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Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/new-life-on-the-nile-a-joint-excavation-video/

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/70-years-on-china-egypt-ties-keep-growing-wider-video/

Nshimiyimana Augustin, formerly known as 'Colonel Bora Manasse' while serving in the FDLR, said the group has senior military and political leadership structures extending down to lower levels that resemble provincial administrations.

Col Bora said the military wing, known as FDLR/FOCA, is led by Ntawunguka Pacifique, also known as General Omega, who is deputized by Uzabakiriho Cyprien, known as Kolomboka.

He explained that FDLR/FOCA has departments responsible for personnel, known as J1; intelligence, J2; operations, J3; logistics, J4; and planning, J5.

'J1 is led by Emile Ruterimbere, J2 by Uwimbabazi Sebastien, commonly known as Kimenyi, J3 by Nzabanita Lucien, J4 by Gaterura, and J5 by Nouvelle. That is how it is structured at the headquarters.'

How FDLR organises its military operations

Col Bora explained that the FDLR has different groups of fighters deployed across various parts of eastern DRC.

He said some of its units are based in Kalehe and other parts of South Kivu, as well as in Virunga National Park and the Pinga area of Walikale Territory.

The FDLR also has a special combat unit known as CRAP, which, according to Col Bora, is led by Guillaume Rurakabije.

He said the group also has lower-level structures known as sub-sectors, including those referred to as Canaan and Sinai. One is led by Gustave Omega, while the other is led by Gustave Kubwayo, also known as Sirkoof.

Col Bora further explained that the FDLR established a special structure responsible for recruiting and enrolling new fighters, known as Groupement des Écoles.

According to him, the structure is responsible for recruiting fighters among Rwandan refugees living in the DRC, their descendants and Congolese nationals.

However, he said the structure is no longer operating effectively as it once did because areas where it operated have come under attacks by AFC/M23.

'These days, M23 is firing in those areas, so it is no longer operating, but it is still there. It is called Groupement des Écoles, and it is responsible for recruiting soldiers to strengthen the group,' he said.

FDLR's political leadership

In addition to its military structures, Col Bora said the FDLR also has a political leadership that oversees the group's activities more broadly.

At the political level, the FDLR is headed by President Byiringiro Victor, also known as Gaston Iyamuremye or Rumuri.

The political leadership also includes Commissioner Busogo, who is responsible for military affairs; Rukorera, who oversees mobilisation; and Cure Ngoma, who is responsible for intelligence and serves as the group's spokesperson.

There is also a special military adviser, Colonel Binego, while Mihigo Cyrille, known as Henganze, is responsible for military and civilian intelligence.

Binego previously served as the burgomaster of Satinsyi Commune in the former Gisenyi Prefecture.

Col Bora said FDLR's lower-level structures include what he called 'Regional Committee', which he compared to provincial administrative structures.

'I would compare them to a governor who is responsible for knowing the problems of refugees at the grassroots level, preparing reports and sending them to the commission responsible for refugees or to Rumuri. Issues they cannot resolve are sent to Kinshasa,' he said.

The FDLR has operated in eastern DRC for decades and has been accused of contributing to insecurity in the region.

The group was formed by Interahamwe militia members and former soldiers and political officials who were involved in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and fled to the DRC.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/military-intelligence-schools-and-politics-ex-combatant-reveals-how-fdlr-operates/

The call came during 'Fermentation: from Evidence to Scale,' a high-level Breakthrough Event convened by Sight and Life at the Africa Food Systems Forum 2026 in Kigali, Rwanda.

The session brought together senior leaders from Rwanda, Nigeria and Ethiopia, including representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture of Rwanda and Nigeria, the former Deputy Prime Minister of Ethiopia and the French Ambassador to Rwanda, alongside representatives from philanthropy, science and Africa's culinary community to examine what is needed to move fermented foods from longstanding traditional practice towards wider recognition, investment and responsible scale.

Fermentation has been part of African food cultures for generations, transforming locally produced foods and supporting preservation, dietary diversity and livelihoods. Yet despite its widespread use, its potential remains relatively underrepresented within contemporary nutrition and food systems strategies. 

