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The delegation, comprising members of the Radical Movement for Change (MRC), arrived from several countries, including Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands, Germany, and Switzerland.

According to Reconstruire RDC (Rebuild DRC), a social media platform founded by Kabila, the delegation delivered a message from Diongo, affirming the MRC’s readiness to support national recovery and respond to Kabila’s call for unity.

'Carrying a message from the Honourable Franck Diongo, delegates of the Radical Movement for Change (MRC)… were received this afternoon in Goma by President Joseph Kabila,' the platform stated.

'The MRC is committed to playing its part, responding to the call made by President Kabila to all those who passionately love Congo to come to its aid.'

Diongo is a vocal critic of President Tshisekedi. He has in the past strongly criticised Tshisekedi’s regime, calling it ‘bloody’ and accusing it of human rights violations, terror, and corruption.

According to the politician, who obtained political asylum in Belgium in June 2024, Tshisekedi’s government threatens unity and the future of the DRC.

The Monday meeting adds to a growing list of political engagements by Kabila since his return to the DRC from South Africa in late May. In recent days, he has also met with leaders of religious organisations and officials of the M23 rebel movement, which has seized large swaths of territory in eastern DRC.

Kabila also received youth associations from Goma on the same day. Addressing the gathering, he emphasised the critical role of young people in preserving national unity and resisting division in the wake of the security situation in the DRC.

Youth representatives welcomed the message and expressed their desire to be actively involved in shaping the country’s future.

The series of meetings follows a national address delivered by Kabila on May 23, in which he proposed a 12-point roadmap to end violence and rebuild the DRC. His proposals include the withdrawal of foreign forces, disarmament of armed groups, and strengthening of regional cooperation.

Former President Joseph Kabila met with a delegation representing Franck Diongo, a vocal critic of President Félix Tshisekedi, at his residence in Kinyogote, near Goma in North Kivu province, on Monday, June 2.

The delegation, comprising members of the Radical Movement for Change (MRC), arrived from several countries, including Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands, Germany, and Switzerland.

On Monday, Kabila also received youth associations from Goma on the same day. Addressing the gathering, he emphasised the critical role of young people in preserving national unity and resisting division in the wake of the security situation in the DRC.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The Gates Foundation chairman spoke at the foundation’s event held at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa on Monday, June 2. The event was attended by over 12,000 participants, including African leaders, health workers, development experts, and youth.

He reiterated his commitment to donate $200 billion over the next 20 years, most of which will go to Africa, to support health systems and sustainable development.

Gates said that resilient health systems cannot be achieved without African leadership and homegrown solutions. He emphasised that unleashing human potential through health and education should place every African country on a path to prosperity.

'By unleashing human potential through health and education, every country in Africa should be on a path to prosperity — and that path is an exciting thing to be part of,' he added.

He stressed the transformative role AI can play in healthcare, citing Rwanda’s use of AI-powered ultrasound to detect high-risk pregnancies and improve maternal care.

He also highlighted how African youth are embracing AI and thinking critically about how to apply it to solve local problems.

In addition to Rwanda, Gates mentioned Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Zambia as countries where data, technology, and community-based systems are being used to reduce child mortality and combat diseases like malaria and HIV.

'I’ve always been inspired by the hard work of Africans even in places with very limited resources. The kind of fieldwork to get solutions out, even in the most rural areas, has been incredible,' Gates remarked.

In Rwanda, companies such as eFiche are providing AI-powered health services that include disease prediction, health data management, and advanced diagnostics.

Recently, Rwanda’s Ministry of Health launched a new AI-driven platform that allows community health workers to receive training via mobile phones, removing the need for in-person sessions.

During his speech, Gates called for deeper investment in primary healthcare, describing it as foundational to improving well-being and reducing inequality across the continent.

'With primary healthcare, what we’ve learned is that helping the mother be healthy and have great nutrition before she gets pregnant, while she is pregnant, delivers the strongest results,' he said.

'Ensuring the child receives good nutrition in their first four years as well makes all the difference.'

