Kenya

Supreme Court overturns decision quashing Finance Act, 2023

The Supreme Court of Kenya upheld the Finance Act, 2023, on Tuesday, overturning a Court of Appeal decision that had nullified the legislation on constitutional grounds, marking a significant victory for the government. This decision confirms the legality of the Finance Act, 2023, which has been a focal point of national debate and public demonstrations.

(Nation Africa)

Tanzania

Tanzanian high court dismisses petition challenging government oversight of local elections

The Tanzanian High Court dismissed a petition from three citizens challenging the government’s supervision of this year’s local government elections instead of the Electoral Commission. High Court Judge David Ngunyale stated that there is no separate legislation to transfer oversight of civil polls from the Ministry of Regional Administration and Local Governments (TAMISEMI) to the independent National Electoral Commission (NEC).

Uganda

Buganda parliamentary caucus forms committees to oppose national coffee amendment bill

The Buganda Parliamentary Caucus has formed two committees to oppose the National Coffee (Amendment) Bill, 2024, in response to President Museveni. Tensions arose in Parliament as MPs challenged the Speaker’s ruling on the proposed merger of the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) with the Ministry of Agriculture under the Rationalization of Government Agencies and Public Expenditure (RAPEX) policy, aimed at reducing redundancy and optimising public spending. Opposition MPs criticised the bill, arguing that UCDA has consistently outperformed the Ministry by supporting farmers and boosting coffee exports. 

(Daily Monitor)

Rwanda

Rwanda secures over $26M from World Bank for housing in disaster-affected areas

The Ministry in Charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA) has secured over $26 million (approximately Rwf 33 billion) in loans and grants from the World Bank to support housing for families in disaster-affected districts in Rwanda. This initiative is part of a disaster recovery program following heavy rains on May 2 and 3, 2023, which killed at least 135 people and displaced many families. The funds will aid in the rehabilitation and reconstruction of 6,218 houses, with 2,830 currently underway, 2,052 completed, and 1,335 still pending. 

Ethiopia

Ethiopia’s parliament approves five ministerial appointments in Cabinet reshuffle

Ethiopia’s House of People’s Representatives has approved the appointment of five ministers during a vote held on Tuesday. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed recently reshuffled his cabinet, appointing three women: Shewit Shanka as Culture and Sports Minister, Hanna Araya Selassie as Justice Minister, and Selamawit Kassa as Tourism Minister. The other two appointees are Gedion Timothewos as Foreign Affairs Minister and Kassahun Gofe as Trade and Regional Integration Minister. The appointments were confirmed by a majority vote, with one opposition and two abstentions, and Chief Justice Tewodros Meheret swore in the new ministers.

(Ethiopian Monitor) 

Somalia

Somalia expels senior Ethiopian embassy official

Somalia has declared Ali Mohamed Adan, a senior Ethiopian embassy official, persona non grata for activities contrary to his diplomatic role, violating the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. He must leave the country within 72 hours. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasised this decision reflects Somalia’s commitment to national interests and international diplomatic standards, amid increasingly strained relations with Ethiopia, particularly following Ethiopia’s 50-year port deal with Somaliland, which Somalia claims as its territory. International organisations, including the UN, have called for peaceful resolutions, with Somalia stressing that dialogue must address sovereignty issues to restore trust.

(The Star)