'Fermentation has long been part of how African communities produce, preserve and enjoy food. The opportunity now is to strengthen that foundation with better evidence, innovation and investment so it can contribute more to nutrition, livelihoods and resilience,' said Elvis Gakuba, Africa Director at Sight and Life. 'We need to back fermentation as a practical, locally rooted pathway to healthier diets, stronger local economies and more resilient food systems,' he said.

Moving an African food tradition onto the food systems agenda

Discussions throughout the session underscored a central message that fermentation should not be viewed simply as a tradition to preserve, but as an existing part of African food systems whose potential can be strengthened through science, policy and investment.

Speakers explored the diversity of fermented foods already consumed across the continent and the opportunity to build on knowledge embedded within communities rather than beginning solely with solutions developed elsewhere.

Speaking on behalf of Dr. Telesphore Ndabamenye, Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources of Rwanda, Dr. Patrick Karangwa, Director General of Agriculture Modernization at the Ministry, highlighted the importance of recognising fermentation within the broader shift towards African-led food systems solutions.

 'Fermentation is not a foreign solution being introduced to Africa. It is rooted in our own food traditions and communities,' said Dr. Karangwa. 'The opportunity is to strengthen that knowledge through science, standards and policy so that it can contribute more deliberately to nutrition and food systems transformation. We welcome Sight and Life's leadership in bringing this conversation to the African Food Systems Forum.'

The discussion also examined the practical role governments can play, including strengthening research, food composition data, food safety and quality standards, dietary guidance and other policies that create an enabling environment for fermented foods.

Nigeria: linking fermentation with food security and local value addition

Nigeria's long history of fermented foods was another important focus of the dialogue. 

Senator Abubakar Kyari, CON, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security of Nigeria, highlighted the relevance of fermentation to Nigeria's wider priorities around food security, domestic processing and agricultural value addition.

'Nigeria already has a rich diversity of fermented foods and generations of knowledge around how they are produced. The opportunity is to strengthen what already exists, through research, improved processing, standards, innovation and stronger markets,' said Senator Kyari. 'This can create opportunities for better nutrition, for farmers, processors, women entrepreneurs and local businesses throughout our food value chains.'

Speakers emphasised that women are particularly important to this agenda. Across many African communities, women play a central role in the production, processing and sale of fermented foods. Expanding access to finance, technology, markets and business support could therefore enable fermentation to contribute more strongly to both nutrition and women's economic participation.

A Global South solution rooted in existing knowledge

The session also drew attention to Ethiopia's extensive fermentation heritage, including foods such as injera that have long been central to diets and culture.

Demeke Mekonnen Hassen, former Deputy Prime Minister of Ethiopia and Founder and Board Chairperson of YADAM Foundation, argued that fermentation demonstrates the value of looking within African food systems for solutions that can be strengthened through science.

'This is a strong example of an initiative emerging from the Global South and building on practices African communities have carried for generations,' said Demeke Mekonnen Hassen. 'In Ethiopia, fermented foods are already deeply embedded in our diets and culture. The next step is to strengthen the research around them and create the policy, regulatory and investment environment that allows promising solutions to move to scale.'

He also reaffirmed YADAM Foundation's interest in working with Sight and Life to strengthen research and explore how fermentation can contribute to nutrition and public health priorities in Ethiopia.

Bringing the evidence to Africa

A central part of the session was Sight and Life's Special Report, Fermentation: An Ancient Solution to Modern Challenges.

The report brings together the science behind fermentation, examines barriers and opportunities for scale, presents experiences from low- and middle-income countries and outlines a framework for moving from evidence towards action.

At AFSF, Sight and Life shared key insights from the report with a high-level continental audience, while scientists at the session examined what is known, and what still needs to be understood about the nutritional and health potential of African fermented foods.

Dr. Elmer Nayra Ametefe, Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana, stressed the need to strengthen Africa's own evidence base.

'Africa's fermented foods carry generations of knowledge, but science can help us understand their full potential,' said Dr. Ametefe. 'By strengthening the evidence around their nutritional and health benefits, we can better position these foods as part of the solutions for healthier diets and stronger food systems.'

The conversation also highlighted the need for greater investment in characterising traditional fermented foods, understanding their composition and safety, and translating scientific findings into products, programmes and policies.

From evidence to investment

Speakers also discussed how funders, development partners and investors can support the evidence, innovation and partnerships needed to take fermentation to scale.

