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Speaking at the ANC’s 2025 Liberation Movements Summit in Kempton Park, ZANU—PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa said Washington should not 'misdirect itself' in its diplomatic approach to South Africa.

He emphasised that such issues could be resolved without resorting to sanctions, but if the US chooses otherwise, Zimbabwe is prepared, having endured sanctions for over two decades.

'These sanctions have not stopped Zimbabwe’s progress. In fact, we are emerging as one of the most dynamic economies on the continent,' Mutsvangwa told the media.

He highlighted Zimbabwe’s growing steel industry as a symbol of the country’s resilience, adding that even the US might view this development with 'a bit of jealousy.'

The US has had strained relations with Zimbabwe for more than 20 years. Initially imposed in the early 2000s, sanctions targeted former President Robert Mugabe and senior officials over allegations of democratic erosion.

Last year, Washington imposed sanctions on President Emmerson Mnangagwa, accusing him of human rights violations following a contested 2023 election. However, on March 4, 2024, President Joe Biden lifted all US sanctions on Zimbabwe, ending the sanctions program.

Mutsvangwa encouraged South Africa to remain optimistic and not be 'pushed around by superpowers,' emphasising shared experiences and resources between the two countries.

The call comes amid the introduction of the US and South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act of 2025, proposed by Congressman Ronny Jackson. The bill could sanction ANC leaders accused of supporting US adversaries such as China, Russia, and Iran.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the issue during a visit to BMW South Africa, acknowledging the legislative process was ongoing. He expressed hope for continued diplomatic engagement with the US and a positive outcome that would strengthen bilateral relations.

Meanwhile, the ANC is appealing to US Democrats, especially those who supported the anti-apartheid movement, to oppose the bill.

ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri stressed that the party will resist any efforts to isolate it through renewed sanctions, recalling the isolation they faced under apartheid-era sanctions backed by some Western countries.

The bill has passed key US House committees and now awaits a full vote in the House of Representatives.

Speaking at the ANC’s 2025 Liberation Movements Summit in Kempton Park, ZANU—PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa said Washington should not 'misdirect itself' in its diplomatic approach to South Africa.

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The new figures were released on July 28 in the latest Labour Force Survey. The report shows that both men and women benefited from the rise in employment. Employment among men and women respectively stood at 61.7% and 46.8%.

Young people between the ages of 16 and 30 had a job rate of 49.1%, which is lower than the 57.4% seen among adults aged 31 and above.

The report shows that most people are now working in the services sector. Meanwhile, the number of people working in agriculture went down to 38.0% in May 2025, compared to 39.3% in the same period last year.

Jobs in the industry sector also dropped slightly, while employment in services increased from 44.0% to 45.6% over the same time.

In total, Rwanda’s working-age population (people aged 16 and above) is now around 8.5 million. Out of that, 4.5 million people are working, about 710,000 are unemployed, and 3.2 million are not part of the labour force, meaning they are not working and not looking for work either.

Unemployment also went down. The rate of people without jobs dropped to 13.4%, a big improvement from last year’s 16.8%, and even better than the 15.0% recorded before COVID-19 in 2019. However, women are still more affected, with an unemployment rate of 15.3%, compared to 11.8% for men.

Young people also face more challenges, with 15.4% of them unemployed, compared to 12.1% among adults.

The National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) has reported that the employment rate increased to 53.8% in May 2025, up from 52.0% in the same period last year.

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Addressing the official opening session on Monday, African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf emphasized the need to transform global food systems to address critical sustainable development challenges.

“Food systems transformation is not just a moral imperative. It is a strategic necessity central to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially ending hunger, reducing poverty, and building climate-resilient economies,” he said.

The AUC chief highlighted Africa’s “bold steps” in food systems transformation, supported by collective continental commitments and investment targets to build resilient, inclusive, and climate-smart food systems. He further called on global partners to support African-led solutions.

In a video message, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres underscored the vital need to realize shared commitments in ensuring global food systems that are inclusive, sustainable, equitable, resilient, and rooted in human rights.

