Category: Uncategorized

In the image, Trump is accompanied by U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, with a sign nearby reading “GREENLAND – US TERRITORY EST. 2026.”

On the same day, Trump released another image: He met with European leaders in the Oval Office, with a map displayed behind him showing the United States, Canada, Greenland, and Venezuela under the American flag.

Trump said on Truth Social on Tuesday that he had a telephone call with Mark Rutte, the Secretary General of NATO, concerning Greenland.

“As I expressed to everyone, very plainly, Greenland is imperative for National and World Security. There can be no going back. On that, everyone agrees!” he wrote.

U.S. President Donald Trump posted an image of himself placing the U.S. flag on the territory of Greenland on Tuesday on his social media platform Truth Social.

Xinhua

At the centre of this shift is the SDG Costing and Budgeting exercise, a government-led initiative supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), designed to align national spending with measurable development outcomes.

The exercise, anchored in Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation 2 (NST2), is changing how public and private resources are mobilised, allocated and monitored, moving beyond traditional budgeting toward results-driven financing.

Technical support for smarter financing

UNDP has provided technical leadership and advisory support throughout the SDG costing process, working closely with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MINECOFIN). The agency supported the development of costing methodologies, scenario modelling and the integration of SDG targets into national budget systems.

In a recent SDG Costing report, Fatmata Sesay, UNDP Rwanda Resident Representative, underscored the importance of strategic financing in achieving sustainable development outcomes.

“Right-financing is not about doing more with less. It is about doing better with what we have, structuring public funds to de-risk investment, aligning incentives to development outcomes and building the fiscal architecture to manage complexity over time,” she said.

UNDP also supported the application of global tools such as the IMF SDG Financing Tool, helping Rwanda adapt international models to local realities.

Aligning SDGs with Rwanda’s national priorities

Rather than treating SDGs as a parallel agenda, the costing exercise embeds them directly into NST2 flagship programmes. Each SDG target is mapped to NST2 pillars and priority areas, ensuring they are delivered through national systems.

By integrating SDG costing into Rwanda’s Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), MINECOFIN can now clearly see which priorities are fully funded, partially funded or unfunded. This allows policymakers to sequence interventions strategically and focus limited resources on areas with the highest development impact, including poverty reduction, job creation and climate resilience.

By integrating SDG costing into Rwanda’s Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), MINECOFIN can now clearly see which priorities are fully funded, partially funded or unfunded.

According to the report, Rwanda requires Rwf 63.6 trillion to implement NST2 between 2024 and 2029. Of this amount, 43 percent is expected to come from private sector investments, particularly domestic financial institutions, while the remaining 57 percent will be mobilised from public sources such as taxes, grants and concessional loans.

The largest allocations are directed to education, health, electricity, water and sanitation, and roads. The sectors are prioritised because of their central role in human capital development and economic transformation. By 2029, spending in these areas is projected to reach nearly 20 percent of GDP, up from around 10 percent in 2024.

Where Rwanda stands on the SDGs

The report presents a mixed picture of Rwanda’s SDG performance. About 28 percent of targets are already achieved or on track, while 53 percent are showing limited progress. Another 19 percent of targets are regressing, highlighting areas where progress has stalled or reversed.

Rwanda has recorded notable gains in clean water access, clean energy, gender equality and climate action. However, challenges persist in job creation, institutional capacity and inclusive economic growth, signalling the need for more targeted financing and policy acceleration in these areas.

These gaps in progress are closely linked to the country’s SDG financing shortfall, now estimated at 21.3 percent of GDP, up from 15.7 percent before the COVID-19 pandemic. Closing this gap will require stronger domestic revenue mobilisation, better public spending efficiency and deeper private sector involvement.

The report makes it clear that traditional public financing alone will not be enough. Instead, Rwanda is increasingly turning to blended finance, public-private partnerships and impact-linked financing to mobilise additional capital while maintaining fiscal sustainability.

