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The death, confirmed by Buhari’s former aides Garba Shehu and Bashir Ahmed, has prompted an outpouring of grief across the country and among African leaders.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced a seven-day national mourning period on Sunday, as a mark of respect for Buhari’s service and legacy. As part of the observance, all national flags will fly at half-staff throughout the mourning period.

An emergency session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has also been convened for Tuesday to honour the former leader’s memory and contributions.

Buhari, a military ruler from 1984 to 1985 before returning as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023, was known for his austere lifestyle, his strong stance against corruption, and his reputation for discipline and integrity.

Leaders and citizens alike have hailed him as a patriot who dedicated his life to national unity, economic reforms, and the fight against graft.

In a statement, President Tinubu described Buhari as a 'dedicated servant of the nation' whose leadership left a significant imprint on Nigeria’s political landscape.

Tinubu emphasised the former president’s legacy of reforms and the difficult battles he waged against corruption, insecurity, and economic instability.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has been dispatched to London to coordinate the repatriation of Buhari’s remains. Plans are in motion for a state funeral, with the late president expected to be buried in his hometown of Daura, in Katsina State, on Monday, July 14, with full military honours.

Buhari’s passing marks the end of an era for many Nigerians who lived through both his military rule and his democratic presidency.

Tributes have been pouring in from political figures, foreign governments, and ordinary citizens, all highlighting his firm commitment to discipline, his modest personal life, and his efforts to steer Nigeria through turbulent times.

Nigeria will observe seven days of national mourning following the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 82 in a clinic in London.

Rania Umutoni

The strike, carried out on June 16, allegedly involved six precision-guided bombs aimed at entrances to a secret underground facility in western Tehran, where the president and other top officials were attending a session of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.

Iranian outlet Fars reported that the blasts cut off power and blocked exits, forcing the president to evacuate through an emergency shaft, during which he sustained minor leg injuries.

A senior Iranian official, speaking to Al Jazeera, described the attack as a failed assassination attempt targeting the heads of Iran’s executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

'This attempt will not pass without Israel paying a price,' the official warned.

The incident occurred during a 12-day war between Israel and Iran, which ended with a U.S.-brokered ceasefire on June 24. During the conflict, Israeli air raids reportedly killed several senior Iranian commanders and nuclear scientists.

The Israeli operation was said to be modelled after the 2024 strike in Beirut that killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.

Last week, President Pezeshkian publicly confirmed the assassination attempt in an interview with U.S. journalist Tucker Carlson.

'They did try, yes… but they failed,' he said. 'It was not the United States that was behind the attempt on my life. It was Israel.'

Israel has not officially commented on the claims. However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the broader military operation, saying it was necessary to halt Iran’s alleged nuclear weapons programme.

While Tehran insists its nuclear activities are purely civilian, the Israeli strikes came just days before scheduled talks between the U.S. and Iran aimed at reviving diplomatic negotiations.

The June conflict resulted in heavy casualties. According to Iran’s Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs, at least 1,060 people were killed in Iran. Israel also suffered losses, with 28 fatalities reported due to retaliatory Iranian drone and missile attacks.

Fars has called for an investigation into possible espionage, citing the 'accuracy' of Israel’s intelligence in targeting the meeting location. As tensions continue to simmer, observers warn the episode may further complicate prospects for renewed diplomacy in the region.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian was reportedly injured during an Israeli airstrike targeting a high-level security meeting in Tehran last month, according to Iranian state-affiliated media.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

“The RSF committed a horrific atrocity in the Shaq Al-Noum area of North Kordofan State, killing 11 civilians, including three children, and injuring 31 others, among them nine women,” the Sudanese Doctors Network, a volunteer group, said in a statement.

The network described the attack as “a brutal assault that violates all humanitarian norms and international conventions,” saying that it reflects the RSF’s ongoing pattern of targeting unarmed civilians and spreading fear in previously safe areas.

Meanwhile, the Resistance Committees of North Kordofan, another volunteer group, reported that an RSF unit attacked two villages near the city of Bara on Saturday.

“The RSF attacked the villages of Abu Qaida and Hillat Hamad, killing at least seven civilians and injuring several others,” the group said in a statement on Sunday.

Since June, fighting has raged between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF around the city of Bara, a strategic town northeast of El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan, which the RSF is attempting to seize.

Earlier on Sunday, RSF soldiers claimed in videos on social media that their forces had taken control of the Umm Sumayma area, about 68 kilometers west of El Obeid.

There has been no response yet from the Sudanese army regarding the RSF claim of seizing Umm Sumayma.

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.

Xinhua

Buhari, who served as Nigerian president from 2015 to 2023, died in a clinic in the British capital where he had been receiving medical treatment.

In a statement, Tinubu said he has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to travel to London to accompany Buhari’s body back to Nigeria.

Born on Dec. 17, 1942, Buhari had a distinguished career in both the military and civilian governance. He spent years in political activism before successfully contesting the presidency in 2015, becoming the first opposition candidate to defeat an incumbent president in Nigeria’s history. He was re-elected in 2019 and handed over power to Tinubu on May 29, 2023.

