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The move follows a four-month export halt announced in February. The extension was announced on Saturday by the DRC’s Regulatory and Oversight Authority for Strategic Mineral Substances Markets (ARECOMS), the national body responsible for regulating the trade of critical mineral substances.

Established in 2019, ARECOMS oversees the regulation of strategic minerals such as coltan, cobalt and germanium. Its mandate includes stabilizing markets, formalizing the artisanal sector, and ensuring compliance with international anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulations.

According to an official statement, the extended ban covers all cobalt extracted from industrial, semi-industrial, small-scale and artisanal mining operations, and takes effect immediately from the date of signature, June 21.

ARECOMS said that a new decision will be issued before the end of the suspension period, which may either modify, extend, or lift the current export ban, depending on market developments.

According to London-based data analytics and consulting firm GlobalData, the DRC’s cobalt production is projected to reach 244 kilotonnes in 2024. The country is the world’s largest cobalt producer, supplying over 80 percent of global output.

Cobalt is a critical raw material used across various industries, particularly in the production of rechargeable batteries for electric vehicles, smartphones, and other electronic devices. The DRC’s cobalt mining industry is primarily concentrated in the Katanga region, where both industrial and artisanal operations are prevalent.

DR Congo is the world’s largest cobalt producer, supplying over 80 percent of global output.

Xinhua

President Donald Trump, addressing the nation from the White House, confirmed the precision strikes on Iran’s key nuclear facilities—Fordo, Natanz, and Esfahan—describing the operation as a 'spectacular military success.'

'Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated,' Trump declared. 'Our objective was the destruction of Iran’s nuclear capacity and to eliminate the threat posed by the world’s number one state sponsor of terror.'

The strikes were carried out without congressional authorisation.

According to senior Pentagon officials, three B-2 bombers dropped GBU-57 “bunker-buster” bombs on the underground Fordo enrichment site, buried nearly 300 feet beneath a mountain. Tomahawk missiles launched from U.S. Navy submarines struck the Natanz and Esfahan sites.

All aircraft reportedly exited Iranian airspace without incident. The United Nations’ nuclear watchdog, the IAEA, said it had not detected elevated radiation levels following the strikes.

Iran vows retaliation

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi denounced the attack as a 'heinous and illegal use of force' and warned on social media that the strikes 'will have everlasting consequences.'

'Iran reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interests, and people,' Araghchi said. Iran’s ambassador to the UN has requested an emergency Security Council meeting.

Iran’s Atomic Energy Organisation confirmed damage to the nuclear facilities but said the attacks would not deter the country’s nuclear ambitions.

'This will only strengthen our resolve,' the agency said.

Flanked by Vice President JD Vance and senior officials in the White House Situation Room, Trump warned that 'there will either be peace, or there will be tragedy for Iran far greater than what we have witnessed over the last eight days.'

In a follow-up post on Truth Social, Trump warned: 'Any retaliation by Iran against the United States of America will be met with force far greater than what was witnessed tonight.'

Photos released by the White House showed top administration figures, including Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, monitoring the operation.

Mixed reactions at home

While some Republicans praised the strikes, others expressed concern. House Speaker Mike Johnson supported the action, but Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene posted: 'This is not our fight.'

Democrats were more critical. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries condemned the president for acting unilaterally and bypassing Congress.

'President Trump misled the country and took action that risks entangling the United States in another endless war,' Jeffries said.

Senator Mark Warner of Virginia added: 'He campaigned on ending foreign wars. Tonight, he may have started a new one.'

President Donald Trump, addressing the nation from the White House, confirmed the precision strikes on Iran’s key nuclear facilities—Fordo, Natanz, and Esfahan—describing the operation as a 'spectacular military success.'

Wycliffe Nyamasege

COPEDU PLC, a microfinance institution, organized a training session for its current and prospective women entrepreneurs on Friday, December 13, 2024, to highlight opportunities for accessing loans to achieve sustainable development.

During the event held at Sainte Famille Hotel in Kigali, participants were guided on effective loan utilization to ensure progress in their ventures.

