Eritrea responded by announcing that it was severing diplomatic relations with Ethiopia, marking a major deterioration in ties between the two neighboring countries.

The diplomatic rupture comes as fighting has resumed in northern Ethiopia and accusations between the two governments have intensified.

Ethiopia orders diplomats to leave

Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the 10 Eritrean diplomats had been declared persona non grata and ordered to leave Ethiopia within 48 hours.

The ministry accused the diplomats of involvement in activities that posed a direct threat to Ethiopia’s national security and said their actions violated the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

Ethiopia also announced the closure of its embassy in Asmara, the Eritrean capital.

The government described the measures as a response to what it called Eritrea’s “direct and indirect acts of hostility and belligerence” against Ethiopia.

Ethiopia nevertheless said it continued to value its historical, cultural and people-to-people ties with Eritrea and remained committed to peaceful coexistence and regional stability.

Eritrea cuts diplomatic ties

Eritrea said Ethiopia’s expulsion of its diplomats effectively meant that its embassy in Addis Ababa could no longer operate normally.

Eritrean Foreign Minister Yemane Gebremeskel told Reuters that Eritrea had no option but to respond in kind.

Eritrea’s Foreign Ministry subsequently announced that it was severing all diplomatic ties with Ethiopia.

The decision means the two countries have moved from a period of deteriorating relations to a formal diplomatic rupture.

It does not, by itself, mean that the two countries have entered a new war.

Fighting has resumed in northern Ethiopia

The diplomatic crisis is unfolding alongside renewed fighting in northern Ethiopia, particularly in Tigray.

Ethiopia has accused Eritrea of supporting an armed opposition alliance led by the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, or TPLF.

Eritrea has denied the allegations. Reuters reported that Sudan and Egypt have also been accused by Addis Ababa of supporting the opposition alliance, with all three countries denying the accusations.

The renewed fighting represents the most serious escalation in Ethiopia since the end of the country’s 2020–2022 civil war.

Eritrean forces fought alongside Ethiopian federal forces during that earlier conflict, making the deterioration in relations particularly significant.

Tensions extend beyond Ethiopia and Eritrea

The diplomatic dispute has also drawn Egypt into the wider confrontation.

Ethiopia separately declared an Egyptian diplomatic staff member persona non grata and ordered him to leave within 48 hours, according to the Ethiopian Foreign Ministry.

Egypt subsequently responded by declaring an Ethiopian embassy counsellor persona non grata and giving him 48 hours to leave, according to Reuters.

The developments have therefore expanded the diplomatic dispute beyond Ethiopia and Eritrea into a broader regional confrontation involving three important countries in the Horn of Africa and Nile region.

African Union calls for restraint

The African Union Commission has called on Ethiopia, Eritrea and Egypt to exercise maximum restraint.

The AU said it was closely following the heightened tensions and urged the three countries to avoid actions or statements that could further escalate the situation.

It also called for differences to be addressed through established diplomatic channels and peaceful dialogue.

The commission said it was prepared, in consultation with the countries involved, to support efforts toward de-escalation and a peaceful resolution.

Explosions reported in Addis Ababa

The diplomatic rupture followed reports of several explosions in Addis Ababa overnight.

Reuters and the Associated Press reported that explosions were heard in different parts of the capital. The cause of the blasts was not immediately established.

A source linked to the armed opposition alliance claimed that the group had carried out drone strikes in the capital. That claim could not be independently verified.

The explosions should therefore be treated separately from the diplomatic decisions unless further evidence establishes a connection.

A fragile relationship breaks down

Ethiopia and Eritrea have a long history of conflict.

The two countries fought a major border war from 1998 to 2000 before relations improved dramatically in 2018. Eritrea later fought alongside Ethiopian federal forces during the Tigray war.

Relations deteriorated again after the 2022 agreement that ended the main phase of the Tigray conflict.

Disputes have since included Ethiopia’s efforts to secure access to the Red Sea, as well as disagreements over security and the political future of Tigray.

The latest diplomatic measures now remove formal diplomatic ties from an already strained relationship.

Diplomatic rupture does not mean war

The expulsion of diplomats and closure of an embassy represent a serious diplomatic escalation, but they are not themselves evidence that Ethiopia and Eritrea have entered a new armed conflict.

The more immediate concern is that the diplomatic breakdown is occurring while fighting is already taking place inside northern Ethiopia.

