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Russian presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky and Secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov led the Russian and Ukrainian delegations, respectively. The closed-door talks were chaired by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.

Following the talks, which lasted for less than one hour, Umerov said at a press conference that Ukraine continues to insist on a full and unconditional ceasefire as the essential foundation for effective diplomacy.

“We are ready for a ceasefire now and to start substantive peace negotiations, and it is up to the other side to accept this basic step towards peace,” Umerov said.

“We emphasize that the ceasefire must be genuine. It must include a complete cessation of strikes on civilian and critical infrastructure,” he said.

Prior to the talks, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Tuesday that Moscow and Kiev are “diametrically opposed” in their positions on how to end the conflict, noting that “much work” still needs to be done.

The Ukrainian side has proposed to Russia to hold a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky “by the end of August,” where the participation of U.S. President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will be “especially valuable,” he said.

During a separate press conference after the talks, Medinsky said Russia and Ukraine agreed to exchange 1,200 prisoners of war each, including a proposal from Moscow to swap about 30 civilians held by Ukraine in the Kursk region.

Russia has returned the bodies of 7,000 fallen Ukrainian soldiers and is ready to return 3,000 more, he said, requesting the return of any number of deceased Russian soldiers from Ukraine.

He also said that the Russian side proposed establishing three online working groups with Ukraine to address political, humanitarian, and military issues, and asked Ukraine to consider declaring short ceasefires of 24-48 hours along the contact line to evacuate the wounded soldiers and recover the bodies of fallen troops.

As to the Putin-Zelensky meeting Ukraine proposed, Medinsky said such a meeting is not being considered until certain processes are completed.

Meanwhile, Zelensky wrote on social media platform X after the talks that the ninth stage of prisoner exchange took place “today,” which involved more than 1,000 people from the Ukrainian side, including those “seriously ill and severely wounded.”

“It is important that the exchanges are ongoing,” he wrote.

In his opening remarks to the talks, Fidan urged the two delegations to engage in result-oriented negotiations aimed at achieving a ceasefire and ultimately ending the war.

“Our goal is to end this bloody war, which has come at a heavy cost, as soon as possible,” Fidan said.

While the previous two rounds of talks in Istanbul – held on May 16 and June 2 – led to the exchange of thousands of war prisoners and the bodies of fallen soldiers, they produced little progress toward a ceasefire.

The third round of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine is held in Istanbul, Türkiye, on July 23, 2025. Russian and Ukrainian delegations held a third round of peace talks here on Wednesday, which started at 8:30 p.m. local time (1730 GMT) and lasted nearly one and a half hours.

Xinhua

Speaker of the National Assembly Catherine Gotani Hara made the announcement on Wednesday, noting that the dissolution is a constitutional requirement in a year when general elections are pending.

According to the speaker, all operations of the National Assembly involving members of parliament, including legislation, oversight, and representation, have ceased following the dissolution.

However, Hara has indicated the possibility of reconvening the National Assembly under particular circumstances, as stipulated in the country’s Constitution.

The speaker said in a statement that if the president deems a constitutional crisis or emergency has arisen between the dissolution of the National Assembly and the general elections, he may reconvene the parliament solely for that purpose.

At least 20 presidential candidates are expected to present their nomination papers to the Malawi Electoral Commission from July 24 to 30.

They include incumbent President Lazarus Chakwera of the governing Malawi Congress Party, former President Peter Mutharika on the Democratic Progressive Party ticket, former President Joyce Banda with the People’s Party, and former Reserve Bank Governor Dalitso Kabambe with the United Transformation Movement.

Xinhua

In a strongly worded statement released on Thursday, July 24, 2025, AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka said that while regional and international actors are preoccupied with interpreting the recently signed declaration of principles, the Congolese government has continued large-scale troop deployments and military operations in civilian-populated areas.

'While everyone is bogged down in interpreting the declaration of principles, the illegitimate Kinshasa regime relentlessly continues the deployment of its troops on all fronts, directs its heavy weapons toward densely populated areas, and intensifies offensives in the Uvira Highlands, targeting the Banyamulenge villages of Rurambo,' Kanyuka said.

Kanyuka added that the offensives, carried out by a coalition of Congolese government forces (FARDC), the FDLR, Maï-Maï Wazalendo, and the Burundi Defence Force, have killed numerous civilians and worsened an already dire humanitarian situation.

The statement marks the latest in a series of accusations levelled by the AFC/M23 movement against the Congolese government in the aftermath of peace initiatives launched in Washington and Doha.

On July 17, the group publicly warned of continued military aggression from Kinshasa, claiming it undermines the peace efforts being pursued in Doha, Qatar.

Two days earlier, the group had accused government forces of killing four of its members in what it described as a demonstration of 'warlike intentions' that contradicted the spirit of dialogue.

