Kenya: Ruto Defends Kenya-U.S. Health Deal, Says Agreement Will Not Short-Change Kenyans

[Capital FM] Nairobi -- President William Ruto has assured Kenyans that the Kenya-United States Health Cooperation Framework will not be used to exploit the country or compromise the interests of its citizens. Source

Nigeria: Army Chief On Maiden Visit to Lagos Commends Troops for Foiling Benin Republic Coup

[This Day] The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Shaibu Waidi, yesterday commended troops of the 81 Division, Lagos, for their swift intervention in the Republic of Benin, which foiled the recent attempted coup. Source

Tanzania: Is the CCM Losing Tanzania?

[African Arguments] On October 29, 2025 Tanzania went to the polls. Or rather, a few Tanzanians went to the polls, in some cases seemingly under duress, but many stayed at home. When the implausible results were announced - a claimed 98% vote for incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan on an 87% turnout (compared to an 84% vote for the late President Magufuli on a 50.7% turnout in 2020, and a probable real turnout this year of around 35%) - many took to the streets in protest. Source

East Africa: Uganda Reaffirms Commitment to Syria's Recovery Efforts

[Nile Post] Uganda has renewed its commitment to strengthening diplomatic and developmental cooperation with Syria, as government officials, diplomats and religious leaders gathered in Kampala for an event marking Syrian Liberation Day. Source

Kenya: 'Stop Treating Youth Like Phone Fixers,' Winnie Odinga Tells Leaders

[Capital FM] Nairobi -- Winnie Odinga has called on leaders and older generations to stop reducing young people to "phone fixers" and instead give them real space to shape Kenya's future. Source

Kenya: Kenyan Police Officers Lauded for Role in Stabilising Haiti

[Capital FM] Nairobi -- Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has lauded the 230 police officers who returned to Kenya after completing their 18-month tour of duty under the now-defunct Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti. Source

Uganda: Museveni Directs Minister Magyezi to Sort PDM Issues in Kyenjojo

[Independent (Kampala)] Kyenjojo -- President Yoweri Museveni has directed Local Government Minister Raphael Magyezi to urgently address concerns regarding the distribution and management of Parish Development Model (PDM) funds in Kyenjojo District. The directive follows reports of mismanagement and discriminatory practices in the allocation of funds, which were intended to support local wealth creation efforts, particularly for youth, women, and persons with disabilities. Source

Africa: Failed Coup Attempt Highlights Divisions in West Africa

[Agenzia Fides] Cotonou -- The failed coup attempt in Benin highlights the divisions among the countries of West Africa. On the night of December 7-8, some members of the National Guard attacked the presidential residence in Cotonou, occupied the state television headquarters, and then announced live on television the removal of President Patrice Talon, the suspension of the constitution, and the establishment of a "Military Committee for Refoundation" under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri. The coup plotters Source

Congo-Kinshasa: Despite Peace Agreement - M23 Advance Towards Uvira

[Agenzia Fides] Kinshasa -- The strategically important city of Uvira is in the sights of the M23 rebel movement. According to the United Nations, the rebels, supported by elements of the Rwandan army, are advancing towards the city. Uvira, in the South Kivu province of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, is an important hub connecting the Congolese province with neighboring Burundi, whose troops, together with the Congolese military, are attempting to halt the rebels' advance. Source

Nigeria: Senate Requests Tinubu to Exempt Lawmakers From Police Withdrawal Directive

[Premium Times] The deputy senate president said the leadership had already met on the issue and is confident the president will reconsider and exempt lawmakers from the directive. Source

Kenya: Governors Push for More Power in Security Matters

[Capital FM] Nairobi -- Governors on Wednesday demanded a bigger role in security and foreign affairs, two areas traditionally controlled from Nairobi. Source

Tanzania: Tanzanian Police Warn Against Organizing Illegal Demonstrations

[Daily News] Dodoma -- THE Tanzanian Police have once again warned people who are organizing endless peaceful demonstrations, which were banned after failing to meet the legal requirements for approval under the Tanzanian constitution. Source