Kenya 

Mbadi and the Push for Luo Nyanza Kingpin 

Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi is increasingly being viewed as a key contender in the evolving struggle for political influence in Luo Nyanza following the death of Raila Odinga. Mbadi’s recent public statements and political engagements have fuelled debate within the Orange Democratic Movement over succession and regional leadership. 

Other figures, including James Orengo, Babu Owino, and Eliud Owalo, are also seen as influential voices in the region’s future political direction. The developments reflect broader realignments within ODM as leaders position themselves ahead of the 2027 elections and a post-Raila political era. 

(Source: Daily Nation) 

Uganda 

Museveni Appoints Justice Moses Kazibwe as Deputy CJ 

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has appointed Moses Kazibwe Kawumi as the new Deputy Chief Justice, filling a position that had remained vacant for about five months. Justice Kazibwe currently serves on the Court of Appeal and Constitutional Court and will replace Flavian Zeija, who was elevated to Chief Justice earlier this year. 

The appointments were announced by the Presidential Press Unit and are expected to strengthen judicial leadership as Uganda’s judiciary continues reforms aimed at addressing case backlogs, improving efficiency, and expanding digital court systems. 

(Source: Daily Monitor) 

Tanzania 

Gov’t Approves Expanded Road Network in Nyang’hwale 

The Tanzanian government has approved a new 985.28-kilometre road network in Nyang’hwale District to be managed by the Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA). Officials said the roads were verified and incorporated into the agency’s maintenance framework to improve connectivity and support local development. 

TARURA disclosed that the district received 1.3 billion shillings for road improvement projects in 2024/25, while additional maintenance funds have been allocated for 2025/26. Local leaders called for stricter contractor supervision to ensure quality infrastructure delivery. The district council is also considering creating a special emergency road repair fund, supported through internally generated revenue, to address urgent transport challenges. 

(Source: Daily News) 

Rwanda 

Kagame Urges Africa to Reject Sanctions and Strengthen Unity 

Rwandan President Paul Kagame has criticized the use of external sanctions against African states, arguing that they undermine sovereignty and hinder the continent’s development. Speaking in Kigali, Kagame called for stronger African cooperation and self-reliance in addressing political and economic challenges instead of relying on punitive measures imposed from outside the continent. 

He emphasised that Africa should focus on internal solutions through institutions such as the African Union, strengthening integration, and building resilient economies capable of withstanding external pressure. The remarks align with Rwanda’s broader foreign policy position advocating for African-led approaches to security, governance, and development, while questioning the effectiveness of sanctions in achieving long-term political stability. 

(Source: New Times) 

Ethiopia 

Ethiopia, India to Collaborate Across Range of Sectors  

Ethiopian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos, engaged in discussions with India’s Minister of External Affairs, S. Jaishankar. The talks highlighted the enduring bilateral relationship between Ethiopia and India, as noted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Minister Gedion underscored the significance of coordination and consultation on mutual interests to enhance these ties further.   

In response, Minister Jaishankar expressed India’s strong commitment to fortifying bilateral relations. He referenced the recent successful visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Ethiopia as a clear indication of the deepening partnership between the two nations. Jaishankar also reiterated India’s willingness to collaborate across various sectors, emphasising the potential for further cooperation.  

(Source: ENA) 

Sudan 

Sudan Warns AU Fact-Finding Mission over Final Report Process 

Sudan has issued a warning to the African Union (AU) fact-finding mission, urging it to refrain from finalising its report until it completes extensive consultations with all affected parties. This caution was articulated by Sudanese officials during the 87th African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights session in Banjul. The delegation emphasised the importance of interviewing victims of alleged violations and coordinating with Sudan’s national human rights mechanisms prior to the publication of conclusions. They insisted that both domestic and international accountability structures must be thoroughly involved in the process. 

The AU mission has previously highlighted extensive abuses committed by Sudan’s warring factions and advised on enhanced civilian protection and accountability measures, which may include international judicial mechanisms. Sudan’s response underscores ongoing tensions regarding external investigations into the conflict, with Khartoum consistently challenging the scope and methodology of international fact-finding efforts. 

(Source: Sudan Tribune) 

Somalia 

Somalia Deepens Diplomatic Engagement with Algeria 

Somalia has strengthened its diplomatic outreach in North Africa after Interior Minister Ali Yusuf Ali-Hosh delivered a special message from President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune during an official visit to Algiers. The meeting underscored both countries’ commitment to expanding bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation on regional security, governance, and broader African Union and Arab League affairs. 

The engagement at the Algerian presidential palace involved senior Algerian officials from the presidency, foreign affairs, and interior ministries, along with Somalia’s ambassador to Algeria. The discussions focused on enhancing coordination in counterterrorism, state-building, and institutional development, which align with mutual priorities for regional stability. Somalia’s outreach is part of a broader strategy aimed at strengthening connections with key African nations and expanding its diplomatic footprint across the continent. This visit underscores Mogadishu’s commitment to developing partnerships that facilitate governance reforms and bolster its role in regional and multilateral cooperation efforts. 

(Source: SONNA)