The event also featured remarks from international figures such as WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, and advocate Graça Machel, who called for sustained partnerships to advance Africa’s development goals.

Machel described Gates’ long-standing collaboration with Africa as a reflection of his respect for African leadership, ideas, and innovation.

'We are counting on Mr Gates’ steadfast commitment to continue walking this path of transformation alongside us,” Machel stated.

Gates committed to giving 99% of his wealth to charity as the Gates Foundation marked its 25th anniversary last month. At the event, he also shared his plan to wind down the foundation by 2045.

He noted that this decision was inspired in part by Andrew Carnegie’s 1889 essay, ‘The Gospel of Wealth,’ which argued that the rich should return their fortunes to society.

President Paul Kagame and Bill Gates in 2015. On Monday, June 2, Gates commended Rwanda for its innovative use of artificial intelligence (AI) in maternal healthcare, highlighting it as a model of how technology is helping solve local challenges across Africa.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Speaking at the Regional Dairy Conference Africa 2025, which focused on topics such as livestock health, milk value addition, and improving market access for dairy products, BK Insurance reaffirmed its commitment to supporting farmers, especially those engaged in professional livestock farming.

Eric Ntaganira, Head of Agribusiness at BK Insurance, highlighted the importance of insurance in mitigating financial losses caused by disasters or unforeseen events.

'When you have insurance, you farm with confidence,' he said. 'As livestock farming becomes more professional and capital-intensive, it’s essential that farmers protect their investments to ensure peace of mind and sustainable growth.'

Ntaganira noted that BK Insurance is actively working to expand access to insurance services for farmers while also raising awareness about how these services operate.

'We take time to explain what is covered and what is not. Whether a farmer owns one cow or many, they are eligible for coverage. This service is tailored for professional livestock farmers, and we’ve already registered over 20,000 clients,' he added.

BK Insurance provides a variety of insurance products, including vehicle, fire, construction, agriculture, and livestock insurance.

According to a nationwide survey, more than 50% of farmers and livestock keepers who insure with BK Insurance expressed high levels of satisfaction, with 98% reporting positive experiences.

Since the launch of the 'Tekana Urishingiwe Muhinzi Mworozi' (Feel Secure, You are Insured) initiative, BK Insurance has disbursed over Frw2.5 billion in compensation to policyholders in the agriculture and livestock sectors.

Eric Ntaganira, Head of Agribusiness at BK Insurance, highlighted the importance of insurance in mitigating financial losses caused by disasters or unforeseen events.

The Regional Dairy Conference Africa 2025, focused on topics such as livestock health, milk value addition, and improving market access for dairy products.

Ntaganira noted that BK Insurance is actively working to expand access to insurance services for farmers while also raising awareness about how these services operate.

IGIHE

The meeting, which brought together defence and security officials, marks a key milestone in regional collaboration on civil-military relations, a cornerstone of humanitarian support, and regional integration within the EAC.

This year, Civil Military Activities Week will feature a series of community outreach initiatives that promote peace, stability, and development with the Rwandan Community, aimed at improving the well-being of local populations.

On behalf of the RDF Chief of Defence Staff, Brig Gen Ronald Rwivanga, the Defence Spokesperson expressed appreciation to all partner states for their active participation in regional initiatives which reflect the EAC’s vision of fostering a strong bond between the Armed Forces and the civilian population.

'It is not only a military engagement, it is a humanitarian commitment and a powerful demonstration of our collective values of Unity, solidarity, and service to community.

'Real security lies primarily in the pursuit of human security solutions to societal problems.' Brig Gen Rwivanga said.

He further urged the participants to engage actively and share their experience to ensure that the outcome of this meeting reflects the aspirations of the defence sectors of EAC.

Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Kimani, representing the Secretary General of the East African Community (EAC), expressed his gratitude to Rwanda for hosting this year’s Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) activities.

He noted that these activities rotate among all EAC partner states. 'This initiative is a rotational event bringing the communities we serve as military personnel closer to us, to build trust, and to help address shared challenges among them.