For now, Ethiopia says Eritrean actions have threatened its national security, while Eritrea rejects Addis Ababa’s accusations and has responded by ending diplomatic relations.

The African Union is urging all sides to keep communication channels open and resolve their differences through diplomacy.

The situation remains fluid as fighting in northern Ethiopia continues and regional governments respond to the widening diplomatic crisis.

Reporting Credit: Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Eritrean Ministry of Foreign Affairs; African Union Commission; Ethiopian National Defense Force and relevant Ethiopian government statements; official statements from the Tigray People’s Liberation Front and opposition alliance where available; United Nations and relevant humanitarian agencies. Secondary reporting from Reuters and Associated Press was used for chronology and developments that could not be independently established from primary sources.

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Ruto announced the directive on Sept. 2 after meeting representatives of micro, small and medium enterprises at State House in Nairobi. He linked the measures to protecting Kenyan traders from competition and called for legislation that would further restrict foreign participation in activities designated for citizens.

The government has not, however, announced a blanket prohibition on foreign-owned businesses. Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Abraham Korir Sing’Oei said Ruto’s remarks had been taken out of context and emphasized that existing Kenyan law continues to protect foreign traders and workers who hold the required permits and licenses.

Government targets selected small-scale activities

Ruto specifically identified foreign nationals involved in hawking and small retail businesses as a focus of the enforcement effort.

The president said Kenya had worked to improve investor confidence, stabilize the economy and reduce inflation, but argued that the resulting investment environment should attract businesses capable of expanding production and employment rather than foreign operators competing directly with small Kenyan traders.

He directed the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry to begin enforcement and called on officials and lawmakers to advance legislation addressing foreign participation in restricted trading activities.

The immediate measures therefore focus on particular forms of small-scale commerce rather than foreign investment as a whole.

Proposed restrictions still require parliamentary action

The longer-term legal framework remains under consideration.

Ruto acknowledged that legislation seeking to restrict foreigners from specified trading activities had not yet been passed by Parliament. He called on traders and other stakeholders to scrutinize the proposed law and identify potential loopholes before it becomes legislation.

That creates an important distinction between the enforcement measures announced by the government and restrictions that would ultimately be established through statute.

For foreign businesses, the scope of any permanent limitations will depend on the legislation adopted by Parliament, as well as the licensing and permit requirements already in force.

Officials clarify protections for legal foreign traders

Sing’Oei subsequently sought to narrow interpretations of Ruto’s remarks, saying they arose from the debate surrounding the Local Content Bill and should not be understood as a general order barring foreign nationals from doing business in Kenya.

He said Kenyan law protects traders and employees of different nationalities when they possess the necessary documentation, including valid work permits and licenses.

The clarification is significant because it indicates that the government’s enforcement policy is intended to target activities that fall within existing or proposed restrictions, rather than automatically remove legally operating foreign businesses from the Kenyan market.

Local ownership remains at the center of the debate

The policy reflects a broader government effort to increase the share of domestic economic opportunities available to Kenyan entrepreneurs.

Ruto has argued that local businesses should have greater access to small-scale commercial activities, while foreign investors should contribute through larger investments, production and employment.

If Parliament approves the proposed legislation, those priorities would receive a more defined statutory framework.

The debate therefore extends beyond the treatment of foreign traders to questions about how Kenya wants foreign capital and domestic enterprise to interact within its economy.

Foreign investors face questions over market boundaries

Kenya’s Investment Promotion Act provides a framework for foreign investors seeking to establish businesses in the country, including procedures for obtaining an investment certificate.

The current policy debate is narrower than a general restriction on foreign investment because it focuses on particular small-scale commercial activities.

Still, uncertainty over where protected local commerce ends and permitted foreign investment begins could matter for businesses operating at the smaller end of the market.

The distinction between legal foreign investment and restricted trading activity will depend increasingly on how the proposed framework is defined and implemented.

Cross-border commerce could also be affected

The issue has implications beyond Kenya because foreign traders in the country include nationals from neighboring states and other parts of the region.

Restrictions affecting small-scale commercial activity could therefore influence cross-border trading patterns in East Africa, particularly for businesses and individuals whose activities depend on access to Kenya’s domestic market.

The government’s challenge will be to pursue greater local participation while maintaining the legal and regulatory framework governing regional trade and foreign investment.

