Kenya 

Mudavadi: Raila AUC campaigns steady despite harambee hiccup

The government has assured of steady campaigns for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s quest for the chairmanship of the African Union Commission (AUC). This follows confusion over an aborted fundraiser by a lobby group dubbed Friends of Baba—Africa (FOBA), which had claimed to be part of the campaigns for the continental post. But Prime Cabinet Secretary (PCS) Musalia Mudavadi reaffirmed that the campaigns remain a state affair and are steady under the secretariat. 

(Daily Nation)

Tanzania

Samia: Hands off

President Samia Suluhu Hassan has firmly defended Tanzania’s sovereignty, emphasising that its constitution, laws and traditions guide the country. The Head of State was responding to concerns by a section of foreign envoys regarding the recent abduction and killing of Ali Kibao, a member of the opposition Chadema party. In a bold statement, President Samia reminded members of the international community, including diplomatic envoys in Tanzania, that the nation is fully capable of managing its internal affairs without external interference. The President’s remarks follow a series of tragic incidents that have shaken the nation, including the high-profile murder of a political figure and ongoing killings linked to superstition, witchcraft and political or economic interests. Referring to the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961, President Samia urged diplomats to respect established protocols and refrain from overstepping their boundaries.

(Daily News)

Uganda

2026 polls: Election observers ask govt to expedite law against commercialisation of politics

A section of election observers in Uganda have asked the government to speed up the process of coming up with a law regulating the commercialisation of politics as the 2026 general elections draw closer. The group decries that the commercialisation of politics has created a situation where people are elected to office but are captured by those who bankrolled them. This, in turn, makes them unable to serve the interests of the electorate, and they instead serve their benefactors. Uganda’s electoral commission also agrees that the commercialisation of politics undermines democracy. According to the Commission’s spokesperson, the absence of campaign finance law creates a vacuum in which the wrong people use money to undermine the free choice of voters

(Daily Monitor)

Ethiopia

Ethiopia, China vow to enhance military cooperation

Top Ethiopian and Chinese military officers pledged to further enhance military cooperation on the sidelines of the 11th Beijing Xiangshan Forum. Ethiopia’s high-level military delegation led by Field Marshal General Birhanu Jula, Chief of General Staff of Ethiopian National Defence Forces (ENDF), held talks with General Liu Zhenli, a member of China’s Central Military Commission (CMC) and Chief of Staff of the CMC Joint Staff Department. During the discussion, both sides agreed to work together in spheres of Fifth-Generation Warfare (5GW), technology transfer, military equipment and military capacity building.

(ENA)

Eritrea

Eritrea and St. Lucia establish diplomatic relations

In a ceremony held at the Permanent Mission of Eritrea to the United Nations, Eritrea and St. Lucia have established diplomatic relations, signifying a mutual commitment to fostering closer ties. The formalisation of diplomatic relations is expected to enhance cooperation within the United Nations and other international forums, where Eritrea and St. Lucia will collaborate on key global issues, including climate action, peace-building, and development. This milestone lays the foundation for a long-lasting and fruitful partnership, with both nations looking forward to working together to achieve shared goals.

(Shabait)

Sudan 

 President Biden urges end to Sudan conflict

US President Joe Biden has condemned the ongoing conflict in Sudan, urging both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to halt their actions and allow humanitarian aid to reach civilians. President  Biden highlighted the dire consequences of the 17-month war, which has displaced nearly 10 million people and seen widespread human rights abuses. The US has provided over $1.6 billion in emergency aid to Sudan over the past two years and continues to work with international partners, including the African Union and the United Nations, to secure more humanitarian routes. The President also confirmed sanctions on 16 entities and individuals responsible for exacerbating the conflict.

(Dabanga)

Somalia

Turkey to deploy warships to protect energy research in Somali waters

Turkey is set to deploy frigates to Somali waters to safeguard a Turkish energy research vessel, according to sources familiar with the matter. This move follows an agreement between Turkey and Somalia, signed earlier this year, granting Ankara the right to explore and drill for energy within Somalia’s exclusive economic zone, as well as protect its waters from external threats. Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar recently announced that Turkish Petroleum holds licences for three offshore areas in Somali waters, each spanning 5,000 square kilometres. He added that the research vessel Oruc Reis will conduct an unprecedented 3D seismic study in the region, set to begin in October.

(Radio Dalsan)