The comedian, actor, writer and entertainment consultant is in Rwanda to headline Friday's Thank God It's Funny Showcase at Kigali Universe alongside host Babu Joe.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with IGIHE, Forever reflected on the unconventional career path that has taken him from engineering classrooms in Nigeria to comedy stages across 20 countries.
Despite graduating as a mechanical engineer and ranking among the best students in his class, Forever said he realised before completing university that his future lay elsewhere.
'I've always written funny stories and plays since I was a kid,' he said.
The comedian, actor, writer and entertainment consultant is in Rwanda to headline Friday's Thank God It's Funny Showcase at Kigali Universe alongside host Babu Joe.
He recalled watching Night of a Thousand Laughs in 2005 and discovering that stand-up comedians were essentially doing what he had always loved: telling funny stories.
'I tried it, it worked, and I kept going. By my final year, I already knew I wasn't going to practise engineering. I was happier making people laugh.'
For Forever, the satisfaction of hearing from people whose lives had been brightened by his jokes outweighed the appeal of pursuing a conventional engineering career.
'People would call me randomly, saying they remembered a joke and were laughing at home. That joy kept me going,' he said.
Family initially resisted
Like many African parents who view professions such as engineering, medicine and law as the safest paths to success, Forever's family initially struggled to accept his decision.
'It wasn't easy, especially with my mum. It took about three to four years for her to accept it,' he revealed.
'Parents invest so much, and they expect you to follow the doctor-engineer-lawyer path. But when they saw I was making progress and getting results, they became supportive.'
Today, he says, his family fully embraces his career.
Like many African parents who view professions such as engineering, medicine and law as the safest paths to success, Forever's family initially struggled to accept his decision.
Why Kigali stood out
While in Rwanda primarily for Friday's performance, Forever said Kigali exceeded every expectation he had before arriving.
He described stepping out of the airport and immediately noticing the calm atmosphere.
'It was a shock. I came out of the airport, and it was so quiet. In Lagos, the moment you land, there's chaos and activity everywhere. Here it was calm,' he said.
'The city is easygoing, smooth sailing. It actually reminds me of Abuja — quiet, calm, cool and collected.'
The comedian also praised Kigali's organisation, cleanliness and sense of security, saying experiencing them firsthand was very different from simply reading about them.
'I read that Rwanda is Africa's cleanest city with top-notch security, but seeing it is different,' he said.
'The city is very neat. People are walking freely at 11 p.m. or midnight. Boda bodas are still moving at one or two in the morning. That level of order, cleanliness and security in Africa is impressive.'
Forever believes Nigerians could learn from Rwanda's coordination and orderliness.
'Nigerians can learn to mind their business,' he joked.
'In Rwanda, people mind their business. In Nigeria, minding your business is everybody's business.'
He added that combining Rwanda's coordination with Nigeria's entrepreneurial spirit would be a powerful combination.
'What Rwanda can learn from us is our spirit — that always-on-the-move, always-pushing energy.'
Nigerian comedian Forever during an exclusive interview with IGIHE.
Lessons from comedy
Having shared stages with some of Africa's biggest comedians, including Basketmouth, Forever said the greatest lesson he has learned is never to lose the drive to improve.
'Hunger. The hunger must never die,' he said.
'Basketmouth has been at the top for almost three decades, and he's still writing new material, still touring, still hungry. That's what keeps you at the top.'
Although he once joked that 'nobody gets into comedy by passion,' Forever explained that passion developed after discovering his natural talent.
'I got in because of talent. I was already good at it, and the more I did it, the better I became. Then passion grew.'
He added that seeing audiences light up when they recognise him remains the biggest reward.
'When someone sees me on the street, and their face just lights up — that's priceless. I don't want to trade that.'
Looking beyond Friday's show
Forever said he is looking forward to meeting more of Rwanda's comedy community and expects Friday's audience to bring as much energy as he plans to deliver.
'The comedian brings energy but also feeds off the audience. I can't wait,' he said.
He also revealed that he hopes this will not be his last performance in Rwanda.
Forever dreams of one day filling the 10,000-seat BK Arena.
Calling Kigali 'like my second home,' Forever said he plans to return as part of his African tour and dreams of one day filling the 10,000-seat BK Arena.
'First impressions matter, and I love it here,' he said.
