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The decision, which is expected to drive up costs for import-dependent industries, has already drawn sharp criticism from major trading partners, including Canada, as well as from domestic businesses.

Trump has long championed protectionist economic policies. He framed the tariffs as a step toward reviving American manufacturing.

“This is a big deal—the beginning of making America rich again,” he declared. “Our nation requires steel and aluminium to be made in America, not in foreign lands.”

Despite concerns about rising consumer prices, Trump insisted that, in the long run, the move would be cost-effective. He hinted at further trade measures, suggesting future tariffs could target pharmaceuticals and semiconductor imports.

The US, the world’s largest steel importer, relies heavily on suppliers from Canada, Brazil, and Mexico. Canada, which provided over 50% of US aluminium imports last year, is expected to be the hardest hit by the new tariffs.

Canadian officials reacted with outrage, with Minister of Innovation Francois-Phillippe Champagne calling the decision “totally unjustified.”

“Canadian steel and aluminium support key US industries from defence to automotive,” Champagne stated. “This policy undermines North American competitiveness and security.”

Ontario Premier Doug Ford accused Trump of destabilizing economic relations, warning that shifting trade policies put jobs at risk.

Meanwhile, industry lobbyists in Canada urged immediate retaliation, with lawmakers exploring ways to reduce dependence on the US market.

The tariffs prompted a surge in US steelmaker stock prices, with Cleveland-Cliffs gaining nearly 20%. However, broader market reactions remained subdued, as investors speculated whether Trump might later soften his stance or introduce exemptions.

Economic analysts likened the move to Trump’s 2018 tariff campaign, which initially imposed levies on steel and aluminium but later carved out exceptions for countries like Canada, Mexico, and Australia.

Dartmouth College economist Douglas Irwin suggested the latest announcement could be a bargaining tactic rather than a firm policy shift.

“The biggest question is whether Trump is using this as leverage or truly committing to long-term protectionism.”

Trump’s track record includes a history of abrupt trade policy shifts. Just last week, he announced a 25% duty on Canadian and Mexican imports before postponing enforcement by 30 days. He also introduced a 10% tariff on Chinese goods, prompting retaliatory measures from Beijing.

Critics warn the tariffs will inflate costs for US industries reliant on imported metals, affecting sectors from construction to consumer goods. The US International Trade Commission previously estimated that similar tariffs raised domestic steel and aluminium prices by 2.4% and 1.6%, respectively.

White House officials defended the policy as a measure to curb unfair competition, particularly from China and Russia.

The administration introduced stricter regulations requiring steel to be “melted and poured” and aluminium to be “smelted and cast” in North America, aiming to prevent foreign suppliers from bypassing tariffs through third-party nations.

Nick Iacovella, spokesperson for the pro-tariff Coalition for a Prosperous America, emphasized concerns over a surge in steel imports from Mexico.

“There are still imbalances in US-Canada trade that need addressing,” he said, adding that Trump’s approach signals a broader effort to rebalance North American trade relations.

President Trump’s new tariff on steel and aluminium imports is expected to drive up costs for import-dependent industries.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

On January 29, 2025, EAC ministers convened virtually to address the security crisis in eastern DRC. The meeting came just two days after the armed group M23 seized Goma, the capital of North Kivu province.

While the DRC’s Minister of Regional Cooperation was expected to participate, he was notably absent, despite the meeting’s critical relevance to his country’s ongoing conflict.

Minister Nduhungirehe revealed that the official explanation for the absence was a technical mishap.

'The reason that was given to us is that the DRC Minister of Regional Cooperation, who had previously confirmed his attendance, eventually connected…. to the wrong link!' he posted on X.

A second high-level meeting was held on February 7, 2025, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

This gathering, bringing together ministers from the EAC and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), was a preparatory session for a summit of regional heads of state focused on resolving the DRC crisis.

According to Nduhungirehe, 14 ministers from six EAC countries, six SADC nations, and two states belonging to both blocs (DRC and Tanzania) were invited. While 13 ministers attended, DRC’s Foreign Minister, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, was absent and was instead represented by the country’s ambassador to Botswana.

“Here again, we were given an excuse…even two! At the beginning of the meeting, we were informed, by the DRC Ambassador to Botswana, that the DRC Foreign Minister was 'on her way,’ but an hour later, the version had changed: she had in fact a 'technical problem with her plane’!” Nduhungirehe said.

He further revealed that, despite these explanations, it was later confirmed that Minister Kayikwamba was in Europe at the time, lobbying for sanctions against Rwanda.

'But we now know that the Foreign Minister of DRC was all this time in Europe, begging for sanctions against Rwanda,' he added.