To support long-term planning, the report outlines three possible development pathways. Under the Resilience First scenario, SDGs would be achieved by 2054 if current trends continue. The Smart Sequencing scenario projects achievement by 2044 through moderate acceleration and efficiency gains. The most ambitious pathway, All-in Leap, targets SDG achievement by 2034, requiring major fiscal reforms, strong private sector mobilisation and international cooperation.

These scenarios allow policymakers to weigh ambition against fiscal risk and implementation capacity.

A major innovation introduced through the exercise is Budgeting for SDGs (B4SDG). Unlike traditional budgeting approaches that focus on institutional spending lines, B4SDG tracks how each allocation contributes to concrete development outcomes.

This enables cross-sector coordination and makes trade-offs visible, strengthening transparency and accountability. For example, investments in renewable energy simultaneously advance climate action, job creation and economic growth.

Crowding in the private sector

Private sector participation is also becoming central to Rwanda’s SDG financing strategy. Through the Integrated National Financing Framework (INFF), SDG priorities are transformed into bankable projects supported by guarantees, concessional finance and results-based payments.

These instruments reduce investment risk and attract private capital into sectors such as renewable energy, agriculture, housing, MSMEs and health, helping scale development impact beyond what public funding alone can achieve.

Managing fiscal risks and climate resilience

The report also flags potential fiscal risks, including rising debt service costs and contingent liabilities from public-private partnerships. To manage these risks, Rwanda is embedding SDG financing within a prudent macro-fiscal framework guided by debt sustainability thresholds and phased implementation.

Climate risk is fully integrated into investment planning. Projects are screened for resilience and aligned with green bonds and climate funds, ensuring long-term sustainability.

As Rwanda prepares for global platforms such as the Summit of the Future, the United Nations system has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the country’s development agenda.

“As we move towards the Summit of the Future and beyond, the United Nations system in Rwanda remains fully committed to supporting the government in mobilising the right type of capital to accelerate progress towards the SDGs,” said Ozonnia Ojielo, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Rwanda.

With UNDP’s technical support and strong government ownership, Rwanda’s SDG costing exercise is emerging as a regional model for results-based development financing, demonstrating how data, partnerships and innovative finance can turn ambition into measurable impact.

Minister of Finance Yusuf Murangwa and UN Resident Coordinator Ozonnia Ojielo sign the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2025—2029, May 2025. UNDP has provided technical leadership and advisory support throughout the SDG costing process.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

This issue was addressed during a press conference held on Monday, January 19, 2026, at Stade Amahoro. The event was attended by the Country Director of QA Venue Solutions Rwanda, John Ntigengwa; the CEO of Rwanda Premier League, Jules Karangwa; and Tokoloho Moeketsi, the Commercial Director at QA Venue Solutions.

The discussion comes amid growing complaints from various stakeholders, including federations and teams using Stade Amahoro and smaller venues like Petit Stade, who have criticized the high rental prices. Fans attending matches at the stadium have also expressed dissatisfaction with the excessively high prices for drinks and food.

Ntigengwa mentioned that QA Solutions, which has extensive experience in managing sports and entertainment venues, signed an agreement with the Rwandan Government on May 15, 2025, to manage Stade Amahoro to ensure its efficient operation and generate revenue.

The goal is for the stadium to remain in top condition, provide a return on investment, and allow the government to recoup its initial investment.

'The stadium must be used, but it should also generate income. Such an investment takes time, but we want to ensure it stays intact, always looking good, and at an international standard,' he said.

No fixed price for renting Stade Amahoro

On July 1, 2024, President Paul Kagame, together with Dr. Patrice Motsepe, the President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), officially inaugurated the revamped Amahoro Stadium, which had been under renovation for two years. The stadium’s capacity was increased from 25,000 to 45,000 seated spectators, and it was fully covered.

Since then, the stadium has hosted both local and international events, but the management has stated that no set price has yet been established for its rental.

John Ntigengwa, the Managing Director of QA Solutions Rwanda, explained that when the company was given the authority to manage the stadium, discussions were held with various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Sports, federations, and teams, and it was realized that the price for renting the stadium for events was too high. This led to the decision to differentiate prices based on the type of events held there.

'Since we started hosting events, we still don’t have a clear price for renting Stade Amahoro at this point for each team. We’ve been working with varying event prices, and the data from these trials will be used to determine the final rental rates,' he added.

