Kenya
Calculated to Silence Me: Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara Sues Moses Kuria Over Online Attacks
Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara has filed a lawsuit against former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria, accusing him of orchestrating a damaging online campaign that she claims destroyed her reputation. 

The suit, filed at the High Court in Kiambu, illustrates how a single evening on social media can trigger widespread reputational harm, amplified by digital platform algorithms, online influencers and digital news platforms. 

According to court documents, the conflict stems from events on 3 January 2026, following a funeral service in Kigumo, Murang’a, attended by several senior politicians, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
(Source: Daily Nation) 

Uganda
Dr Flavian Zeija is Uganda’s New Chief Justice 

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has appointed Dr Flavian Zeija as Chief Justice, taking over from Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo Chigamoy, who has retired. The Parliament of Uganda has also confirmed that it has completed vetting Dr Zeija. 

State House confirmed in a statement on Thursday that, “In exercise of the powers of the President under Article 142(1) of the 1995 Constitution, and acting on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has appointed Hon. Justice Flavian Zeija as the Chief Justice of the Republic of Uganda.” 

The statement explained that the appointment followed the submission of Justice Zeija’s name to Parliament for approval, which was duly granted in accordance with the Constitution.
(Source: The Independent) 

Tanzania
Why 29 October Has Become a Defining Test for Tanzania’s Diplomacy
Tanzania finds itself in a moment of reflection following the events of 29 October 2025 and the days that followed. These developments have raised questions about their impact on the country’s diplomatic standing and international relations. 

For decades since independence, Tanzania has enjoyed a positive reputation as one of Africa’s most peaceful and stable nations. The events of 29 October, however, have had a profound impact on that image.
(Source: The Citizen) 

Rwanda
What Next After Rwanda’s Fourth UPR Review?
Rwandan government officials appeared before the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva on Wednesday, 21 January, for the country’s fourth Universal Periodic Review (UPR), marking a key moment in its engagement with the international human rights system. The delegation was led by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Emmanuel Ugirashebuja. 

The review brought together 100 states to assess progress made since the last review in 2021 and to propose new recommendations on governance, justice, civic space, social inclusion and economic rights. The delegation comprised heads of institutions forming the National Mechanism for Implementation, Reporting and Follow-up, who presented achievements, acknowledged remaining challenges and outlined national priorities for the next implementation cycle.
(Source: The New Times) 

Ethiopia
Prime Minister Abiy Holds Talks with German Foreign Minister
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed today held talks with Johann Wadephul, Germany’s Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs, focusing on strengthening the longstanding partnership between Ethiopia and Germany. 

The discussions covered key areas of bilateral cooperation, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to deepening collaboration across multiple sectors. 

“Today, I welcomed Johann Wadephul, Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany, for meaningful discussions on further strengthening the partnership between Ethiopia and Germany,” the Prime Minister wrote on social media channels.
(Source: ENA) 

Sudan
Al Jazirah Governor Says 60,000 Criminal Cases Filed Against RSF
Al Jazirah State Governor Al-Tahir Ibrahim said on Wednesday that authorities have registered more than 60,000 criminal complaints against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), accusing the group of killing over 6,000 civilians. 

The RSF controlled Al Jazirah from December 2023 until early 2025, a period marked by reports of killings and sexual violence during retaliatory attacks on hundreds of villages and residential areas.
(Source: Sudan Tribune) 

Somalia 

Security Minister Discusses Strategic Cooperation with Qatari State Minister
The Minister of Internal Security of the Federal Republic of Somalia, H.E. Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail, held high-level talks with Qatar’s Minister of State for Interior Affairs, H.E. Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Faisal bin Mohammed Al Thani, during an official diplomatic visit. 

The meeting focused on strengthening security cooperation and aligning strategic priorities. Discussions included enhanced intelligence-sharing mechanisms and the development of operational frameworks for key infrastructure projects aimed at improving social and economic resilience in Somalia.
(Source: SONNA)