisimwa has pointed out that the trial contradicts commitments recently signed between the government and AFC/M23 under a Qatar-brokered agreement.

    The deal included a provision for the release of more than 700 detainees, comprising suspected members and affiliates of the coalition.

    'The Kinshasa regime owes us explanations regarding this media-judicial lynching of President Joseph Kabila, who is being prosecuted and sentenced to death for his alleged support to the AFC/M23, at a time when we had agreed that detainees prosecuted for the same charges should be released,' Bisimwa said.

    AFC/M23 coalition’s deputy coordinator, Bertrand Bisimwa, stated that Kinshasa must account for the charges brought against Kabila, who ruled the DRC from 2001 to 2019.

    IGIHE

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/afc-m23-demands-clarification-from-drc-government-on-kabila-trial

  • Canadian PM announces new military assistance for Ukraine #rwanda #RwOT

    The funding of 2 billion Canadian dollars (1.45 billion U.S. dollars) was committed at the June G7 Summit held in Canada’s Kananaskis.

    About 835 million Canadian dollars (603 million dollars) of the total are planned to procure a range of critical equipment for Ukraine, including armored vehicles, medical equipment, spare parts, small arms, ammunition, and explosives, as well as additional drone capabilities and other urgently needed equipment and supplies for Ukraine, the release said.

    About 680 million Canadian dollars (491 million dollars) are for the purchase of military equipment sourced from the United States to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense capabilities and provide other urgently needed military assistance, the release said.

    About 220 million Canadian dollars (159 million dollars) will be used to purchase drone, counter-drone, and electronic warfare capabilities, including investments in joint ventures between Ukrainian and Canadian industry, it said.

    Canadian PM has announced new military assistance for Ukraine.

    Xinhua

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/canadian-pm-announces-new-military-assistance-for-ukraine

  • Death toll rises to 6 from Israeli airstrikes on Yemeni capital #rwanda #RwOT

    Seven children and three women are among the injured, and 21 are in critical condition, said the ministry in a statement. Houthis officials told Xinhua Sunday night that the toll could increase, as several of the wounded remain in critical condition.

    The strikes, carried out Sunday afternoon, targeted fuel and power stations, the presidential palace complex and other civilian facilities, according to the Houthis.

    Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed in a statement that an air attack was carried out in Yemen.

    The military said the sites included the presidential palace, the Asar and Hizaz power plants and a fuel storage facility, which it said were being used for military activity.

    Israeli state-owned Kan TV reported that 14 warplanes took part in the attack, dropping about 40 bombs in the area.

    In a statement issued Sunday evening, the Houthi group accused Israel of “brutal aggression” against civilian facilities and held both Israel and the United States responsible for what it described as a “heinous crime.”

    The Houthis vowed to strike back in retaliation.

    The strikes came two days after the Houthis fired a hypersonic ballistic missile at Tel Aviv, damaging houses with shrapnel but causing no deaths.

    The Houthis, who control much of northern Yemen, including Sanaa and Hodeidah port, have launched repeated attacks on Israel since November 2023, in support of Palestinians in Gaza. Israel has retaliated with airstrikes on Houthi-held areas.

    The death toll rose to six from Israeli airstrikes on Yemen’s capital Sanaa, with 86 others wounded, the Houthi-run health ministry said Monday.

    Xinhua

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/death-toll-rises-to-6-from-israeli-airstrikes-on-yemeni-capital