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In a series of posts on his social media platform X, the tech billionaire sharply criticised the bill passed by the House of Representatives last month, which includes multi-trillion-dollar tax cuts and increased defence spending, while allowing for greater government borrowing.

The legislation forms a central part of Trump’s second-term economic agenda and is being promoted by the president as the 'One Big Beautiful Bill.'

'I’m sorry, but I just can’t stand it anymore. This massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination,” Musk posted.

“Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong. You know it,” he added.

He estimated it would drive the U.S. budget deficit up to $2.5 trillion, calling it 'crushingly unsustainable.'

The remarks mark Musk’s first public break with Trump since leaving his short-lived role in the administration on May 31. He had served for 129 days as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), tasked with cutting public spending.

Despite leaving government, Musk had until now remained publicly supportive of Trump’s policies. His recent comments, however, appear to signal a shift, with Musk warning of political consequences for lawmakers who supported the bill.

'In November next year, we fire all politicians who betrayed the American people,' he wrote.

The bill’s opponents within the Republican Party, particularly fiscal conservatives, have echoed Musk’s concerns.

Several senators, including Mike Lee and Ron Johnson, have voiced strong opposition to the bill’s projected impact on the national debt, which the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office says could rise by $3.8 trillion under the proposal. Lee urged fellow Republicans to 'use the Trump bill and future spending measures to reduce the deficit.'

Musk’s intervention has added fresh tension to internal Republican debates, with lawmakers now facing mounting pressure to amend the legislation before its expected passage in the Senate by July 4. Republicans currently hold a narrow 53-47 majority and can afford only limited defections.

Trump and his allies have downplayed Musk’s criticism. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said the president was fully aware of Musk’s views and remained committed to the legislation. 'This is one big, beautiful bill, and he’s sticking to it,' she told reporters.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune also dismissed Musk’s concerns.

'We have a job to do—the American people elected us to deliver on this agenda,' he said.

Still, divisions persist among Republican lawmakers. Some rural-state senators want protections for Medicaid and hospital reimbursements, while others are pushing for cuts to climate-related investments.

The fate of proposed tax breaks for overtime pay, tips, and Social Security remains uncertain and may be delayed to a separate bill.

In a series of posts on his social media platform X, tech billionaire Elon Musk sharply criticised the bill passed by the House of Representatives last month, which includes multi-trillion-dollar tax cuts and increased defence spending, while allowing for greater government borrowing.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

“South Sudan cannot afford yet another crisis. The world’s youngest country has received more than one million people who fled the ongoing war in Sudan, while millions of its citizens continue to recover from years of conflict and crisis at home,” Mamadou Dian Balde, UNHCR’s regional director for the East, Horn of Africa and Great Lakes region, said in a statement.

Political instability and rising hostilities since late February between armed groups have led to fresh clashes, particularly in Upper Nile state, but also other hot spots, devastating lives and damaging essential services.

The UN agency said that some 100,000 people seeking safety in the neighboring countries, such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, Sudan and Uganda, cited insecurity, intercommunal violence and deteriorating humanitarian conditions as the main reasons for flight.

According to the UNHCR, humanitarian access to an estimated 65,000 newly internally displaced people in affected communities remains significantly constrained due to fighting and movement restrictions in Upper Nile state and other areas.

Desperately needed aid, including medicine and health care to tackle an increase in cholera cases, has come to a halt, it said, noting that looming rains are likely to exacerbate the situation, with flooding making transport problematic and expensive.

The UNHCR said it requires 36 million U.S. dollars to support up to 343,000 internally displaced people in South Sudan and refugees arriving in neighboring countries over the next six months.

“We reiterate calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urge all parties to spare civilians more suffering and find a peaceful solution,” Balde stressed.

South Sudan remains one of the largest displacement crises in the region, with more than 2.3 million South Sudanese living as refugees in the DRC, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda and Sudan, the UNHCR said.

The UNHCR said it requires 36 million U.S. dollars to support up to 343,000 internally displaced people in South Sudan and refugees arriving in neighboring countries over the next six months.

Xinhua

With 94.4 percent of the votes counted after midnight, Lee won 48.8 percent and his major rival Kim Moon-soo of the conservative People Power Party took 42.0 percent, the National Election Commission data showed.