Rwanda and the DRC have endured strained relations for the past three years. France, Turkey, and Qatar have attempted to mediate between the two countries, but Kinshasa rejected these initiatives, insisting that the conflict should be resolved by Africans.

Nduhungirehe criticized the DRC’s stance, questioning how its officials could reject African mediation while seeking intervention from European nations such as Germany, Belgium, and the United Kingdom.

He also reiterated that the security crisis in eastern DRC is not caused by Rwanda and argued that it is unfair to hold Rwanda accountable for conflicts fueled by Congolese actors.

During the extraordinary summit of EAC and SADC heads of state on February 8, 2025, regional leaders called on the DRC government to engage in political dialogue with all conflicting parties, including M23, to establish lasting peace.

The resolution emphasized that Kinshasa’s military approach would not yield results. Instead, leaders urged the DRC to acknowledge and address the underlying issues that led M23 to take up arms.

Minister Nduhungirehe has exposed DRC’s lies about absence from joint EAC-SADC meeting.

IGIHE

The warning was issued in a communiqué on February 10 by AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka, condemning the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and its allies for allegedly committing atrocities against civilians.

'The AFC/M23 has heard the desperate cries of the civilian population in Bukavu. The FARDC and its allied forces continue to commit unspeakable atrocities against civilians, including assassinations and widespread looting. These crimes must stop immediately; otherwise, we will have no choice but to intervene to protect the Congolese population,' the statement reads.

Reports indicate that Bukavu has been gripped by fear following a surge in violent crimes, including targeted assassinations and looting of businesses and homes, sparking panic among residents.

M23 also refuted claims that internally displaced persons (IDPs) are being forced to return to liberated areas, asserting that those who have returned did so voluntarily under secure conditions.

Additionally, the group denied involvement in the atrocities committed at Munzene Central Prison, attributing these crimes to FARDC and its allies.

'MONUSCO must cease spreading false allegations that distort the truth and mislead public opinion. These baseless accusations only serve to inflame tensions and divert attention from the real perpetrators of these crimes,' the statement added.

The fighting in South Kivu intensified after M23 captured Goma on January 26, 2025. The group later announced plans to continue its advance toward Kinshasa but signaled a willingness to halt hostilities if the DRC government agreed to negotiations for a lasting solution.

The FARDC and its colation has reportedly suffered heavy losses after losing key cities in North Kivu, including Sake and Goma. As they retreat, soldiers have been accused of shooting civilians, committing acts of sexual violence, and engaging in looting.

Calm has been restored in areas captured by M23 including the City of Goma.

IGIHE

In an interview with Fox News, Trump was asked whether Palestinians currently residing in Gaza—who, under his proposal, face forced displacement—would have the right to return. He responded, 'No, they wouldn’t.'

His remarks contradict statements from his administration, including White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who previously assured that Palestinians would be 'temporarily relocated.' Similarly, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Thursday that residents would need to live elsewhere 'in the interim' while Gaza undergoes rebuilding.

Pressed on where the roughly 2 million displaced Gazans would go, Trump suggested he could broker agreements with Jordan and Egypt. 'I think I could make a deal with Jordan. I think I could make a deal with Egypt,' he said.

Both Jordan and Egypt have already rejected Trump’s calls to take in additional Palestinian refugees, with leaders from both countries voicing opposition. Despite this, Trump warned Monday that he could withhold U.S. aid if they refused his demand.

The president is set to meet with Jordanian King Abdullah II at the White House on Tuesday.

Trump’s plan to take over the Gaza Strip and relocate its residents has sparked widespread criticism from countries across the Middle East and beyond.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated Monday that Palestinians displaced from the Gaza Strip under his plan would not be allowed to return once reconstruction of the enclave is complete.

IGIHE

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz condemned the move as a “complete violation” of the deal and ordered the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to be fully prepared for any developments in Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is holding security consultations to assess the situation.

Hamas’ military wing, Al-Qassam Brigades, stated that Israel had failed to uphold its commitments, including allowing displaced people to return to northern Gaza and ensuring adequate humanitarian aid.

Until Israel complies and retroactively corrects its actions, the handover of hostages will be delayed, the group said.

Israel’s Hostages, Missing Persons, and Returnees Directorate insisted on the full implementation of the agreement, warning against any breaches.

The developments follow indirect negotiations in Qatar over the next phase of the ceasefire, which began on January 19.

Under the agreement, 21 hostages have been released in exchange for Palestinian detainees, with further exchanges expected in the coming weeks.

