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About five minutes before the simulated engine ignition on early Tuesday, the ground launch sequencer automatically stopped the countdown due to a spike in the leak rate, according to the agency.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said the agency targets March for the launch of Artemis II, shifting away from the February launch window.

The wet dress rehearsal, a full prelaunch test, was designed to fuel the rocket and identify any issues before an actual launch. NASA began the countdown at 8:13 p.m. Eastern Time on Saturday (0100 GMT Sunday).

The rehearsal encountered several setbacks. Among the issues, low temperatures at Kennedy Space Center in Florida delayed the start of fueling as some interfaces required time to reach acceptable operating temperatures.

During tanking operations, engineers troubleshot a liquid hydrogen leak at a core-stage interface by stopping the flow of liquid hydrogen, allowing the interface to warm for seals to reseat, and adjusting propellant flow, according to NASA.

In addition to the hydrogen leak at the final prelaunch operations, another delay was caused by a recently replaced valve associated with the Orion crew module hatch pressurization requiring retorquing.

The Artemis II mission will send four astronauts on an approximately 10-day journey around the Moon and back. The crew consists of NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) said it concluded a wet dress rehearsal for the Artemis II crewed lunar mission on Tuesday, with the countdown halted due to a liquid hydrogen leak.

Xinhua

The AYuTE (Agriculture, Youth, and Technology) Challenge is Heifer International’s flagship youth agritech innovation program. It is designed to identify and support scalable, youth-led enterprises that respond to challenges faced by smallholder farmers. Through innovation-driven solutions, the Challenge promotes increased productivity, higher farmer incomes, and stronger resilience across agricultural value chains.

As the Challenge enters its 2026 edition, it builds on a proven record of impact. Previous cohorts of innovators leveraged AYuTE support to strengthen operations, refine business models, expand market reach, and create jobs.

The decision to increase the prize pool this year reflects both the growing ambition of youth-led agribusinesses in Rwanda and Heifer International’s commitment to accelerating their growth and long-term impact.

The experience of past participants highlights what is possible through the Challenge. Reflecting on her journey, Mugeni Niyidukunda, First Runner-Up of the AYuTE Challenge 2025 and founder of Avocare Ltd, a Rwandan company producing premium, cold-pressed extra virgin avocado oil, and avocado-based products, shared how AYuTE support unlocked critical growth opportunities.

'The AYuTE Grant has been a transformative catalyst for Avocare Ltd. It enabled us to expand our production and storage facilities, increasing our avocado intake capacity from two tons per day to between six and ten tons per day. The support also allowed us to establish a modern factory capable of processing up to five tons per day, create more than thirty jobs for youth and women, and strengthen partnerships with over 300 avocado farmers nationwide,' she said.

Similarly, Tresor Gashonga, Founder and CEO of Incuti Foods and winner of the AYuTE Challenge 2025, described how targeted investment translated directly into measurable business growth: 'The Rwf 25 million AYuTE Fund investment was a momentous change for Incuti Foods. It enabled us to increase production capacity from 5,000 to 30,000 bottles per month, expand our customer base from 70 to 100 grocery stores, grow smallholder farmer partnerships from 50 to 100, and create 18 new jobs mainly for youth.'

Taken together, these success stories underscore the broader impact of the AYuTE Challenge. Commenting on the launch of the 2026 edition, Verena Ruzibuka, Country Director of Heifer International Rwanda, emphasized both the results achieved so far and the opportunity ahead.

'The growth journeys of innovators like Mugeni and Tresor demonstrate the real, measurable impact the AYuTE Challenge delivers, scaling production, creating jobs, strengthening farmer partnerships, and building resilient agribusinesses.

“By increasing the total cash prize to Rwf 65 million this year, we are raising the bar for what young innovators can achieve. We encourage ambitious youth with innovative solutions to the smallholder farmers’ farming systems to apply and be part of Rwanda’s next generation of agritech leaders,' she stated.