“Global hunger is rising, trade shocks are pushing food prices out of reach, and one-third of the world’s population cannot afford a healthy diet while one-third of the world’s food is lost or wasted,” Guterres said, warning that climate change and conflict are further driving hunger across the globe.

For her part, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stressed the need to address the major drivers of global food insecurity. She noted that although food insecurity has drastically decreased over the past decades, the phenomenon still affects about 10 percent of the world’s population.

“This percentage is largely concentrated here in Africa, where one in five people suffer from hunger and do not have access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to lead a healthy life. This situation, already complex, has been exacerbated by the crises the world is currently facing,” Meloni said.

Describing food insecurity as a critical global political and economic issue, she warned of the catastrophic consequences, including poverty and conflicts, as communities become more vulnerable to violence, terrorism, and forced migration.

Echoing the sentiment, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed highlighted the importance of ensuring predictable financing to support investments in agriculture, rural transformation, infrastructure, and nutrition in Africa and beyond.

Abiy, in particular, emphasized the need to put in place fair access to technology and finance for agricultural modernization in Africa. He further emphasized the importance of fair trade rules that create a level playing field and a strong global partnership that empowers local solutions.

The summit, held on July 27-29, is expected to reflect on global progress in food systems transformation, strengthen collaboration, and unlock finance and investments to accelerate action toward the UN SDGs.

United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addresses the Second UN Food Systems Summit in a video message in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on July 28, 2025. Global leaders on Monday called for urgent collective action to address challenges facing food systems.

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Guterres “urges both countries to respect the agreement fully and to create an environment conducive to addressing long-standing issues and achieving lasting peace,” Farhan Haq, the UN chief’s deputy spokesperson, said in a statement.

“The Secretary-General commends Malaysia, the current ASEAN Chair, as well as the United States and China, for their dedicated efforts towards the peaceful resolution of the situation,” the statement said.

The United Nations stands ready to support efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability in the region, it added.

The leaders of Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to implement a ceasefire from midnight on Monday, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said following a meeting hosted by him in Putrajaya, Malaysia.

The ceasefire agreement between Cambodia and Thailand was reached on Monday in Malaysia.

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Schoof has convened an emergency meeting in The Hague during the summer recess, bringing together government ministers including Deputy Prime Minister Sophie Hermans, Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp and Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans, to discuss the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza.

“The government’s goal is crystal clear: the people in Gaza must have immediate, unhindered, and safe access to humanitarian aid,” Schoof wrote.

Earlier this month, the European Union (EU) reached a deal with Israel aimed at facilitating greater humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip. That agreement is set to be reviewed Tuesday by EU member states. Should Israel be found to have fallen short in its commitments, further actions could be taken at the EU level.

The Dutch prime minister indicated that the Netherlands is also prepared to take unilateral steps if necessary.

“We are also considering national measures to increase the pressure,” Schoof warned, adding that he had conveyed this message directly to Israeli President Isaac Herzog during a phone call on Monday.

Dutch PM has warned of action against Israel over Gaza aid access

Xinhua

The sharp rise is being driven by preventable factors such as hepatitis infections, obesity-related liver conditions, and alcohol consumption, researchers say.

In Rwanda, as in many countries around the world, liver cancer remains a pressing health concern. According to 2020 data, it was responsible for 706 deaths, accounting for 1.22% of all deaths in the country. The age-adjusted death rate stood at 11.48 per 100,000 population, placing Rwanda 24th globally in liver cancer mortality.

The new study, conducted by an international team of experts and drawing from data in the Global Cancer Observatory, warns that if current trends continue, liver cancer will remain among the world’s most lethal diseases, already ranking as the third deadliest cancer globally. By 2050, it is expected to claim 1.37 million lives each year, up from current figures.

Researchers stress that three out of five cases could be prevented through targeted public health interventions.

Preventable causes driving the surge

The study highlights several key risk factors fueling the rise in liver cancer cases, including viral hepatitis B and C, alcohol abuse, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), a condition previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

MASLD is increasingly linked to rising rates of obesity and diabetes, particularly in high-income countries and urban areas in Asia, Europe, and North America.

