Kenya

Shock order on majority party derails house business

Recently, the High Court ruled that the declaration that the Kenya Kwanza political party was the majority was unconstitutional and in violation of Article 108 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010. This assertion prompted the Azimio political parties to assume the role of the majority party in both the National Assembly and the Senate during the resumption of the Fourth Session. The Judgement caused the Fourth Session of the National Assembly to start on a wrong footing following the failure to reconstitute the House Business Committee (HBC) as reality sank on a court ruling that declared the opposition, Azimio, as the majority side. The Speaker of the National Assembly addressed concerns relating to calls urging him to resign from his post as speaker of the National Assembly. He stated that he would deliver his ruling on the same on Wednesday, 12th February 2025 and that the motion on the formation of the HBC would be stayed.

(Daily Nation)

Uganda

Ebola cases in Uganda rise to nine

Uganda has recorded six new Ebola cases, bringing the total number of laboratory-confirmed infections to nine, including one death on Monday. Seven patients are currently receiving treatment at Mulago National Referral Hospital in Kampala, while one patient is being treated at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital in the eastern part of the country. The Ministry of Health has urged the public to remain calm as it ramps up preventive measures and reaffirms its commitment to protecting the population from Ebola. Data from the World Health Organization shows that Uganda’s last Ebola outbreak, which began in September 2022 and ended in January 2023, resulted in 164 cases and 77 deaths.

(The Independent)

Tanzania

Dar ordered to revise laws to protect albinos

The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights has ordered Tanzania to establish a fund to compensate persons with Albinism who experience various forms of harm within the country. The court has also required that Tanzania review and amend the Witchcraft Act of 1928 and pass legislation that differentiates between traditional healers and witches within the next two years.  The court, in its judgement, noted that attacks on persons with albinism in Tanzania are often linked to superstitions and harmful beliefs regarding them. Tanzania is also to ensure albinos’ right to education and access to quality healthcare and take steps to educate the public on the harmful myths associated with albinism.

(The East African)

Somalia

Key Islamic State planner killed in air strike

Ahmed Maeleninine, an Omani-born leader of the Islamic State, was killed in U.S. airstrikes against the terrorist group in Somalia earlier this month, officials from the Puntland region said on Wednesday. Maeleninine was the primary target of the February 1 airstrike aimed at Islamic State hideouts in the semi-autonomous region of northern Somalia. The Puntland state minister for presidency, Abdifitah Mohamed Abdinur, stated that Somalia and its international security partners had been monitoring Maeleninine’s movements within the region. The U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed late on Tuesday that Maeleninine and 13 other operatives linked to the Islamic State were killed in the February 1 operation, which they stated was conducted in coordination with the Somali government. In a statement, AFRICOM described Maeleninine as a recruiter, financier, and leader of external operations responsible for the deployment of jihadists into the United States and across Europe. IS has increased its presence in Somalia over the past few years, while IS-Somalia has become a key part of the IS financial network, funnelling money to affiliates in Afghanistan and other parts of Africa.

(VOA News)

Rwanda

Reparative justice for Africa: Gatete calls for beyond financial compensation approach

Ambassador Claver Gatete, the Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), delivered a statement on February 12 addressing the historical injustices faced by African nations and their people. Speaking at the 46th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union, he stated that no one could contest the fact that the transatlantic slave trade and colonial exploitation robbed Africa of its people, resources and dignity and left behind inequalities that persist in global financial systems, trade structures and governance institutions, to date. The extraction of Africa’s resources without corresponding development, the undervaluation of African economies in global credit assessments, and the systemic barriers to trade and investment are the contemporary manifestations of these historical injustices. AU Heads of State and Government have committed to launching the 2025 theme in their respective countries, demonstrating their collective resolve to secure justice for Africa and its diaspora.

(The New Times)

South Sudan

South Sudan envoy sheds light on State House meeting

South Sudanese MP and Diplomat Albino Mathom Ayuel Aboug has maintained that his recent appointment to the State House alongside two American lawmakers was an official appointment linked to President Trump’s attempt to understand regional security matters, including the civil war and its impact on relations between Khartoum and Juba. He stated that his visit was on official business and in line with the diplomatic roles drawn by President Kiir.

(Daily Nation)

Ethiopia

Ethiopia, India sign Defence Cooperation Agreement

In a significant move to strengthen military ties, Ethiopian Defence Minister Aisha Mohammed and Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh signed a defence cooperation memorandum of understanding on 12th February 2025 on the sidelines of Aero India 2025. The newly established partnership aims to deepen cooperation in various defence sectors, including defence industrial collaboration, cyber security, joint research and development, as well as capacity building, according to the Embassy of Ethiopia in New Delhi, India. This MoU marks a pivotal step in enhancing the relationship between Ethiopia and India. Ethiopia’s Defence Minister participated in Aero India 2025, which the government of India hosts.  Aero India 2025, India’s largest airshow and aviation exhibition, held at Yelahanka Air Force Station, Bengaluru, ended on 14 February.

(ENA)