During his two terms as president, Buhari’s administration focused on three key areas: security, anti-corruption, and economic diversification. He launched significant campaigns against Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast and worked to recover looted public funds.

His tenure also saw efforts to boost agriculture and infrastructure development, though it was marked by economic challenges, including two recessions, and persistent security issues across various regions.

Tinubu has ordered flags to be flown at half-mast as a mark of respect for the late former Nigerian leader.

Buhari, who served as Nigerian president from 2015 to 2023, died in a clinic in the British capital where he had been receiving medical treatment.

Xinhua

In an address to the nation’s armed forces, Macron outlined France’s military direction and strategic vision, and he noted that military spending “is and will continue to be a source of wealth for our gross domestic product, our economy, and our regions.”

The French president also revealed plans to explore the creation of a new national service initiative.

Xinhua

The event, which regularly brings together citizens from all three districts of the Rwandan capital for communal physical activity, was this time linked to the upcoming International AIDS Society (IAS 2025) conference set to take place in Kigali from 14—17 July.

Among the participants were senior government officials and international delegates, including the Minister of Health, Dr Sabin Nsanzimana, who used the occasion to issue a direct warning to young people that HIV is still a serious public health threat.

'Some people think HIV is no longer an issue, but it still exists. Many young people don’t fully understand how dangerous it is because they didn’t live through the worst years,' Dr Nsanzimana said. 'We are urging the youth to protect themselves. There’s still no cure, and prevention is far better than a lifetime on medication.'

The Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) in March this year reported that approximately 3,200 people contract HIV each year in Rwanda, while 2,600 people die from the virus annually.

According to RBC, youth are among the most affected, with sex workers and men who have sex with men (MSM) being at particularly high risk of infection.

HIV was first detected in Rwanda in 1983 and spread rapidly from 1986 onwards, with the peak of infections occurring between 1988 and 1996. Currently, there is no cure or vaccine for the virus, although antiretroviral therapy (ART) helps to suppress its progression.

Dr. Ikuzo Basile, head of the HIV Prevention Department at RBC, revealed that 230,000 people in Rwanda are living with HIV, with 3,200 new infections recorded annually.

'When we examine HIV-related deaths, we estimate that 2,600 people die from AIDS-related complications every year. Among Rwandans aged 15 to 49, 2.7% are living with HIV,” Dr Basile revealed.

Meanwhile, Sunday’s Car Free Day event featured not only fitness activities but also free health services, including screenings for non-communicable diseases and HIV testing. Participants were also educated about preventive measures and encouraged to take personal responsibility for their health.

According to recent research by environmental experts, Car Free Day, held 26 times per year in Kigali, has contributed significantly to public health and environmental protection.

Between 2021 and 2025, the initiative is expected to reduce air pollution by 20% and help prevent up to 100 premature deaths annually. The government also estimates that the country could save up to Frw 160 billion in healthcare costs during that period.

Kigali residents took to the streets on Sunday, 13 July 2025, for the latest edition of Car Free Day, which this time carried a strong message of HIV/AIDS awareness ahead of a major international health conference.

Among the participants were senior government officials and international delegates, including the Minister of Health, Dr Sabin Nsanzimana, who used the occasion to issue a direct warning to young people that HIV is still a serious public health threat.

It is an activity that attracts residents of all ages.

According to recent research by environmental experts, Car Free Day, held 26 times per year in Kigali, has contributed significantly to public health and environmental protection.

IGIHE

An official who spoke to IGIHE said the initiative aims to expand access to both functional and aesthetic plastic surgery services, provided by a team of experienced local and visiting specialists.

The camp will provide treatments including liposuction, tummy tucks, breast reduction and augmentation, buttock lifts, brachioplasty, fat grafting, and non-surgical cosmetic procedures.

While the camp is fully booked for the week, patients scheduled for these procedures will benefit from reduced costs and comprehensive care.

The camp also serves to build the capacity of local plastic surgeons by fostering collaboration with visiting experts.

King Faisal Hospital’s approach to plastic surgery is described by the facility as patient-centered and aligned with international standards. The hospital representative noted that the hospital integrates 'advanced medical technology, multidisciplinary expertise, and a patient-centred care model within a tertiary hospital setting.'

According to the hospital, procedures will be performed by certified specialists in accredited operating theatres, following strict surgical safety protocols.

'Each patient undergoes a thorough preoperative assessment and receives a personalised postoperative care plan,' the official added.

This model aims to ensure both safety and effective outcomes, particularly for patients seeking either reconstructive or aesthetic enhancements.

In addition to the camp, the hospital plans to open a dedicated cosmetology clinic offering non-surgical aesthetic treatments such as Botox, dermal fillers, and laser skin rejuvenation in the coming weeks. This clinic will further enhance Rwanda’s access to high-quality aesthetic care in a controlled hospital environment.

The hospital encourages patients interested in plastic surgery and cosmetology services to consult their outpatient system to schedule future appointments once the clinic opens.

