Politics

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  Kenyan lawmakers at risk of recall over demands for salary increases

  2013-05-17

  Civil society groups are gathering signatures for a petition to recall seven lawmakers for attempting to reverse wage cuts recently instituted for public officials.

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  Motivations behind attacks in western Kenya remain unclear

  2013-05-17

  Although police have detained and questioned over 300 people in connection to the attacks, investigations have not discovered the motive.

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  Tensions rise as two leaders claim Jubbaland presidency

  2013-05-16

  Two leaders from rival clans claim the top position of the contested southern region of Somalia, while the federal government looks to step in and mediate.

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  Omamo poised to be first woman in charge of Kenyan defence

  2013-05-08

  Raychelle Awuor Omamo, a long-time Kenyan diplomat and lawyer, is President Uhuru Kenyatta's cabinet nominee for defence secretary.

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  Somali civil society groups to take on bigger role at London conference

  2013-04-25

  Civil society groups in Somalia say they will attempt to use their influence at the upcoming conference to bring about positive change in their country.

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  Formation of new local administrations tests Somali government

  2013-04-22

  The federal government in Mogadishu is encountering local opposition as it appoints interim administrations to govern parts of Somalia formerly under al-Shabaab's control.

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  Debate over Somalia's unity continues with new round of talks in Ankara

  2013-04-11

  While Somalia has continuously pushed for the Somaliland region to remain part of its federal system, the northern territory wishes to assert its independence.

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  Kenya slow to implement constitution-mandated reforms

  2013-04-04

  Reforms to state institutions are dragging because of poor attitudes and a lack of will among Kenyan leaders who are reluctant to change the status quo, legal experts say.

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  Kenya judicial reforms hang on Odinga petition

  2013-03-21

  An imminent Supreme Court ruling on Prime Minister Raila Odinga's challenge of the presidential election results could reinforce or undo hard-fought judicial reform.

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  Tanzanian media advocates decry climate of fear

  2013-03-18

  Two journalists were killed in Tanzania and 16 others reported harassment or intimidation in the past six months -- an unacceptable and alarming trend, media advocates say.

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  Odinga electoral challenge tests Kenyan high court

  2013-03-13

  The next Kenyan president will have the daunting task of appeasing and uniting the country's various ethnic groups, political analysts say.

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  Human rights advocates call Somaliland's Mogadishu travel ban unlawful

  2013-03-06

  The Somaliland administration recently arrested an elder and politicians for travelling to Mogadishu, accusing of them of treason.

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  New measures aim to make Tanzanian government more transparent

  2013-02-22

  Ministries have been instructed to make their budgetary appropriations available to the public, and the government is in the process of formulating a right to information law.

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  Kenyan civil society groups demand further pay cuts for politicians

  2013-02-07

  A government commission proposed a reduced salary structure for public sector employees, but civil society groups say the salaries of top politicians are still too high.

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  Tanzania to begin issuing national identity cards

  2013-02-07

  Tanzania's new identification cards will help the government provide services to citizens and protect the country's borders, officials say.

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  Kenya harnesses technology to curb online hate speech ahead of elections

  2013-02-05

  The government and civil society organisations have launched a number of programmes to mitigate online hate speech that could cause politically motivated violence.

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  Somali government to modernise salary payment system

  2013-01-25

  The government plans to pay the salaries of its employees through an automated system in an attempt to modernise the financial system and combat corruption.

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  Post-election power sharing deals undermine democracy in Africa

  2013-01-18

  The potential agreement between M23 rebels and the DRC is part of a larger conflict resolution trend in Africa that weakens democratic principles, analysts say.

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  Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs to sort, modernise archives

  2013-01-14

  After surviving decades of instability, the foreign affairs archive will be organised and modernised to aid the Somali government in re-establishing diplomatic relations.

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  Sophia Abdi Nur: Political situation improving for Kenyan women

  2013-01-02

  Nur says women have come a long way in politics since she first ran for a parliamentary seat in 1997, but the country still has a distance to go.

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  Debate continues over role of union government in Tanzania

  2012-12-26

  Citizens have questioned the structure and balance of power in the union government at recent public meetings organised by the Constitution Review Commission.

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  Formation of Jubbaland tests delicate political balance

  2012-11-26

  Efforts are under way to build a broad-based regional government, but issues remain in regards to tribal marginalisation, Kenyan influence, and the role of the central government.