'At CIFF, we are pleased to support this work because it brings together three things that matter for scale: strong evidence, locally rooted solutions and the partnerships needed to move from research into practice. Fermentation is already part of people's diets and communities; the opportunity now is to strengthen the evidence and enabling conditions so that its potential can be realised more widely and sustainably,' Anna Hakobyan, Chief Impact Officer and Executive Director, Nutrition, Children's Investment Fund Foundation said.  

That emphasis on locally relevant solutions was echoed by Zouera Youssoufou, Managing Director and CEO of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, who highlighted the importance of supporting solutions that can operate within existing food systems and reach communities at scale.

'For the Aliko Dangote Foundation, tackling malnutrition means backing solutions that are practical, locally grounded and capable of reaching people at scale,' said Youssoufou. 'Fermentation offers that opportunity, building on foods Nigerians already know, produce and consume, while using evidence and innovation to unlock greater nutritional value, strengthen livelihoods and improve food and nutrition security.'

Participants agreed that moving fermentation to scale will require collaboration across sectors. Governments have a role in creating enabling policy and regulatory environments; researchers must continue strengthening the evidence; businesses and entrepreneurs can translate knowledge into products and markets; and philanthropic and development partners can help support innovation and de-risk early investment.

From conversation to action

Sight and Life used the AFSF session to call for fermentation to receive greater consideration within Africa's nutrition and food systems agenda.

Rather than creating an entirely new solution, the opportunity lies in strengthening practices and foods that already exist, supporting them with the science, standards, investment and partnerships required to increase their contribution to nutrition, economic opportunity and resilient food systems.

'The question is no longer simply whether fermentation has potential,' Elvis Gakuba added. 'The question is what we are prepared to do collectively, through research, policy, partnerships and investment, to unlock that potential. Kigali has helped move that conversation forward, and our focus now must be on turning that momentum into action.'

Sight and Life is expected to continue working with governments, researchers, philanthropic organisations and other partners to strengthen the evidence around fermented foods and identify pathways towards responsible scale.

About Sight and Life

Sight and Life is a Swiss-based innovation and systems-transformation foundation, working to end malnutrition and build resilient food systems. Founded four decades ago on the belief that better evidence can improve lives, we bridge science, governments, markets and communities to turn nutrition research into solutions that reach people at scale.

About the Africa Food Systems Forum

The Africa Food Systems Forum is a leading continental platform for African agriculture and food systems, bringing together governments, businesses, researchers, development partners, farmers and other stakeholders to advance practical action on food systems transformation. 

Its mission is to inform, influence and catalyse the transition to sustainable, resilient and inclusive food systems across Africa, with a strong focus on investment, policy reform, women and youth.

For the 2026 edition, the Forum is being held in Kigali, Rwanda, under the theme 'Investing in Africa's Agri-Food Systems: Nourishing Nations, Growing Jobs, Building Resilience.' 

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/sight-and-life-brings-african-leaders-together-at-afs-forum-2026-to-advance-fermentation-from-evidence-to-scale/

Xi made the remarks in his speech at the 'SCO Plus' meeting in the Kyrgyz capital of Bishkek.

'The meeting today focuses on strengthening the role of the United Nations and building a multipolar world, and it demonstrates SCO's commitment to reforming and improving global governance as required by our times,' Xi said.

'Currently, major changes unseen in a century are accelerating across the globe. Hegemonism, unilateralism and protectionism are resurging against historical trends. Nevertheless, the overwhelming majority of the world do not condone power politics, conflict and confrontation, or isolation and backwardness,' he added.

What they want instead, Xi said, is to hold a place on the world stage through national development and international cooperation.

Xi noted that in recent years, the rise of the Global South is driving a profound shift in the international balance of power, adding that the trend toward a multipolar world is irreversible.

'What kind of multipolarity does the world need? How are countries going to take part in and promote it? The international community should build consensus and make the right choice that can stand the test of practice and history,' Xi said.

Noting that as a responsible major country, China advocates for an equal and orderly multipolar world, Xi said sovereign equality and mutual respect are fundamental principles; balance, order and the rule of law are inherent requirements; multilateralism, dialogue and consultation are essential pathways; mutual benefit, win-win and inclusiveness are the way forward for development.