At the time, Kanyuka reaffirmed the group’s intention to protect civilians and eliminate threats 'at their source”, in a video shared on social media.

'We will not yield to intimidation or the manoeuvres of an illegitimate and bloodthirsty regime, which sacrifices peace for the sake of its selfish interests.'

The Doha negotiations, led by Qatar, were brokered to end the fighting in eastern DRC, which earlier this year saw the rebels capture large swathes of territory, including the strategic cities of Goma and Bukavu. The rebels accuse President Félix Tshisekedi’s administration of marginalising Kinyarwanda-speaking communities and practising poor governance.

AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka said that while regional and international actors are preoccupied with interpreting the recently signed declaration of principles, the Congolese government has continued large-scale troop deployments and military operations in civilian-populated areas.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The information was presented by federal junior home minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar on Wednesday in the lower house of the Indian parliament, locally called Lok Sabha.

Kumar said, according to the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) and Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System (CFCFRMS), the total amount of losses incurred by citizens due to cyber frauds in the entire country in 2024 was over 2.64 billion U.S. dollars as compared to 863.8 million dollars in the previous year.

The minister stated 3,637,288 incidents of online financial fraud were reported on NCRP and CFCFRMS in 2024 as compared to 2,442,978 in 2023.

According to the data shared by the minister, 2,268,346 cyber crimes were reported in 2024, reflecting a 42.08 percent yearly increase.

The details of the fraud were presented by federal junior home minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar on Wednesday in the lower house of the Indian parliament, locally called Lok Sabha.

Xinhua

The report identifies embezzlement, fraud, tax crimes, and cybercrime as the primary predicate offenses generating high amounts of illicit proceeds.

Embezzlement alone accounted for 39% of the total criminal proceeds, followed by fraud (24%), tax crimes (20%), and cybercrime (13%).

These crimes were found to be the main drivers behind money laundering cases in the country.

During the five-year assessment period, 44 money laundering cases were investigated, with 42 cases prosecuted and 9 resulting in convictions.

The total value of assets confiscated during these proceedings reached Frw 780,934,906.

While Rwanda’s legal framework has significantly evolved—including the recent enactment of Law No. 001/2025 on the Prevention and Punishment of Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing—the report highlights key enforcement gaps.

These include limited investigative resources, weaknesses in asset recovery processes, and inconsistent application of penalties.

Additionally, the report confirms that the overall national money laundering risk remains at a medium level, driven by both increasing threats and institutional vulnerabilities.

Efforts in detection, prosecution, supervision, and international cooperation, especially in real estate and banking sectors, have improved the country’s response capacity.

Under the current law, anyone found guilty of money laundering faces 10 to 15 years in prison and a fine of three to five times the value of the laundered funds.

Aiding others to benefit from such funds or financing terrorism carries the same penalties.

Rwanda has confiscated over Frw 780 billion linked to money laundering activities between July 2019 and June 2024.

IGIHE

The fellowship introduces a dedicated health journalism track within the African Union Media Fellowship (AUMF), a flagship program that supports media professionals in telling impactful development stories aligned with AU priorities such as governance, peace and security, climate action, and digital innovation.

Supported by the World Bank and other international partners, the fellowship will select five journalists, one from each of Africa CDC’s Regional Coordinating Centres, to participate in a comprehensive 16-month program.

Participants will receive mentorship from health experts, access exclusive resources, and engage in collaborative learning and field reporting to deepen their understanding of pressing health challenges facing the continent.

'At a time when Africa is tackling multiple health priorities, from rising non-communicable diseases to ongoing outbreaks, we need storytellers who can provide accurate and empathetic coverage,' said Margaret Edwin, Director of Communication and Public Information at the African Union’s continental public health agency.

'This fellowship addresses a critical gap in public health reporting and will empower journalists to amplify Africa’s voice in shaping its own health future.'

The inaugural cohort of fellows will explore urgent topics such as lessons learned from COVID-19 and other epidemics, vaccine development and distribution, health system strengthening, and the role of digital innovation in disease detection and response.

In addition to mentorship and reporting support, the fellows will join a continent-wide network of media professionals under the broader AU Media Fellowship.

The fellows will benefit from workshops, editorial guidance, field visits, and a learning tour of global health institutions, coordinated with partners including the European Union Delegation to the African Union and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has launched a new health journalism fellowship designed to equip journalists across Africa with the skills to produce insightful, evidence-based stories on public health issues.

The fellowship introduces a dedicated health journalism track within the African Union Media Fellowship (AUMF), a flagship program that supports media professionals in telling impactful development stories aligned with AU priorities such as governance, peace and security, climate action, and digital innovation.

Supported by the World Bank and other international partners, the fellowship will select five journalists, one from each of Africa CDC’s Regional Coordinating Centres, to participate in a comprehensive 16-month program.

