Kenya

Looming Fuel Shortage as Middle East Conflict Disrupts Supplies

As the conflict in the Middle East intensifies, concerns are mounting in Kenya over a possible fuel shortage toward the end of March following damage to a major production pipeline supplying fuel to the region, which has reportedly been shut indefinitely after the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company declared a force majeure. Multiple sources indicate that the shortage could affect both Kenya and Uganda, the latter of which relies heavily on fuel imports routed through Kenya. In response, Kenya is exploring emergency supply options from India, Oman and Fujairah, with the first replacement shipment expected to berth in early April. Meanwhile, global oil prices have risen as major suppliers cut supply and markets react to fears of shipping disruptions, increasing the likelihood of higher fuel costs in the next pricing cycle. The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) will set fuel prices for the period ending May 14, 2026, based on prevailing global prices. This means consumers could face higher pump prices from April 14 unless the government intervenes through a subsidy. It remains unclear whether the prices expected to be announced on Saturday, which will remain in force until April 14, will reflect the conflict, given that the current supplies were sourced before the war began.

(Source: Daily Nation)

Uganda

Besigye Threatens to Boycott Trial Over Fast-tracked Prosecution Case

Proceedings in the treason case involving Ugandan opposition figure Kizza Besigye were dominated by disputes over the delayed disclosure of evidence. Additionally, there was a prosecution request to conceal the identities of six key witnesses during a hearing before Emmanuel Baguma at the High Court of Uganda Criminal Division. Defence lawyers, including Erias Lukwago and Martha Karua, objected to the application, arguing that the prosecution had not fully complied with earlier disclosure orders and that the request to hide witness identities would undermine the defence’s ability to properly challenge the evidence. The court ultimately directed the defence to file responses by March 26, the prosecution to submit any rejoinder by March 30, and scheduled the matter for mention on March 31 as the treason case against Besigye and his co-accused continues.

(Source: The Independent)

Tanzania

CCM Lays, Reaffirms Commitment to Democracy

Tanzania’s ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), has reaffirmed its commitment to democratic governance, peaceful political participation, and the rule of law. CCM Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro relayed the news during talks in Dodoma with Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, the United Nations Special Representative to the African Union. The discussions, part of consultations on the political outlook following the 2025 General Election, emphasised Tanzania’s adherence to international and regional democratic standards and electoral reforms. The talks also covered measures to restore peace after post-election violence, including attacks on CCM offices. Both sides highlighted the importance of dialogue and reconciliation, with CCM reaffirming its commitment to national unity, stability, democracy, and continued cooperation with the international community to promote peace and inclusive development.

(Source: Daily News)

Rwanda

PSF Leaders to be Elected Under Revamped Process

The Private Sector Federation (PSF) will hold national leadership elections on March 13 at the Kigali Convention Centre. The Federation is set to elect top officials and sector cluster leaders, including a special cluster for women, youth, and persons with disabilities. Only Golden Circle members can contest national positions, demonstrating leadership, advocacy, and alignment with PSF’s mission and Rwanda’s development vision. Youth with five years’ business experience may also run, while current leaders, including Chairperson Jeanne Francoise Mubiligi and Vice Chairperson Aimable Kimenyi, are eligible for one additional term.

(Source: The New Times)

Ethiopia

Former TPLF-Linked ‘Army 70’ Fighters Enter National Rehabilitation Programme

The National Rehabilitation Commission (NRC) confirmed that over 500 former fighters from the TPLF-affiliated “Army 70” group are participating in a national rehabilitation programme at Awash Arba to transition to civilian life. As part of the government’s Disarmament, Demobilisation, and Reintegration (DDR) initiative, participants receive training in psychological recovery, ethics, and social reintegration. Lieutenant General Hachalu Sheleme and NRC Commissioner Temesgen Tilahun emphasised that the program promotes lasting peace, stability, and productive reintegration, following voluntary disarmament in line with the Pretoria Cessation of Hostilities Agreement.

(Source: ENA)

Sudan

PM Idriss Dismisses Minister, Dissolves State Boards

Sudanese Prime Minister Kamel Idris issued decrees dismissing Cabinet Affairs Minister Lamia Abdel Ghaffar Khalaf Allah and two advisers, and dissolving the boards of state-owned companies, including the Sudanese Consumer Goods Company, which is now placed under the Ministry of Finance. Selaty, established in 2020 to provide essential goods and stabilise markets, is part of broader cabinet and public-sector restructuring, with further reshuffles expected.

(Source: Sudan Tribune)

Somalia

Elite Gorgor Commandos Execute Strategic Clearance Operations in Middle Shabelle

The Somali National Army has intensified operations against extremist elements in rural areas, with the 171st Unit of the 17th Brigade under the 1^st Gorgor Commando Division conducting clearance operations in southern Masaale, Middle Shabelle. Led by Commander Abdullahi Mustaf Ali, the mission targeted Kharijite militants’ encampments and logistical networks, denying them space to plan attacks. The Ministry of Defence affirmed that such high-tempo operations will continue until the region is fully cleared, supporting the federal government’s nationwide stabilisation strategy and reinforcing state authority across regional borders.

(Source: SONNA)