'It also serves to strengthen regional unity and advance the EAC integration agenda.' Lt Col Kimani said.

The EAC CIMIC activities began in 2018 in Uganda and have since been held in various partner States, making a meaningful impact by addressing the needs of local communities.

The meeting, which brought together defence and security officials, marks a key milestone in regional collaboration on civil-military relations, a cornerstone of humanitarian support, and regional integration within the EAC.

On behalf of the RDF Chief of Defence Staff, Brig Gen Ronald Rwivanga, the Defence Spokesperson expressed appreciation to all partner states for their active participation in regional initiatives which reflect the EAC’s vision of fostering a strong bond between the Armed Forces and the civilian population.

Defence experts from the Partner States of the East African Community (EAC) convened in Kigali on Monday, June 2, 2025, for a Defence Experts Working Group (DEWG) meeting to discuss and coordinate preparations for the upcoming Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) Week activities.

IGIHE

Turkish Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Oncu Keceli confirmed that the talks, held behind closed doors, “did not end negatively.”

Following the talks, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, who led the Ukrainian delegation, stated at a press conference that the two sides had reached concrete humanitarian outcomes in the talks.

Umerov said during the talks Ukraine presented its agenda to Russia, proposing a 30-day unconditional ceasefire, alongside the release of prisoners and the return of young soldiers and children.

Moscow will return Ukraine 6,000 bodies of fallen soldiers, said Russian Presidential Aide Vladimir Medinsky after the peace talks.

Moscow and Kiev agreed to exchange all heavily wounded and 18-25-year-old soldiers, while Moscow proposed to declare a ceasefire with Ukraine for two to three days at some areas of the front line, he added.

The two countries last held direct talks on May 16 in Istanbul — their first face-to-face negotiations since March 2022. During that meeting, the two sides agreed to exchange 1,000 prisoners each, marking the largest prisoner swap since the start of the conflict.

Russian Presidential Aide Vladimir Medinsky (C, rear) speaks to the press in Istanbul, Türkiye, June 2, 2025. (Xinhua/Liu Lei)

Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov (C) speaks to the press in Istanbul, Türkiye, June 2, 2025. (Xinhua/Liu Lei)

Xinhua

The presidential race was triggered by the removal of former conservative President Yoon Suk-yeol from office over his botched martial law bid.

Recent surveys showed that Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party continued to have around 50 percent of support, holding a big lead over Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party with about 30 percent.

Lee lost the 2022 presidential election to Yoon, then candidate of the People Power Party, by the country’s narrowest margin of 0.73 percentage points.

An early voting was carried out between May 29 and May 30. Among over 44 million eligible voters, 34.74 percent cast preliminary votes.

Lee Jae-myung, presidential candidate of Democratic Party, attends an election campaign in Seoul, South Korea, June 2, 2025. South Korea will hold its presidential election on June 3. (Xinhua/Yao Qilin)

A voter casts her ballot at a polling station in Seoul, South Korea, June 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Yao Qilin)

Lee Jae-myung, presidential candidate of Democratic Party, attends an election campaign in Seoul, South Korea, June 2, 2025. South Korea will hold its presidential election on June 3. (Xinhua/Yao Qilin)

A pedestrian walks past a campaign poster of presidential candidates in Seoul, South Korea, June 2, 2025. South Korea will hold its presidential election on June 3. (Xinhua/Yao Qilin)

A voter casts her ballot at a polling station in Seoul, South Korea, June 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Yao Qilin)

Kim Moon-soo, presidential candidate of People Power Party, attends an election campaign in Seoul, South Korea, June 2, 2025. South Korea will hold its presidential election on June 3. (Photo by Jun Hyosang/Xinhua)

Kim Moon-soo (C), presidential candidate of People Power Party, speaks during an election campaign in Seoul, South Korea, June 2, 2025. South Korea will hold its presidential election on June 3. (Photo by Jun Hyosang/Xinhua)

A voter is seen at a polling station in Seoul, South Korea, June 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Yao Qilin)

Voters wait in line to cast ballots at a polling station in Seoul, South Korea, June 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Yao Qilin)

Xinhua

This remarkable 24-floor facility, spanning over 33,000 square meters, is China’s most advanced provincial-level hub for disability services.