'We should ensure equal rights, equal opportunities and equal rules for all countries, regardless of their size, strength and wealth,' Xi said, adding that 'as an important part of a multipolar world and a key driving force behind it, the Global South countries ought to have greater representation and voice in international affairs.'

He called on various parties to promote the common values of humanity, reject double standards, exceptionalism, foreign interference, bullying and the law of the jungle, and advance the rule of law in international relations.

'Major countries in particular should take the lead in observing international norms and honoring the rule of law, and work together to tackle global challenges,' he added.

Xi also said that world affairs should be discussed by all, and international norms should be set by all.

'The authority and vitality of the United Nations need to be restored. Multilateral mechanisms, global and regional, should enhance their coordination and improve their efficiency,' he said.

'We should focus on the development agenda, uphold openness and cooperation, and bridge the digital and AI divides, so that technological revolution and development achievements can benefit all nations,' Xi added.

Xi noted that after a 25-year journey, the SCO has successfully set a stellar example in conducting relations among big countries, among neighbors, and among countries of different sizes.

The SCO, Xi said, has successfully brought together half of the world's population and a quarter of the global economy, generating strong driving forces for development, adding that a more united and vibrant SCO is fully capable of making greater contributions to a multipolar world.

'It is important that SCO member states and partners ride the trend of history and shoulder the responsibility of our times. Let us take the people-centered and action-oriented approach, jointly advocate an equal and orderly multipolar world, make global governance more just and equitable, and build a community with a shared future for humanity,' Xi said.

To further enhance the SCO's role, Xi called for advancing common prosperity in the vast continent straddling Asia and Europe with the SCO Strength.

'We should continue to leverage our strengths, unlock our potential, and connect the multiple growth poles across the continent through high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. We should empower each other, help each other succeed, and work together to create new opportunities and promote shared prosperity,' Xi said.

'We should promote the development and rise of the Global South through the SCO Wisdom,' Xi said, calling on various parties to 'carry forward the Shanghai Spirit, strengthen and expand the SCO Plus partnerships, and jointly speak up for peace, foster synergy for development, build bridges for cooperation, and pave the way for win-win outcomes.'

Xi also proposed that the SCO countries should guide the reform and improvement of global governance through the SCO Action.

'We should stay committed to building partnerships rather than alliances, and engaging in dialogue rather than confrontation,' he said.

Xi also called for sticking to the principle of 'planning together, building together and benefiting together' to encourage equal participation in global governance by all countries and ensure all will benefit from it.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/xi-calls-on-sco-to-work-toward-more-just-equitable-global-governance/

The emerging technology push is part of a wider government effort to use AI to extend agricultural expertise to millions of farmers, improve the timing and accuracy of farming decisions and address some of the constraints limiting productivity.

Martine Nezerwa, Chief Digital Officer at the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), presented the tools on Tuesday, September 1, on the sidelines of the Africa Food Systems Forum 2026 at the Kigali Convention Centre. The tools use data on local conditions to recommend crops, planting periods and fertiliser application.

Speaking during the session, ICT Minister Paula Ingabire said agriculture presents both a major opportunity and an urgent need for AI, given the sector's importance to employment across sub-Saharan Africa.

She said nearly half of employment in sub-Saharan Africa is in agriculture, yet many farmers continue to make critical decisions about planting, fertiliser application, crop diseases, harvesting and markets with limited information or information that arrives too late.

She stressed that AI should not be viewed as a replacement for farmers or agricultural experts, but as a tool to put better intelligence in their hands.

The minister said Rwanda wants to increase agricultural extension coverage from 35 per cent in 2023 to 69 per cent by 2029, a target that would enable the country to reach more than 2.5 million farmers.

She said expanding the number of agricultural extension officers alone would not be enough to close the gap, making technology an important multiplier.

'This is where technology will become an enabling or multiplier factor in ensuring that we can reach more farmers with fewer extension officers,' she said.

One example of this approach is Tunga, an AI-powered voice assistant being tested through the agriculture ministry's call centre.

Tunga allows farmers to ask questions in Kinyarwanda and provides responses based on a validated agricultural knowledge base developed by MINAGRI, the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) and partners.

During the testing phase, Ingabire said Tunga was able to correctly address at least 60 per cent of the questions it received, while questions it could not confidently answer could be escalated to a human expert.