'One day Forever will fill BK Arena. I'll be back next year with my African tour. Kigali is like my second home now.'
Watch the full interview below as Forever reflects on choosing comedy over engineering, his admiration for Kigali, and his plans to return to Rwanda.
Makolo made the remarks on July 30, 2026, in response to comments by the Democratic Republic of the Congo's (DRC) Minister of Communication and Media and Government Spokesperson, Patrick Muyaya.
Muyaya had announced that, as part of implementing the Washington Agreement, the FDLR had signed an agreement on disarmament, demobilisation, reintegration and relocation to a secure, monitored site.
In a post on X, Muyaya described the move as a major breakthrough in resolving the FDLR issue, despite the Washington Agreement making no provision for such a process.
Responding to the remarks, Makolo wrote: 'The Washington Agreement calls for the neutralisation of the FDLR—not a negotiated protocol with a genocidal militia that the DRC government continues to arm and collaborate with.'
She added that declarations of voluntary disarmament are meaningless while the group remains integrated into the Congolese army and continues to fight on the frontlines.
'Voluntary 'disarmament' announcements while the FDLR remains embedded in the Congolese army & active on the frontlines change nothing. Implementation means verifiable dismantlement, not theatre.'
Makolo reiterated that Rwanda remains committed to implementing the agreement.
'Rwanda remains focused on implementation of the agreement. Our region deserves real security & stability, not paper exercises.'
On the evening of July 28, 2026, DRC's Minister for Regional Integration, Floribert Anzuluni, accompanied by Patrick Muyaya, announced that the FDLR had agreed to lay down its arms, arguing that the remaining step was for Rwanda to lift its defensive measures.
The announcement came after Anzuluni had spent several days touring African and European countries, discreetly promoting a proposal prepared by the FDLR and signed by its president, Victor Byiringiro.
The document, described as the FDLR's 'self-dissolution' plan, was submitted to DRC President Félix Tshisekedi on May 30, 2026.
Government Spokesperson Yolande Makolo has reiterated that implementing the Washington Agreement requires the FDLR's verifiable dismantlement, not what she describes as 'theatre.'
In a statement issued on July 29, 2026, RDRC said the repatriation 'took place in the presence of media and MONUSCO officials following a comprehensive verification process which established that the individuals did not meet the eligibility requirements for Rwanda's demobilisation and reintegration programme'.
The commission further reaffirmed its commitment to a rigorous verification process in line with established procedures, regional frameworks, as well as collaboration with regional and international partners to promote accountability, regional cooperation, and lasting peace.
Also on July 29, 2026, AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka alleged that the DRC government is recruiting civilians and encouraging them to falsely present themselves as former FDLR combatants in exchange for money.
Kanyuka claimed that after being promised payment, the Congolese nationals are enrolled in the Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) programme, which is overseen and implemented by the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO).
According to AFC/M23, the alleged scheme is intended to conceal the presence of genuine FDLR fighters, a terrorist group that the DRC committed to dismantling under the peace agreement signed with Rwanda last year through mediation by the United States.
Kanyuka further accused the DRC government of continuing to integrate FDLR members into the country's security institutions, alleging that some have been incorporated into the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) and the Wazalendo militia.
'Kinshasa uses the FDLR as a central component of its security apparatus. Members of this group have been integrated into FARDC, the Wazalendo militia and other state security institutions,' Kanyuka alleged.
He further claimed that some FDLR members are serving in the Republican Guard (GR), the elite unit responsible for protecting senior government officials and other high-profile figures.
AFC/M23 called for an end to what it described as the recruitment of civilians to falsely identify themselves as former FDLR combatants, arguing that the practice is intended to mislead the Congolese public and the international community.
The Rwanda Demobilisation and Reintegration Commission (RDRC) has repatriated 39 Congolese nationals to the DRC after they falsely claimed to be former FDLR combatants.
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said on social media that its forces completed 'a heavy wave of strikes' at 10 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday (0200 GMT Thursday) in response to Iran's attempted missile attacks a day earlier.
According to CENTCOM, U.S. forces struck dozens of targets belonging to Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps, including military command centers, missile and drone facilities, coastal surveillance and defense sites, and maritime capabilities.
More than 50,000 U.S. service members are currently deployed to the Middle East and remain 'highly vigilant, focused, lethal, and ready,' CENTCOM said.