Since opening in late 2021 and gaining prominence during the 2022 Winter Paralympics, the centre has welcomed over 160,000 individuals with disabilities in just three years. It offers everything from vocational rehabilitation and short-term care to art therapy and employment training.

Yet beyond the numbers, what left the deepest impression on me was how this place truly embodies the belief that disability does not equal inability.

As I explored the centre, I saw firsthand the powerful role innovation plays in empowering people with disabilities. The tech exhibition on the first floor was nothing short of astonishing. More than 60 assistive technologies were on display—many of which I had the chance to try.

Among them were smart guide dogs powered by artificial intelligence, designed not only to provide companionship but also to assist with path planning and obstacle avoidance for visually impaired users.

The robotic guide dogs, modelled on quadruped robots, combined high-precision navigation with interactive remote support, enabling blind individuals to navigate unfamiliar environments safely.

The brain-controlled AI wheelchair stood out as a marvel of modern engineering, translating users’ movement intentions into multi-directional control, thereby expanding mobility beyond what was previously imaginable.

I also experienced the Anti-H1 Pro walking assistant robot, which detects subtle lower limb movements and provides real-time support, easing strain and enhancing balance.

The AI walker exoskeleton helps patients regain mobility by assisting with walking and rehabilitation exercises. For individuals with hearing impairments, smart glasses like the Listener AR Caption Glasses and Star V Glasses convert speech to text in real time, supporting multilingual translation and bridging communication gaps.

Wearable devices equipped with AI imaging—such as the Dongguang smart glasses and H1 Smart Blind Assistant Hat—provide environmental awareness and obstacle alerts, ensuring safer navigation. Each of these innovations not only showcased cutting-edge technology but also reflected a strong commitment to making life more independent and inclusive for all.

But the Huiai Centre is more than just advanced devices. Its barrier-free architecture reflects universal design principles, with ramps replacing stairs, Braille signage, and fully accessible bathrooms and elevators.

The Winter Paralympics exhibition on the first floor was a moving tribute, featuring medals, torches, and silk-flower bouquets made by disabled artisans—symbols of resilience and creativity.

The bookstore, stocked with Braille books and handicrafts, offered a welcoming space for reading and cultural exchange. The indoor ramp corridor, adorned with artwork by autistic children, offered a glimpse into the centre’s inclusive spirit.

On the second floor, I visited the Fusion Cinema, where audio descriptions and subtitles make films accessible to both visually and hearing-impaired audiences, demonstrating how entertainment can be truly inclusive.

Nearby, the Kitchen and Beauty Workshop trains disabled artisans in baking and crafts, some of which have gained international recognition, such as works showcased during the Paris Paralympics.

Elsewhere, the centre supports children with cerebral palsy and autism through specialised rehabilitation, providing vital early interventions and subsidies to promote school integration.

The adult rehabilitation programs focus on rebuilding life skills and offering vocational training. One inspiring example is the Beijing Hope Home, where trainees have achieved a 95% self-care rate, and some earn up to $8,000 a month through remote work and handicrafts.

The short-term care floors offer fully accessible rooms with voice-activated features, adjustable beds, and safety systems—designed to serve elderly and disabled individuals, including those with dementia.

What stood out most from my visit was the undeniable message that technology, combined with compassion and inclusive design, can transform disability into a platform for possibility rather than limitation.

The Huiai Building is a vivid testament to this philosophy, proving that with the right tools and support, people with disabilities can participate fully in society, pursue their dreams, and lead independent lives.

This centre not only sets a global standard for disability services but also offers hope and inspiration worldwide, affirming that disability is not an endpoint, but a different way of experiencing the world—one that technology is increasingly helping to unlock and enrich.

Visitors engaging with vocational rehabilitation and art therapy programs, demonstrating the center’s holistic approach to disability support beyond medical care.

