Author: Mwangi Maina

Ruto convenes first meeting of Luanda-Nairobi Peace Process facilitators amid DRC crisis Apr 02, 2025

The virtual session followed a regional summit held last week and co-chaired by Ruto, who chairs the EAC, and Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa,...

Raila misrepresented diplomatic mission during South Sudan visit - Kiir's office Mar 31, 2025

As questions swirl over the clarity and coordination of Odinga's special envoy role, one thing remains clear—Juba is not amused.

AUC Chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf to dispatch Panel of the Wise to mediate in South Sudan crisis Mar 31, 2025

In a statement issued from Addis Ababa on Monday, the AUC chief expressed "solidarity with the Government and people of South Sudan," reaffirming the...

Kenya must look outward or risk being overrun, NIS boss Noordin Haji warns Mar 28, 2025

With his lecture, Noordin signaled a shift in tone for Kenya's spy agency—one that now sees public engagement and transparency as essential to navigat...

Somalia receives armored military equipment from AU to boost security infrastructure Mar 28, 2025

This support comes at a critical moment as Somalia strengthens its institutions and prepares to assume full security responsibility in the future.

Sh310 million budget request to Parliament for Ruto’s EAC job raises eyebrows Mar 27, 2025

Observers question why such a significant sum is being allocated when the secretariat is meant to shoulder much of the financial responsibility.

Serbian ambassador delivers protest letter to Nairobi as Belgrade warns of fallout over Kosovo Mar 27, 2025

Serbia insists that Resolution 1244 remains binding under international law and reiterated that Kosovo continues to be an integral part of its territo...

Billions for reimbursement or readiness? Questions linger over KDF's budget priorities Mar 26, 2025

the Ministry of Defence (MoD) is seeking Sh5.5 billion—not primarily to improve troop welfare or upgrade military capabilities, but to ensure complian...

RSF to lead Sudan's parallel Government as opposition alliance finalises power structure Mar 26, 2025

The Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), led by Abdel Aziz al-Hilu, has been allocated the deputy leadership position.

Second Kenyan police officer killed in Haiti as gangs intensify attacks Mar 26, 2025

According to a statement by MSS spokesperson Jack Ombaka on Tuesday, the officer was inside an armored vehicle belonging to the Haitian National Polic...

Joint EAC-SADC summit appoints expanded peace panel for DRC crisis Mar 25, 2025

The expanded panel will support former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta in navigating the complex and volatile conflict that has triggered a severe hum...

Angola steps back from DRC peace talks after failed mediation efforts Mar 24, 2025

Angola's presidency announced it would "free itself from the responsibility of mediator" in order to focus more on broader African Union priorities.

Margaret Nduta visited by state officials in Vietnam amid execution fears Mar 21, 2025

PS Sing'oei noted that while Nduta remains deeply distressed, she is receiving humane treatment from Vietnamese authorities.

Angola 'surprised' by Kagame-Tshisekedi meeting in Doha amid M23 peace efforts Mar 21, 2025

The Angolan Government says the meeting was not part of the agreed peace mediation agenda.

New AUC Chair sets sights on peace in Eastern DRC, South Sudan in first official visit to Angola Mar 21, 2025

Their meeting reaffirmed the AU's commitment to "advancing peace, security, and sustainable development across the continent," with both leaders placi...

Ruto replaces envoy to Kinshasa after year-long standoff, names Peter Tum as new ambassador Mar 20, 2025

Relations between Kenya and DRC have been on a downward spiral, marked by mutual distrust and frosty diplomatic exchanges.

Ruto reassigns key principal secretaries to diplomatic posts in surprise shake-up Mar 20, 2025

The changes are contained in President William Ruto’s Executive Order No. 1 of 2025.

AU welcomes Doha talks on DRC crisis but reaffirms 'African solutions' mantra Mar 19, 2025

While the AU's endorsement of the Doha talks signals pragmatism, the message is clear: the union wants to retain ownership of the peace process.

Tensions rise in South Sudan as fragile peace accord teeters on the brink Mar 19, 2025

Amid cabinet reshuffles, arrests of senior officials in Juba, and a resurgence of militia activity in Upper Nile State, the risk of a renewed civil wa...