Earlier on Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump vowed twice that Washington would retaliate forcefully against Iran. He also said he had been briefed that an American-owned liquefied natural gas carrier at an Egyptian port was set on fire in an apparent drone attack earlier in the day.
Iranian media earlier reported explosions in the country's southern regions. Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency said that Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz and locations in Bushehr province had come under attack.
The Wall Street Journal reported that the latest U.S. operation was expected to be broader in scope than previous exchanges between the two sides in recent weeks, targeting more sites across a wider geographic area, citing a U.S. official.
Trump also met with Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman at the White House on Wednesday, Axios reported, citing a U.S. official and another source familiar with the meeting.
According to the report, the Saudi defense minister told U.S. Vice President JD Vance that the kingdom was capable of handling the situation with the Houthis and did not need U.S. military involvement at this stage.
The Saudis are negotiating with the Houthis, which have threatened to impose a naval blockade on Saudi ports and even conducted several attacks on Saudi ships in the Red Sea, said the report, citing anonymous sources.
The latest developments came after the United States said it had intercepted an attempted Iranian missile attack targeting U.S. forces on Tuesday and later carried out joint strikes with Saudi Arabia against Iran-backed militias in neighboring Iraq.
Iranian media earlier reported explosions in the country's southern regions. Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency said that Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz and locations in Bushehr province had come under attack.
She died at King Faisal Hospital Rwanda, where she had been receiving treatment for some time.
News of her passing emerged on Thursday morning. A fellow senator who worked with her told IGIHE that he had recently visited her at the hospital.
Mukabalisa was born in Nyamata, Bugesera District, in July 1960 and later worked as a law lecturer at the Independent University of Kigali (ULK).
She also worked for the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), where she served for 16 years.
In October 2003, Mukabalisa was elected to the Chamber of Deputies, where she served until 2008. She later became a senator, serving from 2011 to 2013.
In 2013, she returned to the Chamber of Deputies and was elected Speaker, a position she held until 2024. She did not seek re-election after completing the two-term limit.
Mukabalisa also served as President of the Liberal Party (PL), a political party founded on July 14, 1991.
Senator Donatille Mukabalisa, who previously served as Speaker of Rwanda's Chamber of Deputies, has died.
His remarks come amid heightened public attention over misconduct involving students from the larger Sudanese community. While the majority of the recent cases have involved South Sudanese students, including criminal prosecutions and deportations, Sudanese students have also been implicated in some incidents, prompting the Sudanese Embassy to step up engagement with its community.
Speaking to IGIHE on the sidelines of Umuganda in Jabana Sector, Gasabo District, where more than 150 members of the Sudanese community joined local residents for Rwanda's monthly community service, the ambassador said the embassy was taking the reported incidents seriously and had intensified outreach to students across the country.
'We are aware, and we are following the matter,' the ambassador said when asked about recent reports of violence involving Sudanese students.
'When you have 4,000 students, and there are five or six cases, the proportion is not alarming. But we are concerned about any kind of violence. We encourage and teach our community to abide by the law, respect local law enforcement, and respect the rules.'
The ambassador said the Sudanese community in Rwanda comprises about 5,000 people, around 4,000 of whom are students enrolled in six universities across the country.
He emphasised that the 'isolated' incidents should not be viewed as representative of the wider Sudanese community, noting that most Sudanese nationals in Rwanda are contributing to the country's development through business and investment. The envoy said the community has invested more than $25 million in sectors including real estate, education, agriculture, and oil and gas, underscoring its positive contribution to the country's economy.
'We are visiting our students on campuses, meeting with vice chancellors of the universities, and working with our student association to provide guidance, instruction, education, and training on respecting the law and cooperating with local law enforcement,' he remarked.
'These are absolutely isolated cases. They do not reflect the true values and ethics of the Sudanese community. We are taking care of it and are confident it will not be repeated.'
The ambassador also appealed directly to Sudanese nationals living in Rwanda to show their appreciation for the opportunities they have been given by respecting the country's laws, particularly at a time when the war in Sudan has displaced many people and forced them to seek refuge abroad.
'Rwanda, under the leadership of His Excellency President Paul Kagame, opened its doors for all Africans, including Sudanese. We are here to learn through education and from the community,' he said.
'My message to my fellow citizens and students is that we should pay back to the community by respecting the law, abiding by the law, cooperating with law enforcement agencies, and reflecting the best values of Sudanese culture while here.'