Country Director of QA Venue Solutions Rwanda, John Ntigengwa at the press conference held on Monday.

Rental fees

QA Solutions Rwanda disclosed a meeting was scheduled on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, with the Rwanda Premier League (RPL), FERWAFA, and football teams to find a lasting solution to the pricing issue.

Ntigengwa mentioned that in previous discussions, teams suggested that the rental price for the stadium should be between Rwf3 million and Rwf5 million, and this is the direction they plan to follow.

He said, 'Stade Amahoro belongs to the Rwandan people, and it should be used by Rwandans. But to ensure that everyone contributes, we have found that working together is necessary. The government is always there to help us.'

He also clarified that historically, renting Amahoro Stadium was priced at Rwf 10 million , but it has now been reduced to Rwf3 million thanks to government subsidies. Additional costs for utilities like water, electricity, security, protocol, ambulances, and insurance for any possible incidents at the stadium also contribute to the final rental price.

The total rental cost for the stadium can rise, as evidenced through the match between APR FC and Rayon Sports in November 2025, where the rental cost alone was Rwf32 million, including Rwf 10 million for the stadium and additional costs for other services.

QA Solutions Rwanda has formed partnerships with companies involved in ticket sales, security, and protocol management to ensure services meet the required standards.

Ntigengwa stated that if a match is expected to have fewer attendees, thereby reducing the need for extensive security and protocol staff, the costs for teams would be adjusted accordingly.

Pricing for food and beverages

Since Amahoro Stadium’s renovation, fans have frequently complained about the high prices of food and drinks. For example, a bottle of water has been sold for Rwf 2,500, and coffee for Rwf 8,000, prices that are often three times higher than outside the stadium.

During the press conference, Ntigengwa explained that the selection of vendors for food and drink sales at the stadium is QA Solutions Rwanda’s responsibility, as they must comply with health and hygiene regulations.

Stade Amahoro has 35 designated vending spaces, including 14 on the lower level and 21 on the upper level, with 17 doors available for permanent sales, some of which have been allocated to sports organizations.

Regarding the prices, Ntigengwa said, 'This issue arose before we took over, but just recently, we faced a situation where someone was charging excessive prices for water. I personally spoke to the vendor and made it clear that such prices are unacceptable. Coffee is now priced between Rwf 3,000 and Rwf 4,000, not Rwf 8,000.'

Increased revenue

Jules Karangwa, the CEO of the Rwanda Premier League, mentioned that Tuesday’s meeting will be the third held between this organization and QA Solutions Rwanda to discuss cooperation.

He pointed out that athletes must understand that the stadium is now at an international standard, and although the rental price is higher than other local stadiums, it is justified by the upgraded facilities.

'The mindset must change. What people pay for events here is different from what they pay elsewhere. We are already discussing how to generate more revenue and increase income.'

He said, 'Mindsets need to change. What a person contributes to play at the stadium is different from what is paid elsewhere. Now the discussions are focused on how we manage expenses and increase revenue more effectively.'

Karangwa also highlighted the opportunities brought by Stade Amahoro’s renovation. In the past, it was hard to generate more than Rwf 400 million annually from the stadium, but since the renovation, the stadium has made Rwf 950 million.

The CEO of Rwanda Premier League, Jules Karangwa

The upgraded Amahoro Stadium was inaugurated in 2024.

IGIHE

A rapper and storyteller at heart, Kid’s music reflects the complexities of life, with his lyrics speaking to the everyday struggles, triumphs, and experiences of his community.

In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, Kid from Kigali, born Brian Kimonyo, takes viewers behind the scenes of his latest music video, 'Yububu,' featuring soulful vocalist Mike Kayihura. The footage captures the energy, hustle, and personality fans rarely see, while Kid also opens up about life beyond the music.

Released as part of his 2025 album Stories From The Kid, 'Yububu' highlights the chemistry between Kid from Kigali’s unique style and Mike Kayihura’s emotive R&B vocals. Produced by Rwandan talents G Flat and Bob Pro, the track’s polished production serves as a centrepiece for an album that explores personal themes of love, heartbreak, and the artist’s journey navigating the highs and lows of life.