Enforcement will determine the policy’s immediate impact

The first test will be how authorities apply the Sept. 7 enforcement directive.

Officials will need to distinguish between foreign nationals conducting activities that are subject to restrictions and those operating legally with the permits and licenses required under existing law.

That distinction becomes particularly important while Parliament continues to consider the proposed legislation.

Sing’Oei’s clarification that properly documented foreign traders and workers remain protected reinforces the role of existing legal requirements in determining which businesses can continue operating.

Government links restrictions to broader economic strategy

Ruto has presented the policy as part of a wider effort to increase the domestic economic value generated by investment.

He has encouraged Kenyan entrepreneurs to move beyond trading imported goods and expand into manufacturing and production, with the government seeking stronger local businesses, greater employment and increased domestic economic activity.

The restrictions on selected foreign traders consequently form part of a broader discussion over Kenya’s economic model and the role foreign investors should play in it.

Policy direction remains subject to legislation

Kenya has signaled a stronger preference for local participation in certain areas of small-scale commerce, but the precise limits remain dependent on enforcement decisions, existing law and the outcome of the parliamentary process.

The immediate development is the government’s decision to begin enforcement against foreign nationals involved in targeted trading activities from Sept. 7 while lawmakers consider a broader legal framework.

For foreign traders, that creates uncertainty over the future scope of permitted activity. It does not, based on the government’s own clarification, amount to a blanket ban on foreign business ownership or legally documented foreign workers and traders in Kenya.

Reporting Credit: Office of the President of Kenya; Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry; Kenya State Department for Foreign Affairs; Kenya Law.

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Soldiers were deployed outside the Daily Monitor’s offices in Kampala early Sunday, according to the Associated Press. The newspaper and NTV are part of Nation Media Group, a regional media company headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya.

Kainerugaba announced the directive through posts on X, where he asserted broad authority over Uganda’s media landscape.

“I have the power in Uganda to shut down ANY media house I want to,” he wrote, adding that the authority had been granted to him by his father and declaring that “ALL media in Uganda will follow the rules.”

Multiple Media Outlets Affected

The National Association of Broadcasters said at least six publishing and broadcasting outlets operated by Nation Media Group had been shut down.

In a statement, the association expressed concern over the action and its implications for Uganda’s media environment, saying it was “deeply concerned about this action and its impact on the media ecosystem.”

Authorities did not immediately provide further details on the legal basis for the closures or indicate how long the affected outlets would remain closed.

Military Influence Grows

Kainerugaba has served as Uganda’s top military commander since 2024 and is widely regarded as the country’s de facto ruler, according to the supplied source material.

His influence has expanded in recent days following President Museveni’s latest inauguration, with Kainerugaba issuing a series of directives typically associated with executive authority.

The army chief has repeatedly stated that he expects to succeed his father as president. Museveni, who has led Uganda since 1986, has not announced plans to retire and currently faces no significant challengers within the ruling party.

Political Tensions Continue

The media closures follow other recent actions linked to Kainerugaba.

Earlier this month, attorney Erias Lukwago was taken from his home and later charged with an offense related to the concealment of treason after seeking to hold Kainerugaba accountable for his alleged role in the detention of opposition figure Kizza Besigye.

Besigye was seized in Nairobi in 2024 and has remained imprisoned on treason charges that he says are politically motivated.

Profile of Uganda’s Military Chief

Supporters describe Kainerugaba as a career military officer who opposes corruption and would pursue strict accountability if he were to become president.

He received military training in the United States and the United Kingdom before leading the presidential guard, which later expanded into an elite special forces unit.

In addition to his military responsibilities, Kainerugaba founded the Patriotic League of Uganda, a political activist organization whose supporters include senior government officials, ministers, and the country’s parliamentary speaker.

The latest action against media organizations is likely to intensify scrutiny of press freedom and the concentration of political and military authority in Uganda as questions over the country’s future leadership continue.

Tags: Uganda, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Yoweri Museveni, Press Freedom, Daily Monitor, NTV Uganda, Nation Media Group, Media, Military, Kampala, Kizza Besigye, Africa Politics

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Dominant Victory for Ruling Party Amid Fragmented Political Landscape

Election officials from the National Election Board of Ethiopia confirmed that the Prosperity Party secured an overwhelming parliamentary majority, consolidating its control over the legislature. The new parliament is expected to convene in October, where Abiy Ahmed is anticipated to be re-elected as prime minister for another term.

