Kenya
High Court Suspends IEBC Sanctions Against Nakuru MP David Gikaria
The High Court has temporarily suspended the implementation of sanctions imposed by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) against Nakuru Town East MP David Gikaria, pending the hearing of his case challenging the decision of the Electoral Code of Conduct Enforcement Committee. Justice Wilfrida (W.) Musyoka certified Gikaria’s application as urgent, noting that it concerns conduct during the ongoing Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election and comes at a time when the country is preparing for the 2027 General Election.
(Source: Citizen)
Uganda
Uganda’s Growing Defence Partnership with China
Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces, welcomed executives from the Chinese defence giant Aerospace Long-March International Trade Co. (ALIT) to Fort Portal State Lodge in a meeting that attracted attention as another high-level engagement between Kampala and Beijing. Beyond the photographs and diplomatic courtesies lies a broader story: the emergence of China as one of Uganda’s most significant defence partners, quietly reshaping military cooperation through equipment transfers, defence technology, professional training, and growing strategic engagement.
(Source: The Independent)
Tanzania
Tanzania Showcases SDG Progress at UN Forum
Minister of State in the President’s Office – Planning and Investment, Prof. Kitila Mkumbo, today presented Tanzania’s Third Voluntary National Review (VNR) on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development, currently underway in New York, United States. During the presentation, Prof. Mkumbo highlighted key achievements resulting from the government’s implementation of the SDGs. Among them was an increase in access to clean water in rural areas, from 72.3 per cent in 2020 to 85.3 per cent in 2025.
(Source: Daily News)
Rwanda
Kigali Questions UN Inquiry Methods on Eastern DR Congo
The Government of Rwanda has challenged the methodology used by a United Nations (UN) commission of inquiry investigating the human rights situation in eastern DR Congo, arguing that serious allegations should be backed by independently verifiable evidence and that the inquiry cannot fully fulfil its mandate without field access to the affected areas. Speaking during the Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on the commission of inquiry’s oral update at the 62nd session of the UN Human Rights Council on 29 June, Rwanda’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Ambassador Urujeni Bakuramutsa, said the Council should ensure that its decisions are based on credible and impartial investigations.
(Source: New Times)
Ethiopia
European Union Committed to Deepening Cooperation with Ethiopia in Various Spheres
The European Union is committed to deepening its partnership with Ethiopia through expanded cooperation in investment, digital governance, renewable energy and critical raw materials, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, said. She made the remarks after holding separate talks with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Foreign Affairs Minister Gedion Timothewos during her visit to Addis Ababa. In an exclusive interview with ENA, Kallas said the discussions focused on strengthening Ethiopia–EU relations, enhancing EU–Africa cooperation, addressing regional security challenges, and identifying new areas of economic collaboration.
(Source: ENA)
Sudan
ICC Prosecutor Requests Withdrawal of War Crimes Charges Against Sudan’s Abdallah Banda
The Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has requested authorisation to withdraw war crimes charges against former Sudanese rebel commander Abdallah Banda Abakaer Nourain, citing a severe deterioration of evidence over time. In court filings made public this week, the prosecution informed Trial Chamber IV judges that, after exhausting all available investigative avenues, there are no longer substantial grounds to believe Banda is criminally responsible for the charged crimes.
(Source: Sudan Tribune)
Somalia
Minister of Foreign Affairs Addresses Second Day of the Third Somalia Development Forum
H.E. Abdisalam Ali, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, today delivered the opening keynote address on the second day of the Third Somalia Development Forum (SDF), held under the theme Somalia at a Critical Juncture: Strengthening Stability, Unity and Development. Organised by the Heritage Institute for Policy Studies and City University of Mogadishu, the forum brings together policymakers, academics, development partners and experts to discuss Somalia’s national development priorities.
(Source: SONNA)