Kenya's diplomatic fumble in Ghana exposes rift in Ruto's administration Mar 19, 2025

Two successive ambassadorial nominees publicly declined their postings in under a year—a rare and politically embarrassing occurrence that has sparked...

Cash-strapped EAC and SADC turn to equally cash-strapped AU for peace funding amid DRC crisis Mar 18, 2025

The AU itself is battling chronic funding shortages, raising questions about Africa's capacity to fund its own security challenges.

Facilitator friction: SADC nudges back on Kenya's lead role in DRC mediation Mar 18, 2025

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) urged a broader and more inclusive panel of peace facilitators—effectively pushing back on an earlie...

Mudavadi pushes for unified African response to Eastern DRC crisis Mar 17, 2025

The conflict in eastern DRC, he noted, continues to "mutate into other forms of threats to human security and dignity," including widespread sexual vi...

EAC, SADC ministers meet in Harare to discuss escalating crisis in eastern DRC Mar 17, 2025

One of the key issue that will be discussed is the appointment of the three co-facilitators named by President William Ruto to push the peace processe...

US declares South African ambassador persona non grata amid rising tensions Mar 15, 2025

The US State Department and the South African Embassy in Washington have yet to issue official responses.

AU Peace and Security Council raises alarm over rising tensions with Tigray’s TPLF Mar 14, 2025

The AU emphasised the necessity of upholding the Permanent Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (COHA) signed between the TPLF and Ethiopia in Pretoria.

Algeria's Selma Haddadi takes helm as AUC Deputy Chairperson Mar 13, 2025

She will now serve as Djibouti's Mahmoud Ali Youssouf's deputy, overseeing the commission's administration and financial management.

Sudan bans imports from Kenya in retaliation for Nairobi's support of RSF Mar 13, 2025

"The import of all products coming from Kenya through all ports, crossings, airports, and ports will be suspended as of this day until further notice,...

New era at AU Commission as Mahmoud Ali Youssouf unveils his leadership team Mar 13, 2025

Beyond his core team, Mahmoud is expected to appoint advisers, senior diplomatic staff, and policy experts to bolster his administration.

Morocco assumes AU Peace and Security Council Chair amid rising tensions in Africa Mar 12, 2025

The PSC strongly condemned the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for attempting to establish a parallel government in Nairobi, warning that the move risks pa...

Angola attempting to mediate direct talks between M23 rebels and DRC government Mar 12, 2025

The M23 rebellion, which has intensified in recent months, has triggered massive displacements and deepened the humanitarian crisis in eastern Congo.

Kenya and Hungary seal key deals on education, agriculture, energy cooperation Mar 11, 2025

The two nations also pledged to collaborate on ICT, trade, and multilateral issues, with Kenya seeking Hungary's backing for global financing reforms.

President Salva Kiir's midnight shake-up: Three key ministers dismissed in South Sudan govt reshuffle Mar 11, 2025

Among those shown the door is Ruben Madol Arol, the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs. Kiir replaced him with Wek Mamer Kuol, though no o...

Sudan seeks to rejoin IGAD and African Union after years of isolation Mar 10, 2025

As Sudan seeks to mend relations and restore its standing in IGAD and the AU, the focus will be on whether its leadership is committed to peace and de...

South Sudan's President Salva Kiir fires ambassador to Kenya amid rising political turmoil Mar 07, 2025

President William Ruto, who has been leading South Sudan’s Tumaini Initiative peace process, acknowledged the escalating crisis, revealing that he had...

Museveni rejects recognition of RSF-backed parallel government formed in Nairobi Mar 06, 2025

Agar revealed that President Museveni had expressed concerns over the Nairobi-based RSF activities and reaffirmed Uganda's support for Sudan's legitim...

IGAD to dispatch high-level delegation amid rising tensions in South Sudan Mar 06, 2025

IGAD, as the guarantor of the peace agreement, is calling on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and recommit to dialogue as the only way to ens...

Tensions rise in South Sudan as security forces surround Riek Machar's residence Mar 05, 2025

The opposition faction has condemned the move, calling it a violation of the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement and a threat to ongoing peace efforts.