Ingabire said developing AI systems that work in local languages and through channels accessible to farmers would be critical to achieving scale.

'A brilliant model that requires an expensive smartphone and continuous broadband will not solve the problem for many of our farmers,' she stated, noting the importance of solutions that can work through voice, basic phones, extension agents and existing agricultural platforms.

Four priority areas

Ingabire outlined four areas in which Rwanda is prioritising AI applications in agriculture.

The first is farmer advisory, with the aim of providing personalised, timely advice in local languages.

The second is crop and livestock intelligence, including earlier detection of pests, diseases and other agricultural risks.

The third is markets and finance, where AI could help connect farmers to buyers while improving access to prices, credit and insurance.

The fourth is government intelligence, which could help authorities better understand production, anticipate shocks and target input subsidies and other resources.

The minister said Rwanda's challenge is no longer demonstrating that AI can be used in agriculture, but taking successful applications beyond small-scale pilots.

'Africa has no shortage of pilots. What we need is patient multi-year financing to take solutions that are working for 10,000 farmers to millions of farmers,' she said.

Rwanda has already spent years building digital systems that can provide a foundation for AI applications.

Ingabire cited the e-Soko platform, which digitised the collection and sharing of agricultural market prices, and Smart Nkunganire, which digitises the agro-input subsidy value chain.

More than 1.5 million farmers are registered on Smart Nkunganire and can order subsidised seeds and fertilisers through USSD transactions, she said.

According to the minister, these systems have created a growing digital footprint of Rwanda's agricultural economy, alongside investments in connectivity, digital identity and digital public infrastructure.

She said the next step is to extract greater value from these foundations through AI.

Focus on locally relevant AI

The minister also called for investment in agricultural data, African-language datasets and locally validated AI models.

She said farmers in Africa grow crops that may be poorly represented in global datasets and often speak languages that are underrepresented in existing AI systems.

'We need African language datasets, agriculture knowledge bases, as well as locally validated models,' she stressed.

She also called for greater investment in the last mile so that AI-powered services are accessible to farmers who do not have smartphones or reliable broadband connectivity.

For Rwanda, the government wants to move from isolated AI projects to an integrated system that brings together agricultural data, advisory services, markets, finance and government decision-making.

The country is also seeking to coordinate investment in computing infrastructure across sectors rather than having agriculture, healthcare, education and other sectors develop separate requirements for computing power and GPUs.

Ingabire said Rwanda's approach to AI sovereignty is focused on maintaining strategic autonomy and avoiding irreversible dependence on external players while continuing to encourage innovation.

Meanwhile, Minister of State for Agriculture and Animal Resources Dr. Solange Uwituze said AI would be necessary if Rwanda is to meet its long-term food production ambitions.

She said Rwanda's Vision 2050 targets feeding a population of roughly 23 million people on the country's existing land area, requiring major increases in production.

'We need to do things differently. We need to multiply 15 times our current production levels, and we need to adopt vertical agriculture,' Uwituze said.

She pointed to precision agriculture, farmer cooperative management, irrigation, post-harvest handling and market linkages as areas where AI could support the transformation.

Rwanda is also using food basket sites, where farmers are organised around larger land-use areas and provided with inputs, extension services, irrigation, post-harvest facilities and market and financial linkages.

Uwituze said these systems will generate large amounts of data that can be used to improve agricultural decision-making.

She also noted that Rwanda has completed soil profiling to identify nutrient deficiencies in different locations and is moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach to fertiliser application.

Through cooperation with Morocco, Rwanda has begun developing tailored fertiliser recommendations based on local soil conditions.

With early tests pointing to potential yield gains of about 20 per cent, Rwanda is now looking to move these applications from promising pilots to tools that can reach millions of farmers.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/rwandas-ai-farming-tools-point-to-20-yield-gains-as-government-targets-millions-of-farmers/

Ternus, a longtime Apple executive and hardware engineering expert, became CEO on Tuesday, September 1, succeeding Cook, who led the company through a period of major growth and expansion.

During Cook's time as CEO, Apple's market value increased dramatically, reaching about $4.6 trillion, driven largely by the continued success of the iPhone and the expansion of the company's products and services.

