Latest news with #Rwandan
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Astana International Forum 2025 Opens with Resounding Call for Global Cooperation
Astana, Kazakhstan--(Newsfile Corp. - May 30, 2025) - The Astana International Forum (AIF) 2025 opened today with a high-level ceremony that set the stage for two days of strategic dialogue and cross-border collaboration. Held under the auspices of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan, this year's Forum gathers global leaders to address some of the world's most urgent challenges under the theme "Connecting Minds, Shaping the Future." To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: In his opening remarks, President Tokayev emphasized the urgency of restoring multilateralism in an increasingly fragmented world: "The post-war global order is fragmenting. Protectionism is rising. Multilateralism is faltering. In this emerging disorder, the task before us is clear: to preserve cooperation where it still exists, and to restore it where it has broken down... That's what we in Kazakhstan strongly pursue: 'The unity in diversity'." The Forum welcomed several high-profile speakers, including Rwandan President Paul Kagame, North Macedonian President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Director-General Qu Dongyu, and Ban Ki-moon, Chair of the Global Green Growth Institute and former UN Secretary-General. The session was moderated by Julia Chatterley. Reflecting on the progress that Kazakhstan has made, President Kagame noted that "Kazakhstan's prosperity is the reflection of its leadership, resilience and its people." President Siljanovska-Davkova addressed how to resolve current global crises, stressing that, "We need to use the collective wisdom and experience to think fast, or faster, in order to cope with the pressing challenges of our time." Alain Berset emphasized democratic values as central to global security, stating: "We gather here... to discuss security, energy, climate, and the economy. But let us be honest, these cannot be secured if democracy fails." Meanwhile, Ban Ki-moon praised Kazakhstan's role as a convener: "This year's theme reflects the kind of leadership we need today. One that is collaborative, forward-looking, and rooted in shared responsibility." Qu Dongyu highlighted the role of Central Asia and Kazakhstan in ensuring global food security. "Central Asia stands at the crossroad geopolitically, economically, and climatically," he said, adding: "Kazakhstan's territory is 2,800 square kilometres. With proper management, investments and new technologies - Kazakhstan can easily feed 1 billion people worldwide." The agenda featured action-oriented sessions on climate change, energy security, and conflict resolution. In a one-on-one with journalist Tony Barber, former Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz welcomed growing attention to Central Asia: "Europe is now seeing the need for deeper cooperation with this part of the world." UN-backed discussions were a highlight of the Forum, with the organization serving as a strategic partner. Sessions marked the UN's 80th anniversary and addressed priorities like the Pact for the Future, migration, and water security. A standout was a conversation between CNN's Max Foster and Amy E. Pope, Director-General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), on migration's role in sustainable development. As day one concluded, AIF reaffirmed its mission to elevate the role of middle powers, reinforce the value of multilateralism, and accelerate practical global solutions. Day two will continue to foster partnerships and dialogue that aim to shape a more stable, inclusive, and interconnected world. Media DetailsCompany: Astana International Forum Email: info@ Website: To view the source version of this press release, please visit
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Astana International Forum 2025 Opens with Resounding Call for Global Cooperation
Astana, Kazakhstan--(Newsfile Corp. - May 30, 2025) - The Astana International Forum (AIF) 2025 opened today with a high-level ceremony that set the stage for two days of strategic dialogue and cross-border collaboration. Held under the auspices of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan, this year's Forum gathers global leaders to address some of the world's most urgent challenges under the theme "Connecting Minds, Shaping the Future." To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: In his opening remarks, President Tokayev emphasized the urgency of restoring multilateralism in an increasingly fragmented world: "The post-war global order is fragmenting. Protectionism is rising. Multilateralism is faltering. In this emerging disorder, the task before us is clear: to preserve cooperation where it still exists, and to restore it where it has broken down... That's what we in Kazakhstan strongly pursue: 'The unity in diversity'." The Forum welcomed several high-profile speakers, including Rwandan President Paul Kagame, North Macedonian President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Director-General Qu Dongyu, and Ban Ki-moon, Chair of the Global Green Growth Institute and former UN Secretary-General. The session was moderated by Julia Chatterley. Reflecting on the progress that Kazakhstan has made, President Kagame noted that "Kazakhstan's prosperity is the reflection of its leadership, resilience and its people." President Siljanovska-Davkova addressed how to resolve current global crises, stressing that, "We need to use the collective wisdom and experience to think fast, or faster, in order to cope with the pressing challenges of our time." Alain