Even if all the remaining uncounted votes go to Kim, Lee will win the presidential by-election, confirming his victory.

Local broadcaster JTBC and three terrestrial broadcasters including KBS, MBC and SBS forecast earlier that Lee was certain to be elected the country’s 21st president.

Preliminary voter turnout reached 79.4 percent, marking the highest in 28 years since the voting rate recorded 80.7 percent in 1997.

Out of about 44.39 million eligible voters, some 35.24 million cast their ballots at 14,295 polling stations across the country.

The voter turnout, which included those who participated in early voting last Thursday and Friday, was up from 77.1 percent tallied in the previous presidential election in 2022.

Lee Jae-myung and his wife Kim Hye-kyung celebrate at the National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea, on June 4, 2025. Lee Jae-myung of South Korea’s majority liberal Democratic Party was elected president, the ongoing vote count by the National Election Commission showed on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Yao Qilin)

Xinhua

President Kagame arrived in Algiers earlier on Tuesday at the invitation of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.

The two Heads of State presided over the signing of wide-ranging agreements covering areas such as air services, visa exemption, communication, police cooperation, pharmaceuticals, higher education, agriculture, entrepreneurship, telecommunications, justice, professional training, and investment promotion.

The signing followed bilateral discussions between the leaders and their respective delegations, reflecting a shared ambition to deepen economic, diplomatic, and institutional ties.

Speaking at a joint press conference, President Kagame and President Tebboune reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the longstanding relationship between their countries.

President Kagame also announced that Rwanda would soon open an embassy in Algeria, a move expected to enhance diplomatic engagement and expand avenues for collaboration.

Earlier in the day, President Kagame was received with full honours in Algiers, where he held a private meeting with President Tebboune.

The two leaders discussed continental priorities, including the promotion of intra-African trade, capacity building, and the importance of sharing experiences in post-conflict recovery and nation-building.

President Kagame also visited the Maqam Echahid (Martyrs’ Memorial), where he laid a wreath in honour of those who died during Algeria’s war of independence.

As part of his visit, Kagame is expected to tour the National School of Artificial Intelligence (ENSIA), where five Rwandan students are currently enrolled in AI and Data Science programmes.

This marks Kagame’s second official visit to Algeria since 2015. The trip builds on growing momentum in Rwanda-Algeria relations, particularly following a meeting between the two leaders in December 2024 on the sidelines of the Continental Forum on Education and Youth Employability in Mauritania.

Algeria and Rwanda share a history of robust bilateral cooperation. In the 2016/2017 academic year, Algeria awarded scholarships to 25 Rwandan students, reflecting its commitment to educational partnerships.

Since 1982, the two countries have signed multiple agreements spanning economic development, cultural exchange, and institutional cooperation, with Algeria’s opening of its embassy in Kigali in December 2023 marking a significant step in deepening diplomatic ties.

Rwanda and Algeria signed 12 bilateral agreements aimed at strengthening cooperation across multiple sectors, as President Paul Kagame began a two-day official visit on Tuesday, June 3.

The signing followed bilateral discussions between the leaders and their respective delegations, reflecting a shared ambition to deepen economic, diplomatic, and institutional ties.

President Paul Kagame arrived in Algeria on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, for a two-day official visit at the invitation of his counterpart, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.

President Kagame was warmly received by President Tebboune as he began his two -day official visit.

President Kagame holds talks with his Algerian counterpart Tebboune.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

My journey followed the path of the Liangma River Cultural and Economic Belt, where water, culture, and daily life come together to reveal a calmer rhythm of the city.

It started at the river itself. I stepped off the bus and onto a boat, one of many that now glide along what used to be a royal site for washing horses. Today, the Liangma River has become a symbol of how old places can find new life.

Restored wooden beams and antique doors at the mansion offer a rare glimpse into Beijing’s imperial past.

As the boat moved gently under bridges and past gardens, our guide shared stories of the river. One bridge came alive with glowing images of dragons and phoenixes; another is said to bring good luck to couples who propose there. Listening to these stories while watching the water shimmer in the sunlight gave the whole ride a feeling of quiet wonder.

