EAST AFRICA

Rwanda's President Paul Kagame firmly stated that his country should not be held accountable for the internal issues plaguing the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). During a recent address at the National Umushyikirano Council in Kigali, Kagame underscored the principle that each nation must confront and resolve its own challenges. Highlighting the significance of national security, Kagame asserted that Rwanda remains committed to safeguarding its citizens, particularly against threats posed by the Democratic Forces for…

Frank W. Garcia Jr. Nominated to Lead Africa Bureau at State Department Frank W. Garcia Jr., a veteran Republican Congressional aide, has been nominated by President Trump to head the Africa Bureau at the State Department. Garcia, whose nomination for the position of Assistant Secretary for Africa was submitted to the Senate on January 29, is currently serving as a senior advisor to the chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI). His appointment is subject to Senate confirmation, a process…

Prominent rights activist Sarah Bireete, detained on December 30 after questioning the accuracy of the voter register ahead of Uganda's January 15 general election, has been granted bail. Bireete, who leads the Centre for Constitutional Governance, faced charges for the alleged unlawful disclosure of voters' information. Magistrate Winnie Nankya Jatiko approved Bireete's release after she met the necessary bail conditions. Her detention sparked widespread condemnation from both local and international human rights…

Rwanda Files Legal Action Against the UK Over Abandoned Asylum Deal The ongoing saga of the now-defunct migrant deal between Rwanda and the United Kingdom has escalated, as the Rwandan government has launched a legal case at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague. The action stems from claims that the UK has failed to fulfill financial commitments under the controversial agreement, which was originally designed to relocate asylum seekers to Rwanda. Under the terms of the deal signed by the former Conservative…

US Immigrant Visa Suspension Sparks Outrage and Relief Across Africa The processing of U.S. immigrant visas for nationals from dozens of African countries has been indefinitely suspended, a sweeping decision announced by the U.S. Department of State on Wednesday. This move affects a total of 75 countries, including several longtime allies in the African region. In Liberia, one of the nations caught in this new policy, reactions have varied. Some citizens voiced anger and frustration as the announcement reverberated…

New Leadership in U.S. Africa Bureau Faces Complex Challenges Nick Checker, who stepped into the role of head of the State Department's Africa Bureau earlier this month, brings a unique perspective to the position after spending most of the past decade at the CIA. Unlike his two predecessors—career diplomats who served under President Trump—Checker has only four months of experience at the State Department. As the 'Senior Bureau Official,' a title currently used for acting positions across numerous agencies, Checker is…

Iran has withdrawn from a planned multilateral naval exercise in South Africa’s False Bay, officials said, after initially assembling warships in the area. South African, Russian, Chinese and United Arab Emirates vessels are still scheduled to sail this week for Exercise Will for Peace 2026, a drill organized under the BRICS+ framework. The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) described the maneuvers as a joint exercise for the 10-member BRICS+ forum but said most member states will have limited or no active…

On Sunday, January 4, a tragic incident unfolded in the Jarama Wetland, where heavy rainfall forced local cultivators to seek refuge in a nearby house at Mbuye Harbour. The downpour, which began around 5:30 PM, unexpectedly escalated, leading to life-threatening conditions for the victims, as stated by Prudence Rubingisa, the Governor of Eastern Province. As the rain intensified, the group of cultivators, who were engaged in farming activities at the time, found themselves in a precarious situation. They quickly sought…

Senegal, the defending Africa Cup of Nations champions, survived an early scare at the weekend to beat Sudan 3-1 and became the first nation to secure a place in the 2025 quarterfinals. The victory, secured after Senegal regrouped following a nervy opening period, puts the West African side through to the last eight with matches remaining in the group stage. The result also underscored Senegal’s depth and experience in tournament conditions as they absorbed pressure early and produced the decisive finishing that has defined…

The International Crisis Group (ICG) has highlighted three critical conflicts in Africa that are poised to carry into 2026, following a tumultuous year marred by violence and instability. The ICG's "conflicts to watch" report names Sudan, Ethiopia and Eritrea, and the volatile situation in Mali and Burkina Faso as focal points that require immediate international attention. Having faced a devastating escalation in violence throughout 2025, these regions find themselves at a pivotal juncture. Sudan, under the shadow of a…