Kenya

Ruto, Uhuru in race to court Raila

A surprise meeting between former President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga, amid President William Ruto’s push for a political deal with the latter, has lifted the lid on the scramble for the veteran politician ahead of 2027. Kenyatta and Odinga were hosted on Monday by Jubilee Vice Chairperson David Murathe at his Watamu hotel in Malindi. Also present was Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro. The meeting has raised political eyebrows as President Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) convened a National Steering Committee meeting to discuss the expected political pact between UDA and ODM.

(Nation.Africa)

Uganda

Security agencies unmask shadowy operatives behind NUP crackdown

Security agencies have lifted the lid on hooded operatives, largely from the Joint Anti-Terrorist Task Force (JATT), who have headlined news in recent weeks following footage of them unleashing terror on the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) party leadership and supporters. The latest brutality from the outfit — known for its distinctive all-black uniform, tactical gloves, face masks, and sunglasses to conceal their identity — came to light on Monday afternoon during the arrest of NUP Kawempe North parliamentary by-election candidate, Erias Luyimbazi.

(Daily Monitor)

Tanzania

$500 million compensation case against Tanzania to begin at ICSID

The hearing of a $500 million (TZS 1.3 trillion) compensation claim against the Tanzanian government began on March 6, 2025, at the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID).The dispute, filed with ICSID in Washington, D.C., involves Aqua Power Tanzania Limited, a power-generating company headquartered in Ebene, Mauritius. The company is seeking compensation for lost business over the past four years and the value of its current projects in Tanzania. Aqua Power alleges that Tanzania, through various coordinating authorities, has repeatedly violated a bilateral investment treaty (BIT) with Mauritius by issuing discriminatory directives, denying licenses and permits, and restricting access to natural gas resources for its operations.

(The Citizen) 

Rwanda

Rwanda criticises Germany, Canada over stance on DR Congo crisis

The Government of Rwanda has criticised Canada and Germany over their positions on the ongoing conflict in eastern DR Congo, accusing both countries of ignoring the root causes of the crisis while unfairly blaming Rwanda for it. The government said the two countries let the Congolese government “off the hook for numerous violations” that have escalated the conflict with M23 rebels and threatened Rwanda’s security. In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday, March 4, it had summoned Canada’s High Commissioner over Ottawa’s sanctions on Rwanda over allegations of support to the M23 rebels.

(The New Times) 

Ethiopia

Opposition parties accuse gov’t of state terrorism in light of drone attacks

In a joint statement, four opposition parties have criticized the government over what they describe as the increasingly irresponsible and destructive use of drone strikes on civilians. The Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Party (EPRP), Enat Party, the Amhara Nationalist Movement, and the All Ethiopian Unity Organisation (AEO) released the statement this week, following reports of a drone attack in the Amhara region that claimed the lives of 16 civilians. The parties accused the government of misleading security forces into participating in war crimes, including massacres, abductions, and arbitrary killings, as well as knowingly entangling the military in political affairs to hide its ineptitude.

(The Reporter)

South Sudan 

RSF struggles to maintain coalition unity as Sudan war worsens humanitarian crisis

The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) is facing challenges in keeping its newly signed charter for a transitional government intact, as internal disputes over its scope and leadership threaten to tear it apart. Dr. Al-Hadi Idris, head of the Sudan Liberation Movement-Transitional Council and a former member of the transitional Sovereign Council, warned that growing rivalries within the group could escalate, fuelled by funds pledged at a conference in Addis Ababa two weeks ago. The charter, signed by the RSF and 23 allied parties, advocates for a secular, non-centralised government structure. However, failure to implement these principles could grant signatories the right to seek self-determination.

(The East African) 

Somalia

Somalia and Ethiopia pledge cooperation, easing year-long tensions

Somalia and Ethiopia have vowed to strengthen cooperation, seemingly putting a year of tensions behind them. This declaration came on Thursday as Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed made his first official visit to Mogadishu in over a year, aiming to mend strained relations between the two nations. Dr. Abiy Ahmed emphasised that the region would benefit more from cooperation than division. This latest pledge follows a similar commitment made two weeks ago on the sidelines of the African Union Summit, where both countries agreed to resume relations and acknowledged Turkey’s mediation efforts in December.

(The East African)