Who can apply

The 2026 AYuTE Challenge Rwanda is open to youth-led local startups and innovators. Applicants must be aged 18—35, based in Rwanda, and have developed a technology-enabled solution that addresses challenges faced by smallholder farmers and has strong scalability potential.

How to apply

Interested innovators can apply online via the official application link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/AyuTe-Rwanda-Challenge-2026

Applications are now open and will close on February 27, 2026.

Building on the success of previous editions, the 2026 Challenge raises the stakes with a total cash prize of Rwf 65 million, up from Rwf 50 million in 2025, alongside tailored business development support and mentorship.

Mugeni Niyidukunda, First Runner-Up of the AYuTE Challenge 2025 and founder of Avocare Ltd, a Rwandan company producing premium shared how AYuTE support unlocked critical growth opportunities.

Tresor Gashonga, Founder and CEO of Incuti Foods and winner of the AYuTE Challenge 2025, described how targeted investment translated directly into measurable business growth.

Commenting on the launch of the 2026 edition, Verena Ruzibuka, Country Director of Heifer International Rwanda, emphasized both the results achieved so far and the opportunity ahead.

IGIHE

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the consignment comprises 20 metric tons of food, emergency relief items, and essential medicines to support affected communities.

The ministry indicated that an additional shipment of humanitarian assistance is expected to arrive in Mozambique in the coming days as part of Rwanda’s continued support.

The Commonwealth recently called on member countries, regional partners, and international agencies to provide urgent support to Mozambique following the disaster caused by weeks of relentless rainfall.

'The Commonwealth mourns with the families and communities enduring this hardship,' Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey said, emphasising the urgent need for a coordinated international response.

Rwanda’s intervention in Mozambique is part of a broader pattern of international humanitarian engagement. In July last year, Rwanda delivered a new shipment of humanitarian aid to Gaza to support civilians affected by the protracted conflict in the Middle East.

In partnership with the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, over 40 tons of food and medical supplies were dispatched and received in Amman by the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organisation for onward distribution to Gaza.

That delivery marked Rwanda’s fourth humanitarian shipment to Gaza since the conflict erupted in October 2023. It followed earlier consignments in May 2025, November 2024, and October 2023, which together included food, medicines, water, and fortified nutritional supplies for children.

Beyond humanitarian aid deliveries, Rwanda has also provided technical support in post-disaster recovery efforts. In January 2026, the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) deployed a contingent of military engineers to Jamaica to assist with reconstruction efforts following Hurricane Melissa. Working alongside the Jamaica Defence Force, the team has been engaged in rehabilitating critical infrastructure and rebuilding homes in affected communities.

The consignment consists of 20 metric tons of food, emergency relief items, and essential medicines aimed at supporting affected communities.

The authorities indicated that an additional shipment of humanitarian assistance is expected to arrive in Mozambique in the coming days as part of Rwanda’s continued support.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The AFC/M23 leadership stated that the tragedy, which occurred on January 28, 2026, resulted from a landslide triggered by increasingly soft soil in Rubaya amid heavy seasonal rains.

On January 31, the DRC Ministry of Mining announced that most of the victims were involved in illegal mining activities, which AFC/M23 had previously engaged in.

AFC/M23 spokesman Lawrence Kanyuka expressed disappointment with the DRC government’s response to the tragedy, accusing it of attempting to exploit the situation for political gain.

'Instead of taking responsibility for its long-standing failures in managing the mining sector, the regime seeks to exploit a tragic incident caused by torrential rains in the artisanal mines of Rubaya for political gain,' said Kanyuka.

AFC/M23 emphasized that the disaster in Rubaya bears no relation to their control of the area, as similar tragedies have repeatedly occurred in regions under DRC government control. In fact, over 800 people have died in mining accidents in government-controlled areas over the years.

The alliance cited 15 mining incidents that claimed numerous lives under DRC government control in areas including Nyamukubi and Bushushu in South Kivu, where over 500 people died on May 4, 2023.