A rapper and storyteller at heart, Kid’s music reflects the complexities of life.

Kid’s routine

Kid’s day begins at home, where he unwinds with some PlayStation before delving into the creative process. It’s an intimate peek into the daily life of an artist who is just as comfortable with the controller as he is with his pen.

'When I wake up, I make sure to pray and get some fresh air. If I feel inspired, I’ll start writing or call my producer to get to work,' Kid says, offering a glimpse of his calm morning routine.

But the day is far from predictable. As Kid’s schedule fills up, he balances studio sessions, interviews, and meetings with potential brands.

“Now that I’ve finished my album, I’m not going to the studio as much. But when I was wrapping up, I was in the studio every day,” he adds.

After a busy day of content creation and brand-building, Kid heads to the basketball court to clear his mind.

“Basketball is my way to stay grounded,” he explains.

Music and personal life intertwined

Despite his busy schedule, Kid still finds time to be a homebody, especially on weekends. “That’s when I can relax if I don’t have a show,” he admits.

When it comes to his music, Kid says, he always tries to remain authentic. He believes that life experiences are at the core of his creative process.

“The inspiration for my music comes from my stories and the life I live,” he explains.

His latest album, Stories From The Kid, reflects his growth as an artist and as a person.

The title of his album, Stories From The Kid, holds a special meaning for Kid from Kigali. 'I want everyone from where we’re from to feel represented, like any kid from Kigali, Nyamirambo, Nyamata… anywhere,' he says.

Now in his mid 20s, Kid has gained significant attention, with his music now reaching fans beyond Rwanda.

“Yububu”, a song for the girls

When it comes to creating his music videos, Kid ensures the visuals reflect the emotion of the track. For 'Yububu,' he says, 'I want to make it for the girls.'

Despite being three years old, Kid says he often looks to women for their take on music. 'Every time I play it for girls…I feel they’re usually the ones who predict what’s good and what’s not,' he adds.

Real life inspirations

Kid’s music isn’t just for entertainment; it’s a reflection of his life. From the struggles to the celebrations, his lyrics are rooted in real-world experiences.

“The tracks are from real-life experiences of heartbreak, confidence, and even moments of insecurity,” he says. His fans connect with his authenticity, as they can relate to the stories he tells. In fact, Kid believes that releasing an album allows fans to understand him on a deeper level.

'It’s way more. Because people can listen to a single, they’re like, 'Ah, this guy’s good.’ You can drop another single, they’re like, 'He’s good.’ But when you do a project, they get to understand you at a different level because you’re giving them different sides of yourself,' he explains.

One of Kid’s standout tracks, “Late Nights,” encapsulates this raw honesty. “It’s the only song in Rwanda telling people to go home,” he says. “Usually, everyone is telling you to go out, party, and stay out late. But I’m saying, go home and sleep. Kigali isn’t for the weak.”

The journey ahead

Now in his mid 20s, Kid has gained significant attention, with his music now reaching fans beyond Rwanda.

'Everything in music or in life is a journey. You have to stay patient… I stayed patient enough to get to the level where the things that I wrote are coming to life,' he reflects.

Although his visibility is growing and his streams are increasing, Kid remains humble about his progress.

'I still have a long way to go,' he says, acknowledging that the journey is far from over, with plenty of milestones yet to come.

For anyone starting out, Kid urges them to stay true to themselves and pursue their music with passion, even when the journey feels scary.

Catch the full story in the video below.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Minister Nduhungirehe is leading a delegation of senior government officials at the 56th Annual Meeting of the WEF in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, which kicked off on Monday, January 19, 2026. The officials include Minister of ICT & Innovation Paula Ingabire and Rwanda Development Board CEO Jean-Guy Afrika.

The forum, held under the theme ‘A Spirit of Dialogue’, has brought together more than 3,000 participants, including 65 heads of state and government, to discuss pressing global challenges.