He encouraged students to take the positive lessons they acquire in Rwanda back to Sudan after completing their studies.
Among the recent cases attracting public attention is that of a South Sudanese student accused of assaulting a university lecturer following a dispute over examination marks. Prosecutors are seeking a three-year prison sentence, while the court is expected to deliver its verdict on July 31. Rwanda also deported eight South Sudanese students from INES Ruhengeri after they were accused of offences including theft, assaulting motorcycle taxi operators, intimidating residents and carrying bladed weapons.
Ahmed Soufiane Abdalla, a second-year data science student at Kigali Independent University, apologised to Rwandans over the recent incidents involving members of the Sudanese community.
'We sincerely apologise to the Rwandan people and the Rwandan government for what has been happening recently,' he said.
He attributed some of the challenges facing Sudanese students to the psychological effects of the ongoing war in Sudan and inadequate awareness of Rwandan laws among newly arrived students. He suggested that universities, student associations and the embassy provide legal orientation to students during their first days in Rwanda to help prevent future incidents.
During the Umuganda event, the ambassador said participation by the Sudanese community was intended to strengthen ties with Rwandans, learn from the country's homegrown development initiatives and reaffirm that Sudanese nationals are committed to making a positive contribution to their host country.
'We are not aliens. We are African brothers and sisters. We are here to participate, to contribute positively, and to learn from Rwanda's good practices,' he stated.
The Ambassador of Sudan to Rwanda, Khalid Musa Dafalla Musa, has spoken out on recent incidents involving Sudanese students in Rwanda, stressing the importance of lawful conduct and calling on all Sudanese nationals to respect Rwandan laws and maintain positive relations with their host communities.
The remark was made during the 49th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union (AU) on Tuesday in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia.
Speaking at the event, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, chairperson of the AU Commission, said Africa is bearing the brunt of the crisis in the Middle East, with multiple countries on the continent facing a high cost of living driven by soaring energy prices.
'The resumption of the conflict between Iran and the United States is causing runaway inflation. The supply chain is disrupted due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is also threatened. Energy, grain and fertilizer prices are soaring,' Youssouf told the session.
He said the fallout is likely to last for months based on assessments made by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and the United Nations Development Program.
Claver Gatete, executive secretary of UNECA, said the global environment has become increasingly uncertain amid spikes in energy, food, and fertilizer prices due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
'Trade tensions, geopolitical fragmentation, conflicts including the conflict in the Middle East, climate shocks, declining development finance and high debt-servicing costs continue to impact investment and development prospects in Africa,' Gatete said.
Given the present realities, Africa cannot rely indefinitely on external financing to transform its economy, he said, adding that the continent must finance more of its development from domestic resources.
Foreign Minister of Ethiopia Gedion Timothewos said the foundations of the global order are undergoing profound transformation, while Africa is bearing the brunt of geopolitical tensions, including the conflict in the Middle East, technological disruption, climate pressures and growing competition over strategic resources.
'We need to seize the moment to actively shape the contours of the new reality. We must become a strategic actor capable of providing African solutions to global challenges,' said Timothewos, adding that despite the challenges, Africa is destined to be the engine of global growth in the second half of the 21st century.
Held under the AU's 2026 theme, 'Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063,' the two-day session, which brought African foreign ministers together, is expected to come up with new strategies to address Africa's pressing challenges, including ensuring universal access to safe hygiene, water and sanitation across Africa.
This photo taken on July 28, 2026 shows the 49th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union (AU) held in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. African leaders have raised alarm over the resumption of the Middle East conflict, which they said is driving a severe economic and security crisis in Africa through energy shocks, supply disruptions, and soaring prices.Claver Gatete, executive secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), addresses the 49th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union (AU) in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, July 28, 2026.
The country is the world's largest producer of cocoa, the essential raw material used in making chocolate and other related products.
Covering an area of 322,463 square kilometres, Côte d'Ivoire is home to more than 33 million people. It shares borders with five countries: Ghana to the east, Liberia and Guinea to the west, Mali to the north, and Burkina Faso to the north-east.
French is the official language and the most widely spoken language in Côte d'Ivoire.
The country is also home to numerous local languages, including Baoulé, Dioula, Dan, and Yacouba, among others. These indigenous languages are mostly spoken within specific communities and regions, while French serves as the main language of communication across the country.