King Faisal Hospital Rwanda is set to host a week-long plastic surgery camp from Monday, July 14, 2025, to Friday, July 18, 2025, offering a range of specialised surgical procedures at discounted rates.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

According to an officer who spoke with the Congolese media, the shooter killed three fellow servicemen on the spot before taking his own life on Saturday morning. The platoon leader was also seriously wounded and is currently receiving treatment at a military hospital.

Despite the tragic event, airport operations continued as usual, with security personnel maintaining order at the scene.

The shooting comes just weeks after a similar deadly incident in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

In late June, a Congolese soldier opened fire on fellow troops in Mungazi, North Kivu province, killing three and injuring eight others. The confrontation reportedly followed an argument among soldiers shortly after they received their paychecks.

Major Nestor Mavudisa, the army spokesperson for the region, confirmed the casualties and stated that the injured soldiers are receiving medical care. The perpetrator was apprehended and taken into custody.

A soldier from a special unit opened fire on his colleagues on duty at Bangboka International Airport in Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of three soldiers and serious injuries to two others.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The rope course, which spans 280 meters and includes 21 segments, is suspended up to 15 meters above ground. It allows visitors to experience the forest from the perspective of wildlife by imitating the movements of species like colobus monkeys, civets, and forest cats.

The course is located at Gisakura, one of the main reception areas of the park, and is designed to be both educational and thrilling.

Designed as a suspended obstacle course, it challenges participants to move carefully across swaying elements.

Completing the course gives participants a strong sense of accomplishment and helps build personal confidence.

Tourists are equipped with professional safety harnesses, which keep them securely connected to an overhead line throughout the course.

'Even if you slip or get tired, there’s no risk of falling. The system is built for maximum safety and comfort,' says David Nduwe, a tour guide at the park.

Each visitor is accompanied by a trained guide who provides safety instructions and explains the ecological significance of each section. For example, segments simulate how primates move through trees or how forest predators navigate the terrain, offering an interactive and immersive learning experience.

'This is a teaching journey above all. It’s physically engaging, emotionally rewarding, and everyone finishes with a greater appreciation for nature,' says Nduwe.

Other adventure features you can explore in Nyungwe besides the rope course include the Canopy Walkway, an exhilarating suspension bridge offering treetop views; the expanded Zipline, spanning up to 1.9 kilometers and now one of East Africa’s longest for a thrilling flight; and extensive hiking trails that lead to waterfalls and offer opportunities for chimpanzee and other primate tracking, as well as incredible bird watching.

The rope course and other attractions are part of Rwanda’s broader strategy to leverage natural heritage for sustainable tourism growth. In the past year, Nyungwe National Park welcomed over 26,000 visitors, a 20% increase from 2023, generating more than $2 million in revenue.

Nationwide, Rwanda’s tourism sector earned over $647 million in 2024, a 4.3% rise compared to the previous year. That figure stood at just $7 million in 2005. The country now targets $1 billion in annual tourism revenue by 2030, according to Rwanda Development Board (RDB) CEO Jean-Guy Afrika.

Located in Rwanda’s southwest, Nyungwe is one of Africa’s most biodiverse rainforests. It is home to 98 mammal species, including 13 species of primates, representing 12% of all primates in Africa. The park also shelters over 1,000 species of flowering plants, 240 species of trees, and 320 species of birds, some of which are endemic.

This richness led to Nyungwe’s inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023, further reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of Rwanda’s conservation and eco-tourism strategy.

Tour guides start by explaining the structure of the experience and addressing any questions or curiosities from visitors.

Specialized gear is prepared in advance, and each visitor is provided with their own set.

Tour guides equip each visitor with the appropriate safety gear before the adventure begins.

The safety harness is securely attached to an overhead rope.

The starting section of the course showcases the movements of chimpanzees.

The first section consists of a rope-walking journey.

The experience is challenging and requires participants to follow the instructions given by the tour guides carefully.

The visitor is safely secured to a rope that prevents any possibility of falling.

The tour guide leads the way, continuously providing instructions on the best way to navigate each section of the course.

The tour guide first demonstrates how to properly navigate the course.

The wooden These planks are not fixed in one place; crossing them requires careful balance while holding onto the rope.

Completing the entire course brings a sense of joy and accomplishment to both the visitors and their guides.

The rope course and other attractions are part of Rwanda’s broader strategy to leverage natural heritage for sustainable tourism growth.

IGIHE

Chana said that the country received five million visitors in the 2024/2025 season, and to reach its new target, the government will boost service quality and intensify both domestic and international promotion of Tanzania’s attractions.

She credited the recent growth in tourism to strategic campaigns such as the Royal Tour documentary and the Amazing Tanzania initiative, which have spotlighted the nation’s natural wonders and cultural heritage.

Echoing the focus on conservation tourism, Director General of Tanzania Trade Development Authority Latifa Khamis said the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a standout destination, where the harmony between wildlife and human communities continues to draw global interest.

Tanzania aims to welcome eight million tourists by 2030, Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism Pindi Chana said Friday at the launch of Ngorongoro Day during the 49th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair.

Xinhua