KENYA

Ruto plans more taxes

Plans by President William Ruto’s administration to introduce additional taxes to raise more revenue have kicked up a storm. The 2024 Budget Policy Statement (BPS), which is currently before Parliament, contains proposals that seek to boost revenue collection by expanding the tax base in a move that could see Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) raid Kenyans’ pockets even more. The move risks making the already high cost of living increase further. The Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party on Thursday warned that the tax burden is set to increase drastically with the implementation of the proposals that are contained in the BPS document.

(Daily Nation)

TANZANIA

President Samia revokes appointment of Energy Deputy PS as Mataragio takes over

President Samia Suluhu Hassan has appointed Dr James Mataragio as the new Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy. A press statement issued by the Directorate of Presidential Communications on Wednesday stated that the appointee is taking over from Athumani Selemani Mbuttuka, whose appointment has been revoked. He will be assigned to other duties, according to the statement. Dr Mataragio is the former managing director of Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC).

(Daily News)

UGANDA

Museveni calls for ceasefire, dialogue to end Sudan war

President Museveni has again appealed to the two warring factions in Sudan to find means of ending the ongoing civil war and restore peace and sanity in the country. Speaking to a delegation from Gen Al-Burhan’s camp led by the deputy chairperson of the Transitional Sovereignty Council, Mr Malik Agar, at State House Entebbe on Wednesday, Mr Museveni emphasised the need for all stakeholders in the war to come together and engage in dialogue on the problem. Mr Museveni, according to the statement released by the State House Press Unit, informed Mr Agar that the two warring factions will get a solution if they come together because “once the problem is identified, it becomes easier to isolate it and bring about peace in the country.” “President Museveni reiterated his message to the fighting forces in Sudan, urging them to cease fire, hold peaceful elections, and grant power to the people of Sudan to elect their own leaders,” reads part of the statement. The State House said the two leaders agreed on a proposed framework within which to resolve the crisis in the Republic of Sudan.

(Daily Monitor)

RWANDA

Rwanda presidential, lower chamber elections nominations set for May

The National Electoral Commission (NEC) of Rwanda has announced that it will begin accepting nominations for the positions of president and members of the lower chamber of deputies from May 17-30. “We have started training on electoral laws and regulations governing the presidential and lower chamber of deputies elections,” NEC executive secretary Charles Munyaneza told reporters Wednesday evening. The commission has already released guidelines for the July 2024 presidential and lower chamber of deputies elections, he said.

(The Independent)

ETHIOPIA

Ethiopia, Kenya sign MoUs that strengthen partnership and chart new course for enhanced cooperation

Ethiopia and Kenya have inked Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) that solidify their longstanding partnership and chart a new course for enhanced cooperation across crucial sectors. In a ceremony marking a renewed commitment, the two sides signed memoranda after the 36th meeting of the Ethiopia-Kenya Joint Ministerial Commission on February 21, 2024. The MoUs encompass three key pillars: Foreign affairs and security, economy, trade, and social affairs. 

(ENA)

SUDAN

US ambassador to Sudan: ‘Contradictory signals from the army hinder aid access’

The US ambassador to Khartoum, John Godfrey, provided reporters with a comprehensive briefing on American initiatives aimed at resolving the conflict in Sudan. He highlighted the significant hurdles encountered in facilitating humanitarian aid and fostering dialogue with the warring parties. In an online special briefing yesterday, Ambassador Godfrey, accompanied by the US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Molly Phee, and Special Envoy to the Horn of Africa Mike Hammer, reiterated Washington’s readiness to engage in peace talks on Sudan. “We do think there needs to be participation by the external actors who have the leverage to bring to bear against both parties so that we can find a negotiated exit to this terrible conflict”, the US ambassador said.

(Dabanga)