'This Forum is a key global platform for engaging with policymakers and business leaders alike,' Nduhungirehe told The New Times. 'It also reflects Rwanda’s practical approach to diplomacy aimed at attracting investment and positioning ourselves as a reliable global partner.'

Rwanda has been actively participating in WEF annual meetings for many years as part of its strategy to engage global policymakers and investors. President Paul Kagame has attended multiple editions, including in 2013, 2017, 2019, and 2024.

Since 2020, Rwanda has hosted WEF’s Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR), which focuses on artificial intelligence, data governance, digital identity, smart cities, and other emerging technologies. The country also hosted the World Economic Forum on Africa in 2016, reinforcing its role as a hub for innovation and investment on the continent.

This week, global leaders at WEF are discussing how to cooperate in an increasingly contested world, unlock new sources of growth, invest in people, deploy innovation at scale, and build prosperity within planetary boundaries.

Minister Ingabire is slated to participate in a panel titled At the Cusp of Healthcare for All, alongside Bill Gates and Peter Sands of the Global Fund, focusing on scaling solutions to strengthen global health systems.

The annual WEF meeting remains the world’s leading marketplace of ideas, where private negotiations, informal discussions, and strategic engagements take place behind closed doors, shaping the global economic and political agenda.

Rwanda’s participation in the World Economic Forum highlights its practical approach to diplomacy, says Foreign Affairs Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe.

IGIHE

The activities commenced with the reconstruction of houses for local residents affected by Hurricane Melissa, marking the start of practical humanitarian and engineering support to impacted communities.

The joint effort reflects close coordination between the two defence forces in support of Jamaica’s recovery and rebuilding process.

Through combined technical expertise in construction, RDF and JDF engineers are restoring damaged houses’ structures to improve living conditions for affected families.

According to the RDF Engineer contingent Commander, Col Moses Kayigamba, the mission goes beyond infrastructure repair, highlighting the importance of solidarity with the people of Jamaica and contributing to long-term resilience.

He confirmed that the reconstruction works are carried out in support of Jamaican local authorities and JDF ensuring that the support provided aligns with Jamaican priorities and the national recovery process.

The deployment of the RDF Engineer Contingent to Jamaica underscores Rwanda’s commitment to international solidarity, cooperation, and humanitarian assistance in response to natural disasters.

The Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) Engineer Contingent in collaboration with engineers from the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), have officially launched joint reconstruction works in Montego Bay City.

Through combined technical expertise in construction, RDF and JDF engineers are restoring damaged houses’ structures to improve living conditions for affected families.

The activities commenced with the reconstruction of houses for local residents affected by Hurricane Melissa.

The joint effort reflects close coordination between the two defence forces in support of Jamaica’s recovery and rebuilding process.

IGIHE

The minister made the remarks on January 19, 2026, during a discussion with senators on the progress of the livestock sector in Rwanda.

He said developing livestock farming requires increasing the volume of animal feed produced locally, which would help lower prices and reduce reliance on imports.

The government is continuing to invest in livestock development, including cattle, small livestock, and aquaculture, with the goal of increasing overall production.

Farmers are being supported to access improved breeds. In cattle farming, particular emphasis is being placed on increasing the number of improved breeds that produce higher milk yields and quality meat.

To accelerate the spread of improved breeds, the government plans to introduce advanced livestock technologies, including embryo transfer, which allows cattle to reproduce using transferred embryos.

Fish production is projected to rise from 52,000 tonnes in 2025 to 77,000 tonnes by 2029, while egg production is expected to increase from 17,000 tonnes in 2024 to 21,000 tonnes.

Dr. Ndabamenye stressed that growth in livestock numbers must go hand in hand with increased availability of affordable animal feed.

'Some of the inputs used in animal feed are sourced locally, but others are imported. To close this gap, we must strengthen local supply so that imports are reduced,' he said.

He noted that imported feed inputs often push prices up due to transport and other costs, making them unaffordable for many farmers.

Although Rwanda already has animal feed processing plants, the minister said many are operating far below capacity and need to be strengthened to meet national demand.

'Most of them operate at only between 32% and 60% of their capacity. That is not satisfactory if we want to ensure sufficient animal feed,' he said.