Sanctioned Sudan’s RSF and rebel allies claim eight territories amid global condemnation Mar 04, 2025

The move, which comes just days after fierce international condemnation, signals a dramatic escalation in Sudan's power struggle.

Rwanda-Canada rift deepens over eastern DR Congo conflict Mar 04, 2025

Rwanda's Ministry of Foreign Affairs dismissed Canada's stance as "shameful", accusing it of selective outrage and ignoring DRC government-backed huma...

Haiti's MSS Mission: A miscalculated gamble now seeking U.N. lifeline Mar 03, 2025

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has ruled out an immediate transition of the MSS into a UN peacekeeping operation.

Kenya's diplomatic misstep: Hosting RSF's parallel government backfires Mar 03, 2025

The move has sparked a diplomatic firestorm, with key international players—including the United Nations, the United States, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egyp...

Regional bodies urge immediate action to de-escalate tensions in South Sudan Feb 28, 2025

With IGAD and the AU actively engaged in stabilising the country, failure to act decisively could risk broader insecurity spilling across borders.

EAC and SADC foreign ministers to convene in Harare amid escalating Eastern DRC crisis Feb 27, 2025

This high-level engagement comes at a time when violence in eastern DRC has intensified, with Congolese Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka revealing...

Tanzania ex-minister Makamba reconciles with President Samia months after Cabinet dismissal Feb 25, 2025

The public display of warmth between the two suggests that the rift may now be resolved, thereby restoring his standing within the government.

Gachagua accuses Ruto of business dealings with Sudan's RSF chief, alleges gold smuggling Feb 25, 2025

Gachagua also rebuked Ruto for hosting RSF leaders in Nairobi, saying the move has tarnished Kenya's reputation on the global stage.

EAC, SADC call for immediate ceasefire in eastern DRC amid escalating crisis Feb 25, 2025

The defence experts warned that the situation in eastern DRC has deteriorated drastically since the Joint EAC-SADC Summit on February 8, 2025.

Kenyan-led Haiti mission records first casualty during operation in Port-au-Prince Feb 24, 2025

The officer died from injuries sustained in the firefight, marking a grim moment for the multinational mission.

EAC military chiefs meet in Nairobi over escalating DRC crisis Feb 21, 2025

This meeting marks a renewed effort by regional actors to contain the escalating violence in the eastern DRC, which has seen an increase in clashes in...

US sanctions top Rwandan official, M23 spokesperson over DRC conflict Feb 20, 2025

The sanctions freeze all property and interests owned by Kabarebe and Kanyuka within the US and prohibit American individuals and businesses from enga...

Sudan recalls ambassador to Kenya amid RSF controversy Feb 20, 2025

This marks the second diplomatic withdrawal in just over a year, following the January 2024 recall after President William Ruto hosted RSF leader Moha...

Kenya defends decision to host Sudanese parallel government talks amid Port Sudan's outrage Feb 20, 2025

Port Sudan maintains that Kenya is overstepping diplomatic boundaries by facilitating discussions that seek to create an alternative power centre outs...

Uhuru resurfaces in Berlin as diplomatic feud with Ruto escalates Feb 18, 2025

At the heart of the power play was the African Union's Peace and Security Council (PSC) meeting on Friday, where Kenyatta was invited as the EAC peace...

Kenya walks diplomatic tightrope as Sudan's RSF set to announce formation of parallel government from Nairobi Feb 17, 2025

The planned announcement from Nairobi, framed as the "Political Charter for the Government of Peace and Unity," is being positioned as an effort to "r...

Djibouti fires back at Ruto after Kenya's AUC defeat: "Africa deserved better than Raila" Feb 17, 2025

"Thirty-three heads of state chose Mahmoud, the right choice for Africa’s challenges, refusing to let the AU be hostage to Kenyan domestic politics. A...

M23 rebels announce control over Bukavu, call for dialogue with Kinshasa Feb 17, 2025

M23 said its forces moved in to "assist the population" after the city was "abandoned by Kinshasa's coalition forces."