Berset emphasized democratic values as central to global security, stating: "We gather here... to discuss security, energy, climate, and the economy. But let us be honest, these cannot be secured if democracy fails." Meanwhile, Ban Ki-moon praised Kazakhstan's role as a convener: "This year's theme reflects the kind of leadership we need today. One that is collaborative, forward-looking, and rooted in shared responsibility." Qu Dongyu highlighted the role of Central Asia and Kazakhstan in ensuring global food security. "Central Asia stands at the crossroad geopolitically, economically, and climatically," he said, adding: "Kazakhstan's territory is 2,800 square kilometres. With proper management, investments and new technologies - Kazakhstan can easily feed 1 billion people worldwide." The agenda featured action-oriented sessions on climate change, energy security, and conflict resolution. In a one-on-one with journalist Tony Barber, former Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz welcomed growing attention to Central Asia: "Europe is now seeing the need for deeper cooperation with this part of the world." UN-backed discussions were a highlight of the Forum, with the organization serving as a strategic partner. Sessions marked the UN's 80th anniversary and addressed priorities like the Pact for the Future, migration, and water security. A standout was a conversation between CNN's Max Foster and Amy E. Pope, Director-General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), on migration's role in sustainable development. As day one concluded, AIF reaffirmed its mission to elevate the role of middle powers, reinforce the value of multilateralism, and accelerate practical global solutions. Day two will continue to foster partnerships and dialogue that aim to shape a more stable, inclusive, and interconnected world. Media DetailsCompany: Astana International Forum Email: info@ Website: To view the source version of this press release, please visit Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Time of India
18 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Ex-Congo leader Joseph Kabila resurfaces from exile
AP image Joseph Kabila, the self-exiled former president of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), appeared in public for the first time since 2023 on Thursday. Kabila, who is wanted on suspicion of crimes against humanity for his support of insurgents accused of massacring civilians in the eastern part of the country, appeared in rebel-held territory to meet with local religious leaders in what was billed as an effort to mediate peace. Beyond the threat of prosecution, authorities in Congo are also seeking to ban Kabila's People's Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD) as well as seizing assets held by its leaders. Kabila has said for weeks that he would return to help find a solution to an ongoing conflict that has seen M23 rebels make large territorial gains since January. Kabila, who has spent much of his exile in South Africa, has denied ties to M23. Kabila: Peace broker or would-be rebel leader? After meeting with Kabila at the former president's residence outside Goma in eastern Congo on Thursday, Joel Amurani said, "The former president... called us to express his wish to see peace return to the eastern part of the country and throughout the country." Amurani is president of the Interfaith Synergy for Peace and Mediation, a religious group that attended the meeting. An aide to Kabila said further talks would be held with political, military and civic leaders on Friday. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Click Here - This Might Save You From Losing Money Expertinspector Click Here Undo Kabila gave no indication of how long he would remain in the rebel-held area. The government of Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi this week accused Kabila of "positioning himself as the rebel leader" alongside Rwandan President Paul Kagame as a result of his sudden reappearance after rebel advances. The United Nations and other Western nations accuse Rwanda of supplying arms and assistance to M23 rebels battling Congolese forces, something Kagame's government denies. Kabila's return could complicate plans for a US-proposed Congo-Rwanda peace agreement paired with a multi-billion-dollar minerals deal in the resource-rich country. Massad Boulos, White House senior Africa adviser and the father-in-law of US President Donald Trump's daughter Tiffany, has previously said the deal could be finalized by summer. Eastern Congo is known for its vast mineral riches, however, the World Bank ranks the DR Congo as one of the five poorest countries in the world. During his time in power, Kabila oversaw the sale of cobalt, copper, diamonds and uranium during a reign marked by accusations of corruption and poor governance. Congo's current government calls ex-President Kabila a traitor Joseph Kabila took control of Congo as a 29-year-old when his father, Laurent Kabila, was killed by a bodyguard. The younger Kabila then led Congo for 18 years before ultimately stepping aside to make way for Felix Tshisekedi in 2019 — in what was the first "peaceful" transition of power in the country since it gained independence from Belgium in 1960. Before Kabila stepped down, however, dozens of civilians were killed after he delayed the vote and clung to power. Though he had maintained a low profile while wielding considerable political influence behind the scenes since then, Kabila broke his public silence last Friday when he delivered a speech decrying what he called "dictatorship" in the DRC. Tshisekedi's government now accuses Kabila of treason.