We soon arrived at Solana Blue Harbour, and walking into its cobbled paths felt like stepping into a small Mediterranean town. With its rooftops, peaceful plazas, and lakeside cafés, Blue Harbour is more than a shopping spot—it’s a place to relax, take photos, or simply enjoy the moment. Since teaming up with Ant Group in 2024, it’s also become easier for international visitors, thanks to multilingual staff and smooth mobile payments.

Early morning light dances on the surface of the Liangma River, setting the tone for a reflective journey.

After a quick ride, I found myself at Pop Mart’s Pop Land, a place full of colour, music, and imagination. Pop Mart is known around the world for its designer toys and creative experiences, and this park brings all of that to life.

Pop Mart’s Pop Land bursts with colorful installations, drawing fans of all ages into a whimsical universe.

Everywhere I looked, families and young people were smiling, taking photos with their favourite characters, and exploring themed zones filled with games and surprises. It felt like a space where anyone could reconnect with their inner child or discover something new.

As the sun began to dip, my final stop brought me back in time: Prince Shuncheng Mansion, a Qing Dynasty home now restored beside Chaoyang Park. Compared to the lively energy of the day, this place was calm and grounded.

In the courtyard, soft music floated through the air. Women in traditional hanfu moved gracefully to the rhythm of ancient melodies. A tea master invited guests to taste freshly brewed tea known as oolong, among others, each step part of a quiet ritual. Once a royal residence, the mansion now serves as a space where visitors can step into history, not just read about it.

Women dressed in elegant hanfu perform traditional dances, evoking the grace of the Qing Dynasty.

By the end of the day, I felt like I had walked through different chapters of Beijing, each with its own mood and meaning. In a place often described by traffic and technology, I found something else: a day of connection, reflection, and discovery. And maybe, somewhere along this river, there’s a piece of Beijing waiting for everyone.

Each corner of Pop Land offers Instagram-worthy backdrops and a chance to reconnect with your inner child.

Christian Mugisha

The company is now working diligently to deliver motorcycles to a large number of applicants, reassuring those awaiting their bikes that deliveries are ongoing.

The promotion, which saw the flagship EKON M3 electric bike’s price slashed from Frwf1.95 million to Frw750,000 with a Frw75,000 deposit to reserve, “has sparked remarkable interests in many riders,” according to a statement from Spiro management.

This interest is tangibly demonstrated by the numbers: to date, 3,500 Spiro bikes are already on Rwandan roads. The promotion alone has resulted in 3,515 new bookings, with 1,656 of these bikes fully paid for and 1,470 already successfully deployed to their new owners. Spiro describes this as “a clear sign of how riders are embracing the shift to electric.”

In response to the high demand, Spiro has been rolling out deliveries in batches since April. “As of today, many early applicants who signed up first have already received their motorcycles, and we continue to dispatch bikes daily,” the company stated. They emphasized their communication strategy, noting, “We’ve clearly communicated that this promotion was a first come, first served roll-out basis.”

Understanding that many are eagerly awaiting their new e-bikes, Spiro offered reassurance: “Please note that all riders who have received their motorcycles were contacted by phone and guided through the collection process. For those who haven’t been contacted yet, please rest assured that you will be contacted soon.”

To manage the increased volume, Spiro confirmed, “We’ve added more staff to manage customer service, make calls, and oversee physical delivery points.”

This surge in adoption comes as Rwanda prepares for a significant shift in its public transport sector. The Government of Rwanda announced that starting in January 2025, all new motorbike taxis registered for public transport in Kigali must be electric, an initiative aimed at curbing pollution.

Spiro’s efforts align with this governmental push and its broader vision. “Spiro is on a mission to revolutionize mobility in Africa through the large-scale electrification of transportation, enhancing livelihoods and promoting sustainable development,” the company affirmed.

They aim to achieve this by providing affordable e-transport solutions and establishing a comprehensive EV ecosystem, including a wide network of charging infrastructure.

So far, Spiro has 70 active battery swapping stations, with 56 more underway to keep riders powered up and moving smoothly.

The company also thanked its clients for their patience and shared commitment to building a greener future. 'You deserve better, and we are committed to delivering the very best,' it stated.