There is an exhibit at the center’s technology showcase, highlighting how innovation is redefining possibilities for people with disabilities.

This is the central room that monitors and coordinates real-time data from disability service centers nationwide, ensuring seamless support and rapid response across the country.

The Huiai Center’s spacious interior showcasing its status as China’s leading provincial-level hub for disability services, welcoming over 160,000 visitors since 2021.

The Kitchen Workshop where disabled artisans receive training in baking, some gaining international acclaim.

Technology has the power to transform challenges into opportunities, turning disabilities into new possibilities.

Smart glasses translating speech to text in real time for hearing-impaired users, bridging communication gaps across multiple languages.

Smart robotic guide dogs on display, equipped with AI to assist visually impaired users with navigation and obstacle avoidance.

Music therapy offers a powerful way to enhance emotional healing and improve communication for people with disabilities.

Innovative tech bridges gaps, enabling greater independence and inclusion for people of all abilities.

Group therapy sessions provide a supportive environment where individuals with disabilities share experiences and build social connections.

Exercise in a supportive, inclusive space helps improve strength, balance, and overall health for people with disabilities.

Art therapy serves as a vital tool for healing and emotional well-being, helping disabled individuals communicate beyond words.

Artworks created by autistic children decorate the center’s indoor ramp corridor, reflecting its inclusive and supportive spirit.

A cozy bookstore corner stocked with Braille books and handicrafts, fostering cultural exchange and learning for visitors of all abilities.

Art created by disabled artists expresses creativity, resilience, and unique perspectives.

Christian Mugisha

Maize production was estimated at 481,246 metric tons, a 5% decrease compared to Season A of 2024. The area cultivated also declined slightly to 244,095 hectares, down by 2%. Similarly, beans were grown on 327,147 hectares, a 0.6% decrease, resulting in a total production of 230,456 metric tons, which is 1% lower than the previous year.

Maize production was estimated at 481,246 metric tons, a 5% decrease compared to Season A of 2024.

In contrast, Irish potato output rose by 3%, reaching 475,785 metric tons, with a stable cultivated area of 54,485 hectares. Cassava production increased by 5% to 542,874 metric tons, despite a small drop in cultivated area. Both crops also recorded higher yields compared to cereals and pulses, 13.5 tons per hectare for cassava and 8.7 tons per hectare for Irish potatoes.

While the report does not offer direct explanations for changes in crop performance, it highlights significant differences in yields between small-scale and large-scale farmers. For instance, large-scale maize producers harvested an average of 4.1 tons per hectare, more than double the 1.9 tons recorded by smallholders. Similar yield gaps were observed across other major crops, suggesting structural differences in productivity that may help explain broader production trends.

Cassava production increased by 5% to 542,874 metric tons, despite a small drop in cultivated area.

Input use varied across the farming population. Only 37.3% of farmers used improved seeds, and 63.2% applied inorganic fertilisers. The report notes that the use of inputs such as fertilisers, pesticides, and irrigation systems was much more common among large-scale farmers, contributing to their higher productivity.

Overall, agricultural land use remained stable, with 59% of Rwanda’s total land area dedicated to agriculture. Seasonal crops occupied the majority, followed by permanent crops and pasture. The Eastern and Northern provinces continued to lead in production of maize, cassava, and Irish potatoes.

The SAS 2025A report provides detailed crop estimates, input usage rates, and land use trends to support data-driven planning and policy decisions in Rwanda’s agriculture sector.

Irish potato output rose by 3%, reaching 475,785 metric tons, with a stable cultivated area of 54,485 hectares.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The update was shared during a June 2, 2025 press briefing on the state of human trafficking in Rwanda. It follows a recent operation on April 23, 2025, when 10 Rwandans were returned home after being trafficked to Myanmar. Efforts are ongoing to rescue five more individuals from the same country.

According to RIB spokesperson Dr. Thierry Murangira, 52 of the 57 individuals intercepted before being trafficked were women, highlighting the disproportionate impact on women, who are often targeted for forced prostitution.

