Kenya

Speculation as Kindiki fails to honour summons

The conundrum over who the Deputy President appears to have spilled over into Parliament yesterday after Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki failed to appear before the Senate. Prof Kindiki was approved by the National Assembly last week to replace impeached DP Rigathi Gachagua, but he has not assumed office yet. The CS was due to appear before the Senate yesterday morning. However, temporary Speaker Hillary Sigei said they had received a letter from Prof Kindiki on Tuesday informing them of his unavailability, which was approved by the House Business Committee.

(Daily Nation)

Tanzania

Opposition leaders cross to CCM

Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa, a member of the Central Committee of the Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) and the Member of Parliament for Ruangwa has observed the return of several local government leaders from opposition political parties to CCM. The leaders who have returned to CCM include two Councillors and a Ward Secretary from the Civic United Front (CUF) and ACT-Wazalendo. The leaders included Mr Hussein Kimbyoko, a Councillor from Milola (CUF) and Mr Athumani Mmaije, a Councillor for Rutamba.

(Daily News)

Uganda

Olivia Lutaaya, 15 other NUP supporters sentenced to five years for treachery

The General Court Martial in Kampala has sentenced 16 National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters to five years in prison after they pleaded guilty to treachery and unlawful possession of 13 explosive devices.  The group were part of the 32 opposition party supporters who were arrested and charged in the army court in relation to the 2021 presidential election. They pleaded guilty to the charges and sought a presidential pardon after spending nearly four years on remand without trial after initially denying the charges and pleaded not guilty.

(Daily Monitor) 

Rwanda 

Rwanda elects representatives for pan-African parliament

The Rwandan Parliament has elected three deputies and two senators to represent the country at the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), a legislative body of the African Union. Deputies Diogene Bitunguramye, Aimee Marie Ange Tumukunde, and Jennifer Wibabara were voted in on October 21, while Senators John Bonds Bideri and Pelagie Uwera were elected on October 22. PAP was set up under the 1991 Abuja Treaty to ensure the full participation of African peoples in the economic development and integration of the continent. It also serves as a platform for people from all African states to be involved in discussions and decision-making on the problems and challenges facing the continent.

(The New Times)

Ethiopia

Premier expresses Ethiopia’s readiness to foster multilateralism as BRICS family member

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed underscored that Ethiopia is prepared to engage constructively in fostering multilateralism as the newest member of the BRICS family. The 16th BRICS Summit is taking place in Kazan, Russia where dozens of leaders have gathered for a three-day of intense diplomatic discussions and high-level bilateral talks as part of the international forum, which offers a new vision of multilateralism. In his remarks, Prime Minister Abiy said that this gathering represents hope in our pursuit of effective multilateralism to address the pressing global challenges we face today. “As the newest member of the BRICS family, Ethiopia is prepared to engage constructively in fostering multilateralism that serves both developed and developing nations, anchored in the principle of equity,” he said. 

(ENA)

Sudan

Sudan media forum: ‘Ongoing conflict deepens lawlessness’

The conflict in Sudan is driving rampant theft and looting, with soldiers from both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) accused of plundering civilian property. In areas under military control, stolen goods are regularly sold in local markets. Old neighbourhoods in Omdurman, particularly in Karari, have seen a surge in looting, with homes raided for electrical appliances and furniture, later sold in makeshift markets. Residents in central and northern Omdurman, areas under the control of the SAF, report a steady rise in thefts, especially in El Sawra. The SAF refused to comment on these accusations. Videos have surfaced showing armed groups in military uniforms admitting to impersonating soldiers to carry out thefts and drug deals. Hotspots in Omdurman have also become hubs for selling stolen goods.

(Dabanga)

Somalia

President Mohamud and Kenyan counterpart discuss regional security in Nairobi

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia, currently on a diplomatic visit to Kenya, held a high-level meeting with Kenyan President William Ruto at the State House in Nairobi. The bilateral talks focused on key regional issues, particularly the security challenges facing the Horn of Africa. The discussions between the two leaders addressed a range of pressing concerns, including the escalating threat posed by the militant group Al-Shabaab and Ethiopia’s controversial actions in Somalia. The meeting also emphasised the importance of strengthening the already solid relationship between Somalia and Kenya, as both nations face shared threats to stability in the region. One of the primary discussion topics was the intensification of the fight against Al-Shabaab. The leaders reaffirmed their joint commitment to eradicating the group, which continues to pose a significant threat to peace and security in Somalia and beyond. Kenya has been a crucial ally in Somalia’s counterterrorism efforts, with Kenyan troops playing a vital role as part of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).

(Radio Dalsan)