AFC/M23 also reminded the DRC government of earlier mining disasters, such as the deaths of 37 people in a mine in Fizi in October 2018, 43 people in the KOV mine in Lualaba in June 2019, and 50 people near Kamituga in South Kivu in September 2020, all in areas under government control.

AFC/M23 has accused DRC government of politicizing Rubaya mining tragedy that killed over 200

IGIHE

The attacks, attributed to the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a prominent separatist group in the region, included suicide bombings and armed raids targeting security installations, police stations, markets, and civilian areas, resulting in significant casualties among civilians and security personnel. Authorities confirmed that the violence marked one of the deadliest escalations in recent years.

The attacks began with coordinated assaults on key infrastructure, such as a high-security prison, military checkpoints, and government facilities. The insurgents used bombs and heavy artillery in a bid to destabilize the region. A significant number of civilian casualties were reported, with bombings in busy markets and civilian buildings adding to the devastation. In addition to militants, several police officers and military personnel lost their lives in the attacks.

In response, Pakistan’s military, along with paramilitary forces and police, launched a counteroffensive operation that lasted approximately 40 hours, resulting in the deaths of 145 fighters associated with the BLA.

This operation dealt a significant blow to the insurgent group, representing a direct retaliation to the ongoing insurgency that has plagued the region for years.

Provincial authorities have accused the militants of being backed by India, though these claims have been denied by the Indian government, which labeled the accusations as “baseless and politically motivated”.

Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest and resource-rich province, has long been a hotspot for ethnic separatism. Local Baloch groups have expressed grievances over the lack of political autonomy and the unequal distribution of resources.

These grievances have fueled the separatist insurgency, which has claimed thousands of lives. The region’s separatist groups are demanding greater autonomy or even independence, citing economic and political marginalization by the central government in Islamabad.

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) is the most prominent group leading the insurgency. In recent years, the group has carried out several high-profile attacks on security and government targets.

Analysts argue that military actions alone will not resolve the conflict in Balochistan. They warn that continued military responses, without addressing the region’s political and economic issues, will only exacerbate the cycle of violence. Experts stress the need for a long-term solution that includes dialogue, development, and political autonomy for Balochistan.

Pakistani security forces have killed 145 militants in the southwestern province of Balochistan following a series of deadly attacks launched by separatist fighters.

Rania Umutoni

The prestigious event brought together distinguished guests, education leaders, students, and partners, celebrating a new chapter in Kepler College’s commitment to accessible and transformative education across Africa.

Chancellor Geingos, who officially began her term on July 29, 2024, brings a wealth of experience in governance, philanthropy, and youth empowerment. In her inaugural speech, she underscored the pivotal role of education in shaping Africa’s future.

'Education is the most powerful weapon we can wield to reshape our future. The world as we know, is changing at a fast pace, and the future isn’t coming, it’s here. It demands a new kind of African leader,' she stated.

'Today, as Kepler’s inaugural chancellor, I stand in front of you as a strong believer in the unstoppable force of African youth and the urgency of equipping them with the tools to reshape our future, because we have no more time,' she underscored.

Geingos reflected on Rwanda’s journey of resilience, emphasizing the power of narrative in shaping a nation’s destiny.

'A people who own their narrative control their destiny. When His Excellency President Kagame says, 'We must do what is right for our country and not what pleases outsiders,’ he isn’t just speaking policy, he’s declaring intellectual sovereignty. That same sovereignty must define African education,' she emphasized.

She praised Kepler’s impact, highlighting its remarkable record of 95% of graduates securing meaningful employment within six months. Leadership, she emphasized, is not about titles but about action.

The new Chancellor called for a transformative education model that reaches across divides, empowering students from all backgrounds, including refugee communities.

Her Excellency Monica Geingos, former First Lady of the Republic of Namibia the first Chacellor of Kepler College.

