Politics-News

Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Djibouti’s long-serving Foreign Minister, secured a significant victory on Saturday, being elected as the new Chairperson of the African Union Commission. The election, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, saw Youssouf garner the necessary two-thirds majority support from African leaders, solidifying his position as the head of the pan-African bloc representing over 1.5 billion people.

Youssouf’s election marks a significant achievement for the small East African nation of Djibouti. Despite facing stiff competition from seasoned Kenyan politician Raila Odinga, Youssouf’s steady and diplomatic approach resonated with regional leaders. His low-key campaign, coupled with his extensive experience as Djibouti’s Foreign Minister since 2005, ultimately swayed the vote in his favor.

On a mission to promote peace and unity across Africa, the Africa Peace Run initiative has gained significant momentum under the leadership of the Global Election Observation Mission (GEOM). This initiative seeks to bridge divides and address the underlying issues of violence and political unrest by engaging the continent’s most valuable resource, its youth.

The idea behind the Africa Peace Run was born from the understanding of Africa’s history and the challenges it continues to face. Kaikare Ronald, the Head of Programs at GEOM and Director of Africa Peace Run, shared his thoughts on why this initiative is so crucial for the continent.

On Saturday, January 25, 2025, Kigali, Rwanda, became the epicenter of East Africa’s law enforcement efforts as the 26th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Eastern Africa Police Chiefs Cooperation Organization (EAPCCO) has began. The event will gather police officers and leaders from across the region to discuss critical issues surrounding cross-border security and cooperation. The theme for this year’s meeting, “Strengthening Regional Law Enforcement Cooperation,” reflects the growing need for collaboration in combating emerging criminal threats.

In Nairobi and Mombasa, human rights activists were taken into custody on Monday during protests against the recent wave of abductions. The demonstrations were a call for the immediate release of those who have been kidnapped.

In Nairobi’s bustling city center, well-known activist Julius Kamau was arrested. He was loudly protesting the increasing abduction cases when he was detained, shouting, “Why are you arresting me? Stop abductions in Kenya!”

The police in Nairobi used anti-riot measures to break up the crowd on Kimathi Street, stopping the protests from spreading further.

President Paul Kagame has been awarded the prestigious title of African of the Year for 2024, a recognition that underscores his significant contributions to driving transformative change and fostering sustainable development across the African continent. This esteemed accolade not only highlights Kagame’s leadership but also serves as a testament to his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of millions of people in Rwanda and beyond.

The award was presented on October 24, 2024, during the illustrious All Africa Business Leaders Awards (AABLA) ceremony held in South Africa. This annual event, which celebrates outstanding achievements in business and leadership across the continent, is organized in partnership with CNBC Africa. The recognition of President Kagame at such a high-profile event further emphasizes the importance of his role in promoting economic progress and stability within Africa, particularly in a time when many nations are striving to overcome various challenges.

The Advisory Council of Rusizi District in Rwanda’s Western Province has appointed Alfred Habimana as the interim mayor after the resignation of Anicet Kibiriga on November 23, 2023, due to personal reasons. Habimana previously served as vice-mayor for economic development since May. Kibiriga, who had been in office since November 2021, resigned alongside Anne Marie Dukuzumuremyi (vice-mayor for social affairs) and Jeanne d’Arc Niyonsaba (district council member and head of the National Women’s Council).