KENYA

Azimio, Kenya Kwanza allied MPs turn Kibaki sitting to political duel 

A special sitting of the National Assembly to mourn former President Mwai Kibaki was reduced to a political duel between Azimio la Umoja, One Kenya and Kenya Kwanza coalitions.

The sitting was called by Speaker Justin Muturi on the request of House Majority Leader Amos Kimunya (Kipipiri), to accord lawmakers a chance to pay their last respects to Kibaki.

Those from Kenya Kwanza that support Deputy President William Ruto’s presidential bid did not have kind words for President Uhuru Kenyatta for supporting Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga in the August 9 presidential race.

MPs affiliated to Azimio fought back, saying Dr Ruto is known for disrespecting the President, unlike Kibaki who had no problem with his former boss, Daniel Toroitich arap Moi, even  after he was demoted from vice-presidency.

However, MPs from the two camps were united in saying Kibaki was a performer, having grown the country’s economy from years of ruin to creating jobs and ensuring Kenya got a new Constitution in August 2010.

(Source: The Nation)

TANZANIA

Diaspora policy in the offing

President Samia Suluhu Hassan has said the government is putting final touches on a draft policy for Tanzanians in the Diaspora.

President Suluhu made the revelation in Washington DC in the United States on Sunday, during a meeting with Tanzanians living in the North American state.

“I have directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Co-operation to prepare enough copies of the draft policy which will be distributed here in the United States and other countries.

“After going through the draft, you will give us your inputs, however, you should bear in mind that not all of your requests will be incorporated in the envisaged policy,” she told the audience at the meeting.

(Source: The Daily News)

UGANDA

Mozambique’s president in Uganda for official visit

Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi arrived in Uganda on Wednesday afternoon for a three-day official visit.

President Nyusi and President Museveni are set to hold discussions on strengthening historical ties, and political, economic, social and cultural cooperation between the two countries.

The Mozambique Presidency says both Heads of State will assess the stage of bilateral cooperation, with emphasis on the decisions taken during Museveni’s last State visit to Mozambique.

Mozambique exports to Uganda mainly seafood, cashew nuts, sugar and coal, while Kampala exports maize, beans, timber, fruits, beef, and coffee to Maputo.

(Source: The East African)

RWANDA

President Kagame Receives Credentials from Five New Envoys 

President Paul Kagame received letters of credence from five new envoys accredited to Rwanda at Village Urugwiro on Monday, April 25, 2022.

The envoys include Sommel Yabao Mbaidickoye, Chad’s ambassador, Lebbius Tangeni Tobias, Namibia’s High Commissioner, Silvio José Albuquerque e Silva, Brazil’s Ambassador, Marie Charlotte G. Tang, the Philippines’ Ambassador, and Esmond St. Clair Reid, Jamaica’s High Commissioner.

While addressing the media, the envoys reiterated their commitment to further strengthen their respective countries’ cooperation with Rwanda, with emphasis on economic and political ties.

(Source: The New Times)

ETHIOPIA

Clashes in Ethiopia kill 20 Muslim worshippers 

Twenty Muslim worshippers were killed in Ethiopia’s Amhara region in clashes with unidentified armed men, an Islamic leader in the region said.

The violence was unrelated to a conflict in the neighbouring Tigray region, which erupted in November 2020 and spilled over into Amhara and Afar regions last year.

Gizachew Muluneh, spokesperson for the Amhara regional administration, said the incident was under investigation and he would give an update later.

(Source: Reuters)

ERITREA

Senior Eritrean delegation on working visit to Russia 

Senior Eritrean delegation composed of Mr. Osman Saleh, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Presidential Adviser Mr. Yemane Gebreab is on a two-day working visit to Russia on invitation of Mr. Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.

At a meeting they held today, Foreign Minister Lavrov briefed the Eritrean delegation on the genesis of the conflict in Ukraine, the objectives of Russia and the current situation.

The Eritrean delegation on its part reiterated Eritrea’s principled position, including in a press statement, and called on Russia and Ukraine to find a bilateral solution to their conflict.

The two sides also exchanged views on the current situation in the Horn of Africa as well as the African continent at large.

Furthermore, Eritrea and Russia agreed on concrete measures to upgrade political, diplomatic, trade, investment as well as educational and cultural relations.

(Source: Ministry of Information Eritrea)

SUDAN

Former top officials released from prison, lawyers say 

Five former Sudanese officials have been released from prison, lawyers confirmed Wednesday, after being detained on corruption charges earlier this year. 

The released officials, all members of a task force working to dismantle Sudan’s former regime, include former Sudanese Sovereign Council member Mohamed al-Faki Suleiman; former cabinet minister Khalid Omar Youssef; Wagdi Saleh, spokesman for the Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC); FFC member Taha Othman; and prominent politician Babiker Faisal.

Sudan’s military chief, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, had hinted at releasing the men as a trust-building move, one of several measures demanded by western countries and political parties.

(Source: Middle East Eye)

SOMALIA

Sheikh Adan Madobe wins House of the People Speaker’s post 

The election of the Speaker of the House of the People of the 11th Parliament has just concluded, which took place tonight at the Halane Fence Apartment.

The election went through two rounds, with four candidates in the first round receiving the most votes: Hassan Abdinur with 98 votes, Abdullahi Black with 33 votes, Sheikh Adan Madobe with 74 votes and Adan Saransor received 23 votes.

But Adan Saran-soor and Abdullahi Black gave up, and Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur Madobe and Hassan Abdi Nur went to the final round, with Adan Madobe winning with the most votes.

Electoral commission chairman Abdirasak Omar Mohamed announced the results, and Aden Madobe received 163 votes, while Hassan Abdi Nur received 89 votes.

(Source: Radio Dalsan)