Kenya 

Raila appoints Nyong’o to lead ODM committee amid succession talks

Raila Odinga appointed Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o to chair the ODM Central Committee while he campaigns for the African Union Commission chairmanship. This move allows Raila to focus on his AUC bid while Nyong’o oversees committee activities.

(The Star)

Tanzania

Abducted Tanzania opposition official found dead

The body of a senior Tanzanian opposition official abducted from a bus by armed men was found on the outskirts of the commercial capital Dar es Salaam, with signs he had been beaten, and acid poured on his face, his party said. The killing of Ally Kibao, a member of the secretariat of the main opposition Chadema party, may taint the reformist image of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who has tried to ease repression since succeeding John Magufuli who died in office three years ago. Kibao’s body was found on Saturday morning, a day after two armed men removed him from a bus travelling from Dar es Salaam to the north-eastern port city of Tanga, Chadema chairman Freeman Mbowe told journalists late on Sunday.

(Reuters)

Uganda

Museveni calls for compulsory electronic voting

President Yoweri Museveni has proposed an amendment to the electoral laws compelling the Electoral Commission to suspend voting at polling stations once the electronic voters’ verification machines break down. “The law must be amended. The law must provide that if the machine doesn’t work, you suspend the election,” the President suggested on Thursday as he accused the National Unity Platform (NUP), an opposition party, of rigging the election. The Head of State proposed while closing the first defence expo, which was organised in memory of former minister of Internal Affairs Gen. Aronda Nyakairima, who died in September 2015.

(Monitor)

Ethiopia

Ethiopia warns against invasion amid regional tensions

Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has warned that anyone planning to invade his country should think 10 times before doing so because “any attack would be repelled.” Ahmed did not direct his comments at any particular nation, but they come at a time of rising tension with neighbouring Somalia and Egypt. Somalia has described a maritime pact that the Ethiopian government signed with the self-declared republic of Somaliland in January as an act of “aggression”, and has responded by forging closer military ties with Egypt.

(BBC)

Eritrea

MoJ hosts dialogue on justice, development, and the geopolitics of the Horn

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) hosted a dialogue session focused on the theme: “Justice, Development, and the Geopolitics of the Horn” from 4th to 6th September. The event attracted scholars and academics from various countries, all gathered to explore critical mechanisms for bolstering Eritrea’s legal framework. The primary aim of the dialogue was to discuss initiatives by the MoJ as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance Eritrea’s legal framework for sustainable development. These measures are integral to the broader nation-building process and involve strengthening the legal framework, expanding access to justice, improving the competence of justice personnel, maintaining institutional integrity, and fostering active public participation.

(ENA)

Sudan 

UN security council extends Sudan sanctions until 2025

The UN Security Council (UNSC) has unanimously voted to extend the current sanctions against Sudan, which include asset freezes, travel bans, and an arms embargo, for another year. The 15-member organ carried the motion during the council’s 9721st meeting in New York yesterday. A statement by the UN press office confirms that resolution 2750 (2024) (to be issued as document S/RES/2750(2024)) under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations was carried unanimously, with a decision on their further renewal to be made no later than 12 September 2025. Addressing the council, the representative of the USA, Ambassador Robert Wood, said that the people of Darfur continue to live in danger, desperation and despair. Every day, they are faced with intensified fighting and restrictions on humanitarian aid, persistent human rights violations and mass displacement.

(Dabanga)

Somalia

Somalia & US deepen security partnership with a focus on counter-terrorism

Somalia and the United States have agreed to enhance their strategic partnership. This commitment was underscored during a high-level meeting in Mogadishu on Monday between Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and General Michael E. Langley, Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM). The discussions focused on addressing the persistent security challenges facing Somalia and the broader Horn of Africa region. Both sides emphasised the importance of deepening their collaboration to combat the threat posed by extremist groups, particularly Al-Shabaab. This renewed cooperation signals a strong, united front in counter-terrorism operations, which are crucial to restoring peace and stability in Somalia.

(Radio Dalsan)