The number of intercepted cases has risen significantly; between July 2019 and June 2024, Rwanda prevented 39 people from being trafficked, a figure that has been surpassed in just the past eight months.

Dr. Thierry Murangira stressed that even a single case of human trafficking deserves great attention.

'The gravity of human trafficking should not be measured by numbers. Even if it’s one person out of a thousand, it remains a serious human rights violation. No one should ever be treated as a commodity,' he said.

He called for stronger collaboration in combating trafficking, noting that some victims are unknowingly aided by family members or relatives during the process.

'The fight is complicated by the fact that some victims believe those intervening are blocking their chance, be it a relationship with a foreign partner or a job opportunity abroad,' he added.

Dr. Murangira clarified that while most interceptions occur at Kigali International Airport, Rwanda is not a source of internal trafficking. However, traffickers from neighboring countries can sometimes use Rwanda as a transit point.

'Human trafficking does not occur within Rwanda, although traffickers may use the country as a transit point,' he said. 'When such cases are identified, the victims are intercepted. Moreover, Rwanda is among the few nations that actively invest significant effort in repatriating its trafficked citizens,' he said.

He also highlighted links between trafficking and other crimes, citing the 2024 discovery of a strip club in Kigali where women were reportedly exploited for profit through forced nudity and sexual acts. He urged both the government and the public to reject such activities.

RIB advises the public to remain cautious when presented with suspicious overseas opportunities, especially when there are no known contacts or clear reasons for the offer.

Dr. Murangira also noted that other crimes in Rwanda may be linked to human trafficking. He cited the discovery of a strip club in Kigali in 2024, where dancers performed naked and were reportedly involved in sexual exploitation for someone else’s benefit. He urged the government and public to strongly oppose such activities.

RIB advises the public to remain vigilant when approached with suspicious offers of opportunities abroad, especially when they have no known contacts or legitimate reason to be selected for such offers.

RIB spokesperson Dr. Thierry Murangira stressed that even a single case of human trafficking deserves great attention.

IGIHE

The unveiling of the egg-free product took place at Bicu Lounge in Kimihurura and was attended by Masaka Farms management, staff, and various partners.

The mayonnaise comes in two varieties: Eggless Lemon Mayonnaise and Eggless Cocktail Mayonnaise.

Tumusiime Peace, Masaka Farms’ Marketing Manager, said the launch marks a significant milestone for the company as it ventures beyond dairy products.

'For the past 10 years, Masaka Farms has been primarily known for dairy processing, but we are now entering a new journey of going beyond that. These new mayonnaise products symbolise the direction we want to take,' she stated.

Luke Lundberg, the CEO of Masaka Farms, described the new mayonnaise as the beginning of an expansion journey beyond dairy processing.

'Being able to release a mayonnaise is a sign of the new path we are taking. Masaka Farms is going beyond dairy — we’re stepping into producing other essential consumer goods,' the CEO stated.

He added that, in collaboration with institutions like the Rwanda Standards Board (RSB), the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), the Rwanda Food and Drug Authority (RFDA) and with support from Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA), the company will continue to innovate and improve their offerings to meet consumer needs.

Masaka Farms was founded in 2015 and is known for its dairy products. The company has now expanded into non-dairy processing, with products available in various parts of the country.

The mayonnaise comes in two varieties: Eggless Lemon Mayonnaise and Eggless Cocktail Mayonnaise.

Eggless Cocktail Mayonnaise.

Eggless Lemon Mayonnaise.

The unveiling of the egg-free product took place at Bicu Lounge in Kimihurura and was attended by Masaka Farms management, staff, and various partners.

Luke Lundberg, the CEO of Masaka Farms, described the new mayonnaise as the beginning of an expansion journey beyond dairy processing.

Tumusiime Peace, Masaka Farms’ Marketing Manager, said the launch marks a significant milestone for the company as it ventures beyond dairy products.

Lively beats and dance moves lit up the launch as Masaka Farms unveiled its new product.

Attendees had the opportunity to sample the new product.

IGIHE