TimesLIVE
19 hours ago
- Politics
- TimesLIVE
DRC ex-president Kabila makes first public appearance in rebel-held Goma
The Democratic Republic of Congo's (DRC) former president Joseph Kabila appeared for the first time in public in rebel-held territory in the country's volatile east on Thursday, meeting with religious leaders in what participants said was a push for peace. Kabila, who has been out of the country since 2023, mostly in South Africa, is wanted in DRC for alleged crimes against humanity for supporting the insurgency in the east, including a role in the massacre of civilians. DRC has also moved to suspend his political party and seize the assets of its leaders. The former president's camp denies any ties to the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels who have seized more territory than ever since January. He had been vowing to return to the Central African country for weeks to help find a solution to the conflict. His return could complicate Washington's plans for a peace agreement between DRC and Rwanda. Massad Boulos, Trump's senior adviser for Africa, told Reuters earlier this month the deal could be signed this summer, accompanied by minerals deals aimed at bringing billions of dollars of Western investment to the region. DRC President Felix Tshisekedi's government in Kinshasa this week accused Kabila of "positioning himself as the rebel leader" along with Rwandan President Paul Kagame.
Kuwait Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Kuwait Times
Jihadist attacks hit Mozambique
MAPUTO: A series of attacks in northern Mozambique this month point to a resurgence of violence by Islamic State-linked militants as energy giant TotalEnergies prepares to resume a major gas project, analysts say. The group terrorized northern Mozambique for years before brazenly vowing in 2020 to turn the northern gas-rich Cabo Delgado province into a caliphate. TotalEnergies paused a multi-billion-dollar liquefied natural gas project there in 2021 following a wave of bloody raids that forced more than a million people to flee. The insurgency was pushed to the background by a months-long unrest that followed elections in October. But there has been a new wave of violence. In May, the Islamists attacked two military installations, claiming to kill 11 soldiers in the first and 10 in the second. A security expert confirmed the first attack and put the toll at 17. There was no comment from the Mozambican security forces. Dramatic strikes There were two dramatic strikes earlier — a raid on a wildlife reserve in the neighboring Niassa province late April killed at least two rangers, while an ambush in Cabo Delgado claimed the lives of three Rwandan soldiers. Also unusual was a thwarted attack on a Russian oceanographic vessel in early May that the crew said in a distress message was launched by 'pirates', according to local media. 'Clearly there is a cause and effect because some actions correspond exactly to important announcements in the gas area,' said Fernando Lima, a researcher with the Cabo Ligado conflict observatory which monitors violence in Mozambique, referring to the $4.7 billion funding approved in mid-March by the US Export-Import Bank for the long-delayed gas project. 'The insurgents are seeing more vehicles passing by with white project managers,' said Jean-Marc Balencie of the French-based political and security risk group Attika Analysis. 'There's more visible activity in the region and that's an incentive for attacks'. 'Propaganda effect' Conflict tracker ACLED recorded at least 80 attacks in the first four months of the year. The uptick was partly due to the end of the rainy season which meant roads were once again passable, it said. TotalEnergies chief executive Patrick Pouyanne said last Friday that the security situation had 'greatly improved' although there were 'sporadic incidents'. The attack that stalled the TotalEnergies project in 2021 occurred in the port town of Palma and lasted several days, sending thousands fleeing into the forest. ACLED estimated that more than 800 civilians and combatants were killed while independent journalist Alex Perry reported after an investigation that more than 1,400 were dead or missing. Rwandan forces deployed alongside the Mozambique military soon afterwards, their number increasing to around 5,000, based on Rwandan military statements. The concentration of forces in Cabo Delgado 'allows insurgents to easily conduct operations in Niassa province,' said a Mozambican military officer on condition of anonymity. The raid on the tourist wildlife lodge straddling Cabo Delgado and Niassa provinces was for 'propaganda effect', said Lima, as it grabbed more international media attention than hits on local villages that claim the lives of locals. Strikes on civilians, with several cases of decapitation reported, often fall under the radar because of the remoteness of the impoverished region and official silence. 'More than 25,000 people have been displaced in Mozambique within a few weeks,' the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said last week. This was in addition to the 1.3 million the UN said in November had been displaced since the conflict began in 2017. 'The renewed intensity of the conflict affects regions previously considered rather stable,' said UNHCR's Mozambique representative Xavier Creach. In Niassa, for example, about 2,085 people fled on foot after an attack on Mbamba village late April where women reported witnessing beheadings. More than 6,000 people have died in the conflict since it erupted, according to Acled. — AFP
