Kenya

Governors Revive Senate Extortion Claims in Kenya

Kenya’s Council of Governors (CoG) has renewed allegations that some Senate committees are engaging in extortion and harassment when summoning county governors for oversight hearings. The governors say that the County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC) and other Senate bodies have turned accountability sessions into opportunities to demand money or humiliate county leaders, prompting some governors to boycott scheduled appearances.

The standoff reflects deeper tensions between devolved units and the Senate over the handling of Auditor-General reports and oversight processes. Governors argue that repeated summonses disrupt county operations and have demanded reforms in how oversight is conducted. The Senate leadership has rejected the extortion claims, insisting its constitutional oversight role is legitimate and urging governors to present evidence through formal channels rather than public accusations.

(Source: Nation)

Tanzania

Parliament Postpones First Session, Delaying Budget Process

Tanzania’s 13th Parliament postponed the first session of its third meeting on March 31, 2026, delaying the formal start of the government’s budget reading process for the upcoming fiscal year. The announcement was made by Deputy Speaker Daniel Sillo, who did not specify a detailed reason for the postponement but noted the session’s adjournment followed parliamentary business and tributes.

During the sitting, lawmakers observed a moment of silence for William Lukuvi, a former minister who died on March 25, 2026. Following the postponement, attention shifted to April 1, 2026, when the Prime Minister was expected to officially open proceedings and present the government’s budget framework.

The delay affects the timeline for ministries to scrutinise budget proposals and could compress the schedule for parliamentary debate and approval ahead of the fiscal year.

(Source: Daily News)

Uganda

Uganda EALA By-Election Process Suspended, Aspirants Reconsider Options

The planned by-election to fill vacant East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) seats for Uganda has been suspended indefinitely by the Clerk to Parliament, Adolf Mwesige, in a notice dated March 28, 2026. This halt affects the nomination and election process expected to fill two EALA vacancies following the elevation of sitting delegates to Uganda’s national Parliament.

EALA aspirants described the suspension as unexpected and said they are adjusting their strategies while awaiting further communication from Parliament and the relevant authorities regarding next steps. The delay has introduced uncertainty into the process, with no new timeline provided for resuming nominations or holding the by-election.

(Source: Daily Monitor)

Rwanda

PM Nsengiyumva Represents Kagame at CAR Inauguration

Rwanda’s Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva travelled to Bangui, Central African Republic (CAR), to represent President Paul Kagame at the inauguration ceremony of President Faustin-Archange Touadéra on March 30, 2026. The event marked the beginning of Touadéra’s new term following his re-election earlier this year.

Nsengiyumva’s participation underscores Rwanda’s diplomatic engagement and the bilateral ties between Kigali and Bangui, particularly in areas such as security cooperation and development. Touadéra’s presidency has focused on peace, stability, and infrastructure development in CAR. Justin Nsengiyumva has been serving as Rwanda’s Prime Minister since July 2025.

(Source: The New Times)

Ethiopia

Ethiopia Advances Preparations for 7^th General Elections

Ethiopia is preparing for its 7^th general elections, with voter registration beginning on March 7, 2026, and polling scheduled for June 1, 2026, according to the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE). The Board reported that over 28.3 million voters had registered by March 27, 2026, through both digital and in-person systems.

NEBE confirmed that 47 political parties have fielded 10,934 candidates, who are actively presenting their policy platforms to the public. Party representatives say they are finalising preparations for full participation in the elections.

Political leaders cited by the Ethiopian News Agency emphasised that elections are central to democratic governance and citizen sovereignty. They also highlighted electoral reforms and digital registration tools as improvements that enhance inclusivity, transparency, and participation ahead of the June 1 vote.

(Source: Ethiopian News Agency)

Sudan 

Senior RSF-linked Official Killed in Nyala Airstrikes

A senior member of the Sudan Founding Coalition (SFC), a political group dominated by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), was killed during airstrikes in Nyala, South Darfur, on March 31, 2026. Local sources reported that the Sudanese army’s drones carried out the strikes, which hit multiple areas of the city, including the Cinema neighbourhood and locations near the Specialised Hospital. The raids reportedly also caused injuries at a Starlink internet café. The deceased, Osama Hassan, was involved in community reconciliation and mediation efforts in Darfur and had recently engaged with pro-RSF political actors and community leaders. The attacks occurred amid ongoing conflict between the RSF and the Sudanese army and amid disputed reports about agreements on avoiding strikes near airports.

(Source: Sudan Tribune)

Somalia

Gov’t Launches Joint Coordination on Food Security Preparedness

Somalia has held the first meeting of the Joint Committee on the Food Security Crisis Preparedness Plan (FSCPP) in Mogadishu, bringing together government officials and international partners, including WFP, UNICEF, FAO, OCHA, and the World Bank.

The meeting, held at the National Disaster Management Agency, focused on accelerating implementation of the FSCPP, a framework aimed at strengthening preparedness and response to worsening drought and food insecurity. Officials reviewed ongoing commitments and discussed coordination between federal authorities and development partners to improve humanitarian response.

Participants emphasised the need for stronger collaboration to ensure the timely delivery of aid to drought-affected populations and to enhance national resilience systems. The initiative reflects Somalia’s broader efforts to improve disaster preparedness, reduce vulnerability to climate shocks, and streamline international support for food security interventions.

(Source: SONNA)