Participants will receive mentorship from health experts, access exclusive resources, and engage in collaborative learning and field reporting to deepen their understanding of pressing health challenges facing the continent.

'At a time when Africa is tackling multiple health priorities, from rising non-communicable diseases to ongoing outbreaks, we need storytellers who can provide accurate and empathetic coverage,' said Margaret Edwin, Director of Communication and Public Information at the African Union’s continental public health agency.

'This fellowship addresses a critical gap in public health reporting and will empower journalists to amplify Africa’s voice in shaping its own health future.'

The inaugural cohort of fellows will explore urgent topics such as lessons learned from COVID-19 and other epidemics, vaccine development and distribution, health system strengthening, and the role of digital innovation in disease detection and response.

In addition to mentorship and reporting support, the fellows will join a continent-wide network of media professionals under the broader AU Media Fellowship.

The fellows will benefit from workshops, editorial guidance, field visits, and a learning tour of global health institutions, coordinated with partners including the European Union Delegation to the African Union and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).

The call for applications is currently open and will close on August 14, 2025. Journalists interested in applying can find more information at https://aumf.au.int/application.

Journalists during a past coverage in Kigali. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has launched a new health journalism fellowship designed to equip journalists across the continent with the skills to produce insightful, evidence-based stories on public health issues.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Prosecution spokesperson Faustin Nkusi told RBA that the number of cases received since 2019 reflects a serious and persistent issue.

'We’ve received numerous files. While 68 cases over six years may seem few to some, even a single case is significant due to the gravity of this crime,' Nkusi said.

He noted that both individuals and institutions implicated in trafficking are held accountable whenever sufficient evidence is available.

However, Nkusi acknowledged that identifying and prosecuting traffickers remains difficult due to the sophisticated methods they use to conceal their operations.

'We often collaborate with various agencies, including Interpol. But there are limitations—it’s challenging to gather reliable information, especially when crimes are committed across borders,' he explained.

He also pointed out that victims of trafficking are often reluctant or unable to provide comprehensive information, which further complicates investigations.

Data from the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) indicates that from 2019 to May 2025, a total of 105 Rwandans were repatriated after being trafficked abroad.

Additionally, between July 2024 and March 2025, authorities successfully intercepted trafficking attempts involving 57 individuals before they were moved across borders.

Prosecution spokesperson Faustin Nkusi says that the number of cases received since 2019 reflects a serious and persistent issue.

IGIHE

Before this, Dr. Nsengiyumva was the Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda, a role he took on February 25, 2025. He succeeds Dr. Edouard Ngirente, who held the position since 2017.

Dr. Nsengiyumva previously served as the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Education until 2008. He also worked as the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

He holds a PhD degree in Economics from the University of Leicester.

Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva has been appointed as Rwanda’s new Prime Minister

IGIHE

Launched in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, the Africa EdTech 2030: Vision, Plan and Policy framework is aligned with AU digital transformation agenda and envisages a future where a critical mass of learners has access to mobile devices connected to high speed internet, enabling them to study remotely.

The Africa EdTech vision and framework aims to bypass traditional education infrastructure hiccups, harness digital tools to reach marginalized children and youth with instructional materials.

Some of the high-impact goals advanced by the strategy includes expanding digital access through low cost devices, solar solutions, offline-first technologies, upskilling teachers, research and data privacy.

“Through coordinated policy, local innovation and equitable infrastructure, Africa can leapfrog legacy education barriers and build a globally competitive digital learning ecosystem. The time was ripe to transition to digital learning in Africa, boost content development, cognitive abilities and social skills of the continent’s youth”, said John Kimotho, EdTech consultant from Kenya.

He cited Kenya, Rwanda and Mauritius as frontrunners worth emulating as the continent expand access to digital learning for a future workforce that is globally competitive.

However, The Vision & Plan responds to urgent continental challenges that over 60 percent of the population is below 25 years, 30 million primary school age children remain out of school and 17 million additional teachers are required by 2030 to achieve universal access to quality education. Also, only 30-65 percent of tutors own the device in South Africa while in Ghana, Nigeria and Kenya.

To make the vision achievable, all stakeholders-governments, educators, private sector actors, communities, and partners are invited to review and comment on the vision and plan to ensure it enables the collective action envisaged.

Xinhua

According to a statement by the U.S. State Department, the withdrawal was due to what Washington saw as the UN cultural agency’s policy to “advance divisive social and cultural causes” over the Israel-Palestine conflicts.

“UNESCO’s decision to admit the ‘State of Palestine’ as a member state is highly problematic, contrary to U.S. policy, and contributed to the proliferation of anti-Israel rhetoric within the organization,” the statement said.

The U.S. exit will take effect at the end of December 2026.

The United States announced Tuesday its decision to pull out of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization two years after rejoining.

Xinhua