Raila Odinga concedes defeat as Djibouti’s Mahmoud Youssouf elected new AUC Chairperson Feb 15, 2025

Raila failed to maintain the momentum in subsequent rounds, leading to his early exit—a repeat of the 2017 AUC race, where former Foreign Minister Ami...

Djibouti’s Foreign Minister Mahmoud Youssouf elected new AUC Chairperson after Raila eliminated from race Feb 15, 2025

Mahmoud Youssouf, a seasoned diplomat and long-serving foreign minister, clinched victory following an intense voting process that saw Kenya’s candida...

AU to give platform to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas amid shifting African-Israeli dynamics Feb 15, 2025

Mahmoud's address this year comes at a time when Africa's once-unanimous support for Palestine is increasingly complicated by internal divisions and g...

Moussa Faki bids farewell as AU braces for high-stakes leadership vote Feb 14, 2025

As leaders prepare for the high-stakes election to replace him, Kenya's top diplomat Musalia Mudavadi has already set a firm tone, cautioning against...

Raila AUC bid: Drawing lessons from 2017 vote when Kenya’s Amina Mohamed lost to Faki Moussa Feb 14, 2025

One of the most painful lessons was that public endorsements rarely translate into real votes in the secret ballot.

Rivalry between Morocco and Algeria plays out in high-stakes AU elections Feb 13, 2025

The drama at the Peace and Security Council election may pale in comparison to what is expected during the upcoming AU Commission leadership vote.

Ethiopia secures African Union Peace and Security Council seat amid regional tensions Feb 13, 2025

Given the growing geopolitical interest in the Horn of Africa, Ethiopia's membership will allow it to counter external influence while promoting its o...

Backroom diplomacy as Kenya engages in last-minute lobbying for Raila’s AUC top seat bid Feb 12, 2025

In AU politics, campaigns are not about glossy manifestos; they are about power, influence, and strategic trade-offs.

South Sudan President Salva Kiir drops two Vice Presidents in major cabinet reshuffle Feb 11, 2025

In what is being viewed as a strategic realignment, businessman Benjamin Bol Mel, a prominent figure from Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, was appointed...

Ruto vs Kenyatta: Quiet power struggle over DRC peace process Feb 10, 2025

Sources privy to the closed-door deliberations during the joint EAC-SADC summit reveal that it was Rwandan President Paul Kagame who proposed the expa...

EAC-SADC leaders merge Luanda, Nairobi peace processes to resolve DRC crisis Feb 08, 2025

The summit acknowledged the complexities arising from the parallel peace initiatives and called for their consolidation into a single, jointly managed...

Trump halts aid to South Africa over land reforms, Israel ICJ case, and Iran ties Feb 08, 2025

The executive order lists several grievances, accusing Pretoria of policies that Washington deems harmful to US interests.

DR Congo President Tshisekedi attends EAC-SADC summit vitually Feb 08, 2025

This comes just a day after Kinshasa sent its ambassador to Botswana and SADC to the foreign ministers' preparatory meeting.

Kenya calls for unified peace framework in Eastern DRC, urges immediate ceasefire Feb 07, 2025

The proposal seeks to address ongoing coordination challenges between the two regional peace mechanisms - the AU-led Luanda Process, spearheaded by An...

Guterres urges de-escalation as regional leaders convene on eastern DRC conflict Feb 07, 2025

UN reports indicate that Goma, the provincial capital, is effectively under siege, with exit routes blocked and its airport shut down indefinitely.

South Africa will not be bullied, Ramaphosa says as tensions with US escalate Feb 06, 2025

The rift between Washington and Pretoria has been widening for months, but Trump's return to the White House has accelerated diplomatic tensions.

Kenya deploys fourth contingent to Haiti as US freezes mission funding Feb 06, 2025

114 Kenyan police officers, including a 24-member all-women SWAT team, arrived in Port-au-Prince, joining more than 600 other Kenyan officers already...

South Africa pushes back against Washington as US snubs G20 Summit Feb 06, 2025

While Rubio's remarks focused on land reform, the reality is that US-South Africa relations have been deteriorating for years due to Pretoria's increa...

