Kenya

Ruto government to probe Uhuru’s claim Kenya loses Sh2bn daily to corruption

The government intends to commission a study to confirm the allegations by former President Uhuru Kenyatta that Kenya loses Kshs. 2 billion daily through corruption. This was confirmed by the Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei, who went ahead to assert that there already is a donor willing to fund the exercise.

(Daily Nation)

Tanzania

Samia reveals grand plan to boost export value of crops

The government has embarked on an initiative to establish small and medium-sized agro-processing industries across the country, aimed at adding value to crops before they are exported. This was an announcement made by President Samia while addressing residents in Ngeza.

(The Citizen)

Uganda

Govt to name and shame Emyooga defaulters on local radio stations

The government has announced plans to name and shame people who received money from the Emyooga under the presidential initiative on wealth and job creation but have since failed to pay back the money. Hon. Haruna Kyeyune confirmed that these plans are indeed underway while on a developmental tour in Teso.

(Daily Monitor)

Rwanda

Two ministers to appear in Parliament over substandard abattoirs

The Minister of Trade and Industry, Jean-Chrysostome Ngabitsinze, and the Minister of Local Government, Jean Claude Musabyimana, are expected to appear in the Lower Chamber of Parliament in the afternoon of October 17, to respond to concerns over slaughtering facilities that fall short of standards, according to a communication from the legislature.

The two ministers were summoned by the Lower House on January 18, after its plenary sitting adopted a resolution to formally call for their presence to provide explanations to the issues in question – which revolve around meat safety concerns.

(New Times)

Ethiopia

US ambassador Massinga, FA minister Mesganu hold talks

United States Ambassador to Ethiopia, Ervin Jose Massinga, paid a courtesy call to Foreign Affairs State Minister Mesganu Arga Wednesday. Welcoming the ambassador, State Minister Mesganu appreciated the cooperation between Ethiopia and the US on bilateral and multilateral platforms. During the occasion, he further highlighted the importance of deepening bilateral engagement and revitalising structured dialogue between the two countries.

The state minister also pointed out Ethiopia’s keen interest in attracting FDI from the US and enhancing the trade ties, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Massinga on his part affirmed his commitment and desire to work towards the strengthening of the bilateral relations.

(Ena)

Sudan

Trial of Darfur Janjaweed ‘Colonel of Colonels’ Ali Kushayb resumes at ICC

The trial of former Darfur Janjaweed leader, Ali Muhammad Ali Abdelrahman, known as ‘Ali Kushayb’ and referred to as the ‘Colonel of Colonels, who stands accused of 31 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity between 2003 and at least 2004, resumed Wednesday at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, the Netherlands.

The Court heard testimony from a participating victim (designated DAR-V47-V-0004), called by the legal representatives of victims in the case. One spoke of life in his village and surrounding villages prior to the attack, including community ties between villages in the area. The victim also spoke of fleeing his village in December 2023 to the mountains.

(Radio Dabanga)

Somalia

President Mohamud arrives in Baidoa to rally communities against Al-Shabaab

Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrived in the town of Baidoa in the Bay region on Wednesday. This visit comes shortly after Southwest regional leader Abdiasis Laftagaren declared an offensive against the Al-Shabaab group.

President Mohamud’s office released a statement outlining his plans to travel to various districts in the region, where he will engage with local communities and exhort them to mobilize against the Al-Qaeda-aligned affiliate. The decision to personally lead the campaign against Al-Shabaab underscores the gravity of the situation and the government’s commitment to combatting the Al-Shabaab group.

According to the Office of the President, the head of state’s presence in Baidoa serves as a rallying point, symbolising the unity and determination of the Somali people and their leaders in the face of a common enemy. The visit is expected to galvanise local communities and encourage their active participation in the fight against terrorism.

(Radio Dalsan)