The promotion, which saw the flagship EKON M3 electric bike’s price slashed from Frwf1.95 million to Frw750,000 with a Frw75,000 deposit to reserve, “has sparked remarkable interests in many riders,” according to a statement from Spiro management.

Spiro Rwanda has reported a significant uptake in its electric bikes following a highly successful promotion, signaling a strong public embrace of electric mobility in Rwanda.

In response to the high demand, Spiro has been rolling out deliveries in batches since April.

IGIHE

In a recent interview on Sanny Ntayombya’s ‘Long Form’ Podcast, Nteziryayo outlined his journey from a rural upbringing to leading a company that operates across 11 African countries, offering insights into Rwanda’s tech ecosystem, the challenges of securing investment, and the potential for technology to drive economic growth.

Raised in Kisoro, Uganda, in a family of nine siblings without access to electricity, Nteziryayo initially dreamed of becoming an architect, inspired by a prominent local figure.

'My brothers went to good schools and came home with stories,' he recalled. 'I wanted to be an architect because a successful guy in our town was one.'

But in a household where academic achievement was highly valued, his ambitions were shaped by strong parental and family influence, especially the emphasis on science-based careers.

'My parents and uncles believed that if you were smart, you pursued law, medicine, or engineering—nothing else,' he said.

'My uncle, who was a headmaster, insisted on sciences. So, architecture became my compromise. My brother had already become an architect, and I wanted to outdo him.'

After moving to Rwanda in 1994, exposure to the internet during boarding school broadened his horizons. A government scholarship in the early 2000s took him to La Roche University in the U.S., where he earned a degree in Computer Science and Mathematics.

Post-graduation in 2004, Nteziryayo joined a Fortune 500 company as a software tester, earning $30,000 annually—a significant leap for a young man from Kisoro. He later worked with industry leaders like Dish Network and Accenture, building a solid engineering career.

However, a desire to create a solution for Africa, together with his girlfriend, whom he later married, led to his first venture, Chivotel, in 2012, which digitised international calling cards. In 2015, with college friends Odelon and Pacific Mahoro, he founded Huza (initially Pesachoice), focusing on HR technology and workplace banking.

Huza’s platform enables employers to manage workforces efficiently and allows employees to access salaries before payday, addressing critical financial needs.

'If kids start school, you don’t have to wait until the end of the month,' Nteziryayo explained.

Operating in 11 African countries, Huza faces challenges in markets unfamiliar with software-as-a-service models, but Rwanda’s structured environment and supportive policies have been key.

'Rwanda is my garage,' he said, referencing Silicon Valley’s startup ethos. 'Government sandboxes let us test technology before scaling.'

Nteziryayo sees Rwanda as a potential breeding ground for a billion-dollar startup within a decade, driven by hubs like Norrsken and growing investor interest.

However, he highlighted obstacles, such as African startups being dominated by foreign founders. A 2020 study confirmed that most African startups raising over $1 million were led by foreigners, often due to investors’ favouring familiarity.

Nevertheless, Nteziryayo acknowledged opportunities for African entrepreneurs. His company, Huza, benefited from Google’s Black Founders Fund, which supports minority-led ventures.

On the future of technology, Nteziryayo pointed to artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain as game-changers for Africa. AI could optimise farming, while blockchain could ensure secure medical records. Yet, he cautioned about risks like hacking and AI-driven misinformation.

'All technologies can be used for good and bad,' he said, stressing robust security measures.

For aspiring entrepreneurs, Nteziryayo advised resilience and strategic timing.

'Entrepreneurship isn’t for everyone—nine out of 10 startups fail,' he said, citing Alibaba’s Jack Ma: work for inspiring mentors in your 20s, build in your 30s, and aim for success in your 40s.

He noted that Grants from organisations like Norrsken or 250Startups offer initial funding, but persistence is crucial.

'You’ll get rejected more than accepted,' he warned, recommending tools like social media and AI to identify opportunities.

Addressing Rwanda’s urban-rural divide, Nteziryayo emphasised information access as a bridge.

“Information is the most valuable tool. In remote areas, people need weather or market price data to improve agriculture, not Bitcoin,” he remarked.

“Technology can bridge the gap by delivering relevant information, like crop rotation tips or fair prices for produce. Infrastructure like roads, telephones, and internet access is crucial,” he remarked.”

