Ghana’s parliament standoff continues

The political standoff in Ghana's parliament persists as the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) remain at odds. The conflict arose after the speaker declared four parliamentary seats vacant due to party affiliation changes, shifting the majority to the opposition. The NPP accuses the NDC of leveraging the situation to gain an advantage in the upcoming December 2024 elections. Abraham Amaliba from the NDC suggests a negotiated settlement is necessary.

Global Leadership Forum discusses Africa’s media challenges

The Global Leadership Forum, held in Washington D.C., focused on press freedom as a key issue, bringing together mid-career professionals to address media challenges in Africa. The forum serves as a platform for exploring critical global challenges, emphasizing the importance of press freedom in the region.

Burundi battles measles, borrowing tactics from polio campaigns

Burundi is facing a measles outbreak, prompting a government-led vaccination campaign targeting over 2 million children. The campaign, influenced by strategies from polio vaccination efforts, achieved a 92.3% vaccination rate, though challenges such as fuel shortages and communication gaps were noted. The Ministry of Health emphasizes the importance of vaccination and community engagement to improve health outcomes. Key figures like Dr. Armel Nzeyimana and Ndoricimpa Jacqueline highlight the need for timely vaccinations to ensure public health and societal development.

Rwanda’s President Kagame urges regional peace, security at swearing in

Rwandan President Paul Kagame emphasized the importance of peace and security in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo during his swearing-in ceremony. The ongoing conflict in the region has strained Rwanda's relations with neighboring countries over the past two years.

Burundi, Rwanda agree to mend fences

Burundi and Rwanda have agreed to meet and work towards normalizing their relations, following a period of deteriorating ties that resulted in the closure of their mutual borders.

DRC sends first minister to Eala two years after joining bloc

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has sent its first minister, Didier Mazenga, to the East African Legislative Assembly (Eala) as an ex officio member, marking two years since joining the East African Community (EAC). Despite this milestone, the DRC has not yet remitted any financial contributions to the EAC, owing over $14 million. This has led to discussions within Eala about suspending member states that fail to meet their financial commitments. The EAC requires each member state to contribute $7.3 million annually, with the DRC being the largest defaulter. The assembly is considering alternative financing mechanisms to ensure timely contributions from member states.

Burundi says no to importation of GM products

The Burundi government has declared a prohibition on the importation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), with the director-general of mobilisation for self-development and agriculture extension, Clement Ndikumasabo, stating that GMOs are completely banned, including hybrids which require authorization for import. This stance comes despite some East African Community member states opening up to GMO products.

Rwanda Warns Neighbors Against Attack

Relations between Burundi and Rwanda are deteriorating, with Rwanda accusing Burundi's President Evariste Ndayishimiye of inciting division among Rwandans. Burundi has denied these allegations, calling them unfounded.

Kiir to take over EAC leadership as states default on dues

South Sudan is set to take over the leadership of the East African Community (EAC) amid financial challenges, with President Salva Kiir becoming the new Chair of the EAC Summit. South Sudan, the largest defaulter of membership fees, has paid $7 million of its $30 million arrears. Other member states, including the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi, also owe significant amounts. A motion to suspend non-paying states met resistance but will be revisited. The EAC Summit will discuss climate change, food security, and regional peace, with South Sudan's internal and external conflicts being key issues. President Kiir's leadership will be tested by ongoing regional integration challenges and financial obligations.

Kiir to take over EAC leadership as states default on dues

South Sudan, led by President Salva Kiir, is set to assume the chairmanship of the East African Community (EAC), taking over from Burundi's President Evariste Ndayishimiye. The EAC is facing challenges with member states defaulting on their financial dues, with South Sudan being the largest defaulter, owing about $30 million. The Democratic Republic of Congo, a new member, has not yet contributed to its arrears. The upcoming EAC Heads of State Summit will address issues such as climate change and food security. The East African Legislative Assembly is considering a motion to suspend member states that fail to meet their financial obligations. South Sudan is criticized for its lack of engagement in the EAC and is still grappling with implementing the EAC Customs Union and Common Market. President Kiir will also oversee the regional bloc's discussions on peace and security, particularly in South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.