Raissa Muyango, COPEDU PLC’s Managing Director, encouraged women to embrace entrepreneurship and leverage the institution’s financial support to advance their projects.

She stated, 'Create your businesses and approach us for loans that support your ideas, helping you achieve your dreams.'

Simon Ndayisenga, a representative from the National Bank of Rwanda’s Department of Inclusive Financial Services, emphasized the significance of empowering women as key contributors to family and community development.

He underscored the importance of gender equality in financial access, improved livelihoods, and poverty alleviation, saying, 'When you educate a woman, you educate the nation. Financial equality is crucial—laws that previously excluded women and favoured men must be eradicated.'

Ndayisenga also urged beneficiaries to use loans strictly for their intended purposes to avoid financial mismanagement.

Solange Uwingabire, COPEDU PLC’s Head of Business Development, highlighted the
institution’s 27-year legacy of providing financial services, including savings, withdrawals, and loans. She called on more women to engage with the institution to meet their financial needs.

The session included training on project selection, compliance with legal frameworks, and responsible loan usage to prevent losses. The topics were delivered by COPEDU leadership and branch staff.

Copedu PLC trained women entrepreneurs on self-reliance.

The Business Development Manager at Copedu PLC, Uwingabire Solange, encouraged other women to approach the institution to receive loans that will help uplift them.

National Bank of Rwanda’s Ndayisenga Simon discussed the reasons behind the focus on investment, with consideration for the inclusion of women.

Copedu management and staff trained the women on project selection.

IGIHE

Under the new system, students will no longer choose from the existing 11 subject combinations. Instead, they will follow one of three broad “learning pathways”: Mathematics and Science, Arts and Humanities, or Languages.

This change, presented during the second day of the National Education Conference, on June 20, 2025, is part of broader efforts to align the country’s education system with Rwanda’s Vision 2050.

'All existing subject combinations will be organized under these three pathways,' the Minister of Education, Nsengimana Joseph said. 'This change is part of our broader vision to equip students with knowledge and skills to make informed choices, whether they continue to university or enter the job market [after secondary school].'

'We’re working closely with schools during the summer holidays to assess their readiness. There will be no surprises,' the minister added.

The reform aims to ensure students graduate with skills that meet labor market demands, both locally and internationally, while fostering a knowledge-based economy.

Previously, after completing the Ordinary Level and passing national exams, students would select from 11 subject combinations within general education or opt for technical and vocational training.

The revised approach will simplify this by offering just three clearly defined tracks, each focusing on a specific cluster of knowledge and competencies.

The Ministry emphasized that although students will choose from the three new pathways, certain core subjects will be mandatory for all, regardless of their specialization.

These include Mathematics, English, ICT (Information and Communication Technology), and Entrepreneurship. The rationale is to equip every student with essential skills for further education or employment.

The reform process involved consultation with over 5,500 stakeholders, including students, parents, teachers, school leaders, and local leaders.

According to the Ministry, the shift to learning pathways will not only simplify implementation but also improve quality.

While the reform will be rolled out gradually to avoid disruption, students currently enrolled in the existing combinations will not be affected as they will complete their studies under the current framework.

Similarly, past graduates with diplomas based on previous subject combinations will continue to have their qualifications recognized.

The Rwandan Ministry of Education has announced a significant overhaul of the general secondary school curriculum, set to streamline the subject combinations currently offered to students in upper secondary education.

IGIHE

This recognition was made on June 19, 2025, by the Mayor of Musanze District, Nsengimana Claudien, during the inauguration of two new buildings. These facilities are designed to support women with various challenges and to house an Early Childhood Development (ECD) center aimed at nurturing young children.

Handspun Hope is a Christian, non-governmental organization operating in Rwanda’s Northern Province, particularly in Musanze District. Its mission is to combat poverty affecting vulnerable women and their families by offering holistic support.

The newly inaugurated buildings will host a daycare center, which marks a significant step in promoting quality early childhood education.

Additionally, the infrastructure will be used for vocational training for women, prayer gatherings, health consultations, and includes a multi-purpose hall with a capacity of over 300 people, along with classrooms and other facilities.