Alcohol consumption alone is projected to cause more than 21% of liver cancer cases by 2050, up from 19% in 2022. Similarly, cancers related to liver fat buildup from obesity are expected to increase to 11%, also up more than two percentage points from current levels.

The study’s authors emphasise that these are largely modifiable risks that require stronger public health messaging and lifestyle interventions.

Hepatitis B is still a major threat

Despite the availability of effective vaccines, hepatitis B continues to pose a major global threat. The virus remains the leading cause of liver cancer worldwide and is expected to be responsible for millions of deaths if vaccination rates do not improve.

The study warns that hepatitis B could cause up to 17 million deaths between 2015 and 2030 unless vaccine coverage, especially in poorer regions such as sub-Saharan Africa, is significantly expanded.

Vaccination at birth is considered the most effective prevention method, but many low-income countries still face barriers in implementing widespread immunisation programs. The study calls for renewed international investment in public health infrastructure to increase access to vaccines and antiviral treatments.

The authors of the study stress the urgent need for global action to reverse these trends. They recommend increasing public awareness around the preventable nature of liver cancer, especially among populations with obesity or diabetes, who may not be aware of the risks associated with fatty-liver disease.

The report also advocates for enhanced screening programs for high-risk individuals and more resources to support early detection, particularly in regions where late-stage diagnoses are common.

Liver cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the liver, forming a malignant tumour. The liver, a vital organ located in the upper right abdomen, is responsible for filtering harmful substances from the blood, producing bile for digestion, and storing nutrients.

There are two main types of liver cancer. Primary liver cancer originates in the liver itself, with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) being the most common form. Other less common types include cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer) and angiosarcoma.

Secondary or metastatic liver cancer, on the other hand, begins in another part of the body—such as the colon, breast, or lung—and spreads to the liver. This type is more common in many parts of the world than primary liver cancer.

The risk of developing liver cancer is heightened by several factors, including chronic infection with hepatitis B or C, cirrhosis (scarring of the liver often caused by alcohol abuse or chronic hepatitis), obesity, diabetes, heavy alcohol consumption, smoking, and certain inherited liver diseases such as hemochromatosis. Exposure to environmental toxins like aflatoxins can also contribute.

Often silent, but deadly

One of the challenges in combating liver cancer is that it often develops silently. In its early stages, liver cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms. As the disease progresses, however, patients may experience pain or discomfort in the upper right abdomen, swelling or a hard lump under the rib cage, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), unexplained weight loss, fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, chalky stools, dark urine, or fever.

Because these symptoms often appear in advanced stages, early detection is critical. Regular screening, particularly using ultrasound, is recommended for individuals with chronic liver disease or other risk factors.

Liver cancer cases are projected to nearly double worldwide by 2050, reaching 1.52 million new diagnoses annually, according to a comprehensive global study published in The Lancet on World Hepatitis Day.

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The official ceremony took place at RDF Headquarters in Kimihurura, for RDF Generals and Senior Officers, while that for Junior Officers and Other Ranks was held at each RDF Division’s headquarters across the country and the General Headquarters, Kanombe, for RDF Units around Kigali city.

The ceremony was presided over by the Minister of Defence, Juvenal Marizamunda, on behalf of the Commander-in-Chief of the RDF. Also in attendance were the RDF Chief of Defence Staff, Gen MK Mubarakh, RDF Service Chiefs, Generals, Senior Officers, and the retirees’ spouses.

On behalf of the President of the Republic of Rwanda and Commander-in-Chief of the RDF, the Minister of Defence, Juvenal Marizamunda, expressed his appreciation for the outstanding service rendered by Retirees during the times when Rwanda needed them.

'You stood firm during the liberation struggle, stopped the genocide against Tutsi, and have been instrumental in rebuilding our country ever since. You played a crucial role in transforming RDF into a strong and professional force, both within Rwanda and on international platforms. Your contributions, especially in the military, have left a lasting legacy,' he said.

He also said that even as they retire, their experience and wisdom remain vital to our nation’s progress. He urged them to always be part of the RDF family and assured them to continue to benefit from their expertise.