For foreigners who do not speak French, adapting to life in Côte d'Ivoire can be challenging, as English is not commonly spoken by a large part of the population.
Economically, Côte d'Ivoire is one of the strongest economies in West Africa, with a gross domestic product (GDP) exceeding $95.4 billion. The average income per person is estimated at more than $2,900 annually.
The services sector remains the largest contributor to the country's economy, accounting for about 51 per cent of GDP. It is followed by industry, which contributes nearly 24 per cent, while agriculture accounts for approximately 17 per cent.
Agriculture remains a key pillar of Côte d'Ivoire's economy, with the country producing a wide range of agricultural products, including palm oil, cashew nuts, cotton, coffee, and other crops. However, cocoa remains its most important agricultural export.
Côte d'Ivoire produces approximately 40 per cent of the world's cocoa supply, making it the largest cocoa-producing country globally. The cocoa beans grown across the country are mainly used in the production of chocolate, making Côte d'Ivoire a crucial player in the international chocolate industry.
The official currency used in Côte d'Ivoire is the West African CFA franc (XOF). One US dollar is equivalent to approximately 576 CFA francs.
Beyond its economic importance, Côte d'Ivoire is also known for its unique cuisine. One of the country's most popular traditional dishes is Attiéké, a meal prepared from cassava. The cassava is first soaked in salty water and mixed with previously prepared Attiéké, which helps with fermentation. It is then pressed, dried, packed, and cooked through steaming in hot water.
Attiéké is commonly served with fish and vegetables. Other popular Ivorian dishes include Alloco, made from fried plantains cooked in palm oil; Foutou (Fufu), a cassava-based staple; Kedjenou, Garba, and many other traditional meals.
Fish is the most widely consumed animal-based food in Côte d'Ivoire. However, around 70 per cent of the fish consumed in the country is imported because local fishing activities have not yet developed enough to meet domestic demand.
Religiously, Côte d'Ivoire is a diverse nation, with Islam being the largest faith practiced by about 42.5 per cent of the population. Christians represent around 39.8 per cent, including Catholics who account for approximately 17 per cent, while the remaining population follows other religions.
The spread of Islam in Côte d'Ivoire is largely linked to Arab traders who travelled from North Africa to West Africa between the 14th and 15th centuries through trans-Saharan trade routes. Their movement contributed significantly to the expansion of Islamic influence across the region.
Today, Côte d'Ivoire stands as one of Africa's most influential economies, combining agricultural strength, cultural diversity, and natural resources that continue to shape its role on the global stage.
The Notre-Dame de la Paix Cathedral is one of the most important landmarks and tourist attractions in Yamoussoukro.
Following the decline of the Mali and Songhai Empires, Arab traders known as Dyula or Jula migrated to northern Côte d'Ivoire, where they introduced trade practices and promoted the teachings of Islam. Their influence contributed to the development of important Islamic cultural centres, including Bondoukou and Bouna, which remain significant areas of Islamic heritage in the country.
Côte d'Ivoire gained independence in 1960 after decades of French colonial rule that began in 1893. However, French traders had already arrived in the region as early as the 15th century, initially engaging in commercial activities before colonial administration was established.
Today, Côte d'Ivoire has two major cities that play different roles: Abidjan, which serves as the country's economic and commercial hub, and Yamoussoukro, the political capital.
Abidjan is a coastal city located along the Atlantic Ocean and is also home to the Ébrié Lagoon, a large water body that runs through the city. Its unique location has contributed to the development of beautiful beaches and coastal attractions, including Assinie Beach, Grand-Bassam, Jacqueville Beach, and other popular destinations.
The city's growth was largely influenced by its historical role as a major port through which goods from Africa were transported to France. The French developed Abidjan extensively and also established Grand-Bassam, which was later designated as the capital of French colonial territories in the region.
Today, Grand-Bassam has been recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and remains one of Côte d'Ivoire's most visited tourist destinations. The city still preserves colonial-era buildings that reflect French architecture, lifestyle, and the history of the colonial period.
Abidjan is also home to the St Paul's Cathedral, built in 1985, which is considered one of the most modern architectural cathedrals in Africa. Its unique design attracts many visitors, including religious pilgrims and architecture enthusiasts.
