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Hlungwane made the remarks in an interview with The Context podcast by The New Times, as Rwanda and South Africa work to restore diplomatic relations following years of tensions.

The interview was held a few days after Hlungwane and four other diplomats presented their credentials to President Paul Kagame, formally accrediting them to represent their respective countries and international organisations in Rwanda.

South Africa last had an ambassador in Rwanda in late 2024, when Mandisi Bongani Mabuto Mpahlwa completed his term. He had arrived in Rwanda in 2020.   

For years, Rwanda has repeatedly raised concerns over cooperation between FDLR and the Congolese government forces, as well as the group's persistent genocidal ideology, concerns it says have been downplayed by the international community.

'We know that every country has their threat and they have a right to defend themselves against any threat. And then we believe FDLR is not just a threat to Rwanda; it's the existential threat,' High Commissioner Hlungwane said.

He added that South Africa recognised Rwanda's right to protect itself against the group, which he said was among the issues addressed in agreements aimed at resolving the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Hlungwane pointed to the Washington agreement, which includes provisions requiring the DRC to stop supporting the FDLR and work towards its neutralization. He said the lack of progress in implementing this commitment remained a concern.

'Rwanda has a right to protect itself and their territorial integrity from being destabilised by such a threat, whether it's aided by the neighbouring country or by other external actors,' he said.

The High Commissioner's remarks come as the two countries seek to rebuild relations that deteriorated around 2014. 

Their foreign affairs ministers met in June 2026 and agreed on a roadmap to normalise diplomatic relations, including resuming visa issuance to ordinary Rwandan passport holders within 12 months and reactivating the Joint Commission on Cooperation.

Hlungwane said the renewed engagement would provide an opportunity for both countries to address sensitive matters, including legal and security concerns.

'There's no process like that. We are open. It's going to be an open commission. Each country is open to raise whatever issue they want discussed,' he said, adding that the commission would involve relevant government departments, including those responsible for justice and security.

On questions surrounding Rwandan dissidents living in South Africa, Hlungwane said his country would not allow individuals or groups to use its territory to mobilise efforts to overthrow another government.

'As a country we have a policy that we will never allow any group to mobilise to overthrow another country under our watch,' he said.

He explained that South Africa also had to observe its international obligations, including those relating to refugees, while addressing legal questions through appropriate judicial and international mechanisms.

Hlungwane said the two countries' justice departments could discuss such matters through the planned commission, adding that South Africa would not hesitate to act where applicable international legal obligations required it to do so.

The High Commissioner also addressed South Africa's role in the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), saying the mission's original purpose was to protect civilians but that events on the ground complicated its implementation.

He said South Africa eventually withdrew its troops and emphasised that his country believed the conflict required dialogue among Congolese stakeholders.

'We believe that DRC people must come together, must have a dialogue, must solve their own problems, and ourselves and even Rwanda can assist them in doing that,' he said.

South Africa withdrew troops from DRC in 2025, and were given passage through Rwanda after AFC/ M23 captured Goma.  

Hlungwane called for an inclusive national dialogue in the DRC, arguing that a lasting solution must emerge from discussions involving Congolese stakeholders, with the African Union playing a facilitative role.

He said stronger cooperation between Rwanda and South Africa could help advance peace and development across the continent, adding that the two countries had a shared interest in strengthening African institutions and resolving regional conflicts through dialogue.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/south-african-envoy-says-fdlr-poses-existential-threat-to-rwanda/

Nyiranyamibwa, who died on October 16, 2026, aged 83, was laid to rest following a funeral attended by family members, friends, fellow musicians and fans who gathered to pay tribute to her contribution to preserving and promoting Rwandan traditional music and culture.

Those in attendance included the Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, Dr. Jean-Damascène Bizimana, former Minister of State in the Ministry of Youth and Arts Edouard Bamporiki, and several musicians, including Mariya Yohana and Cyusa Ibrahim.