Relatives of a released hostage hug each other when a helicopter carrying the hostage arrives at a medical center in Ramat Gan, Israel, on Feb. 8, 2025. Israel and Hamas on Saturday completed the fifth prisoner-for-hostage swap under the first phase of the ongoing Gaza ceasefire agreement, according to Israeli and Palestinian sources. (Photo by Gil Cohen Magen/Xinhua)

IGIHE

The motion, lacking backing from the Socialist Party (PS) and the far-right National Rally (RN), secured only 115 votes, far short of the 289 required to unseat him, according to National Assembly Speaker Yaël Braun-Pivet.

This latest challenge followed Bayrou’s repeated use of Article 49.3 of the French Constitution to push through the Social Security financing bill.

After surviving two previous no-confidence votes, he invoked the same constitutional power on Feb. 5 to advance the bill’s second phase.

Undeterred by the failed motion, Bayrou once again employed Article 49.3 on Monday to approve the budget’s spending section for 2025.

According to Le Figaro, the bill allocates a 2.6% increase in health expenditures, raising the total to 264.2 billion euros (272 billion U.S. dollars).

Bayrou was appointed prime minister by President Emmanuel Macron on Dec. 13, following the ousting of Michel Barnier in a previous no-confidence vote.

French Prime Minister François Bayrou survived yet another no-confidence vote on Monday.

IGIHE

The launch took place on February 10, 2025, simultaneously across six sub-Saharan African countries, including Rwanda. The others are Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Sierra Leone and Namibia.

This groundbreaking initiative, backed by £3.5 million in funding from the UK Government’s Ayrton Fund, aims to address Africa’s energy challenges through circular economy principles. Priority will be put on knowledge transfer, skills development, and policy integration to ensure lasting impact.

CEPREC will drive renewable energy innovation by repurposing electronic waste and developing circular microgrids. The initiative brings together academia, government, and industry to pioneer sustainable energy solutions tailored to Africa’s unique challenges.

Professor Muyiwa Oyinlola, Director of CEPREC and Professor of Innovation for Sustainable Development at De Montfort University, explained the project’s transformative vision.

'CEPREC was set up to change the way we think about waste. Turning it into opportunity, empowering communities, and driving economic transformation. This initiative will set a new benchmark for sustainable energy solutions across Africa.'

Africa faces a stark energy gap, with access rates varying widely across the continent. South Africa enjoys an 85% electricity access rate, while rural areas in Sierra Leone struggle with just 5%.

Meanwhile, economies differ significantly, from Nigeria’s $477 billion GDP to Sierra Leone’s $4 billion economy. These disparities highlight the urgent need for localized, scalable energy solutions, a challenge CEPREC is uniquely positioned to address.

'When technology is implemented without local capacity to maintain and expand it, sustainability is compromised. By integrating circular economy principles into Africa’s energy sector, we are creating a resilient and sustainable future,' said Professor Layi Alatise, Deputy Director (Engineering) of CEPREC.

In Rwanda, CEPREC is expected to play a crucial role in advancing the country’s green energy ambitions. Dr. Barry Rawn, Head of CEPREC in Rwanda, highlighted the significance of the initiative.

'The future of energy in Africa lies in local innovation and resource efficiency. By repurposing lithium-ion batteries and solar e-waste, CEPREC is proving that sustainable, low-carbon solutions can be both economically viable and socially impactful,' he said.

CEPREC is also working closely with Chatham House to ensure its research translates into actionable policy. Dr. Patrick Schroeder, Senior Research Fellow at Chatham House and CEPREC’s policy lead, emphasized the importance of international collaboration.

'The transition to a circular economy is not just an environmental imperative; it requires a comprehensive international policy framework that fosters innovation, collaboration, and sustainable practices across all sectors.'

The launch marks the beginning of an ambitious long-term vision. CEPREC’s approach aligns with key UN Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

CEPREC will drive renewable energy innovation by repurposing electronic waste and developing circular microgrids.

Sam K Nkurunziza

Speaking to the media after the meeting, Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Yusuf Murangwa, explained the government’s decision to adjust taxes. He emphasized that taxes play a crucial role in national development.

'For a country to develop, we need financial ability, and that comes from taxes. These are fair and realistic taxes that people can afford,' he said.

He clarified that the tax changes will not all take effect immediately but will be implemented over a period of four years until 2029. The main goal, he said, is to reduce dependence on foreign aid while strengthening the country’s economy.

The new tax reforms fall into three categories. The first involves existing taxes where certain exemptions are being removed. For example, VAT exemptions on electronic devices like phones and computers were introduced to encourage digital adoption. Since nearly 80% of Rwandans now own phones, the exemption is being lifted.