In his address, the RDF Chief of Defence Staff, Gen MK Mubarakh, expressed appreciation to the RDF retirees for their sacrifices, commitment, and significant contribution to the nation. He commended them for the discipline they upheld throughout their military careers and encouraged them to continue collaborating with the wider Rwandan community in efforts to develop the country.

“Today marks a special day for soldiers who have made immense sacrifices. While you are retiring from active military service, you are not retiring from the values of the Rwanda Defence Force. These values will continue to guide you and keep you ready to serve whenever called upon. We are deeply grateful for the dedication and loyalty you demonstrated, from the liberation struggle, through the efforts to stop the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, to the long and difficult journey of rebuilding our nation. You have played a vital role in shaping Rwanda into the country it is today.”

He also extends heartfelt thanks to the retirees’ spouses who stood strong in their absence, holding the families together and supporting their service from afar, noting their resilience is deeply appreciated.

Maj Gen (Rtd) Wilson Gumisiriza, speaking on behalf of the retirees, expressed pride in the progress of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and the contributions they made in transforming it into the respected institution it is today. He noted that although they are entering a new phase in life, they remain committed to serving Rwanda in different ways.

'We extend our sincere gratitude to the President of the Republic for the visionary leadership he provided to the RDF, which has grown into a highly respected force, both nationally and internationally. Although we have retired from active duty, we remain ready and willing to serve our country whenever called upon. Today, we may be taking off our military uniforms, but we are not stepping away from our duty to the nation,' he said.

As a token of appreciation, the retirees were awarded certificates in recognition of their dedicated service to the Rwanda Defence Force.

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Beya is on trial alongside Vanda Nowa Biama Guy, Colonel Cikapa Tite Mokili, Commissioner General Lily Tambwe Mauwa, Lieutenant Colonel Kalenga Pierre, and Brigadier General Tonton Twadi Sekele. The group is facing charges, including plotting to harm the President and inciting members of the armed forces to disobey their duties.

With the exception of Brig. Gen. Sekele, who remains at large, the co-accused were previously held in custody but were released on bail while proceedings continue.

Beya was arrested in February 2022 and later granted provisional release in August 2022 to receive medical treatment abroad. He is currently residing in France.

In submissions made last week, the prosecution argued that Beya should be sentenced to a one-year term, half of which would be suspended, citing his advanced age and deteriorating health. If the court accepts the recommendation, Beya would not be returned to custody, as the six-month custodial portion has already been served.

The court is expected to hear final submissions from Beya’s legal team on July 31. His lawyers have consistently challenged the proceedings, describing the charges as unfounded and lacking legal merit.

François Beya is on trial alongside Vanda Nowa Biama Guy, Colonel Cikapa Tite Mokili, Commissioner General Lily Tambwe Mauwa, Lieutenant Colonel Kalenga Pierre, and Brigadier General Tonton Twadi Sekele.

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Speaking during the official launch of the facility in a question-and-answer session with Masai Ujiri, co-founder of Giants of Africa and the driving force behind the Zaria Court concept, President Kagame emphasised the power of enabling environments and investing in youth potential as keys to Africa’s transformation.

'In my mind, thinking about the youth of Africa, I don’t think about borders,' Kagame said. 'We need to make sure that everything we do translates their hidden potential into reality. The youth are the first asset the continent has.'

President Kagame emphasised the power of enabling environments and investing in youth potential as keys to Africa’s transformation.

The inauguration ceremony, held on the sidelines of the ongoing Giants of Africa Festival 2025 in Kigali, drew African business leaders, creatives, sports icons, and youth from across the continent. Among them was Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote, whom Ujiri praised for championing the African Renaissance initiative aimed at galvanising leadership and economic transformation across Africa.

Construction of Zaria Court Kigali began in August 2023, with President Kagame and Ujiri breaking ground on what was envisioned to be the first of several such hubs across Africa.

The complex now stands complete, featuring an 80-room hotel, multiple restaurants, a rooftop lounge, a gym, co-working spaces, a podcast studio, a broadcast centre, and a large multipurpose arena for sports, concerts, and cultural events.

Outside, the facility includes five-a-side football pitches, a callisthenics area, children’s play zones, and open green spaces. A modular retail park, built from stacked shipping containers, provides affordable space for Kigali’s rising designers, food vendors, and small business owners.