The farewell ceremony began in the morning and was followed by a requiem Mass at Regina Pacis Parish. The service was led by retired Bishop Philippe Rukamba before her body was taken to Rusororo Cemetery for burial.

The occasion provided an opportunity to reflect on her life and the legacy she left in Rwandan music.

The final farewell followed a night vigil held on October 23, 2026, during which family members and friends celebrated her life.

Nyiranyamibwa was one of the musicians who played a significant role in preserving Rwandan traditional music. She was known for songs including Telefone ko ititaba, Ni muberwe bakobwa, Ese mbaze nde?, Ndavunyisha and Nkumbuye iwacu.

She was also among the founders of Itorero Isamaza, a cultural troupe that played a role in supporting Rwanda's liberation struggle. Her musical works celebrated patriotism, Rwandan culture and the country's history. Some of her songs have also been used in commemorations of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

In 1973, Nyiranyamibwa fled Rwanda to escape persecution targeting the Tutsi. She initially lived in the Democratic Republic of the Congo before moving to Belgium, where she spent many years. She returned to Rwanda in 2016.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/nyiranyamibwa-souzanne-laid-to-rest-in-rusororo/

The newly identified species, Yuezhuornis yangyuanensis, lived during the Late Jurassic period, approximately 150 million to 148 million years ago.

Researchers say its unusual combination of bird-like bones and features associated with predatory dinosaurs provides evidence that early bird evolution followed more diverse paths than scientists had understood.

The fossil was discovered in the Zhenghe Fauna, a fossil-rich area in Fujian Province, by researchers from the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Fujian Institute of Geological Sciences.

According to a study published in the journal Nature, the crow-sized animal had closely spaced, serrated teeth resembling those of small meat-eating dinosaurs.

It also possessed a curved, sickle-shaped claw on its second toe, a feature associated with predatory dinosaur groups closely related to birds.

'When we examined Yuezhuornis, we were struck by its extraordinary mix of features,' said Min Wang, the study's corresponding author.

'It possesses bird-like pelvic and hindlimb structures yet retains the specialized predatory foot and teeth of a small meat-eating dinosaur. It shows us that early bird evolution was far more complicated than we previously realized,' Wang added.

Researchers analysed the fossil's skeletal proportions and compared them with those of other prehistoric animals to determine how it may have moved.

The results showed that its limb proportions resembled those of modern ground-dwelling birds and certain prehistoric relatives of birds.

This suggests that Yuezhuornis was adapted to life on the ground and was probably unable to fly.

The researchers describe the species as the earliest known example of a bird lineage losing its ability to fly, indicating that flightlessness emerged among early birds much earlier than previously recognised.

To establish its evolutionary position, scientists used two analytical methods to compare anatomical characteristics and estimate relationships among prehistoric species.

Both approaches placed Yuezhuornis within Avialae, the evolutionary group that includes modern birds and their closest extinct relatives.

The findings suggest that early birds were not simply evolving towards increasingly efficient flight. Instead, different species were adapting to distinct environments and lifestyles, including those suited to life on land.

Researchers say further discoveries from the Zhenghe fossil deposits could help clarify how early birds diversified and developed the wide range of forms seen throughout their evolutionary history.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/new-fossil-challenges-long-held-beliefs-about-how-birds-evolved/

The Beijing-based company announced the changes on Saturday, October 24, 2026, ahead of plans to release the model's underlying weights on November 4.

These files allow developers to run, modify and adapt an AI model on their own computer systems.

According to Reuters, Moonshot removed cybersecurity-related data from the model's training material and reinforcement-learning environments while retaining its general coding capabilities.

The company said the decision was intended to prevent the public release of a model that could significantly expand the ability to conduct sophisticated cyberattacks.

'We aim not to release open weights that would extend the absolute frontier of cyber capability,' Moonshot said.

The move comes as governments, technology companies and cybersecurity researchers increasingly warn that advanced AI systems could help malicious actors identify software weaknesses and automate parts of cyberattacks.

AI models capable of writing code, using software tools and completing complex tasks could make it easier to discover vulnerabilities in computer systems, including those supporting critical infrastructure and government services.

