KENYA

IMF criticises Ruto government for continuing fuel subsidies

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has hit out at Kenya over the reintroduction of the fuel subsidy scheme on the grounds that lack of funds to pay oil marketers will lead to distortion of the budget. The IMF said that the government re-introduced the subsidy despite a lack of funds to pay oil marketers, with the Treasury yet to pay the firms at least Ksh9 billion ($55.6 million) that has accumulated from last year. President William Ruto had in 2022 vowed that his administration would not subsidise pump prices, in line with the conditions to access billions of shillings in loans from the Bretton Woods institution.

(Daily Nation)

TANZANIA

Tanzania diplomatic ties go a notch higher

Diplomatic relations between Tanzania and other nations continue to strengthen with President Samia Suluhu Hassan set for three state visits to Indonesia, the Vatican and Norway this week and next month.

More significantly, in the same period, the country will receive three top foreign leaders, including the Deputy Prime Minister of China, Mr Liu Guozhong, who will jet into Dar es Salaam on Monday.

(Daily News)

UGANDA

Museveni assumes chairmanship of G77 + China

President Museveni has officially assumed the chairmanship of the Group of 77 plus China (G77+China). He will lead this influential bloc of developing countries at the United Nations for the next year, providing a platform for the countries of the South to advocate for their collective economic interests.

(NilePost)

RWANDA

Rwanda regrets border closure by Burundi

The Government of Rwanda has said it learned through media reports of “the unilateral decision by the Government of Burundi to again close its borders with Rwanda.”

In a statement released on Thursday, January 11, the Rwandan government said the “unfortunate decision will restrict the free movement of people and goods between the two countries and violates the principles of regional cooperation and integration of the East African Community.”

Reports of the border closure circulated on social media earlier on Thursday, but no official communication by the Burundian government was made about it.

(The New Times)

SOMALIA

President Mohamud meets Qatar’s Emir to strategise on bolstering bilateral relations

Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud held a meeting with the Emir of Qatar, H.E Tamim Binu Hamad, on Tuesday. The meeting in Qatar’s capital of Doha discussed various issues, including strengthening the existing bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries and issues of mutual interest to both sides. The two officials also deliberated on bolstering Qatar support to Somalia, primarily in the security and economic sectors.

SOUTH SUDAN

Ruto commits to continue steering South Sudan peace talks

President William Ruto has expressed a strong desire to continue steering mediation talks for peace restoration in South Sudan. President Ruto said on Tuesday he spoke to President Salva Kiir on the phone and briefed him about the progress of the peace talks that have been ongoing in Rome, Italy.

(The Star)

DR Congo

Tshisekedi sworn in as DRC president for new term

The president of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Felix Tshisekedi, was sworn in for a second five-year term on Saturday after sweeping elections that the opposition branded a sham while calling for protests.

(The East African)