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The meeting was concluded by UPDF Deputy Land Forces Commander, Major General Francis Takirwa.

It focused on strengthening cooperation between the two forces and fostering closer ties with the communities along the border.

Various strategies were outlined to enhance joint efforts in promoting security and stability along the shared border.

In his closing remarks, Major General Takirwa, thanked participants for their active involvement and constructive contributions throughout the meeting.

He underscored the importance of sustained collaboration in combating cross-border illegal activities and encouraged both forces to improve regular information sharing.

He highlighted that the continued partnership reflects the commitment of both militaries’ leadership, under the guidance of their respective Commanders-in-Chiefs to address shared challenges.

Maj Gen Takirwa expressed gratitude to the President of the Republic of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, and the President of the Republic of Uganda, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, whose visionary leadership enabled the realization of this vital initiative.

He also acknowledged the Chiefs of Defence Staff of both countries for their role in facilitating these meetings.

'Enhanced security benefits both sides, as it allows citizens to confidently engage in business and other activities, knowing that their safety is assured,' he concluded.

The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between the two forces and fostering closer ties with the communities along the border.

Major General Takirwa, thanked participants for their active involvement and constructive contributions throughout the meeting.

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The two-day forum, marking the ninth Africa Amnesty Month and held under the theme “Safer Communities through Voluntary Disarmament,” aims to promote peace and security throughout Africa.

Ugandan First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga, who officiated at the launch, urged AU members to strengthen cooperation in enforcing national laws and international agreements in support of the continental bloc’s goal of “Silencing the Guns” by 2030.

“This event underscores a vital commitment to fostering peace, security, and stability across Africa. It’s significant to foster safer communities,” Kadaga said.

Organized under the AU Peace and Security Council, the meeting brings together representatives of the AU, the East African Community, the United Nations, civil society, youth, women’s groups, the media, and other stakeholders to advance the continental agenda of ending armed violence.

The AU declared September each year as Africa Amnesty Month in 2017, encouraging civilians to voluntarily surrender illegal firearms without facing prosecution. This initiative has since been extended to 2030.

As part of this year’s events, a symbolic destruction of collected illicit and obsolete firearms will be held in the eastern Ugandan city of Jinja on Friday.

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The company’s stock fell 4.3% in less than two days, sliding to $1,140.50 by Thursday afternoon in New York. The decline pulled its market capitalisation down to $482.9 billion from around $498 billion on Wednesday, according to figures from stockanalysis.com.

The controversy erupted earlier in the week after conservative social media account Libs of TikTok revived the hashtag #CancelNetflix, citing corporate diversity policies and the inclusion of LGBTQ+ characters in animated series such as Dead End: Paranormal Park. The campaign quickly gathered momentum, with critics alleging that Netflix was exposing children to inappropriate narratives.

Resurfaced clip from Dead End: Paranormal Park led Musk to encourage his followers to cancel their subscriptions.

Musk entered the debate on Wednesday, reposting the hashtag to his 227 million followers on X, the social media platform he owns. 'Cancel Netflix for the health of your kids,' he wrote, intensifying calls for a boycott.

His intervention added weight to the backlash, with users posting screenshots of cancelled subscriptions across social media platforms. Shares fell for a third consecutive day as the campaign spread, heightening pressure on the California-based streaming leader.

Hamish Steele, the creator of Dead End: Paranormal Park, rejected the claims in a series of now-deleted posts on Bluesky, describing the accusations as 'lies and slander.'

The issue has also revived scrutiny of Musk’s own complicated relationship with gender identity. His eldest daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, publicly transitioned in 2022, a move Musk later attributed to what he called the 'woke mind virus.'

Netflix has not formally addressed the controversy, but the stock’s slide shows how quickly cultural flashpoints can become financial headaches for global brands.

Netflix has shed more than $15 billion in market value after billionaire Elon Musk urged consumers to cancel their subscriptions, accusing the streaming giant of pushing what he described as harmful 'woke' content.

