Political and Regulatory Roundup

Kenya

Kenya writes to EAC recalling secretariat head Peter Mathuki

Kenya has officially initiated the process to recall Peter Mathuki from his posting as the Secretary-General of the East African Community (EAC) Secretariat.

In an official letter addressed to the chairperson of the EAC Council of Ministers, Deng Alor Kuol, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for EAC, Ms Peninah Malonza, posted a notice of Dr Mathuki’s withdrawal.

(The East African)

Tanzania 

President Samia hosts meeting in Zanzibar to find EAC integration bearing

Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, after independence, founded the East African Community, killed it and then revived it. Since the return of the EAC, there have been many ups and downs even as the bloc expanded to its current membership of eight countries. In the past year, Kenyan President William Ruto has seemed to be part of those ups and downs in the bloc, or their direct cause, which is why his Thursday Trip to Zanzibar, where he met with host Samia Suluhu Hassan and Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni, was significant. The three leaders met in an unannounced meeting, and the agenda was largely vague. 

(The Citizen)

Uganda

Museveni and Prince Edward discuss trade

President Museveni has expressed his eagerness to collaborate with British investors and attract more tourists from the United Kingdom, highlighting the potential for mutual growth and prosperity.  The President made the remarks while meeting the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, at State House, Entebbe, on March 18.

(The Monitor) 

Rwanda

Kagame meets NBA Africa chief executive, BAL boss

President Paul Kagame, on Wednesday, March 20, hosted NBA African CEO Clare Akamanzi and Basketball Africa League (BAL) President Amadou Gallo Fall in Kigali.

According to a statement from President Kagame’s office, they discussed BAL’s partnership with Rwanda and the upcoming BAL 2024 finals, which will take place in Kigali from May 24 to June 1. Visit Rwanda is a founding and host partner of the BAL through a multi-year deal.

(The New Times)

Somalia

President Mohamud meets Eritrean counterpart to discuss bolstering bilateral relations and war against Al-Shabaab

Somalia Federal Government President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Sunday evening held a meeting with his Eritrean counterpart, Isaias Afwerki.

They discussed various issues important to both sides, including enhancing and bolstering bilateral ties between the two countries.

The two Heads of State also deliberated widely on strengthening the ongoing war against Al-Shabaab militant group that has gained momentum across the country.

(Radio Dalsan)

South Sudan

US, UK and Norway urge South Sudan to ensure genuine elections

The United States, Britain and Norway on Tuesday called on South Sudan’s leaders to take urgent steps to ensure genuine and peaceful elections in December.

South Sudan has been formally at peace since a 2018 deal ended a five-year conflict responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths, but violence between rival communities flares frequently.

The joint statement follows warnings from the United States that South Sudan is not on a path of free and fair elections to take place in December as planned unless action is taken.

(The East African)