For history and culture lovers, Abidjan offers the Musée des Civilisations de Côte d'Ivoire, a national museum established in 1942 that houses more than 15,000 artefacts. The museum showcases the country's diverse cultures, traditional lifestyles, colonial history, and heritage.
Another important cultural site is the Musée Charles Combes de Bingerville. Originally an art studio belonging to Charles Alphonse Combes, which operated between 1891 and 1968, it was later transformed into a museum displaying paintings and sculptures created by Combes and his students.
Visitors interested in wildlife can explore the Zoo National d'Abidjan, which hosts various animal species, including elephants, lions, monkeys, crocodiles, snakes, birds, and many others.
Abidjan is also home to Banco National Park, one of the largest natural forests located within an urban area. The forest is inhabited by various wildlife species, particularly different types of monkeys, and serves as an important green space within the city.
On the other hand, Yamoussoukro serves as Côte d'Ivoire's political capital. The city has fewer tourist attractions and economic activities compared to Abidjan because it is still developing after being declared the capital in 1983 by then-President Félix Houphouët-Boigny, who chose the city because it was his birthplace.
The city currently hosts the presidential palace, the country's Parliament, various government ministries, and other political institutions.
However, Yamoussoukro is famous for housing the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace (Notre-Dame de la Paix), the second-largest basilica in the world after St Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. The basilica is also recognised as the world's largest church by surface area, covering approximately 30,000 square metres and having the capacity to accommodate more than 18,000 worshippers.
Another attraction in Yamoussoukro is Lac aux Caïmans, a crocodile lake created by President Félix Houphouët-Boigny, who introduced crocodile breeding at the site. The lake is currently home to more than 200 crocodiles.
Overall, many developments in Côte d'Ivoire reflect those of other emerging economies, with numerous construction projects underway alongside older infrastructure that still remains in use.
For Rwandans wishing to visit Côte d'Ivoire, a visa is not required. However, there are currently no direct flights from Kigali to Côte d'Ivoire. Most travellers connect through Addis Ababa before continuing their journey to Abidjan.
Despite its economic progress and tourism potential, Côte d'Ivoire still faces challenges related to cleanliness and urban management. In some areas, visitors may encounter overgrown roadside vegetation, litter, stagnant water, and cases of people urinating in public spaces.
Some hotels also have practices that may differ from international standards, with guests sometimes being informed that bed sheets will only be changed after checkout unless they specifically request a replacement.
Visitors travelling to Côte d'Ivoire are also advised to remain cautious and avoid walking alone, especially in unfamiliar areas, due to security concerns such as theft and robbery.
Abidjan is a coastal city shaped by its waterways, and its skyline becomes especially stunning when illuminated at night.Assinie Beach is among the most visited coastal attractions in the Abidjan area, known for its beautiful scenery and relaxing atmosphere.The Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Paix holds the record as the world's largest basilica in terms of surface area.Saint Paul's Cathedral is a remarkable architectural masterpiece whose unique design attracts visitors and tourists from around the world.The Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Paix is among the largest religious buildings in the world.Grand-Bassam is home to numerous colonial-era buildings that preserve the architectural heritage and history of the period.The Saint Paul's Cathedral, one of Abidjan's most iconic landmarks, was constructed in 1985.Grand-Bassam is a historic town that once served as a French colonial city during the colonial era.Grand-Bassam's location along the Atlantic Ocean gives it a stunning coastline with beautiful beaches that attract visitors.Côte d'Ivoire continues to strengthen its infrastructure development efforts, with significant investments being made in the construction of modern road networks.This is the view of Abidjan's streets at night.Lac aux Caïmans was originally created as a site for breeding crocodiles.Today, Lac aux Caïmans serves as a habitat for more than 200 crocodiles.The Musée des Civilisations de Côte d'Ivoire houses a wide range of exhibits that showcase different aspects of the country's history, culture, and important events that have shaped its identity.The Musée des Civilisations de Côte d'Ivoire contains more than 15,000 artefacts that highlight the country's rich cultural heritage, traditions, and history.The city of Abidjan is a major commercial hub with a wide range of business activities.Yamoussoukro is a developing city that continues to expand, with ongoing construction and infrastructure projects shaping its growth.Zoo National d'Abidjan houses elephants alongside a variety of other wildlife species.Zoo National d'Abidjan houses a wide range of animal species from different categories.Zoo National d'Abidjan is a dedicated wildlife sanctuary that houses and protects a variety of animal species.