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Prime Minister Dr Justin Nsengiyumva told parliament on Thursday that the government plans to prioritise programmes that boost productivity while encouraging smallholder farmers to adopt modern agricultural technologies.

'Agriculture is the backbone of our economy and a critical driver of citizens’ welfare,' he noted.

Current context and goals

In 2024, agriculture contributed 25% to Rwanda’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The government plans to increase this share while achieving full food self-sufficiency by 2029, up from the current 79.6%.

The sector has played a key role in improving the economy and livelihoods. Between 2017 and 2024, Rwanda’s per capita GDP rose from $754 to $1,040, driven in part by agriculture and related industries. The value of agro-processed products also rose, reaching Frw 1 trillion in 2024, up from Frw 369 billion in 2017.

Agriculture employs 55% of the rural population and 12% of urban residents. Nearly 70% of Rwandans rely on farming for their livelihoods, with almost half producing primarily for the market.

Strategic interventions

To reach the 50% growth target, the government plans to expand irrigated farmland from 74,375 hectares in 2024 to 132,171 hectares by 2029. Smallholder farmers with plots under 10 hectares will receive subsidies covering 50% of irrigation equipment costs.

The government is also investing in local seed multiplication to reduce dependency on imported seeds and is promoting increased fertiliser use from 73.1 kg per hectare in 2024 to a projected 94.6 kg by 2029, to boost yields.

Investment in agriculture will rise, with bank loans allocated to the sector expected to grow from 6% today to at least 10% by 2029. Farmers are encouraged to insure crops and livestock to minimise losses, with current schemes covering over 300,000 farmers and 56,761 livestock keepers.

Production targets

Rwanda plans to increase grain storage capacity from 318,000 tonnes to 420,000 tonnes by 2029. Annual milk production is expected to rise from 1.09 billion litres to 1.3 billion litres, while fish output will grow from 48,000 tonnes in 2024 to 77,000 tonnes. Egg production is projected to reach 21,000 tonnes, up from 17,000 tonnes.

Prime Minister Nsengiyumva said these interventions, combined with modern technology adoption, strategic investment, and insurance programmes, are central to achieving sustainable agricultural growth and improving the livelihoods of Rwandans.

Prime Minister Dr Justin Nsengiyumva told parliament on Thursday that the government plans to prioritise programmes that boost productivity while encouraging smallholder farmers to adopt modern agricultural technologies.

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The Tesla and SpaceX chief’s financial leap is largely tied to Tesla’s performance on the markets. Musk controls over 12% of the company, and a rebound in its shares this year, up more than 14% so far, added billions to his fortune in a single day. The stock climbed 3.3% on Wednesday alone, contributing roughly $6 billion to his total wealth.

This milestone follows months of volatility. Earlier in the year, Tesla struggled with declining sales and tighter profit margins, putting pressure on its share price. Investor sentiment began to turn when Musk renewed his focus on his companies, stepping back into a visible leadership role.

'He’s front and centre again,' Tesla board chair Robyn Denholm remarked recently, noting his return after a spell of political activity in Washington.

To further demonstrate confidence, Musk purchased roughly $1 billion worth of Tesla stock in September. The move came as the company pushes to transform itself from a pure carmaker into a leader in artificial intelligence and robotics, a shift Musk has repeatedly described as Tesla’s future.

But Tesla is only part of the picture. His rocket firm SpaceX is estimated to be worth about $400 billion following recent private share sales, while his artificial intelligence venture xAI, launched just last year, has already been valued at $75 billion, with expectations it could soar past $200 billion in future rounds.

Together, these enterprises reflect Musk’s deepening reach into industries that investors see as defining the next era of technology.

Musk’s achievement also widens the gap between him and his closest rival on the Forbes index, Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, whose wealth is pegged at $350.7 billion.

While Musk’s ascent to the $500 billion mark is historic, analysts caution that his fortune remains highly exposed to market swings. A sharp downturn in Tesla shares or changes in investor appetite for private tech valuations could significantly impact his net worth.