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  Somalia swears in new cabinet ministers

  2012-11-16

  International and regional leaders congratulated the Somali Federal Government for taking the next step towards peace and stability.

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  Tanzanian President Kikwete reshuffles party secretariat

  2012-11-15

  Members of the Chama Cha Mapinduzi party hope the new leadership will help unite the party ahead of the 2015 presidential election.

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  Dispute widens over charcoal exports from Kismayo

  2012-11-14

  Local authorities in Kismayo want the United Nations Security Council to lift the ban on charcoal exports intended to impede revenue for al-Shabaab.

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  Civil society groups in Kenya upset over attempts to derail judicial reforms

  2012-11-09

  A ruling by the High Court to overturn a decision to sack five judges has spread discontent among groups aiming to uphold the country's constitution.

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  Politics hinders constitutional reform, Kenyan commission says

  2012-11-08

  The Commission for the Implementation of the Constitution raises concerns over the tampering of some bills already finalised by the commission.

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  Somalis welcome formation of new cabinet

  2012-11-06

  The new cabinet marks the end of transitional rule and the inclusion of women in Somali politics with greater responsibility.

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  Timeline: Somalia's road from 1991 collapse to permanent government

  2012-11-02

  Somalia has reached some historic milestones in recent months on the road to peace and stable government.

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  Local council campaigns begin in Somaliland

  2012-10-31

  Seven political parties are competing for local council elections slated for November 28th.

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  Somalis hopeful new prime minister will form capable government

  2012-10-19

  The unanimous support Abdi Farah Shirdon received from parliament is a step forward for Somalia, analysts say.

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  Kenyan civil society groups urge candidates to accept pay cuts

  2012-10-17

  Parliamentarians currently earn more than 100 times the urban minimum wage and Prime Minister Raila Odinga earns 255 times the average Kenyan.

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  Kenyan women demand guaranteed seats in parliament

  2012-10-11

  Organisations advocating for gender parity are calling for a contingency plan to guarantee adherence to parliament's two-thirds gender rule in the next general elections.

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  Somalis welcome new prime minister but see difficult road ahead

  2012-10-08

  Abdi Farah Shirdon is a newcomer to politics as he has spent his professional career as an economist and successful businessman.

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  Christian, Muslim leaders promote dialogue in Wajir

  2012-10-04

  Religious leaders in Wajir will hold interfaith activities to fight extremism and encourage positive dialogue among all Kenyans.

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  Somaliland parliament expels 4 members for dereliction of duty

  2012-10-02

  The lawmakers had been living abroad and neglecting their duties while still drawing a monthly salary from the government.

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  Signs of high hopes among Somalis for upcoming government

  2012-09-07

  Citizens say they anticipate that the new government will improve the country and bring an end to two decades of strife.

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  Somaliland lawmakers oppose parliament quota for women and minorities

  2012-09-06

  Members of the lower house voted against a provision to set aside seats for women and members of minority clans.

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  Swearing in of new Somali parliament an 'historic moment'

  2012-08-21

  The new parliament, sworn in on Monday, is scheduled to elect its speaker on Saturday and the next president at a later date.

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  Tanzanian officials stress importance of public participation in census

  2012-08-21

  Tanzanians need to make sure every member of every household is accounted for in order to help the government equitably distribute funds and resources.

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  Somaliland election commission sets date for local council elections

  2012-08-15

  Nine political parties, six of which are new, will participate in the elections on November 28th.

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  Somali parliament selection process slowed by political interference

  2012-08-10

  Politicians meddling with the selection process could ignite a new conflict in Somali politics, says the chairman of the Technical Selection Committee.

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  Somali constitution sparks controversy among religious scholars

  2012-08-10

  Some Somalis view the provisional constitution as a step in the right direction, while others criticise the document as inconsistent with sharia law.

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  Tanzanian justice system is politicised, analysts say

  2012-08-08

  Lawmakers and citizens must be equal before the law if corruption is to end in the country, political scientists say.

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  Somali National Constituent Assembly approves new constitution

  2012-08-01

  Somali politicians hailed the end of the transitional period, as security forces foiled two suicide bombers attempting to derail the political process.