Nsengimana emphasized that Handspun Hope has been a valuable partner since 1976. The organization primarily supports women who have faced severe trauma, including domestic abuse, HIV/AIDS, and social marginalization.

'The organization provides a monthly salary of Frw 120,000 to its beneficiaries, with an additional Frw 16,700 deposited into a savings scheme. But beyond the financial support, Handspun Hope offers psychological care and promotes Christian values to encourage women to rebuild their lives,' he stated.

The district also noted that Handspun Hope’s work aligns with Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST 2), particularly in the areas of financial and economic development, women empowerment, and infrastructure improvement.

In light of this, the district has requested the organization to expand its services, including increasing the number of children served by the ECD center, supporting more women, contributing to road construction, improving access to clean water, and helping single mothers.

The Musanze administration affirmed its readiness to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Handspun Hope to enhance their collaboration and promote the welfare of the population more effectively.

Confiance Igiraneza, the Country Director of Handspun Hope, stated that the organization’s primary mission is to promote the development of Rwandan society, especially rural women, by ensuring holistic education for children, improving child nutrition, and supporting other community-based development activities.

Igiraneza also highlighted that the organization employs specialized staff who support daily wellbeing, including mental health professionals, general practitioners, a social worker, and a nurse.

Their goal is to provide sustainable wellbeing for the women and their families. Currently, Handspun Hope supports over 200 women dealing with challenges such as HIV/AIDS, diabetes, and other conditions, along with their more than 100 children.

The organization has built schools, a health clinic, an early childhood development center, and other facilities to improve the quality of life for its beneficiaries.

Diana Wiley, founder and executive director of Handspun Hope affirmed that their mission is to empower rural women to overcome poverty.

Tyler Johnson, Chair of the Board at Handspun Hope, reiterated their commitment to supporting initiatives that uplift women facing difficult circumstances.

Currently, Handspun Hope supports over 200 women dealing with different challenges.

Sheep wool is used by the women to create decorations and a variety of handmade products.

Mothers receive training in a variety of skills.

The art workshop is equipped with materials that facilitate effective training.

IGIHE

The appreciation was voiced on June 19, 2025, during an evening celebration that brought together the management of BPR Bank Rwanda Plc and its clients from Rusizi and Nyamasheke Districts.

The gathering celebrated the milestones the bank has achieved in its 50 years of existence and served as a platform for exchanging ideas on priorities for the future.

The districts of Rusizi and Nyamasheke are home to professional farmers and many cross-border traders who have been actively engaged in business for years.

When the bank was established in 1975, residents quickly began using its services due to concerns over the safety of their money. The bank also helped boost their capital through the provision of loans.

Nsengiyumva Innocent, who spoke on behalf of the clients in Rusizi, commended BPR Bank Plc for supporting the development of rice farming in Bugarama Valley, which spans more than five of the district’s 18 sectors.

'We appreciate the special loans offered to farmers, especially rice growers in Bugarama Valley. We also value the bank’s technology, which enables us to access fast services. Business moves quickly, like grabbing an opportunity while it’s still hot. Please continue offering us quick and efficient services,' he said.

Umulisa Yvette praised the idea of client appreciation events, noting that during a previous gathering in Rusizi in 2023, they had requested a special loan scheme for women, and the bank responded.

'I saw that you introduced a program called 'Ikamba’ which trains women and girls in project planning and management, and even offers loans without collateral. We thank you for that,' she said.

The CEO of BPR Bank Rwanda Plc, Patience Mutesi, underscored the event was organized to appreciate the loyalty and support that clients have shown the bank over the past 50 years.

'The Western Province, especially Rusizi District, holds a special place in our history. This district has played a key role in economic development and is home to some of our most loyal clients who have supported us for a long time,' she noted.

Mutesi emphasized that BPR Bank is proud to have contributed to Rusizi’s development through university sponsorships, support for the rice value chain from farmers to processing industries, and financing cross-border small businesses.

