European lawmakers are campaigning to prevent Burundi from benefiting from a free trade agreement between the EU and the EAC due to human rights violations in Burundi. The suspension of European aid to Burundi is already in place because President Pierre Nkurunziza's third term is seen as a violation of democratic principles. The EU is seeking alternatives to maintain trade with Kenya, as it faces higher export taxes without a deal. The EU Parliament's trade committee chair, Bernd Lange, and member Marie Arena have expressed concerns over including Burundi in the trade deal and are also wary of Tanzania's reluctance to sign post-Brexit. Audace Ndayizeye of Burundi's commerce chamber argues against exclusion. The impasse has put East African trade diplomacy in a difficult position, with Kenya's foreign minister Amina Mohamed optimistic about resolving the issue before the October deadline.

The article discusses the African Union's (AU) concerns regarding the lack of progress towards an independent Western Sahara state. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, chair of the African Union Commission, expressed her distress over the situation of the Sahrawi people, who have been living in refugee camps for generations. The AU criticized the UN Secretary-General for delaying his visit to the region and called for action to protect Western Sahara's integrity. Morocco's attempts to rejoin the AU and block UN actions on Western Sahara have led to division within the AU. The article also mentions the lobbying efforts by Morocco and the diplomatic responses from various African leaders and analysts.

The article discusses the alleged involvement of Kenyan police in extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances, particularly targeting terror suspects. It highlights the human rights concerns raised by these actions, especially in the wake of the Garissa University attack by al-Shabab, where 148 students were killed. The article includes admissions from a police officer involved in the killings and comments from human rights activists and officials. The recent murder of lawyer Willie Kimani, his client, and his driver, which sparked protests in Nairobi, is also covered. The National Police Service Commission denies knowledge of police death squads, while human rights advocates call for greater oversight and accountability of the police force.

Jerome R. Corsi, a right-wing author known for his critical book on Barack Obama, was detained by Kenyan immigration officials for allegedly misleading them on his entry papers. Corsi was in Kenya to promote his book, 'The Obama Nation,' which raises controversial allegations about Obama. Kenyan officials claimed the detention was due to visa issues, while Corsi's aides argued it was an attempt to silence him. The incident highlights the divided opinions within Kenya regarding Obama, who is both celebrated and criticized in the country.

The African Union, during a two-day summit in Egypt, has called for the formation of a government of national unity in Zimbabwe following President Robert Mugabe's controversial re-election, which was deemed illegitimate by many. The summit revealed divisions among African leaders, with Botswana suggesting Zimbabwe's suspension from African forums, while President Omar Bongo of Gabon supported Mugabe's presidency. The African Union emphasized the need for continued regional mediation, led by South Africa's President Thabo Mbeki, despite criticism of his lenient approach towards Mugabe. The union appealed to both the opposition and Mugabe's government to foster a conducive environment for dialogue.

President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe dismissed international calls for his removal amid a political deadlock, asserting that Western countries threatening sanctions could 'go hang a thousand times.' The African Union, meeting in Egypt, sought a consensus on resolving the crisis, with South Africa advocating for a transitional government. Despite widespread condemnation of the recent election, Mugabe sought African Union endorsement, while his opposition, led by Morgan Tsvangirai, rejected power-sharing proposals. The situation highlighted the African Union's challenge in balancing internal resolutions with external pressures for sanctions.

President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe attended an African Union meeting despite widespread criticism of his recent election victory, which was deemed undemocratic by international observers. The meeting, overshadowed by the Zimbabwean crisis, saw calls for dialogue and a transitional government. Key figures like Morgan Tsvangirai, Asha-Rose Migiro, and Raila Odinga voiced their concerns, while the United States considered imposing sanctions on Mugabe's regime. The article highlights the tension between Mugabe's defiance and the international community's push for democratic resolution.

At the African Union meeting in Egypt, Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe, through spokesman George Charamba, dismissed Western demands for his resignation, while African leaders sought a consensus on resolving Zimbabwe's political crisis. Both Mugabe and his opponent Morgan Tsvangirai rejected the idea of a power-sharing government, with the opposition Movement for Democratic Change stating that the recent election eliminated prospects for a negotiated settlement.