Political and Regulatory Affairs Round-Up: Issue No. 37 of 2025
KENYA
Parliament Approves Motion Asking US To Extend Trade Agreement
The National Assembly unanimously approved a motion urging the government and the United States of America (USA) to pursue an extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) for an additional 16 years until 2041. This aims to safeguard economic gains and protect livelihoods. If AGOA is not extended, the Kenyan Parliament requests that the US provide a two-year transition period for Kenya to develop a trade agreement that will preserve the business and employment opportunities currently offered by AGOA. The motion, sponsored by Laikipia Woman Representative Jane Kagiri, seeks to extend the trade pact to boost exports, create employment, and attract investment into Kenya and other accredited Sub-Saharan African nations.
(Source: Daily Nation)
TANZANIA
AG Stresses Legal Reforms To Drive Vision 2050
Attorney General Hamza Johari chaired the ninth meeting of the Government Legal Team in Dar es Salaam, focusing on strategic analysis of legal matters, including the provision of legal services, prosecution processes, and the delivery of legal decisions. Mr Johari said the meeting was convened to discuss a strategic legal review that aligns legal services, prosecution, and decision-making with broader national interests. He emphasised the importance of continually strengthening the legal sector to keep pace with the implementation of the National Development Vision 2050, which champions unity, human dignity, democracy, human rights, natural resource protection, and the preservation of national culture and values.
(Source: Daily News)
UGANDA
IGG Office Remains Vacant As Kamya’s Contract Ends
The office of the Inspector General of Government (IGG) is currently vacant, meaning the government entity constitutionally mandated to lead the fight against corruption is now without leadership. This follows the expiry of the four-year contract of Ms Beti Kamaya and two of her deputies, Dr. Patricia Achan Okira, and Ms Anne Twinomugisha Muhairwe, on September 22, 2025.
(Source: Monitor)
RWANDA
Congo, Rwanda Set October Start For US-Brokered Peace Measures
The Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda agreed to start implementing security measures under a US-mediated deal next month, the countries stated in a joint statement on Wednesday. This marks a significant step towards executing the peace agreement amid concerns over limited progress. The deal, reached during a meeting in Washington on 17-18 September, will come into effect on 1 October, according to a joint statement issued by the United States, Qatar, Togo, and the African Union Commission. The nations committed to completing these measures by the end of the year. Operations to eliminate the threat from the Congo-based armed group Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) and to facilitate the withdrawal of Rwandan troops will commence between 21 and 31 October, sources said.
The timeline provides specific dates for Rwanda and Congo to implement the peace plan amid concerns that it has faced setbacks. The foreign ministers of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda signed a peace deal in Washington on June 27. They met that same day with US President Donald Trump, who is eager to attract billions of dollars of Western investment to a region rich in tantalum, gold, cobalt, copper, lithium, and other minerals.
(Source: Business Daily)
ETHIOPIA
Ethiopia, Kuwait Reaffirm Long-standing Ties Rooted in Shared Values & Mutual Respect
On the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly, President Taye Atske-Selassie held discussions with His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Crown Prince of Kuwait. The two leaders reaffirmed the historic and enduring ties between Ethiopia and Kuwait, based on shared values and mutual respect. The Crown Prince noted that even during challenging times, Ethiopia has stood firmly by Kuwait, a gesture deeply appreciated by both the government and the people of Kuwait. The discussions emphasised the need to reactivate the 12 bilateral agreements already signed and to expand cooperation across multiple sectors.
(Source: ENA)
ERITREA
Eritrean Delegation Holds Bilateral Meetings with Various Officials
On the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly in New York, Eritrean Foreign Minister Osman Saleh held a series of high-level meetings with counterparts from the EU, Sweden, Cuba, Gambia, and Oman. Discussions with EU Special Representative Annette Weber centred on peace and security in the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa, with both sides emphasising the importance of sovereignty and ongoing cooperation. His meeting with Sweden’s Foreign Minister focused on strengthening bilateral relations and addressing regional security issues. Talks with Cuba highlighted the significance of coordination in multilateral forums and the upholding of UN Charter principles, while discussions with Gambia reaffirmed commitments to bilateral and continental cooperation. In his meeting with Oman’s Foreign Minister, the two underscored their long-standing relations and explored opportunities for enhanced economic, trade, and regional collaboration.
(Source: Shabait)
SUDAN
Global Actors Step Up Pressure for Ceasefire and Transition in Sudan
On September 25, 2025, a joint statement by the AU, EU, France, Germany, and the UK called for renewed efforts to de-escalate the conflict in Sudan, urging the warring parties to agree to a permanent ceasefire and resume direct negotiations while upholding the country’s sovereignty and rejecting parallel governance structures. The co-chairs condemned foreign military involvement, violations of international humanitarian law, and the obstruction of aid, stressing the urgent need for humanitarian pauses, unhindered access across Sudan, and protection of civilians, particularly in El-Fasher. They also pledged continued financial and diplomatic support, signalled accountability measures through international mechanisms. They emphasised that Sudan’s transition must remain Sudanese-led, inclusive, and credible, underscoring the rising international pressure on Sudanese actors to end the conflict and restore stability.
(Source: Gov.UK)
SOMALIA
Opposition Issues Statement Following Meeting in Mogadishu
Somalia’s opposition alliance, known as the National Salvation Forum, held a wide-ranging meeting in the capital, Mogadishu, on Monday night. It brought together lawmakers from the forum, women leaders, academics, members of the diaspora, civil society organisations, youth activists, business leaders, and victims of displacement. At the end of the meeting, participants issued a communique addressing several urgent national issues. Chief among these were alleged violations of the country’s constitution, delays in holding federal member state elections, and the forced displacement of civilians in Mogadishu. The opposition directly accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of being responsible for what they described as “illegal land seizures” taking place across Mogadishu. They argued that the president’s administration has failed to prevent or resolve land-grabbing incidents that continue to displace urban residents.
(Source: Radio Dalsan)
