Kenya

Standoff as striking doctors rubbish mediation calls

A stand-off is looming between the Ministry of Health and doctors, following directions by the Employment and Labour Relations Court that parties negotiate in good faith and find a solution to the impasse on the posting of interns. The hard positions taken by both the Ministry and the doctors’ union pose a challenge to the court’s directive, even as the court expects a report on the negotiations in two weeks.

(Daily Nation)

Tanzania

Tanzania rakes in Sh12.6 billion from non-resident digital entities

Following the introduction of a digital tax collection model in the Finance Act, 2023, the Tanzania Revenue Authority has reported that it has been able to collect taxes from non-resident entities including Meta, X (Twitter), LinkedIn, etc.  The government is looking to tighten the noose further by developing an integrated tax system, in order to boost its revenues.

(The Citizen)

Uganda

House resumes amid calls for forensic audit

Parliament reconvenes to continue with House business amid calls from the Opposition and some NRA legislators to discuss the allegations of abuse and mismanagement. Parliament had been adjourned indefinitely on March 6 and resumes today to discuss ministerial policy papers, among other things.

(The Monitor)

Rwanda

Police unveil e-test driving license system

The Rwanda National Police Department of Testing and Licensing, on Wednesday, March 13, launched a Driving e-Testing System, an innovative move equipped with advanced technology to redefine license service delivery transparency and improve overall road safety.

(The New Times)

Ethiopia

Foreign Affairs minister holds bilateral talks with Canadian official

Foreign Affairs Minister Taye Atske Selassie held talks with Robert Oliphant, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Canada Minister of Foreign Affairs today. During the discussion, Taye applauded Canada’s support in difficult times and the importance of scaling up the longstanding and multi-sectoral bilateral relations. He also expressed the need to enhance trade and investment relations between the two countries and called for Canadian businesspeople to invest in the digital sector, mining, energy, and manufacturing sectors.

Oliphant, on his part stated that Ethiopia is one of the prioritised African countries in Canada’s foreign relations.  Oliphant further explained Canada’s keenness to enhance its relations with Ethiopia in trade, investment, humanitarian assistance, development cooperation and other fields.

(Ena)

Sudan

US intelligence report: “Prolonged Sudan conflict raises concerns of spreading beyond borders”

Sudan’s prolonged conflict is not only a domestic crisis but also a looming threat to regional stability, warns a recent report released by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence on Monday.

The report, titled “2024 Annual Threat Assessment of the U.S. Intelligence Community,” highlights the grave risks associated with the ongoing turmoil in the country. “Sudan’s prolonged conflict heightens the risks of conflict spreading beyond its borders, external actors joining the fray, and civilians facing death and displacement,” states the report.

The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) remain engaged in combat, driven by the belief their “leaders calculate that they can achieve their goals absent a negotiated cessation of hostilities,” the intelligence report states. The report underscores the importance of addressing the root causes of instability in Sudan to prevent it from becoming a breeding ground for extremism and criminal activities.

(Dabanga Sudan)

Somalia

Former President Sheikh Sharif meets with US Embassy Charge D’affairs to discuss the ongoing constitution review process and security challenges

Somalia’s Former President, Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, held a meeting on Wednesday with Chargé d’Affaires of the United States Embassy, Shane L. Dixon, in the nation’s capital, Mogadishu.

Sharif, in a post on his X (formerly Twitter), confirmed the meeting, saying that he had a productive meeting with Acting US Ambassador Shane L. Dixon in Mogadishu and discussed Somalia’s current situation, including security challenges and ongoing constitution amendment debate in parliament.

He emphasised the crucial role of all political stakeholders to be engaged with before reviewing any parts of the constitution. The US Embassy in Mogadishu also acknowledged the meeting, saying Chargé d’Affaires Shane L. Dixon met with Former President Sharif Ahmed to discuss regional security and Somalia’s ongoing constitutional review. The United States supports a review process that is inclusive and incorporates input from a broad group of stakeholders.

(Radio Dalsan)

General

AfDB chief criticises opaque loans tied to Africa’s resources

The head of the African Development Bank is calling for an end to loans given in exchange for the continent’s rich supplies of oil or critical minerals used in smartphones and electric car batteries, deals that have helped China gain control over mineral mining in places like Congo and have left some African countries in financial crisis.

(All Africa)