Still, with his portfolio spanning electric mobility, space exploration, and artificial intelligence, Musk’s influence on the global economy is unlikely to diminish anytime soon.

Elon Musk has entered uncharted territory in the world of wealth. On Wednesday, Forbes’ Real-Time Billionaire Index placed his fortune at $500.1 billion (around Frw 724 trillion), making him the first individual in history to cross the half-trillion-dollar threshold.

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According to the rebel coalition, the attacks targeted densely populated areas, destroying homes and prompting many residents to flee. Casualty figures have not yet been independently confirmed.

In Rutshuru, M23 reports indicate that three homes in the Kisisile area of the Bukoma groupement were destroyed, approximately three kilometres from the town centre.

Meanwhile, in Walikale’s Ikobo groupement, local residents fled or barricaded themselves in their homes after a drone strike in Buleusa. Schools in the area were suspended on October 2 as parents expressed concern for the safety of their children.

Lawrence Kanyuka, AFC/M23 spokesperson, called on the national and international community to witness what he described as the ongoing targeting of civilians by FARDC forces.

'These operations are coordinated from military headquarters in Uvira and Bujumbura,' he said, adding that AFC/M23 considers itself obliged to intervene to protect civilians.

The renewed violence comes amid efforts by international parties, including Qatar, to silence the guns in the troubled eastern region.

According to the rebel coalition, the attacks targeted densely populated areas, destroying homes and prompting many residents to flee. Casualty figures have not yet been independently confirmed.

Lawrence Kanyuka, AFC/M23 spokesperson, called on the national and international community to witness what he described as the ongoing targeting of civilians by FARDC forces.

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Dr. Goodall began her pioneering research in 1960 at Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania, where she studied chimpanzee behaviour. She subsequently decided to live in Tanzania to remain close to the chimpanzees, establishing a career in wildlife conservation comparable to that of Dian Fossey, who devoted her life to mountain gorillas.

In 1991, Dr. Goodall founded Roots & Shoots, a global youth-led environmental programme. The initiative now operates in nearly 100 countries, including Rwanda, with more than 1,000 members advocating for wildlife protection, community development, and environmental conservation.

During a 2013 visit to Rwanda, Dr. Goodall met government officials, including the Rwanda Development Board, park authorities, students, and international organisations. She toured Nyungwe National Park and pledged to return to continue supporting local conservation efforts. Clare Akamanzi, then CEO of RDB, noted that the JGI had been collaborating with Rwanda on chimpanzee habituation programmes in Nyungwe through the Nyungwe Nziza project, launched in 2010.

Dr. Goodall’s passing has been mourned globally, with tributes from conservationists, political leaders including former U.S. President Barack Obama, and international bodies such as the United Nations, recognising her lifelong dedication to wildlife and environmental conservation.

Dr. Jane Goodall, the world-renowned primatologist and conservationist who dedicated her life to protecting chimpanzees, died at the age of 91.

Dr. Goodall began her pioneering research in 1960 at Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania, where she studied chimpanzee behaviour.

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The Israeli Foreign Ministry said in the statement that Israel has offered and continues to offer the flotilla a way to deliver any aid they might have to Gaza “peacefully.”

“The flotilla refused because they are not interested in aid, but in provocation,” the statement reads.

It added that the Israeli navy has reached out to the flotilla and asked them to change course. “Israel has informed the flotilla that it is approaching an active combat zone and violating a lawful naval blockade,” the ministry said.

According to the GSF, the international maritime initiative comprises about 50 civilian vessels and more than 500 volunteers from over 40 countries, aiming to challenge Israel’s naval blockade on the Gaza Strip and deliver food and medical aid to Palestinians amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

The flotilla set sail from ports of various countries since August, converging toward Gaza with the goal of opening a humanitarian corridor by sea. During the trip, the fleet has come under repeated attacks, including drone strikes and “intimidation attacks.”