The leadership change comes at a critical moment for Apple as the technology industry undergoes rapid changes driven by artificial intelligence.

Apple has faced criticism for moving more slowly than some of its major competitors in developing and introducing artificial intelligence features.

The company has made recent efforts to strengthen its position, including upgrades to its Siri voice assistant and other AI-related features, with a focus on privacy and practical everyday use.

Ternus now faces the challenge of helping Apple compete more strongly in the rapidly developing AI sector while maintaining the company's reputation for innovation and high-quality hardware.

The new CEO has extensive experience within Apple's hardware division. During his career at the company, he played important roles in the development of major products including the Apple Watch, AirPods and Apple Vision Pro.

His background in hardware engineering, however, means that his new role will require him to take on broader responsibilities, including dealing with artificial intelligence, global supply chains and important political and business relationships.

One of those relationships is with US President Donald Trump. Cook developed close ties with Trump during his time as CEO, particularly as Apple dealt with trade policies and tariffs affecting countries in Asia where many of the company's products are manufactured.

Cook is not leaving Apple entirely. He will become the company's executive chairman, a position that is expected to allow him to continue supporting Apple and helping maintain important external relationships.

Ternus is also preparing for one of his first major appearances as CEO. He is expected to lead Apple's upcoming iPhone launch at the company's headquarters in Cupertino, California.

The transition marks one of the most significant leadership changes at Apple since Cook succeeded co-founder Steve Jobs in 2011.

While Cook leaves behind a company that has grown into a technology giant, Ternus begins his tenure at a time when artificial intelligence is reshaping the industry and increasing pressure on major technology companies to innovate.

His leadership will be closely watched as Apple seeks to strengthen its position in AI while continuing to build on the success of the products that have made it one of the world's most influential companies.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/john-ternus-takes-over-as-apple-ceo-ending-tim-cooks-15-year-tenure/

Nsengiyumva made the call on Wednesday, September 2, while opening the 2026 Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF) in Kigali, where more than 5,000 stakeholders from over 50 countries are discussing investment in Africa's food systems.

'Our youth should start seeing agriculture not as a sector of last resort, but as a modern and dynamic sector full of opportunities,' Nsengiyumva said.

He highlighted that opportunities extend beyond farming to areas such as irrigation, energy, mechanisation, digital services, insurance, processing and retail, urging the private sector to invest across the food value chain.

'The task before us is to build credible partnerships that connect capital to these opportunities,' he remarked.

Nsengiyumva also called for investments that ensure smallholder farmers, women and young people benefit from the growth of Africa's food economy.

Africa has abundant land and water resources, sunshine and a young population, but continues to face food insecurity. Nsengiyumva said about 309 million Africans were affected by hunger in 2025, while about 57 percent experienced moderate or severe food insecurity.

'This contrast defines our task. We need to turn potential into productivity and we need to turn productivity into prosperity for all Africans,' he said.

The call for greater investment was reinforced by new financing initiatives announced at the forum.

Dr. Gérardine Mukeshimana, Vice-President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), said IFAD and partners are launching a $200 million blended finance facility to expand climate adaptation financing for farmers in Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

IFAD is also launching a $10 million facility to support the growth of small agribusinesses, while it will partner with Bank of Kigali on a $21 million blended finance facility for farmers' organisations later this week.

Mukeshimana said public financing alone cannot deliver the transformation Africa needs and should instead be used to reduce risks and unlock private capital.

She cited IFAD evidence showing that projects involving private-sector participation generate income gains of more than 64 percent, compared with projects without private-sector participation.

From commitments to action

Nsengiyumva said Africa must also improve the way agricultural investments are planned and executed, calling for credible, investable projects backed by clear priorities, realistic financing, strong institutions and measurable targets.

He noted that investments should strengthen entire food systems rather than isolated parts.

'A productive farm cannot thrive without roads, energy, irrigation, storage, finance, logistics, processing and reliable markets,' he said.

The Prime Minister also urged African countries to scale successful agricultural innovations instead of leaving them as small pilot projects.

The call was echoed by African Union Commissioner for Agriculture Moses Vilakati, who said Africa's challenge is no longer knowing what needs to be done, but having the political will, investment, partnerships and accountability to implement existing commitments.

Vilakati urged Africa to reduce its dependence on food imports and use local production to create jobs and business opportunities for young people.

