Kenya

Activist Morara Kebaso charged with cyber harassment, freed on bail

Political activist Morara Kebaso has been charged with cyber harassment under Section 27 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act No. 5 of 2018. The defence has already raised concerns about the charge sheet, with questions regarding the identity of the complainant and the appropriateness of pursuing criminal charges.

After his arraignment, Morara was freed on a cash bail of Ksh50,000. The case is scheduled for mention on October 4.

(Citizen)

Tanzania

Lobbyist calls for strong global treaty to curb plastic production

Addressing reporters in Dar es Salaam at the weekend, Ana Le Rocha, director of Nipe Fagio Tanzania highlighted the urgent need for global cooperation to combat the crisis. Le Rocha advised government delegates to focus on critical areas such as health, environmental protection, and human rights during the treaty discussions.

She emphasised the need for a robust agreement that not only eliminates plastic pollution but also aligns with the directives of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) resolution 5/14. The proposed treaty should include binding targets to prevent and eliminate the sources of plastic production while reducing levels of plastic pollution. She underscored the importance of ensuring a just transition for waste collectors, who are at the forefront of the crisis, along with other communities directly affected by plastic pollution.

(The Guardian)

Uganda 

21 entities merged, Ksh74.3b earmarked for compensation

The Ministry of Public Service has affirmed that 21 State entities, out of the 24 proposed by the government in Parliament last year, have effectively been merged as of Thursday. To facilitate this, the government allocated UGX 74.3 billion in compensation for staff impacted by these mergers, with UGX 29.3 billion already earmarked by the Ministry of Finance to support affected employees from the 21 newly merged institutions. To address ongoing leadership conflicts, the ministry clarified that various boards supervised by the Public Service Commission have been assigned to appoint management for the merged entities. David Ijjo discussed this matter with Allen Kakama, the Commissioner of Management Services at the Ministry of Public Service. 

(Daily Monitor)

Ethiopia

Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Commission receives agenda items from diaspora

The Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission has received agenda items gathered from the diaspora for the upcoming National Dialogue. Ethiopia is conducting several activities to conduct an inclusive national dialogue. As part of this process of agenda-gathering, activities have already been completed in several parts of the country. 

The agenda-gathering effort aims to collect diverse perspectives and issues from across Ethiopia to inform the upcoming national dialogue process and make it more inclusive. Accordingly, the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission has today received agenda items gathered from the diaspora.

(Ethiopia News Agency)

Rwanda

With Rwamucyo finally in dock, survivors hope for justice

The upcoming trial of Dr Eugene Rwamucyo in France marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice for the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. As the mastermind behind the horrific atrocities committed against the Tutsi people, especially in the former Butare prefecture, now part of Southern Province, Rwamucyo’s trial offers a long-awaited opportunity for survivors to see the perpetrators of these heinous crimes held accountable.

For three decades, survivors of the genocide, particularly those in the Southern Province, have endured unimaginable suffering. The trauma inflicted upon them by Rwamucyo and his accomplices has left deep scars that will never fully heal. The trial of this man, who was once a respected figure in Rwandan society, offers a glimmer of hope that justice may finally be served.

(The New Times)

South Sudan

South Sudan gender-based violence action plan

South Sudan has achieved a significant milestone by validating a Health Sector gender-based violence (GBV) Action Plan to bolster the healthcare system’s response to GBV during emergencies. This initiative began with a WHO-led GBV assessment in June 2024, which involved collaboration with health partners. 

(WHO South Sudan)

Somalia

Southwest State President arrives in Mogadishu ahead of NCC meeting amid tensions

Southwest State President Abdiaziz Mohamed Hassan ‘Laftagareen’ arrived in Mogadishu on Wednesday, accompanied by a heavily armed security detail, sparking widespread social media speculation about potential tensions with the Federal Government. Laftagareen’s presence in the capital is for the upcoming National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting, which has faced multiple delays.

Speculations arise as relations between the Southwest State and the Federal Government have been strained despite recent mediation efforts. Puntland State is not expected to participate in the meeting due to ongoing disputes with the Federal Government.

(Mogadishu 24)