He added that while some raw materials may still need to be imported, the volumes can be significantly reduced. The government is pursuing two major strategies: increasing crop production—since agriculture must feed both people and livestock—and strengthening collaboration with the private sector to improve efficiency in feed production.

According to the minister, enabling feed factories to operate at 80% to 90% of their capacity would significantly boost output. He also pointed to the importance of establishing storage facilities across the country for raw materials destined for animal feed processing.

Industrial animal feed production largely relies on by-products from maize, soybean, sugarcane, and other agro-processing industries.

Rwanda aims to ensure these by-products are properly stored and sold domestically, instead of being exported and later re-imported in the form of expensive animal feed.

Figures from the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) show that maize by-products amounted to 38,044 tonnes in 2024 and are expected to reach 70,560 tonnes by 2029.

Rice by-products are projected to rise from 859,516 tonnes to 1.3 million tonnes over the same period, while sugar industry by-products are expected to increase from 2,726 tonnes to 7,098 tonnes.

'We want a system that ensures farmers have access to sufficient animal feed,' Dr. Ndabamenye said. 'We are working to improve investment frameworks and ensure that industrial by-products are channelled back into livestock farming, while strictly observing quality standards—because poor-quality feed leads to losses.'

Senator Pelagie Uwera and Senator Dr. Leatitia Nyinawamwiza highlighted that the quality of animal feed remains a major concern and called for stronger oversight to ensure standards are met.

The Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Dr. Telesphore Ndabamenye, has said that Rwanda is stepping up efforts to reduce the high cost and limited supply of animal feed by boosting domestic production.

IGIHE

In a statement released on January 18, 2026, family representative Gabriel Bienvenu Baonoku Nangaa, currently exiled in Paris, said the repression against the family began in late 2023. This coincided with the creation of the AFC by the former head of the DRC electoral commission and its subsequent coalition with M23 rebel forces. Since then, Bienvenu revealed, family members have increasingly been targeted with arrests, detentions, and legal restrictions without due process.

'The arbitrary arrests, threats, and intimidation aimed at subjecting all members of the Nangaa family to fear and terror have become common,' the statement said.

The most recent case cited is that of Didier Ilaani Nangaa, who has been held for more than ten days in detention centers of the National Intelligence Agency (ANR) in Isiro, in Haut-Uele Province. According to the family, his detention is not supported by legally valid charges and has taken place outside any regular judicial framework.

The family says this incident is part of a broader pattern. In January 2024, it addressed an open letter to President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo to denounce what it described as persecution, repression, and the targeting of individuals without cause. Rather than improving, the family claims the situation has since worsened.

According to the communiqué, several members of the Nangaa family have been detained in prisons as well as in facilities run by the ANR and the military intelligence service, DEMIAP. The family alleges that four of its members have been sentenced to death since July 2024. Others are said to have been forced into exile, while some remain under movement restrictions, particularly in and around the city of Isiro.

The statement also describes repeated house searches, threats, and intimidation, alleging that security forces have carried out illegal and recurrent operations, including the invasion of family homes.

The accusations come against the backdrop of ongoing conflict and political instability in eastern DRC, where the AFC/M23 rebel alliance has seized large areas of territory, including the cities of Goma and Bukavu. The rebels say they are fighting against poor governance and for the rights of Kinyarwanda-speaking communities.

In its communiqué, the Nangaa family called on the international community, human rights organisations, and Congolese authorities to take urgent measures to end what it describes as persecution and to ensure the protection of its members’ fundamental rights.

The family is demanding the immediate and unconditional release of Didier Ilaani Nangaa and all other relatives, it says, who are being held arbitrarily.

The family of Corneille Nangaa, the political coordinator of the AFC/M23 rebel alliance, has accused authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) of carrying out a campaign of systematic persecution, arbitrary arrests, and intimidation against its members.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The accident occurred at around 7:45 p.m. local time (1845 GMT) on Sunday, when a train carrying 317 passengers on the Malaga-Madrid route derailed for reasons still unknown near Adamuz, about 20 km north of the city of Cordoba.