The inauguration was attended by Dr. Charles Murigande, Chairperson of the Governing Council of Kepler College, who expressed deep gratitude for Geingos accepting the role. 'Your wealth of experience and unwavering commitment to education make you an ideal and invaluable leader for our institution,' he said.

He also acknowledged the unwavering support from the Government of Rwanda, particularly the Ministry of Education. 'We are dedicated to supporting the college in its mission to provide innovative, job-driven higher education that equips young people with the skills they need to thrive.'

Dr. Murigande reaffirmed Kepler’s commitment to making quality education accessible, affordable, and scalable.

On behalf of the Government of Rwanda, State Minister of Education Claudette Irere also extended congratulations.

'Education is the foundation of Rwanda’s progress and a key driver of our national development. Institutions like Kepler College are instrumental in realizing this vision by delivering competency-based learning and fostering a strong culture of job readiness,' she said.

Irere lauded Geingos’ appointment as a turning point for Kepler College. 'Her extensive experience, passion for education, and advocacy for youth empowerment will no doubt propel this institution to new heights.

We’re confident that under her leadership, Kepler College will continue to nurture graduates who not only achieve academic excellence but also contribute meaningfully to Rwanda and Africa’s socio-economic transformation.'

The new Chancellor shares a light moment with Dr. Charles Murigande and Nathalie Munyampenda, the CEO of Kepler College.

Addressing Kepler students directly, Irere encouraged them to see their education as a journey of growth and leadership. 'Rwanda is counting on you to use your education to become the leaders, innovators, and change-makers of tomorrow. Your contributions will help shape a more prosperous, inclusive, and resilient future for our nation.'

The inauguration of H.E. Monica Geingos as the founding Chancellor of Kepler College marks a significant step forward in the institution’s mission to equip African youth with the education and skills necessary for a brighter future.

Dr. Charles Murigande, Chairperson of the Governing Council of Kepler College, who expressed deep gratitude for Geingos accepting the role.

State Minister of Education Claudette Irere also extended congratulations.

IGIHE

In spring 2023, a 33-year-old male patient diagnosed with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) was admitted to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in the United States. The patient’s condition escalated into necrotizing pneumonia and overwhelming sepsis. Despite being placed on a ventilator, his condition kept deteriorating, and he had to face renal failure and cardiac arrest as a consequence.

Facing the rare clinical dilemma, the medical team led by thoracic surgeon Dr. Ankit Bharat at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago decided to support the patient with a newly developed artificial lung system, after removing the patient’s infected lungs.

The patient’s condition began to improve within just 48 hours. Bharat observed that the man’s kidney function was completely restored and his heart returned to normal. He no longer required any medication to support his blood pressure. The patient later received a successful double lung transplant and has not experienced any signs of organ rejection or impaired lung function to this day.

Dr. Natasha Rogers, a transplant clinician at Westmead Hospital in Sydney, Australia, commented that the engineering behind the artificial lung system is remarkable and the team involved was “very brave.”

Dr. Bharat expressed hope that such life-saving technology would be increasingly accessible for critically ill patients awaiting lung transplants. However, Rogers emphasized that implementing this approach requires multiple specialized teams, because only large hospitals would be capable of deploying it. Therefore, the application of this system remains limited.

Xinhua

The President made the remarks on February 1, 2026, during the National Prayer Breakfast, a national prayer and thanksgiving event organised by the Rwanda Leaders Fellowship.

This year’s gathering, which coincided with Heroes Day celebrations, was held under the theme, 'Building a strong and secure family.'

Addressing participants, President Kagame emphasised that patience and mutual understanding are essential in building families, noting that he finds it difficult to understand how disagreements between two people can lead to separation.

'How can two people fail to live together? When many people are brought together, that is understandable, but two people? People should be patient with one another. What kind of wrongdoing does one person commit that makes the other say, 'I no longer want you, I am leaving’? What really happened?' he asked.

The President said that even when serious issues arise, couples should prioritise dialogue and seek solutions together rather than choosing separation, warning that problems may persist elsewhere.