Rwanda accuses international community of bias on eastern DRC conflict Feb 05, 2025

He reiterated Rwanda's support for a political solution between the M23 and the Congolese government, stating, "Our defensive measures are to defend o...

US freezes over Sh1.7 billion funding for Kenya-led Haiti security mission Feb 05, 2025

Despite its initial momentum, the security mission remains underfunded, poorly equipped, and operating with only a fraction of the planned 2,500 secur...

Kagame says he's unsure if there are any Rwandan troops in eastern DR Congo Feb 04, 2025

On allegations that Rwanda smuggles other minerals from eastern DRC, Kagame shifted focus to global actors, particularly Western nations.

Rwanda, DRC leaders to attend regional mediation meeting in Tanzania Feb 04, 2025

The upcoming summit will be the first of its kind, bringing together EAC and SADC to address the DRC crisis.

Djibouti's Mohamoud Youssouf secures key endorsement from Egypt as AUC chair race hots up Feb 03, 2025

Djibouti has secured backing from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, just days after Kenyan President William Ruto visited Cairo to lobby for Ra...

South Africa rejects Trump's "misinformed" decision over land reform policies Feb 03, 2025

Trump claimed South Africa's land expropriation policies amount to human rights abuses.

SADC leaders agree to joint meeting with EAC over eastern DRC conflict Feb 01, 2025

The decision follows a proposal from the East African Community (EAC) during its summit earlier in the week, signalling an effort to align regional ap...

Ruto: Preaching Pan-Africanism, dialling the West Jan 31, 2025

Critics have lambasted Ruto's decision to seek counsel from Western powers to solve continental problems instead of engaging his African counterparts.

South Africa, Rwanda in efforts to de-escalate tensions days after presidential spat Jan 31, 2025

In an apparent damage-control effort, South African Minister of International Relations Ronald Lamola engaged his Rwandan counterpart, Olivier Nduhung...

SADC leaders meet in Harare over escalating eastern DRC crisis Jan 31, 2025

The meeting comes just days after the M23 rebel group seized control of Goma, the regional capital, in a dramatic escalation of its years-long insurge...

Tshisekedi declares war on M23 Rebels, accuses Rwanda of military involvement Jan 30, 2025

He accused Rwanda of deploying "thousands of soldiers" into eastern DRC, intensifying tensions between the two neighbours.

Kagame fires warning shot at Ramaphosa as tensions over DR Congo conflict escalate Jan 30, 2025

His pointed remarks signal that Kigali is unwilling to bow to regional pressure, particularly from South Africa.

Ruto calls for dialogue between DRC, M23 rebels amid rising tensions Jan 28, 2025

Dismissing the possibility of a military solution, Ruto stressed the importance of understanding the root causes of the long-running conflict.

EAC to convene urgent meeting on DRC crisis as Goma risks falling to M23 rebels Jan 27, 2025

Ruto revealed that he had spoken with both DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame to defuse the situation.

Djibouti's Foreign Minister denies AUC Chair race rumours, meets Tanzanian President to secure support Jan 24, 2025

This visit comes amid rumours circulating that Youssouf had dropped out of the race in favour of Kenya's candidate, Raila Odinga.

South Sudan bans social media for 30 days over violence in neighboring Sudan Jan 23, 2025

The ban, which could be extended for up to 90 days, is set to take effect at midnight on Thursday.

Sh2.3 million per hour private jet: The lavish and costly Raila Odinga AUC campaign trail Jan 23, 2025

Adding to the controversy is the government's lack of clarity on the budget allocated for the AUC campaign.

Tundu Lissu elected new leader of Tanzania’s Chadema party, succeeding Freeman Mbowe Jan 22, 2025

A lawyer and former lawmaker, Lissu survived a near-fatal assassination attempt during the regime of the late President John Magufuli.

South Sudan peace talks resume in Nairobi Jan 21, 2025

The discussions include parties that did not sign the 2018 Revitalised Agreement, making them key participants in the ongoing dialogue.

Revenge attack leaves 16 Sudanese nationals dead in Juba Jan 21, 2025

The South Sudan National Police Service also reported rescuing 2,990 Sudanese nationals who are now seeking shelter and protection at various police s...

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