Kenya  

Senator Omtatah Objects to AG’s Attempt to Strike Out KPC Privatisation Case  

A petition filed by Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has urged the High Court to dismiss a preliminary objection by the Attorney-General seeking to strike out a case concerning the privatisation of the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC). In submissions dated March 31, 2026, Omtatah, alongside Bernard Muchiri and Naomi Nyakerario, argue that the Attorney-General’s move is legally flawed and intended to shield what they describe as unconstitutional executive actions from judicial scrutiny. 

The dispute centres on the government’s ongoing privatisation process, including KPC’s, which the petitioners claim is being undertaken in violation of the Constitution.  

(Source: Citizen Digital)  

Uganda  

Kasese Fishermen Warn of Illegal Fishing Surge Since FPU Disbandment  

Since December 2025, Uganda’s Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) has been disbanded and restructured into the 155th Marines Battalion under the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Marines Brigade. The new unit is tasked with strengthening discipline, reducing illegal fishing, and improving relations with local communities. The shift was intended to move away from heavy-handed enforcement towards a more structured, inclusive approach to managing water resources, with a focus on sustainable practices and rebuilding public trust. However, following the FPU’s withdrawal, prominent fishermen and community leaders across Kasese-based water bodies, including Lakes George, Edward, and the Kazinga Channel, have raised concerns about a rise in illegal fishing.  

(Source: New Vision)  

Tanzania  

Dr Mwinyi Directs Tanzanian Envoys to Promote Their Country’s Investment Attractions Globally  

Zanzibar President, Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, has directed Tanzanian ambassadors to prioritise economic diplomacy by aggressively promoting investment opportunities abroad. 

Speaking at State House in Zanzibar today, April 8, 2026, during a farewell meeting with envoys heading to their duty stations, Dr Mwinyi stressed the need for diplomats to focus on attracting investors and boosting Tanzania’s global economic presence. 

He urged the ambassadors to carry out their duties while safeguarding the interests of both sides of the Union and ensuring the effective implementation of the country’s economic diplomacy agenda. 

He also highlighted Zanzibar’s readiness to attract investors, particularly in infrastructure projects such as ports, airports, roads, fisheries, and tourism, as well as opportunities in seaweed farming and the clove sector. He called for investors in the value addition and trade of key crops.  

(Source: Daily News)  

Rwanda  

Kayonza Farmers Demand Second Reservoir After Flood Losses  

Farmers in Kayonza District are calling for the construction of a second reservoir after floods destroyed 40 tonnes of rice in the Gacaca wetland in Murundi Sector last year. 

The farmers say the flooding is linked to an incomplete government project that was initially planned to build two reservoirs, but delivered only one. More than 1,900 farmers, organised under the Dutere Imbere Murundi Cooperative, cultivate over 300 hectares of developed land. Another section had been earmarked for the second reservoir, which was never built. 

Anastase Nkomeje, the cooperative’s president, said the wetland was developed under the RSSP project, which included plans for two reservoirs. “They never built the second reservoir. When water levels rise, it flows into the area where the reservoir was supposed to be, flooding our fields. Last year alone, 40 hectares of rice were destroyed,” he said. Nkomeje added that the situation worsens during dry periods, when the reservoir’s absence leaves farmers without sufficient irrigation.  

(Source: The New Times)  

Ethiopia  

Ethiopia Secures Landmark Arbitration Wins Worth Over USD850 million  

Ethiopia has secured decisive victories in two major international arbitration cases, successfully defending claims exceeding 850 million USD and reinforcing its legal position in global dispute resolution, the Ministry of Justice announced. State Minister of Justice Belayihun Yirga disclosed the outcomes during a press briefing, outlining their implications and highlighting ongoing legal reforms to strengthen the country’s capacity in international litigation. The cases involved a Turkish construction firm and a Netherlands-based company, both of which sought substantial financial compensation from the Ethiopian government. 

The first claim was brought by Akgun Insaat Makina Sanayii ve Dis Ticaret Ltd. Sti., which had secured a licence to develop an industrial zone and demanded more than 500 million USD. 

The dispute emerged after authorities found that the proposed project site was located near the Legedadi and Dire dams, critical sources of potable water for Addis Ababa. 

The company failed to provide a satisfactory Environmental Impact Assessment as required by law. Consequently, the government requested relocation to safer alternative sites away from the dams to protect the city’s water supply, Belayihun said, noting that the company refused and instead claimed a violation of investment protection rights.  

(Source: ENA)  

Sudan   

Sudan’s Gezira Scheme Governor Denies Land Sales to JEM Rebel Group  

The governor of Sudan’s Gezira Scheme on Tuesday denied reports that the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) has purchased land within the agricultural project or begun cultivating tobacco, calling the claims political “manoeuvring.” Farmers in the country’s largest agricultural scheme had accused JEM, led by Finance Minister Gibril Ibrahim, of acquiring plots through the movement’s regional secretary, Sufian al-Basha. The allegations triggered widespread controversy across Al Jazirah State. 

Governor Ibrahim Mustafa told Sudan Tribune that JEM has no influence over the project and that no land sales have taken place. He emphasised that the scheme’s land registration system is “deeply rooted” and transparent. Mustafa suggested that al-Basha is being targeted by a smear campaign because of his open political affiliation with JEM. He categorically denied cultivating “Tumbak” (local tobacco), noting that the administration has not procured tobacco seeds and does not permit violations of the approved crop rotation.  

(Source: Sudan Tribune)  

Somalia  

Turkish Deep-Sea Drilling Vessel Çağrı Bey Arrives in Mogadishu, Launching Somalia’s Energy Exploration Era  

The Turkish offshore drilling vessel Çağrı Bey arrived off the coast of Mogadishu this morning, having successfully completed its strategic transit from the Republic of Turkiye. This highly anticipated arrival marks the start of the Federal Republic of Somalia’s first-ever active deep-sea hydrocarbon exploration, representing a monumental leap towards absolute national energy sovereignty and rapid economic modernisation. Top executives of the Federal Government are mobilising to host a high-level state reception at the Port of Mogadishu to officially welcome the Çağrı Bey and its accompanying support flotilla. Following this executive commissioning ceremony, the advanced drilling vessel is scheduled to redeploy early next week. It will move to the maritime zones off the coast of the Galmudug State, a strategically significant region where extensive pre-existing seismic surveys have identified significant hydrocarbon potential.  

(Source: SONNA)