'Even if something has happened, and it is possible, can’t people sit down, look at each other, and talk? If you leave, where will you go without finding similar problems? You may even encounter worse ones,' he said.

President Kagame further warned that the breakdown of families has wider consequences for society and the nation as a whole.

'If this happens to many couples at the same time, two, three, five, or ten, the country suffers. A nation is weakened. These are challenges that can be managed, especially for those who believe in God and in the power of prayer,' he said.

He challenged religious leaders to ensure that the values they teach are applied in daily life, particularly in resolving family conflicts.

'If what you teach and preach is truly believed, then it should help people overcome anger, wrongdoing, and hostility. What is the value of those teachings if they cannot be used to bring peace into families?' he added.

The President stressed that challenges within households are a shared responsibility and called on Rwandans to actively cultivate family stability as a foundation for national development.

'These are issues we must take seriously. If Rwandans adopt this mindset, the country will continue to progress, and the painful lessons from our history will not have been in vain,' he said.

Religious leaders welcomed the President’s message and committed to placing greater emphasis on family unity in their teachings. Pastor Ngendahayo Phocas of Christian Life Assembly in Nyarutarama said the message underscored the link between strong families and national stability.

'The President emphasised the importance of a well-built family. Families are made up of individuals, and those individuals must be built first. Together, they form the nation. He reminded us of our responsibility to help individuals grow and learn how to live with others,' he said.

Pastor Phocas said the address was more than a political statement.

'He spoke more like a preacher than a politician. The message resonated deeply with us and challenged us to continue fulfilling our mission,' he said.

According to a report by the Judiciary, 2,674 divorce cases were heard during the 2024/2025 judicial year, down from 2,833 cases in the previous year.

The moment President Kagame arrived at the Kigali convention Center for the National Prayer Breakfast on Sunday, February 1, 2026.

In his address, President Kagame questioned how married couples can fail to live together to the point of separation.

He also urged religious leaders to play a greater role in finding lasting solutions to marital conflicts.

This year’s gathering, which coincided with Heroes Day celebrations, was held under the theme, 'Building a strong and secure family.'

Maj Gen (Rtd) Julie Bentz delivered a summon at the event.

Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva was among the officials who attended the prayer meeting.

Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies Gertrude Kazarwa was among the dignitaries present.

IGIHE

He made the remarks while addressing participants at the annual National Prayer Breakfast, organised by the Rwanda Leaders Fellowship, at the Kigali Convention Centre. The President attended the event after laying a wreath at the National Heroes Memorial in Remera.

President Kagame noted that the designation of a day dedicated to celebrating and commemorating national heroes reflects the difficult experiences the country has endured, experiences that required extraordinary courage.

'Why Heroes’ Day?' President Kagame asked. 'Heroes’ Day exists because every nation or people in this world find themselves in one situation or another, circumstances that shape and influence their actions and struggles.'

He added, “So this was a moment to remind us of our own struggle as a nation, what we have gone through, what we are going through and what is expected of us in the end to triumph.'

The President emphasised that heroism is ultimately rooted in individuals, adding that when individuals face challenges, the contributions expected of them by the nation may not be fully realized.

'All of this reminds us where we must begin,' he said. 'There is the individual, each one of us, then the family we come from, which gives us life, and then the nation. These are all interconnected; one depends on the other. When one is not well, the others cannot be well either.'

He added that when individuals are not well, families cannot thrive, and when both individuals and families are struggling, national progress is undermined.

'If we are not well as individuals, our families will not develop as they should. And if individuals and families are not well, it is difficult to see how the country can be well,' he said.

Rwanda’s national heroes are recognised in three categories: Imanzi, Imena, and Ingenzi.

The Imanzi category honours the highest-ranking heroes, including an Unknown Soldier, representing all who gave their lives in battle, and Major General Fred Gisa Rwigema, who led the Rwandan Patriotic Front at the start of the liberation struggle in October 1990.