Moonshot said its risk-reduction measures had lowered the model's performance on an internal cybersecurity benchmark.

The company reported that Kimi K3.1 Pro scored 81.0% on a controlled test involving the identification and exploitation of software vulnerabilities, compared with 90.5% for a similar version without the additional restrictions.

The results have not been independently verified.

Despite the reduction, Moonshot said the new model still outperformed its predecessor.

The company maintains that openly available AI models can also improve cybersecurity by helping organisations identify weaknesses and protect their software, particularly older systems that may not receive regular security updates.

However, releasing model weights publicly presents additional challenges because developers have less control over how the technology is used once the files are widely distributed.

The announcement follows China's proposed export controls on certain AI-driven malware-generation technologies and tools that use AI to identify software vulnerabilities.

The proposed measures reflect growing concerns about the potential misuse of increasingly capable AI systems.

Kimi K3.1 Pro features a context window of one million tokens, allowing it to process large amounts of information in a single interaction.

Moonshot also introduced a faster version, K3.1 Pro Highspeed, which the company says operates two to three times faster than the standard model.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/chinese-ai-firm-limits-hacking-capabilities-of-new-kimi-model-amid-cybersecurity-fears/

The study, conducted by researchers at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine in the United States and published in the journal PNAS Nexus, examined why peri-implantitis, an infection that damages the bone surrounding dental implants, can be difficult to treat with antibiotics.

According to the findings published by ScienceDaily on October 23, 2026, between 10% and 20% of dental implant recipients develop the condition, which can eventually threaten the stability of the implant.

The researchers found that bacteria accumulating on titanium implant surfaces can form acidic layers that gradually corrode the metal, releasing tiny particles into surrounding gum tissue.

These particles can disrupt immune cells known as macrophages, which normally help the body fight infections.

When the particles enter the tissue, they attract bacterial toxins that cause macrophages to mistake them for harmful microorganisms.

However, because the immune cells cannot break down titanium, they remain trapped in a prolonged state of inflammation.

This response can damage the bone supporting the implant while reducing the immune system's ability to eliminate the bacteria responsible for the infection.

Georgios Kotsakis, the study's senior author and assistant dean for clinical research at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, said the findings explain why treatments that work for infections around natural teeth may be less effective around dental implants.

'For the first time, we show why all the antibiotic treatments that work around teeth do not work around implants,' Kotsakis said. 'Now that we know the cause, we can start developing therapeutics.'

The team also identified a calcium channel known as TRPC1, which plays a role in the inflammatory response triggered by titanium particles and bacterial toxins.

In experiments involving genetically engineered mice, researchers found that disabling the channel improved the immune response, reduced inflammation and helped the animals clear bacteria more effectively.

The findings suggest that targeting this pathway could lead to new treatments for peri-implantitis.

However, further research is needed before such therapies can be established as safe and effective for human patients.

The researchers are now evaluating potential drugs that target the same molecular pathway in human cells, with funding from the US National Institutes of Health.

The study also highlights the importance of proper dental implant care.

Researchers warn that some cleaning instruments can scratch titanium surfaces, potentially releasing additional particles and contributing to implant damage.

Regular professional cleaning using appropriate, non-abrasive techniques remains an important preventive measure for people with dental implants.

The findings provide a new explanation for why some implant-related infections are difficult to treat and could help scientists develop more effective approaches to protecting patients' oral health.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/dental-implants-may-weaken-immune-response-and-worsen-infections-study-finds/

The discovery was made by researchers at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI) in Australia and announced mid-month.

Their findings, published in the journal Cancer Cell, suggest that specialised immune cells known as gamma delta T cells could provide another way to fight tumours that evade the body's natural defences.

Small cell lung cancer is among the deadliest forms of lung cancer, with fewer than 7% of patients surviving five years after diagnosis, according to the research report.

Although immunotherapy has improved treatment for several cancers, its benefits for patients with this type of lung cancer remain limited. The disease can evade conventional immune cells, allowing cancer cells to continue growing.

