Kenya

Ex-Machakos Senator Muthama Warns Kalonzo Against Tribal Coalitions Ahead Of 2027

Former Machakos Senator Johnson Muthama has warned Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and other political figures against forming tribal-based political coalitions ahead of the 2027 General Election. Muthama, who is currently a Commissioner of the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC), expressed these concerns on Sunday in Kwale County, urging leaders to reject tribal politics and instead focus on unity and development. He noted that Kenya’s political landscape has become increasingly characterised by heated rhetoric and rivalry, often magnified in public forums and on social media.

(Source: Citizen Digital)

Uganda

It Will Be War, Not Election! Bobi Wine Warns Ahead of Uganda Polls

Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine has warned that the country’s upcoming elections are likely to be violent rather than a peaceful democratic contest, citing what he described as repeated targeting of him and his supporters by security agencies. Speaking to CNN, the National Unity Platform (NUP) leader said several people had been killed or injured during his campaign activities, and claimed that he himself was a key target. He attributed the alleged crackdown to what he characterised as growing fear within the government over declining public support.

 (Source: The Star)

Tanzania

President Trump Adds Tanzania to List of Countries Facing US Visa Restrictions

President Donald Trump has included Tanzania in the list of 39 countries whose citizens face travel restrictions to the United States. In an executive proclamation dated 16 December 2025, Trump expanded the list, which mostly consists of non-white countries, to include Tanzania in the partial restrictions and entry limitations. 

 (Source: The Star)

Rwanda

Rwanda-Backed M23 Rebels Claim Withdrawal From Uvira As Peace Talks Struggle

Rwanda-backed M23 rebels claimed to have begun a withdrawal from the city of Uvira in eastern Congo late Wednesday night, according to the leader of the rebel group and local authorities. Bertrand Bisimwa, leader of the M23, spoke to The Associated Press via telephone and said the withdrawal would be complete by Thursday morning. M23 took control of the city last week following a rapid offensive launched at the start of the month. More than 400 people have been killed, and about 200,000 displaced, regional officials say. The rebels’ latest offensive comes despite a U.S.-mediated peace agreement signed earlier this month by the Congolese and Rwandan presidents in Washington. Residents shared conflicting reports on the status of the withdrawal.

(Source: AP News)

Ethiopia

Ethiopia and India Decide to Elevate Their Longstanding Bilateral Relations to a Strategic Partnership

Ethiopia and India have decided to elevate their longstanding bilateral relations to the level of a strategic partnership, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced on Tuesday following talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Addis Ababa. Speaking during a bilateral meeting held at the National Palace, Prime Minister Abiy said the decision reflects the depth of historical ties and a shared vision for a modern partnership rooted in sovereignty, equality, and practical cooperation.

(Source: Fana Media Corporation) 

Sudan 

Al-Burhan Issues Directive to Cease Withholding Identity Documents from Sudanese Opponents

Sudan’s Sovereign Council Chairman and Army Chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan on Wednesday ordered authorities to cease withholding identity documents from citizens, including opponents facing legal proceedings. Since the conflict began on 15 April 2023, activists and political figures have reported that some embassies have refused to issue travel documents. These restrictions have also impacted journalists and individuals from communities perceived as supporting the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and anti-war groups.

(Source: Sudan Tribune) 

Somalia

US Escalates Air Strikes on Somalia Under Trump

The United States has substantially increased its military air campaign in Somalia, conducting at least 111 strikes against armed groups since President Donald Trump returned to office, according to the New America Foundation, which monitors these operations. In the most recent instance, the US Africa Command carried out an air strike on December 14, approximately 50 kilometres (31 miles) northeast of the city of Kismayo, targeting what it claimed were members of the Somali armed group, al-Shabaab. The escalation began in February when Trump launched his administration’s first strike in Somalia. Months later, a senior US Navy admiral stated that the US had carried out what he described as the “largest air strike in the history of the world” from an aircraft carrier, marking a significant departure from the previous administration’s approach.

(Source: Al Jazeera)