The Imena category includes heroes such as King Mutara III Rudahigwa, Michel Rwagasana, Agathe Uwiringiyimana, Félicité Niyitegeka, and the Nyange Secondary School students, recognised for their extraordinary service and sacrifice.

The Ingenzi category currently has no officially listed heroes, although the National Heroes, Medals, and Decorations Office (CHENO) is reviewing over 30 living individuals to potentially recognise them as national heroes or award them national honors.

Heroes’ Day reminds Rwandans of the nation’s past struggles, what they are facing today, and what is required to triumph, President Paul Kagame said on Sunday, February 1, 2026.

President Kagame made the remarks at the annual National Prayer Breakfast gathering, organised by the Rwanda Leaders Fellowship, at the Kigali Convention Centre.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

For Fela’s family and friends, some of whom attended the event, the recognition is both a long-awaited tribute and a reminder of the global impact of his work.

'The family is happy about it. And we’re excited that he’s finally being recognised,' said Yeni Kuti, Fela’s daughter. 'But Fela was never nominated in his lifetime,' she added, reflecting on the late acknowledgement.

Lemi Ghariokwu, the Nigerian artist behind 26 of Fela’s iconic album covers, described the moment as historic.

'It’s good to have one of us represented in that category, at that level. I’m excited and honoured to witness it,' he said. Yet Ghariokwu admitted he was also surprised. 'Fela was totally anti-establishment. And now, the establishment is recognising him,' he noted.

Fela’s family believes he would have been largely indifferent to the accolade. 'He didn’t at all [care about awards]. He didn’t even think about it,' said Yeni. 'He played music because he loved music. It was to be acknowledged by his people, by human beings, by fellow artists, that made him happy.'

His cousin, Yemisi Ransome-Kuti, added that while the award may not have mattered to him personally, he would have appreciated the broader significance. 'He would recognise the fact that it’s a good thing for such establishments to begin the process of giving honour where it’s due across the continent,' she said.

Born Olufela Olusegun Oludotun Ransome-Kuti in 1938 in Ogun State, Nigeria, Fela later adopted the name Fela Aníkúlápó Kuti. He initially went to London to study medicine, but instead pursued music at Trinity College of Music, where he developed his distinctive sound blending jazz, highlife, and traditional African rhythms.

Returning to Nigeria in the 1960s, Fela pioneered Afrobeat, a genre that fused Yoruba music, funk, soul, and jazz. His music was both revolutionary and political, becoming a tool to challenge corruption, military rule, and social injustice.

In the 1970s, he declared his Lagos commune, the Kalakuta Republic, independent from the Nigerian state, and released the scathing album Zombie, which criticised the military, an act that led to violent raids and the death of his mother.

Despite frequent arrests and harassment, Fela became an international symbol of artistic resistance. Amnesty International later recognised him as a prisoner of conscience. When he died in 1997 at age 58, his funeral in Lagos drew an estimated one million people.

Fela’s influence stretches across decades, inspiring artists such as Beyoncé, Paul McCartney, and Thom Yorke, as well as shaping modern Nigerian Afrobeats. His music, fashion, and activism continue to resonate, with his children maintaining his legacy through initiatives like the New Afrika Shrine in Lagos and the annual Felabration festival.

Kuti’s son Femi described the recognition as significant for Africa and global culture, calling his father a figure of international importance.

The Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award places Fela Kuti in a historic spotlight, highlighting his role not only as the father of Afrobeat but also as a fearless advocate for African identity, unity, and creative freedom.

Alongside Fela, the Recording Academy also honoured Chaka Khan, Cher, Carlos Santana, Paul Simon, and Whitney Houston at the Special Merit Awards ceremony, celebrating decades of artistic influence across genres and continents.

Nearly 30 years after his passing, Nigerian music legend Fela Kuti has made history by becoming the first African artist to receive a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. The posthumous honour was presented at a ceremony in Los Angeles on January 31, 2026, on the eve of the 68th Annual Grammy Awards.

Wycliffe Nyamasege