Watch the full podcast below:

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The article by Xi, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, will be published in this year’s 11th issue of the Qiushi Journal, a flagship magazine of the CPC Central Committee.

The article emphasizes that education serves as the cornerstone for building a strong country and realizing the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, highlighting the strategic objective of establishing China as a leading country in education by 2035.

It urged steadfast efforts to carry out the fundamental task of fostering virtue through education, strengthening the supporting role of education in scientific and technological advancement and talent cultivation, and enhancing the quality of public education services and implementing a national education digitization strategy.

While emphasizing the importance of nurturing high-caliber teachers in the new era, the article also urges efforts to ensure teachers enjoy esteemed social recognition and be regarded as one of the most respected professions in society.

With an aim to build the country into a key education hub with global influence, the article calls for opening the education field wider to the outside world and continuously strengthening its influence, competitiveness, and voice on the world stage.

The article calls for optimizing the layout of higher education and building a contingent of personnel with expertise of strategic importance.

Xinhua

The highly anticipated event united Bralirwa’s partners and football fans for a premium celebration of sport, entertainment, and world-class hospitality.

The high-stakes showdown between Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan unfolded on big screens in a premium setting, as guests enjoyed the full Heineken treatment, from crisp, ice-cold beers to gourmet cuisine, all curated for an unforgettable fan experience.

As the match kept fans on the edge of their seats, the energy reached a peak with the final whistle and trophy presentation, capturing the spirit and emotion of Europe’s biggest club football night.

Paris Saint-Germain’s emphatic 5—0 victory over Inter Milan not only thrilled the crowd but also marked the club’s first-ever UEFA Champions League title, making the moment even more historic. But the night was far from over.

An exclusive afterparty turned the event into a full-fledged celebration, featuring thrilling live performances by the Symphony Band and Moogisha, alongside DJs Lamper and Khizz Beats, who kept the crowd energised late into the night.

The Kigali viewing party was the climax of a series of pre-final activations rolled out by Heineken across key outlets in the city. The consumer engagements gave lucky fans the chance to win exclusive merchandise and coveted invitations to the main event, building up momentum and excitement for the final.

Speaking about the impact of the event, Martine Gatabazi, Marketing Director at Bralirwa, noted:

'The UEFA Champions League is more than just a game. It’s a moment that brings people together. Through unique experiences like this, Heineken continues to reinforce its position as the undisputed international premium beer in Rwanda. We’re proud to deliver moments that matter for our consumers and partners alike.'

From start to finish, the event showcased Heineken’s unmatched ability to blend sport, lifestyle, and premium experiences, raising the bar for branded events in Rwanda — and leaving guests with memories to last well beyond the final whistle.

Scroll down for exclusive photos from the night.

The highly anticipated event united Bralirwa’s partners and football fans for a premium celebration of sport, entertainment, and world-class hospitality.

The high-stakes showdown between Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan unfolded on big screens in a premium setting, as guests enjoyed the full Heineken treatment.

Guests enjoyed the full Heineken treatment, from crisp, ice-cold beers to gourmet cuisine, all curated for an unforgettable fan experience.

The energy reached a peak with the final whistle and trophy presentation, capturing the spirit and emotion of Europe’s biggest club football night.

An exclusive afterparty turned the event into a full-fledged celebration, featuring thrilling live performances by the Symphony Band and Moogisha, alongside DJs Lamper and Khizz Beats, who kept the crowd energised late into the night.

Guests left the viewing party with unforgettable memories.

IGIHE

During the visit, the two Heads of State will hold a one-on-one meeting at El Mouradia Palace, followed by bilateral talks between their respective delegations. The leaders will also address members of the press during a joint press conference.

Several bilateral agreements between the Governments of Rwanda and the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria are expected to be signed during the visit.

While in Algiers, President Kagame will lay a wreath at the Maqam Echahid (Martyrs’ Memorial) in honour of those who lost their lives during the Algerian War of Independence.

The Head of State is also expected to visit the National School of Artificial Intelligence (ENSIA), where five Rwandan students are currently enrolled in programs specialising in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science.

During the visit, a State Dinner will be held in honour of President Kagame. This is President Kagame’s second visit to the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, following his visit in 2015.

IGIHE