As of Monday, authorities had confirmed 40 fatalities, while 48 people remained hospitalized, many of them in intensive care.

Sanchez canceled his scheduled agenda and traveled to the crash site, where he addressed the media and announced that the national mourning period would begin at midnight on Monday. He pledged a full investigation into the cause of the accident, describing it as a “painful day” for the country.

“We will get to the truth, we will find the answers,” Sanchez said, adding that the government would keep the public fully informed “with complete transparency.”

Juanma Moreno, president of the Andalusian regional government, said the impact of the derailment was “extremely violent,” noting that some bodies had been found hundreds of meters from the crash site, suggesting that passengers had been thrown from the train.

He warned that more victims could be discovered once heavy machinery arrives to clear the wreckage.

Spain’s Transport Minister Oscar Puente said earlier that it was “strange” for such an accident to occur on a straight section of track that had only been laid in May 2025. He added that the Malaga-Madrid service, operated by private company Iryo, was using relatively new rolling stock built in 2022.

Alvaro Fernandez Heredia, president of Spain’s state-owned rail operator Renfe, told Spanish state radio network RNE that human error had “been practically ruled out,” suggesting the cause was more likely related to Iryo’s rolling stock or an infrastructure failure.

Spanish media also reported that in August 2025, the national train drivers’ union had raised concerns with infrastructure operator ADIF over defects on the same section of track, including surface damage, unevenness and problems with overhead power lines.

The police block the way to the scene of train derailment in Adamuz, Spain, Jan. 19, 2026.(Xinhua/Cheng Min)

Xinhua

With few restraints, Trump’s presidency has become an example of executive authority being pushed to its limits, reshaping government operations and asserting U.S. dominance on the global stage.

Since assuming office on January 20, 2025, Trump has pursued aggressive actions on a number of fronts. At home, he has enacted sweeping changes to the federal government, significantly reducing the federal workforce and pushing forward with the deportation of immigrants through executive orders.

His administration has also closed or scaled back several government agencies, a move that has been praised by his supporters but criticized by many who see it as weakening critical public services.

Trump’s domestic policies have included economic deregulation and the implementation of tax cuts that have stirred debates across the political spectrum.

His administration’s immigration policies, including aggressive border enforcement and the reduction of asylum seekers, have been a cornerstone of his second presidency. His handling of these issues has highlighted his determination to reshape American society according to his vision, despite strong opposition from many quarters.

On the international front, Trump has used his executive powers to make bold moves that have rattled U.S. allies and adversaries alike. One of the most controversial actions has been his renewed efforts to assert control over Greenland, a move that drew ire from Denmark and several European countries.

Trump’s foreign policy has been characterized by unilateral actions, including a military operation in Venezuela to capture President Nicolás Maduro, signaling a more aggressive stance in Latin America. These bold actions reflect Trump’s ongoing belief that the U.S. should assert its dominance, even at the cost of alienating traditional allies.

While Trump’s policies and executive orders have had substantial impact, they have not been without controversy. His approval rating has fluctuated, with recent polls showing a dip in support, as critics raise concerns over the erosion of checks and balances.

Trump has faced opposition from Democrats who argue that his actions threaten the balance of powers enshrined in the U.S. Constitution.

However, his loyal Republican base continues to back his strong use of executive authority, which has ensured little pushback from Congress, where the Republican Party remains in control.

Trump’s first year has also raised concerns about the future of U.S. democracy and the separation of powers. Critics argue that Trump’s expanding use of presidential powers from military decisions to trade policies and immigration reforms could set dangerous precedents for future administrations.

Trump’s critics in the U.S. House of Representatives have even hinted at possible impeachment should the Republicans lose control of Congress in the upcoming midterm elections.

Looking forward, President Trump’s second year in office will likely continue to push the boundaries of presidential power, as he faces growing challenges both domestically and abroad.

However, the question remains: will Congress, the courts, or the public find ways to rein in his authority, or will Trump’s executive reach continue to shape the U.S. for years to come?

Trump has faced opposition from Democrats who argue that his actions threaten the balance of powers enshrined in the U.S. Constitution.

Rania Umutoni