Professor Kate Sutherland, the study's senior author, said the discovery could help address a longstanding challenge in cancer treatment.

'For decades, we've known that small cell lung cancer is exceptionally good at hiding from the immune system,' she said.

'We've found an immune cell that appears to be able to see through that disguise.'

To investigate the cells' cancer-fighting abilities, researchers developed miniature tumours in the laboratory using tissue samples donated by patients.

They introduced gamma delta T cells collected from the same patients' blood into these models.

The experiments showed that the immune cells could identify and destroy cancer cells.

Researchers also found that patients whose tumours contained greater numbers of these cells tended to have better treatment outcomes.

The team then tested two existing medicines, tarlatamab and zoledronate, to determine whether they could strengthen the immune response.

Tarlatamab, an existing treatment for small cell lung cancer, helped bring immune cells into contact with cancer cells, while zoledronate, used for conditions including osteoporosis, increased the availability and cancer-fighting activity of gamma delta T cells.

When combined, the medicines substantially increased the cells' ability to kill cancer cells in laboratory experiments.

Dr Jin Ng, the study's first author, said the findings could support the development of treatments that involve collecting immune cells, multiplying them outside the body and returning them to patients to fight cancer.

However, further research is needed to establish whether the approach is safe and effective in patients.

The researchers are now working with scientists at the Doherty Institute to explore how the discovery could be translated into new immunotherapy treatments.

The findings offer a potential new direction for treating small cell lung cancer, particularly for patients who respond poorly to existing therapies.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/scientists-discover-hidden-immune-defence-against-aggressive-lung-cancer/

The 33-year-old star shared selfies showing off her new look on Instagram on Thursday, October 22, 2026. The hairstyle features a deep side part and flipped ends, giving her a different appearance from the ponytail that has become one of her most recognisable features.

Grande, known for hits including 'Thank U, Next' and '7 Rings,' ended her Instagram post with a photograph of one of her dogs.

The transformation marks a notable change for the singer, who has maintained variations of her signature ponytail throughout much of her career.

Her new look comes as she prepares for the next phase of her acting career, with her upcoming film, Focker-in-Law, scheduled to arrive in cinemas on November 25, 2026.

Grande has previously indicated that she intends to take an extended break from public appearances after completing her Eternal Sunshine Tour and promoting the film.

In August, a representative told PEOPLE that the singer planned to step back from public visibility after the tour, citing the ongoing public scrutiny she had faced.

'She looks forward to finishing the tour and ending it on a high note, both healthily and happily, and then taking a much-deserved break from public-facing work and appearances,' the representative said.

Despite her plans to reduce her public appearances, Grande remains committed to promoting Focker-in-Law, according to a source who spoke to PEOPLE in September.

The hairstyle reveal also follows a difficult period for the singer. On October 19, she announced the death of her dog Coco, who had been part of her life for more than 17 years.

In an emotional Instagram tribute, Grande described Coco as the 'sweetest, most amazing and most beautiful' companion, sharing photographs and videos documenting their years together.

'Thank you for your love, and for blessing this planet with your physical presence for over seventeen wonderful years,' she wrote.

Grande has built a successful career spanning music and acting. In recent years, she gained renewed attention for portraying Glinda in the film adaptations of the musical Wicked.

Her latest hairstyle change offers fans a fresh look at the star as she balances her acting commitments with plans to spend more time away from the public eye.

With her retro bob replacing a hairstyle closely associated with her image, Grande's latest appearance has introduced a new chapter in her evolving personal style.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/ariana-grande-debuts-retro-bob-leaving-behind-her-signature-ponytail/

In a statement entitled 'Declaration on Support for and Citizen Ownership of the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN),' the organisation calls for an inclusive national process grounded in justice, democracy, respect for the Constitution and peaceful coexistence.

The emergence of the FRN comes amid the protracted conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where the M23 has fought government forces and seized control of territory.