'We identified potential in small cross-border traders and offered them loans that helped them grow. We will continue investing in this region so that Rusizi can achieve even greater progress in the years to come,' she added.

The Mayor of Rusizi District, Sindayiheba Phanuel, noted that BPR Bank Rwanda Plc was among the first banks to be established in what used to be the Cyangugu Prefecture, now known as Rusizi and Nyamasheke Districts.

'It’s clear that the bank played a major role in increasing private sector investment. It was among the first banks to operate here and served both large and small-scale businesspeople,' he said.

BPR Bank Rwanda Plc assured its clients in Rusizi that it will continue to promote digital banking services to offer fast and quality service, and it pledged to increase its representation in commercial centers where it does not yet operate.

The CEO of BPR Bank Rwanda Plc, Patience Mutesi, underscored the event was organized to appreciate the loyalty and support that clients have shown the bank over the past 50 years.

The Mayor of Rusizi District, Sindayiheba Phanuel, hailed BPR Bank Rwanda Plc for contribution to increased private sector investment.

The gathering celebrated the milestones the bank has achieved in its 50 years of existence and served as a platform for exchanging ideas on priorities for the future.

BPR Bank Rwanda Plc assured its clients in Rusizi that it will continue to promote digital banking services to offer fast and quality service.

IGIHE

The update was shared by Dr. Usengumukiza Félicien, RGB’s Deputy CEO, during a press briefing on June 20, 2025, where new guidelines were unveiled.

The new guidelines are intended to ensure that religious teachings align with Rwandan values and include related regulations.

The guidelines aim to promote responsible conduct in religious preaching and to prevent the spread of messages that may incite division, promote hatred, or undermine the core values of Rwandan society.

Last year, RGB inspected nearly 14,000 places of worship, and 7,709 were closed due to various issues deemed to pose a risk to the safety and well-being of congregants.

'You may recall that across the country, we had about 14,000 places of worship. After conducting a joint inspection with other agencies, around 8,000 were closed because they failed to meet requirements and posed a threat to public safety. They have not been reopened,” Dr. Usengumukiza explained.

He emphasised that any churches that address the issues that led to their closure will be eligible for reopening, but this will be done in accordance with the new guidelines, which aim to eliminate ambiguity and provide a clear, objective process, rather than decisions driven by emotion.

Kazaire Judith, the head of RGB’s Department for Political Parties and Civil Society Organisations, explained that beyond structural concerns, some churches were also found to be teaching misleading doctrines, spreading divisive messages, or being led by individuals who lacked the necessary educational qualifications.

She added that, in partnership with Irembo, a digital platform has been developed to streamline the process of assessing whether churches meet the required standards. The system is expected to go live in July 2025.

'The system is nearly complete. We expect it to be fully operational by early July. The portal is available, but those who have complied with the regulations can also directly approach the institution and present their case for review,' she said.

Kazaire revealed that so far, no faith-based organisation (church or denomination) has formally notified RGB that it has fulfilled the requirements for reopening.

She urged leaders of religious organisations to review the requirements, comply with them, and submit their reports to RGB so that eligible churches can be reopened.

Dr. Usengumukiza Félicien, RGB’s Deputy CEO, addresses a press conference on Friday, June 20, 2025.

Dr. Usengumukiza told journalists that none of the more than 7,700 churches closed last year for failing to meet required standards has been reopened due to non-compliance.

Kazaire Judith, head of RGB’s Political Parties and Civil Society Department, announced that a digital platform developed in a partnership with Irembo to assess church compliance will launch in July 2025.

IGIHE

As Rayon Sports prepares for the upcoming season, targeting strong performances in both domestic leagues and the CAF Confederation Cup, the club is keen to retain key players under contract, including Bassané, whose pace and skill on the flanks were instrumental last season.

Reports indicate that Bassané approached the team seeking a transfer, with Police FC among the clubs reportedly interested in signing him.

However, Rayon Sports has made it clear to Bassané, who still has one year remaining on his contract, that they will only consider releasing him upon receipt of the stipulated fee of $50,000 (equivalent to over 72 million Rwandan francs).