'This is more than a building,' Ujiri said. 'It’s an ecosystem. It creates community. It creates value. It shapes economies.'

Outside, the facility includes five-a-side football pitches, a callisthenics area, children’s play zones, and open green spaces.

In the heartfelt conversation with Ujiri, President Kagame shared his personal reflections on sports and leadership, admitting he was never an athlete himself but always saw the value in creating platforms for others to thrive.

'I wasn’t a sportsman by any standard,' Kagame said. 'But I was a sportsman at heart, and often thought about what I missed. If I can enable those who can do more and benefit the whole country, then I’m the happiest person.'

President Paul Kagame presided over the inauguration of Zaria Court Kigali on Monday, July 28, 2025, accompanied by Masai Ujiri, the driving force behind the initiative.

He also spoke to the economic impact of sports, pointing to Rwanda’s own experience with the BK Arena and other investments as proof that sports can be a serious contributor to national development.

'This is no longer just about the future. It’s already happening,' Kagame emphasised. 'Statistics show that even across Africa, sports can bring in billions to the continent. So, it’s not just a story anymore. The question is whether we choose to be part of reaping those benefits.'

Ujiri, visibly passionate, challenged African governments and private sectors to stop viewing sports as merely recreational and instead recognise it as a business and a growth engine.

'We’re not going to sit down and just let this happen anymore,' declared the former basketball player and president of the Toronto Raptors. 'This is a template for Africa, an ecosystem that works. It brings people together. It builds community. And it creates real value.'

Masai Ujiri challenged African governments and private sectors to stop viewing sports as merely recreational and instead recognise it as a business and a growth engine.

He further highlighted how Zaria Court, from design to execution, was a response to the lack of sustained investment in sports infrastructure across African cities.

'In Africa, we have stadiums right in the middle of the city, and they’re all destroyed. They were built 50 years ago with no vision. We paint them before competitions, then leave them to rot. We won’t accept that anymore.'

With plans to replicate the Zaria Court model in cities like Accra, Lagos, Dakar, Johannesburg, and Nairobi, Kigali’s success story is expected to serve as a catalyst for more sports-driven urban development across Africa.

President Paul Kagame called on Africa’s youth to believe in themselves and actively seize the continent’s growing opportunities, as he officially inaugurated Zaria Court Kigali, a $25 million world-class sports and lifestyle complex, on Monday, July 28.

During the event, NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi underscored the economic potential of sports, stressing that nations sidelining it risk falling behind in development.

'Sports should be an economic priority for every country. If you’re not putting sports at the centre of your economic growth, then you’re already playing from behind,” she declared.

Echoing this, Amadou Gallo Fall, President of the Basketball Africa League, said the progress seen in Rwanda affirms the possibility of building a world-class professional basketball league on the continent.

'This gives us confidence that we can build one of the best professional basketball leagues in the world, right here in Africa.'

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According to media reports, the meeting on Monday brought together Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet in an effort to halt fighting that has killed at least 35 people and displaced over 270,000 from both sides.

Anwar described the outcome as a positive step toward peace, with the ceasefire set to take effect at midnight on July 28 (1200 GMT). He added that military commanders from both countries will meet Tuesday to discuss further de-escalation.

US and Chinese diplomats were present, with Anwar noting that leaders from both nations, including US President Donald Trump, played a role in supporting the peace process.

Hun Manet praised the talks, expressing hope that the ceasefire would help rebuild trust between the neighbors. Meanwhile, Phumtham affirmed Thailand’s commitment to the agreement, despite earlier doubts about Cambodia’s intentions.

Recent clashes included rocket fire by Cambodia into Thailand’s Sisaket province, and accusations from both sides of troop buildups and attacks near contested temple sites.

Cambodia’s defense spokesperson accused Thai forces of using heavy weapons and smoke bombs in the disputed areas but said Cambodian troops successfully repelled the assaults.

The meeting on Monday brought together Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet in an effort to halt fighting that has killed at least 35 people and displaced over 270,000 from both sides. Photo by AP

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