Politics

At the opening of the 80th United Nations General Assembly this week, dozens of nations formally recognized the State of Palestine in what diplomats are calling the largest collective push for Palestinian statehood in recent decades. The surge of recognition comes amid the intensifying war in Gaza and stalled peace negotiations, spotlighting shifting global attitudes toward the...

A Rwandan soldier has been detained in northern Burundi after inadvertently crossing the border, officials from both countries confirmed Wednesday, in an incident that underscores the fragile ties between the two neighbors. The Rwanda Defence Force said Sgt. Sadiki Emmanuel, a driver in the force, “inadvertently strayed across the Gasenyi-Nemba border” on Sept. 24...

Kenyan President William Ruto on Tuesday called for Africa to gain permanent representation on the United Nations Security Council, describing the continent’s exclusion as “unacceptable and indefensible.” Speaking at the 7th Summit of the Committee of Ten (C‑10) Heads of State on Security Council Reform, held alongside the 80th UN General Assembly, Ruto said...

Burundi is among 17 African countries that committed Wednesday to concrete reforms aimed at boosting electricity access under Mission 300, a global initiative led by the World Bank Group and the African Development Bank Group that seeks to connect 300 million Africans to power by 2030. The announcement was made in New York during...

BISSAU — Burundi President Évariste Ndayishimiye’s state visit to Guinea-Bissau has deepened relations between the two nations, culminating in a visa exemption agreement for all passports, a framework cooperation pact, and an accord on political consultations. The agreements, announced this week by the Burundian presidency, follow Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embaló’s visit to Bujumbura...

Geneva, Sept. 3, 2025 The United Nations Human Rights Council has adopted a landmark resolution on the safety of journalists, laying out a detailed roadmap that urges governments to reform restrictive laws, protect reporters from both physical and digital threats, and end the culture of impunity that fuels attacks on the press. Backed by...

Arusha, Tanzania Ministers and senior officials from across the East African Community (EAC) are meeting in Arusha this week to shape the bloc’s next development strategy, review its long-term vision, and address persistent barriers to trade. The 35th Meeting of the Sectoral Council of Ministers Responsible for EAC Affairs and Planning, alongside the...

Lusaka, Zambia — Eight member states of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) are expected to record sharp declines in trade volumes this year following new reciprocal tariffs imposed by the United States, the regional bloc said Friday. The countries most affected include the Democratic Republic of Congo (11% decline), Libya...

Burundians went to the polls Monday to elect local administrators, with the country’s electoral commission reporting that voting materials were in place nationwide and polling stations opened as scheduled. Prosper Ntahorwamiye, president of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), said turnout at 6 a.m. was lower than in previous elections but expected participation to...

Burundi president Evariste Ndayishimiye recently made a cabinet reshuffle, appointed new government including Arthémon Katihabwa the country's minister of justice and Human Rights. He spoke to Burundi Times about his life, journey and vision to serve justice in Burundi. Q: Minister, could you start by introducing yourself to our readers?I am Katihabwa Arthemon,...