Bassané joined Rayon Sports in August 2024 but briefly left the team following the opening matches of the 2024/25 season, citing unfulfilled contractual agreements by the club.

After his contractual concerns were addressed, he returned to play a pivotal role in guiding the team to a runner-up finish in the league, a spot in the Peace Cup final, and qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup.

IGIHE

“Based on the fact that there’s a substantial chance of negotiation that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go in the next two weeks,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said at a briefing on Thursday.

Iran must agree to no enrichment of uranium, and Tehran must not be able to achieve a nuclear weapon as part of any diplomatic agreement, Leavitt read a statement from Trump.

Correspondence between the United States and Iran “has continued” as the two sides engage in negotiations, Leavitt said, echoing Thursday reports that U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi have talked by phone several times since Israel began its strikes on Iran on June 13, in a bid to find a diplomatic end to the crisis.

Araghchi told Witkoff that Tehran “could show flexibility in the nuclear issue” if the U.S. government pressured Israel to end the war, adding Tehran would not return to negotiations unless Israel stopped the attacks, local media quoted a regional diplomat.

Trump approved attack plans on Iran Tuesday night, but held off making a final decision in case Iran agrees to abandon its nuclear program, media reported.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said Wednesday that the country remains steadfast amid its conflict with Israel and will not surrender to anyone amid pressure, warning that any American military intervention would cause “irreparable damage.”

Since June 13, Israel has launched large-scale airstrikes on multiple locations in Iran, targeting nuclear facilities and military sites, resulting in heavy casualties. In retaliation, Iran carried out multiple rounds of missile and drone attacks on various targets inside Israel.

The aerial conflict has yet shown no sign of easing as it drags into a second week.

On Thursday, Israel and Iran exchanged major airstrikes overnight, targeting each other’s critical infrastructure and military facilities.

The Israel Defense Forces announced in a statement on Thursday that it had launched a broad aerial campaign across Iran, including strikes targeting the inactive Arak nuclear reactor in western Iran, and a nuclear weapons development site in Natanz, central Iran.

In addition to nuclear-related targets, Israeli warplanes reportedly struck a range of military production sites across Iran, including factories manufacturing ballistic missile components, facilities assembling Iranian air defense systems and various logistical infrastructures, the statement said.

Missile traces are seen from the city of Hebron in the southern West Bank during Iran’s missile attack against Israel, on June 19, 2025.

In response to the Israeli offensive, Iran targeted Israel’s military intelligence facilities in its strikes on the southern part of the country on Thursday morning, not a hospital as was reported by some media outlets, Iran’s state news agency IRNA said.

The strikes were aimed at the Israeli army’s C4I telecommunications corps headquarters and an intelligence facility, IRNA said, adding that the hospital in question was affected by the blast’s shockwave.

Also on Thursday, Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps appointed Majid Khademi as the new head of its intelligence organization, days after Mohammad Kazemi, the organization’s former chief, and his deputy Hassan Mohaghegh were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Tehran on Sunday, the semi-official Fars News Agency reported.

Besides top military commanders, Israeli strikes have killed a number of nuclear scientists and hundreds of civilians in Iran.

Arash, 33, a government employee in Tehran, was quoted by Reuters as saying that a building next to his home in Tehran’s Shahrak-e Gharb neighborhood had been destroyed in the strikes.

“I saw at least three dead children and two women in that building. Is this how Netanyahu plans to ‘liberate’ Iranians? Stay away from our country,” he said.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said in a statement on Thursday the large-scale attacks have caused serious human rights and humanitarian impacts on civilians and risk igniting a broader regional conflict.

Turk noted that the intense airstrikes and missile and drone attacks have gone far beyond military targets, resulting in significant civilian casualties and widespread damage to civilian infrastructure.

According to official figures, nearly 600 people have been killed in Iran and 24 in Israel since fighting began.

The UN official urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint, fully respect international law, and return in good faith to the negotiating table.

This photo taken on June 19, 2025 shows damaged buildings in Ramat Gan, Israel due to a missile fired from Iran.

Xinhua