Kenya 

Proposed Bill Would Reserve Most Ambassadorial Posts for Career Diplomats 

A Bill before Kenya’s National Assembly seeks to reduce the number of political appointees serving as ambassadors, high commissioners, and permanent representatives by requiring that career diplomats fill 70% of such appointments, with only 30% filled by non-career diplomats. Sponsored by Mwingi West MP Charles Nguna, the Foreign Service (Amendment) Bill, 2026 would also define a career diplomat as an officer who has served in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for at least 10 years. The proposal aligns with Sessional Paper No. 1 of 2025, which aims to strengthen Kenya’s foreign service by prioritising experienced diplomats while promoting transparency and professionalism in diplomatic appointments. 

(Source: Daily Nation) 

Uganda 

Besigye Reportedly Loses Consciousness After Collapsing in Court 

Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye reportedly lost consciousness after collapsing during a court appearance, according to his wife, Winnie Byanyima. She said he became unconscious shortly afterwards and received medical attention. The incident has renewed public concern over Besigye’s health as he remains involved in ongoing legal proceedings. It has also drawn renewed attention from supporters and human rights groups, who continue to monitor both his condition and the progress of his case. 

(Source: Monitor) 

Tanzania 

ICC Scrutiny Renews Focus on Accountability in Tanzania 

The International Criminal Court’s (ICC) recent scrutiny of Tanzania has renewed attention on accountability for alleged human rights violations and the country’s justice system. Although Tanzania is not a State Party to the Rome Statute, the ICC Prosecutor has received communications urging the Court to examine alleged abuses linked to recent political events. The development has sparked debate over Tanzania’s ability to investigate and address such allegations through its own institutions while drawing greater international attention to governance, the rule of law and the protection of fundamental rights. Although no formal ICC investigation has been launched, scrutiny has intensified, focusing on accountability and legal oversight. 

(Source: The Citizen) 

Rwanda 

Rwandan Senator Donatille Mukabalisa Dies 

Rwandan Senator Donatille Mukabalisa has died, prompting tributes from leaders and institutions across the country. Mukabalisa held several senior parliamentary positions during her career, including serving as Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies before returning to the Senate in 2024. She also chaired the Liberal Party (PL) and played a prominent role in legislative affairs, governance and national reconciliation. Her death marks the loss of a respected figure in Rwanda’s political leadership, with condolences continuing to pour in as the country honours her years of public service. 

(Source: The New Times) 

Ethiopia 

HRW Says 17 Ethiopian Migrants Executed in Saudi Arabia in 2026 

Human Rights Watch (HRW) says Saudi Arabia has executed 17 Ethiopian migrants in 2026, with more than 70 others reportedly at imminent risk of execution. The organisation has urged Saudi authorities to halt the planned executions, uphold fair trial guarantees and increase transparency in capital punishment cases involving foreign nationals. HRW also called on the Ethiopian government to intensify diplomatic efforts to protect its citizens facing the death penalty abroad. The report has renewed international scrutiny of Saudi Arabia’s use of capital punishment and its treatment of migrant workers and foreign detainees. 

(Source: The Reporter) 

Sudan 

Retreating RSF Forces Accused of Attacking Civilians in North Kordofan 

Retreating fighters from Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have reportedly carried out reprisal attacks against civilians in North Kordofan following recent battlefield setbacks. According to reports, the attacks targeted villages and local communities, causing civilian casualties, displacement and property damage. The incidents have heightened concerns over the humanitarian situation and the protection of civilians as fighting between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces continues. Humanitarian organisations have called on all parties to comply with international humanitarian law and safeguard civilian populations. 

(Source: Sudan Tribune) 

Somalia 

Airstrike Reportedly Kills 11 Al-Shabaab Leaders in Middle Shabelle 

Somalia’s Defence Minister says an airstrike in the Middle Shabelle region killed 11 senior Al-Shabaab leaders. According to the minister, the operation targeted the group’s leadership as part of ongoing efforts to weaken its command structure and reduce its operational capacity. The strike forms part of Somalia’s wider counterterrorism campaign against Al-Shabaab, which continues to carry out attacks across the country. The reported casualties have not been independently verified, while security operations against the group remain underway. 

(Source: SONNA)