Corruption, insecurity and human rights

The DPC denounces what it describes as persistent corruption, misappropriation of public funds, money laundering and violations of the Constitution. According to the organisation, these challenges weaken state institutions and undermine public confidence in the authorities.

The platform also raises concerns about the continuing security and humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC, particularly in North Kivu and South Kivu. It denounces human rights violations, restrictions affecting certain essential activities and the spread of hate speech targeting, among others, the Banyamulenge, Congolese Tutsi, Swahili-speaking communities and Kinyarwanda-speaking populations.

For the DPC, these challenges require a collective response that transcends political divisions and community affiliations.

FRN should go beyond a single political figure

The organisation has welcomed the creation of the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation, an initiative associated with former Congolese president Joseph Kabila. However, it stresses that the initiative should not be reduced to a project driven by a single political figure.

The DPC advocates a genuinely national, participatory and inclusive process involving Congolese citizens both at home and abroad.

Its stated priorities include national unity, lasting peace, democratic consolidation, respect for the Constitution, the protection of human rights and the restoration of trust between citizens and public institutions.

The statement also refers to Article 64 of the DRC Constitution of 18 February 2006, which establishes the duty to oppose any individual or group that seizes power by force or exercises it in violation of constitutional provisions.

Pitchou Shomongo emphasises justice and peaceful coexistence

The DPC's position echoes concerns expressed by Pitchou Shomongo during a mobilisation held in The Hague, the Netherlands, in support of the Banyamulenge community.

At the time, he stated: 'If we are in The Hague today, it is to make our demands, to insist that justice be done.'

He also stressed the importance of peaceful coexistence, saying: 'We want people to live in peace; we want people to live together.'

These statements, which should be understood in the context of that mobilisation, highlight concerns about justice, the protection of communities and the fight against hate speech.

While the mobilisation in The Hague focused specifically on calls for justice concerning the Banyamulenge, the DPC's support for the FRN addresses the broader questions of governance and the institutional future of the DRC.

A call for citizen engagement

Through its statement, the Congolese Plural Diaspora urges citizens to take part in discussions about the country's future and contribute concrete proposals for national renewal.

According to the organisation, the success of this process will depend on its adoption by the wider population and on respect for equality before the law, regardless of origin, community affiliation or political opinion.

The DPC concluded its statement with a message promoting national unity and peaceful coexistence: 'Long live national unity and peaceful coexistence!'

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/drc-congolese-plural-diaspora-backs-frn-calls-for-inclusive-national-renewal/

The event, scheduled to begin at 8 a.m., is organised by the Rwanda Books Industry Association (RWABIA/PSF) in collaboration with the Rwanda Writers Federation (RWF) and partners. Representatives of the Pan-African Writers Association, a continental body bringing together writers and writers' organisations across Africa, are also expected to attend.

The celebration aims to promote African literature, strengthen reading and writing culture, support the publishing industry and highlight the contribution of writers to the continent's social, cultural and economic development.

Writers at the heart of Africa's transformation

The 2026 celebration will be held under the theme: 'African Writers at the Heart of Africa's Transformation: Writing Our Stories, Preserving Our Heritage and Building a Knowledge-Based Continent.'

The theme highlights the role of writers in preserving history, culture and knowledge while contributing to Africa's intellectual and economic development.

A high-level panel discussion will examine the question: 'Can Africa Build a Knowledge-Based Economy Without Building a Strong Reading, Writing and Publishing Culture?'

The discussion will explore how books, research, publishing and reading can contribute to Africa's long-term development.

International Book Fair among major highlights

The programme will feature an International Book Fair and Exhibition, where writers, publishers and other book industry players will showcase their works.

Participants will be able to discover and purchase books, interact with authors and publishers, establish professional networks and explore opportunities for collaboration across African countries.

Other activities will include panel discussions, book presentations and launches, group discussions, networking sessions and recognition of outstanding writers for their contributions to literature, education, research and culture.

