Kenya 

Oburu Emerges as Key Figure in ODM Succession Debate 

Veteran politician Oburu Oginga has increasingly found himself at the centre of political discussions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) as debates over the party’s future leadership and direction intensify ahead of the 2027 General Election. The elder brother of veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga has played a prominent role in defending ODM’s cooperation agreement with the government, often placing him at odds with sections of the party that favour a more confrontational opposition stance. His positions have sparked internal disagreements over coalition-building, party discipline, and ODM’s long-term political strategy. 

Supporters view Oburu as a key stabilising figure and trusted strategist within the party, while critics argue that his influence reflects broader succession battles and ideological divisions emerging within ODM. As Kenya’s political landscape shifts ahead of 2027, Oburu’s role continues to attract attention, highlighting the complex power dynamics shaping the future of one of the country’s most influential political movements. 

(Source: Daily Nation) 

Tanzania 

Samia and Putin Deepen Technology and Industrial Cooperation 

Tanzania and Russia have signalled a major shift in their bilateral relations following high-level talks between President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin. The discussions focused on moving beyond traditional diplomatic ties towards a strategic partnership centred on technology transfer, industrialisation, innovation, and investment-led economic growth. 

The leaders discussed partnerships in artificial intelligence, energy, education, healthcare, agriculture, mining, and digital technologies, with a focus on investment, skills transfer, and industrial growth. The engagement reflects efforts by both countries to transform longstanding diplomatic ties into practical economic cooperation and support Tanzania’s broader development and industrialisation agenda. 

(Source: Daily News) 

Uganda 

Uganda Government Lines Up 38 Bills for 2026/27 Legislative Agenda 

The Government of Uganda has tabled plans to introduce 38 Bills in the 2026/27 financial year, signalling an ambitious legislative agenda to shape economic policy, governance reforms, and sectoral regulation. The proposed Bills were outlined in Parliament as part of the executive’s medium-term policy priorities and are expected to be debated across different committees before formal consideration by the House. 

According to parliamentary business schedules, the legislative programme will cover a wide range of areas, including taxation, public finance management, infrastructure development, security, social services, and institutional reforms. Several of the Bills are expected to build on existing policy frameworks, while others are intended to introduce new regulatory regimes aligned with government development priorities. 

(Source: The Independent) 

Rwanda 

Kagame Criticises Sanctions, Urges Africa to Strengthen Internal Cooperation 

Rwandan President Paul Kagame has renewed criticism of the increasing use of international sanctions against African countries, arguing that such measures are often applied unfairly and used as tools of political and economic pressure rather than instruments of justice. He made the remarks during a high-level business and leadership forum in Kigali, where African policymakers and private-sector leaders gathered to discuss economic integration and development priorities. 

Kagame argued that sanctions often reflect global power imbalances, in which stronger states use economic restrictions to influence or punish weaker nations. He warned that this approach risks undermining sovereignty and discouraging genuine cooperation between nations. According to him, Africa should be cautious about external policy tools that may not align with the continent’s long-term development interests or political realities. 

(Source: New Times) 

Ethiopia 

Nearly 40M Vote in Ethiopia as NEBE Reports High Turnout Amid Irregularities 

Ethiopia’s National Election Board (NEBE) has reported that nearly 40 million voters participated in the country’s latest elections, representing close to three-quarters of the 54 million registered voters. According to NEBE Chairperson Melatwork Hailu, voting hours were extended in several areas due to long queues, particularly in Addis Ababa and other urban centres, with many polling stations still processing voters late into the evening. By around 8:00 p.m., millions had already cast their ballots, while others were either still voting or not fully accounted for due to incomplete reporting. 

The election was, however, marked by disruptions and security concerns in several regions. NEBE confirmed that 143 polling stations did not open due to security issues, while voting was suspended in parts of Oromia and Amhara, including Meko Sachi, Bilo Nopa, Kersa, and Kutaber. Irregularities were also reported, including ballot interference in Burji and the presence of plainclothes security personnel at some stations in Addis Ababa. Some opposition observers were reportedly restricted, prompting NEBE to launch investigations as vote counting continues across most constituencies. 

(Source: The Reporter) 

Sudan 

150,000 Displaced in Blue Nile as Thousands Face Starvation on Ethiopian Border 

More than 150,000 people have been displaced in Sudan’s Blue Nile region as fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and allied armed groups continues to intensify. According to civil society figures cited by Sudan Tribune, the displaced population has fled several localities, including Qaisan and surrounding villages, with many now stranded near the Ethiopian border. Large numbers are reportedly living in open areas without adequate food, clean water, or shelter, worsening an already fragile humanitarian situation. 

Local civil society representatives have called for an immediate humanitarian truce to allow access to aid and to create safe corridors for civilians. They also urged regional and international actors, including the United Nations and the African Union, to pressure the warring parties towards a ceasefire and renewed negotiations. The report further highlights ongoing insecurity in parts of the Blue Nile, where continued clashes have made it difficult for aid agencies to reach affected communities. 

(Source: Sudan Tribune) 

Somalia 

Somalia Forms Committee for 66th Independence and Unity Celebrations 

Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has appointed a national organising committee to coordinate celebrations marking Somalia’s 66th Independence and Unity anniversaries. The committee, comprising Cabinet ministers and officials from the Banadir Regional Administration, will oversee preparations for the national commemorations scheduled for 26 June and 1 July. 

The committee has been tasked with coordinating among government institutions, ensuring security arrangements, and organising activities to honour Somalia’s historic journey to independence and national unity. The initiative reflects the government’s efforts to promote patriotism, national cohesion, and public participation during one of the country’s most significant annual commemorations. 

(Source: Sonna)