Category: East Africa

The "Nane Nane" march, meaning "eight eight" in reference to the date, follows weeks of similar pro-reform protests that saw Ruto scrap planned tax hikes and overhaul his cabinet.

The AU-led post-Atmis force, whose size, scope and mission duration are still undecided, is expected to mobilise troops from several willing countries, deploy and start operations on January 1, 2025, mainly protecting the Somali civilian population from al-Shabaab attacks. 

In spite of committing to a ceasefire from August 4, M23 rebels began advancing and capturing towns in restive region, notably Nyamilima and Ishasha.

It was the deadliest attack in the Horn of Africa country since twin car bombs detonated near a busy market intersection in October 2022, killing at least 100 people and wounding 300 others.

In a statement signed by Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, President Ruto also nominated long-serving public prosecutor Dorcas Oduor as the Attorney-General.

On July 21, the President sacked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation January Makamba, alongside Information and ICT Minister Nape Nnauye, as part of a mini-Cabinet reshuffle which caught many by surprise, especially Mr Makamba’s case.

He said the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is only depending on the Luanda Process, which is led by Angolan President João Lourenço. 

The President on Wednesday nominated ODM’s John Mbadi to Cabinet Secretary National Treasury; Opiyo Wandayi to Energy and Petroleum; Ali Hassan Joho to Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs; and Wycliffe Oparanya to the Ministry of Co-operatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Development.

A Reuters witness saw the detentions being made, while a video posted by NTV Uganda on the X social media platform also showed a small group of young people being intercepted and detained by police while they were marching.

Although President William Ruto succumbed to the protesters’ pressure and withdrew Finance Bill 2024, sacked his entire Cabinet and attorney-general, and called national dialogue among other pledges, the youth are demanding more— with some openly calling for the resignation of the besieged head of State.