The second category includes tax increases on certain products like cigarettes and alcohol. The third category introduces a digital services tax on platforms like Netflix and Amazon, which Rwandans access from abroad.

The government believes these changes will boost revenue while ensuring fairness in taxation. 'Not all these taxes will be felt at once, but they will help us build a stronger and more self-reliant economy,' Murangwa added.

With these measures, Rwanda is taking firm steps toward financial independence, ensuring sustainable growth without over-reliance on external funding.

Jacqueline Mutesi, a bar owner in Gitega Sector, Nyarugenge district expressed uncertainty on how the new tax plan rolls out in the coming days during its implementation.

“We are not sure if our client will stop coming through if the price of the beers increases. We will just wait to see what happens,” she said.

Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Yusuf Murangwa, explained the government’s decision to adjust taxes.

Meanwhile, pressing security concerns, particularly the recent fighting in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and its effects on Rwanda were also discussed and the government expressed condolences to the families of the 16 civilians from Rubavu District who lost their lives when shells landed on Rwandan territory.

Additionally, the Cabinet reviewed the government’s efforts in assisting those who fled the conflict, including facilitating the transit of United Nations (UN) staff members from Goma.

The meeting also considered the outcomes of the February 8, 2025, gathering of Heads of State from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which reaffirmed a political resolution as the preferred approach to addressing the instability in eastern DRC.

The performance of the 2025A agricultural season was also reviewed confirming strong yields driven by increased farmer participation and strategic government interventions. It was noted that the use of climate-resilient crops, improved harvesting methods and better storage facilities significantly boosted productivity.

Finally, the Cabinet approved two major policies aimed at driving national development. The Energy Policy and the National Urban Planning Policy.

Government has introduced tax increases on certain products such as alcohol.

Sam K Nkurunziza

Iohannis, a pro-EU centrist, had initially planned to remain in office until his successor was elected. However, his position was fiercely criticized by far-right politicians and their supporters, who gained significant ground in the first round of December’s election. That vote was later annulled by Romania’s top court due to allegations of Russian state interference.

The cancellation triggered widespread unrest, with tens of thousands of Romanians taking to the streets last month to protest what they saw as an attack on democracy.

Opposition lawmakers, capitalizing on the growing dissatisfaction, renewed their push to suspend Iohannis, putting forward a motion in parliament that could have led to his impeachment.

Faced with the prospect of a divisive political battle, Iohannis announced on Monday that he would step down voluntarily, arguing that his resignation would spare the country from further turmoil.

“In order to spare Romania and its citizens from crisis, I resign from the office of president,” he said in a press conference at Cotroceni Palace. “I will leave office the day after tomorrow, on February 12.”

His departure leaves Senate Speaker Ilie Bolojan, leader of the ruling coalition’s Liberal Party, as interim president with limited powers until the election.

Meanwhile, the political landscape remains highly polarized, with the far-right gaining influence. NATO-critic Calin Georgescu, a little-known figure before last year’s vote, has emerged as a key contender.

The European Union and NATO member state, which shares a border with Ukraine, has been thrown into institutional uncertainty since Georgescu’s unexpected success in the December election.

With mainstream pro-European parties divided and the far-right gaining traction, analysts believe some centrist lawmakers may have been willing to back the impeachment effort, further fueling Romania’s political crisis.

Crin Antonescu, the candidate backed by the ruling coalition, said Iohannis’ resignation was the “preferable outcome” compared to impeachment, which he argued would have only distracted from key national issues.

With the election re-run just months away, Romania now faces an uncertain political future, with its democratic institutions under scrutiny and growing concerns about external influence in its electoral process.

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis’ decision to step down follows mounting political pressure, mass protests, and an imminent parliamentary vote on his suspension.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The Israeli delegation for the talks in Qatar over the Gaza ceasefire returned to Israel on Monday morning, according to the statement.

The delegation traveled to Doha on Sunday for indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas concerning the second phase of the fragile ceasefire, following Netanyahu’s visit to Washington last week.

However, according to Netanyahu’s office, the delegation focused only on technical matters, not major issues that have yet to be agreed upon, including the administration of Gaza after the war.

Under the ceasefire, which took effect on Jan. 19 after 15 months of devastating war, 21 hostages — 16 Israelis and five Thais — were released from Gaza in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian detainees freed from Israeli jails. More than 70 hostages are still in Gaza.

Under the first phase of the agreement, which spans six weeks, a total of 33 hostages and about 2,000 detainees are expected to be released.

Gaza faced major destruction following the war that lasted more than a year before the recently announced ceasefire brokered by the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt.

Xinhua