Rwanda has consistently maintained that the FDLR, a terrorist group founded by perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, poses a direct threat to its security, prompting Kigali to maintain defensive measures along its border with the DRC.
Security analysts say the latest announcement by Kinshasa appears intended to create the impression that the FDLR issue has been resolved, despite concerns that the group continues to strengthen both militarily and politically.
On July 28, 2026, DRC's Minister for Regional Integration, Floribert Anzuluni, and government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya announced that the FDLR had agreed to lay down its arms, arguing that Rwanda should now withdraw its defensive measures.
The announcement came after Anzuluni visited several African and European countries, where he reportedly shared a proposal prepared by the FDLR and signed by its president, Victor Byiringiro, on May 30, 2026.
'In line with the Washington Accords and the accompanying CONOPS [Concept of Operations ], the FDLR has signed a protocol for disarmament, demobilisation and cantonment through sensitisation,' Muyaya said.
The FDLR issue has been central to negotiations between Rwanda and the DRC, from the Luanda process to the Washington talks.
Rwanda has maintained that once the group is dismantled, it will remove the defensive measures it has put in place. However, no operation to dismantle the group has begun.
Responding on July 29, Amb. Nduhungirehe said the agreement announced by the DRC bears no relation to either the Washington Peace Agreement signed on June 25 or its implementation framework adopted on December 4, 2025.
'The signing of this so-called 'protocol' between the father [the Congolese government], the son [the FDLR], and the evil spirit [genocide ideology] is in no way consistent with the Washington Agreements, which make no provision for it. … the genocidal FDLR is not a party to those agreements; rather, it is the subject of them.'
He also reminded the DRC that the Washington Peace Agreement required it to dismantle the FDLR within 90 days, arguing that Kinshasa had failed to meet that commitment and that the latest initiative was intended to distract from, and delay, implementation of the agreement.
The minister further accused the DRC of increasing military cooperation with the FDLR since the implementation framework was signed on December 4, 2025, including integrating members of the group into the Congolese army and reinforcing its political structure.
DRC Government Spokesperson Patrick Muyaya presented the FDLR deal as a solution to the group's presence, despite ongoing disputes over its implementation.Rwanda's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, has rejected the DRC's claim that the latest FDLR agreement falls under the Washington Accords.
In a six-month study of 47 older adults, researchers found that women who practiced time-restricted eating achieved significantly greater improvements in executive skills—such as planning, organizing, and problem-solving—than those who ate across a traditional 12-hour window, even though both groups lost the exact same amount of weight.
The research was presented at NUTRITION 2026, the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition. Scientists investigated whether reducing the number of hours people spend eating each day could influence brain function among older adults.
The six-month clinical trial involved 47 women between the ages of 50 and 79 who were living with overweight or obesity. All participants were instructed to reduce their daily calorie intake by about 500 calories.
Researchers divided the women into two groups. One group followed a time-restricted eating schedule, consuming food within an eight to nine-hour window each day, while the other group continued eating within a longer period of more than 12 hours.
At the end of the study, both groups experienced similar weight loss, with participants losing an average of about 15 pounds. However, researchers found key differences in cognitive performance between the two groups.
Women who followed the shorter eating window showed greater improvements in executive function, including skills related to planning, organizing, and problem-solving.
Participants following the time-restricted eating schedule also made fewer errors on tests measuring memory and learning, though that specific improvement was not statistically significant. The study found no significant differences between the two groups in reaction time or multitasking abilities.
According to the researchers, the findings indicate that reducing the daily eating window may provide cognitive benefits beyond weight loss alone. The study also suggested that avoiding food for at least four hours before bedtime may be associated with improvements in thinking abilities.
'Losing weight alone will ward off some of the aging-related cognitive decline, and these data suggest that there may be additional benefits if you stop eating 4 hours prior to going to sleep and reduce food intake to 8–9 hours per day,' said lead researcher Sue Shapses, a professor at Rutgers University and Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
The researchers noted that more studies are needed to better understand how time-restricted eating influences cognitive function and whether the findings apply to broader populations. Future research will examine the effects of meal timing on brain health, including possible links with the body's internal clock, metabolism, inflammation, and nutrient-sensing pathways.
Study finds limiting daily eating hours may improve cognitive performance in older women