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  Somali women fight for promised share of parliamentary seats

  2012-08-01

  Women were not adequately represented in the National Constituent Assembly and are fighting for their promised 30% of seats in the new parliament.

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  Delegates push forward to ratify constitution in 'historic moment' for Somalia

  2012-07-30

  Somali leaders have urged the National Constituent Assembly to approve the draft constitution, which some say grants greater rights to women and minorities.

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  Draft constitution spurs debate among Somalis

  2012-07-27

  Somalis are both sceptical and hopeful about what the draft Somali constitution means for the future of their country.

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  Corruption report a step towards transparency in Somalia

  2012-07-24

  The report -- which says 70% of government revenue has been lost through corruption, theft or waste -- will help improve governance after the transitional period ends, analysts say.

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  African Union lauds security improvements in Somalia

  2012-07-18

  The African Union reiterated its support for Somalia, as joint forces seize more territory from al-Shabaab.

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  Somalia prepares for first presidential elections in Mogadishu

  2012-07-12

  For the first time since the civil war began, the leaders of both houses of parliament and the president will be elected from within the parliament building in Mogadishu.

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  Somalia celebrates 52nd anniversary of independence

  2012-07-02

  Somalis celebrated their country's independence amid improved security and a new sense of hope.

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  Somali political analysts welcome national unity talks

  2012-06-26

  The first formal discussions between the two sides herald a new beginning, but it could be a long journey before they reach an agreement, analysts say.

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  Somali leaders agree on protocols to end transitional period

  2012-06-25

  Political leaders and analysts say the agreement is a 'critical step' towards a better future for Somalia.

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  Somalia-Somaliland negotiations open in London

  2012-06-21

  The negotiations aim to begin a dialogue between the two parties and find solutions for long standing issues, including national unity and regional security.

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  Somalis welcome the results of the Istanbul Conference

  2012-06-04

  The Somali Transitional Federal Government and political analysts say the momentum achieved from the Istanbul Conference bodes well for the future of Somalia.

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  Somali tribal leaders face a crucial test to complete transitional tasks

  2012-06-01

  Following their failure to reach agreement in Mogadishu, Somali tribal leaders were flown to Turkey to attend conflict resolution sessions and participate in the Istanbul Conference on Somalia.

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  Somali leaders agree on timetable to end transitional period

  2012-05-30

  Somali political leaders agreed to enforce the Roadmap, speed up the transition process and enact benchmarks for tasks to be completed by August.

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  Somalia faces tough road in its transition to federal rule

  2012-05-21

  Although the selection of the National Constituent Assembly has been fraught with delays, Somali leaders say they will meet the deadline to end the transitional government.

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  Cabinet reshuffle seen as encouraging sign for Tanzania's democracy

  2012-05-09

  President Jakaya Kikwete sacked six ministers over allegations of misusing public funds, and promised to continue to root out corruption in government.

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  Somali elders convene to select National Constituent Assembly

  2012-05-08

  The Somali prime minister has lauded the progression towards elected government, as the draft constitution will be presented for ratification next week.

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  Somalia-Somaliland negotiations hold uncertain promise

  2012-05-01

  The proposed dialogue between the Somali and Somaliland governments could be a turning point for unification, political analysts say, but tensions threaten its future.

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  President Silanyo selects committee for Somaliland, Somalia talks

  2012-04-11

  The five-member committee will lead dialogue efforts with representatives from the TFG to discuss future relations.

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  Women campaign in North Eastern Kenya for 2013 elections

  2012-04-09

  Before seats were reserved for female representatives, cultural obstacles locked women out of leadership positions.

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  Somali leaders amend, expand Garowe agreements

  2012-03-29

  Leaders agreed to decrease the number of delegates who will be charged with approving a new constitution.

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  New political party registration delays Somaliland elections

  2012-03-28

  A government committee has been vetting newly registered parties, which has delayed elections originally set for April 7th.

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  Tanzania constitutional reform process begins

  2012-03-26

  A federal system and independent branches of government could be the answer to needed constitutional reforms, some analysts say.

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  Kenyans debate decentralisation process

  2012-03-16

  As debates continue in parliament, analysts say that whatever the details, decentralisation is bound to improve the economic conditions of county residents.

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  Garowe II conference establishes new government structure

  2012-02-21

  Somali leaders agreed on a new federal system ahead of Thursday's conference in London.

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