He said the continent needs 'a decade of implementation,' arguing that the success of the Africa Food Systems Forum should ultimately be measured by investments mobilised, jobs created and improvements in the lives of farmers and other food-system actors.

The 2026 AFS Forum marks 20 years of the platform and is being held under the theme 'Investing in Africa's Agri-Food Systems: Nourishing Nations, Growing Jobs, Building Resilience.'

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/pm-nsengiyumva-urges-african-youth-to-see-agriculture-as-an-opportunity-not-a-last-resort/

The couple announced the arrival of their baby boy, Aurelius, on September 1, sharing the news on social media alongside photographs of themselves with their newborn son.

Sean, 50, and Kemp Muhl, 39, appeared in matching black-and-white outfits as they introduced their son to the world.

The announcement marks a new chapter for the couple, who have been together for many years and have also worked together musically.

Their relationship began after they met at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in 2005. They began dating in 2007 and later formed the musical duo 'The Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger', combining their interests in music and art.

Kemp Muhl has also built her own career as a musician, model and creative artist, while Sean has continued his career as a singer, songwriter and producer.

He has worked on several musical projects, including collaborations with his mother, Yoko Ono, and other prominent artists.

Sean's new role as a father also adds another generation to one of music history's most famous families.

John Lennon and Yoko Ono welcomed Sean on October 9, 1975, which was also John Lennon's 35th birthday. Lennon was killed in December 1980, when Sean was only five years old.

Sean has spoken over the years about the lasting influence of his father and how music helped him maintain a connection with him after his death.

He has also played an important role in preserving and promoting his parents' musical legacy.

Aurelius is the first known grandchild of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, making his arrival a significant moment for the Lennon family.

The birth has already attracted congratulatory messages from musicians and other public figures, including Patti Smith and Willow Smith.

Kemp Muhl has also offered glimpses of the couple's early experience as parents, joking about the challenges of sleepless nights and adjusting to life with a newborn.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/john-lennons-son-sean-ono-lennon-welcomes-first-child-with-charlotte-kemp-muhl/

Data from Spain's Health Ministry showed that 2,149 excess deaths were attributed to heat in August.

The figure makes it the second-deadliest August for heat-related deaths since Spain's Daily Mortality Monitoring System, known as MoMo, began monitoring heat-related mortality in 2015.

The highest number was recorded in August 2025, when an estimated 2,184 deaths were linked to excessive heat.

The latest figures also reveal the wider impact of extreme temperatures during the summer.

Between May 15 and August 31, Spain recorded an estimated 5,234 heat-related deaths, making 2026 the deadliest summer for heat-related mortality since the monitoring system was introduced.

Catalonia recorded the highest number of heat-related deaths in August, with an estimated 1,164 deaths. Valencia followed with 227, while Andalusia recorded 138.

Older people were among those particularly vulnerable to the extreme heat.

High temperatures can place significant stress on the body and worsen existing health problems, particularly cardiovascular and respiratory conditions.

Heat-related deaths are not always recorded directly on death certificates because extreme temperatures can aggravate underlying illnesses rather than being identified as the immediate cause of death.

Spain's monitoring system therefore estimates heat-related mortality by examining mortality patterns alongside temperature conditions.

The figures come after a summer of unusually high temperatures across Spain and other parts of Europe.

Spain experienced several intense heatwaves, with temperatures in some areas rising above 40 degrees Celsius.

The country's national weather agency, AEMET, reported exceptionally high temperatures during the summer, adding to concerns about the growing health risks associated with prolonged periods of extreme heat.

Spain's experience is part of a broader trend affecting Europe, where increasingly frequent and intense heatwaves are creating serious public health challenges.

Experts have warned that climate change is contributing to more extreme heat events, increasing the risk to vulnerable populations.

Health authorities have encouraged people to take precautions during periods of extreme heat, including staying hydrated, avoiding prolonged exposure to high temperatures and paying particular attention to elderly people and those with existing health conditions.

With more than 5,200 estimated heat-related deaths recorded between May and August, the figures highlight the potentially deadly consequences of extreme temperatures and the growing need for effective heat-warning systems and measures to protect vulnerable communities.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/spain-records-more-than-2100-heat-related-deaths-in-august/