Kenya

Black Wednesday: Nine Killed, 400 Injured as Protests Rock 27 Counties

Nine people were killed, about 400 injured, and 61 arrested on Wednesday as at least 27 counties witnessed mass protests marking the first anniversary of the June 25, 2024, demonstrations, which saw youth protesters storm Parliament. According to the state-run Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), eight of the deaths were reported in six counties, all from gunshot wounds, with two in Machakos, two in Makueni, and one each in Kiambu, Nakuru, and Nyandarua.

(Daily Nation)

Tanzania

Govt Amends Contentious Tax Proposals

The government has agreed to amend several contentious tax proposals that sparked heated debate over the past week following the presentation of the TSh 56.49 trillion national budget on June 12, 2025. The decision comes after intense pushback from lawmakers and the parliamentary budget committee, particularly regarding the proposed inclusive fiscal regime. Among the revisions is the withdrawal of a proposal to tax retained earnings that remain unused for over six months. Instead, the threshold has been extended to 12 months, giving businesses more time to reinvest profits without incurring a 10% withholding tax (WHT).In another reversal, the government has postponed the introduction of a mandatory $44 travel insurance fee for foreign tourists. Initially set for immediate implementation, the policy will now take effect in January 2026, allowing for broader industry consultations.

(The Citizen)

Uganda

Court Orders Release of Lawyer Eron Kiiza’s Passport for Medical Travel Abroad

A Ugandan court has ordered the release of human rights lawyer Eron Kiiza’s passport to enable him to travel abroad for medical treatment. In a ruling delivered on Wednesday, Justice David Batema allowed Kiiza’s application, stating that while the retention of his passport was lawful under the bail conditions, it should not obstruct his fundamental right to travel. The lawyer was convicted of contempt of court by the General Court Martial in January and sentenced to nine months in prison, but was released on bail pending appeal. Eron Kiiza had been representing Ugandan regime opponent Dr. Kizza Besigye before his arrest.

(Daily Monitor)

Rwanda

Rwanda, Burundi Senate Heads Mull Ways to Improve Both Countries’ Relations

The Senate Presidents of Rwanda and Burundi, along with their respective delegations, met to discuss how parliamentary diplomacy can improve relations between the two neighbouring countries. Rwandan Senate President François-Xavier Kalinda and his Burundian counterpart Emmanuel Sinzohagera held discussions in Kigali aimed at resolving strained diplomatic ties. Burundi has accused Rwanda of plotting attacks against it. At the same time, Rwanda alleges that Burundi is collaborating with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a militia group believed to have been founded by perpetrators of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.

(The New Times)

Ethiopia

Langley in Addis after Conspicuous Somaliland Trip

General Michael Langley, Chief of US Military Operations in Africa, was in Addis Ababa on Friday for a meeting with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, which reportedly focused on “bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest.” Langley met Abiy after leading a high-level US military delegation to the breakaway state of Somaliland, where the head of US Africa Command (AFRICOM) discussed security concerns and future relations with top brass in Hargeisa. Langley reportedly met with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro (PhD) and senior government officials to discuss shared security goals, maritime strategy, and defence cooperation. He also participated in a tour of the port city of Berbera, where he assessed the infrastructure needed for regional security cooperation. Langley’s visit to the Horn comes on the heels of the reintroduction of a US congressional bill on Somaliland’s recognition by Republican Congressman Scott Perry last week.

(The Reporter) 

Sudan

Darfur Armed Groups to Keep Cabinet Posts in New Government, Sources Say

Ministers from Darfur armed groups that are party to a peace deal are expected to retain their posts in a new Sudanese cabinet, sources familiar with the negotiations said on Wednesday, indicating a concession to the factions. Prime Minister Kamil Idris, who is forming a new government, was advised to keep the ministers after leaders of the signatory groups expressed discontent over a potential reshuffle, a source close to the prime minister said. The move comes as Idris takes the first steps to form a government of “independent, non-partisan technocrats” more than a month after being sworn in. On Tuesday, he appointed new ministers of defence and interior.

(Sudan Tribune) 

Somalia

Somali, AU Troops Recapture Strategic Areas From Al Shabaab

The African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and the Somali Armed Forces have reported the recapture of the strategic locations of Sabiid and Anole in the southern region from al-Shabaab. In a statement issued from Mogadishu, AUSSOM said the recovery followed a three-day joint operation codenamed “Operation Silent Storm”, aimed at liberating areas under al-Shabaab control in the Lower Shabelle region.

(The East African)