Earlier in the day, the GSF said that two of its vessels were harassed by Israeli warships overnight, which jammed their communications.

Some countries, including Italy and Greece, have urged Israeli authorities to ensure the safety of the GSF participants headed for Gaza and to allow consular protection measures.

Israel imposed a naval blockade on Gaza in 2007 after Hamas seized control of the enclave. The Israeli restrictions have been further tightened following Hamas’s cross-border assault into southern Israel in October 2023.

People gather to support the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), in central Tripoli, Libya, Oct. 1, 2025. Several vessels of the GSF have been stopped in the Mediterranean Sea as they approached Gaza shores, and their passengers are being transferred to an Israeli port, according to a statement issued by the Israeli Foreign Ministry on Wednesday night.

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TIME magazine honoured Dr. Nsanzimana in the Innovation category, recognising his pioneering role in advancing public health in Rwanda and beyond. His tribute was penned by Mark Suzman, CEO of the Gates Foundation, who highlighted the minister’s commitment to reducing maternal and child mortality and ensuring equity in healthcare delivery.

'Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana says that if you want to quickly learn how a country’s health system is doing, you only have to look at two indicators: maternal and child mortality. Over the past 25 years, Rwanda has made stunning improvements on these metrics. But Dr. Nsanzimana committed to driving them even lower—because everyone deserves to survive childbirth and childhood,' Suzman wrote.

An epidemiologist by training, Dr. Nsanzimana gained international attention in 2024 after successfully leading efforts to halt a Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda, achieving the lowest recorded fatality for such an outbreak.

Since assuming office as Minister of Health, he has prioritised equitable access to proven health solutions, including scaling up nutritional support for pregnant women during the perinatal period.

The TIME100 Next list, a companion to the renowned TIME100, spotlights the 'world’s most influential rising stars'. This includes leaders, innovators, advocates, artists, and change-makers who are redefining the next generation of leadership. Honourees come from diverse fields, ranging from politics and science to the arts and technology.

This year’s TIME100 Next list placed Dr. Nsanzimana among a diverse group of global innovators. His fellow honorees in this category included Afrobeats musician Rema, celebrated playwright Sanaz Toossi, de-extinction entrepreneur Ben Lamm, rising hip-hop artist GloRilla, young football phenom Lamine Yamal, and venture capital tech executive Fatoumata Ba.

Dr. Nsanzimana’s recognition not only underscores his influence on Rwanda’s health sector but also positions him as a leading voice in shaping equitable healthcare solutions for the world.

Rwanda’s Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, has been named to the prestigious TIME100 Next list, which celebrates emerging leaders and innovators shaping the future across the globe.

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On September 30, 2025, the High Military Court of the Democratic Republic of the Congo found Kabila guilty of war crimes, crimes against humanity, treason, and allegedly leading an unauthorized armed group. The court sentenced him to death.

The ruling also ordered Kabila to pay 33 billion US dollars in damages for destruction attributed to the AFC/M23 coalition.

According to Radio Okapi, CCDH coordinator Eloi Lubilansam denounced the verdict, emphasizing that 'justice must never become a political weapon or an instrument of revenge’.

He also reminded that Joseph Kabila, like any defendant, is entitled to a fair defense, the presumption of innocence, and an impartial judge.

Ferdinand Kambere, deputy general secretary of Kabila’s People’s Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD) said the trial aimed to silence opposition voices.

'This trial has no other purpose than to silence a man who worked for the reunification, pacification, and democratization of the country. It is a political and unfair conviction aimed at erasing a dissenting voice,' he said.

Joseph Kabila ruled the DRC from 2001 to 2019 before handing power to President Félix Tshisekedi. On September 2, Kabila rejected the accusations, calling them false and politically motivated.

A human rights organization based in the Democratic Republic of Congo, CCDH, has strongly condemned the trial of former president Joseph Kabila, describing it as politically motivated revenge.

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