Hategekimana highlights writers' role in national development

Richard Hategekimana, chairman of the Rwanda Books Industry Association and president of the Rwanda Writers Federation, said the celebration provides an opportunity to recognise writers as contributors to national and continental development.

He expressed appreciation to President Paul Kagame for promoting values such as patriotism, discipline, resilience, hard work and commitment to national development, which he said continue to inspire Rwanda's writing community.

'On behalf of Rwanda's writers and the book industry, we deeply appreciate the leadership of His Excellency President Paul Kagame. His leadership has inspired us to understand that writing is not simply about producing books; it is also a responsibility to preserve knowledge, document our country's journey, promote our values and ensure that future generations understand where Rwanda has come from, what it has achieved and the aspirations that continue to guide its development,' Hategekimana said.

He urged writers to uphold these values by documenting Rwanda's experiences and achievements while contributing ideas that support the country's continued development.

'These values should also guide us as writers. We have a responsibility to write our own stories, document Rwanda's achievements accurately and responsibly, preserve our history and contribute ideas that can support the country's continued development,' he added.

Hategekimana also called for greater support for writers, describing investment in the book industry as an investment in knowledge and the development of society.

'When we support a writer, we are investing in knowledge. When people buy and read books, they contribute to building a society that thinks critically, creates knowledge, innovates and preserves its story for future generations,' he said.

He called on universities, schools, private sector institutions, development partners and the wider public to support writers by buying, reading and promoting their books.

'Our writers must be valued, our books must be read, and African stories must be documented and preserved by Africans themselves,' he said.

Writers urged to document Rwanda's development journey

Hategekimana encouraged Rwandan writers to conduct research, produce quality publications and document developments in areas including education, governance, economic transformation, technology, entrepreneurship, culture, unity and infrastructure.

'Our country is producing experiences and lessons that deserve to be documented. If we do not write them, important knowledge can be lost. As writers, we must therefore transform what our country is achieving into books, research and other forms of knowledge that can be accessed by Rwandans, Africans and future generations,' he said.

He also urged young Rwandans to embrace reading, writing and research, noting that a knowledge-based economy requires citizens who can think critically, question existing ideas, innovate and generate new knowledge.

'Let us write Rwanda. Let us preserve our heritage. Let us document our achievements and lessons.

'And above all, let us build a generation that understands that books and knowledge are essential foundations of sustainable development,' he said.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/literary-community-to-convene-in-kigali-for-2026-africa-writers-day/

A possible meeting had been discussed for the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit scheduled for November 18 and 19 in Shenzhen, China.

In August, Trump said he planned to meet Kim later this year. South Korea's intelligence agency told lawmakers late last month that there was a 50% chance of a meeting during the APEC summit.

However, Trump played down the prospect this week, saying he was unsure whether anyone was seeking a meeting. 'I get along with him very well, and I'm not sure that anybody's asking for a meeting,' he told reporters at the White House.

South Korean officials have indicated that preparations have not advanced. Seoul's ambassador to Washington, Kang Kyung-wha, said last week there had been no concrete progress towards a summit.

Another South Korean official said Pyongyang had shown no signs of preparing for a meeting.

A White House official said Trump remained willing to speak with Kim without preconditions, adding that there were no meetings to announce. The official said the leaders would meet 'at the appropriate time'.

North Korea has signalled that it would impose tough conditions for a summit, potentially including sanctions relief.

Pyongyang may be seeking a public signal from Washington that its policy could change.

Ankit Panda, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, estimated the chance of a meeting at the APEC summit at less than 10%.

He said recent US steps to scale back military exercises with South Korea had not been enough to prompt Pyongyang.

Washington has sometimes sought China's help in encouraging dialogue, given Beijing's close ties with North Korea.

But talks between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping have not produced a breakthrough with Pyongyang.

Trump and Kim's meetings in 2018 and 2019 were historic but failed to deliver concrete agreements on denuclearisation.

The two Koreas remain technically at war, as the 1950-1953 conflict ended with an armistice.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/trump-kim-meeting-faces-dimming-prospects-as-north-korea-stays-silent/