The result reinforces the ruling party’s political dominance, though the electoral process took place in a highly uneven environment marked by restricted opposition participation and security challenges across multiple regions.

Security Crisis and Regional Exclusions Shape Election Environment

Insecurity in the Oromia and Amhara regions significantly disrupted voting, with 143 polling stations failing to open due to ongoing violence and instability. Fighting between the Fano armed group and federal forces in Amhara, as well as clashes involving the Oromo Liberation Army in Oromia, contributed to the breakdown of normal electoral conditions.

The conflict-affected regions of Amhara Region and Oromia Region remained central to the instability surrounding the election process, reflecting broader challenges facing national security efforts.

Tigray Exclusion Continues After Years of Conflict

The election once again excluded the northern Tigray Region, which has remained without federal representation for six years following the devastating war between federal forces and regional groups. The absence of voting in the region underscores ongoing political fragmentation and unresolved post-conflict tensions.

The exclusion of Tigray further limited the national scope of the election, raising concerns about representation in a country still grappling with the aftermath of prolonged internal conflict.

Allegations of Political Suppression and Limited Opposition Space

Opposition figures and candidates criticized the electoral environment, alleging intimidation and restrictions on political participation. Several opposition leaders were reportedly imprisoned, in exile, or otherwise unable to take part in the election process.

One opposition candidate, Yitayal Assefa of the All Ethiopia Unity Party, described the political environment as heavily skewed in favor of the ruling party, while academic and opposition figure Merara Gudina called the vote a “sham,” arguing it would further weaken national stability.

International Observation and Limited Monitoring Presence

Observers from regional organizations, including the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, were present during the election but were largely based in Addis Ababa, limiting their geographic reach across the country.

Their presence was cited by election authorities as contributing to international legitimacy, though critics questioned the depth of monitoring in areas affected by insecurity.

Background: Governance, Conflict, and Regional Tensions

Abiy Ahmed, who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019 following a peace agreement with neighboring Eritrea, has since faced renewed tensions in the region. Relations between Eritrea and Ethiopia remain strained, with mutual accusations of supporting destabilizing activities.

The election outcome comes as Ethiopia continues to navigate internal armed conflicts, regional fragmentation, and questions over the durability of its democratic institutions.

Tags: Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed, Prosperity Party, Oromia, Amhara, Tigray Region, African Union, Elections

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The outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, a rare variant for which no approved vaccines or targeted treatments currently exist. Ugandan officials said the decision followed growing concern that health workers inside the country had been exposed to infected Congolese patients who crossed the border before the outbreak was officially declared on May 15.

Uganda’s border closure directly contradicts guidance from the World Health Organization, which has warned that shutting borders can drive movement through unofficial crossings and complicate efforts to trace infections.

Cases Rise Rapidly in Eastern Congo

Health authorities in Congo reported that suspected Ebola cases are nearing 1,000, with more than 220 suspected deaths linked to the outbreak. Congolese officials said more than 100 infections have already been laboratory confirmed while thousands of potential contacts are being monitored.

The outbreak is centered in Ituri province in eastern Congo, a region already affected by armed conflict, displacement, weak healthcare infrastructure, and frequent cross-border movement. The World Health Organization declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on May 17, warning that the scale of infections may be significantly larger than currently detected.

WHO officials stated that the outbreak went undetected for weeks and that insecurity in eastern Congo has complicated surveillance and treatment operations. Medical teams have also faced community mistrust, attacks on facilities, and shortages of protective equipment and testing resources.

Uganda Reports Confirmed Infections

Uganda has confirmed seven Ebola cases, including one death, according to regional health authorities and European disease monitoring agencies. Several infections were traced to cross-border exposure linked to patients arriving from Congo.

Authorities said anyone allowed to enter Uganda under emergency exemptions — including humanitarian, cargo, security, or outbreak-response operations — would face mandatory 21-day isolation measures.

Uganda’s Health Ministry said additional infections included healthcare workers and transport personnel identified through contact tracing. Reuters reported that one confirmed case involved a Congolese woman who traveled to Kampala while experiencing mild symptoms before later testing positive after returning to Congo.

International Health Concerns Intensify

Governments worldwide have begun tightening travel restrictions and screening measures as fears grow over possible international spread. Reuters reported that the United States expanded screening measures and restricted entry for some travelers recently present in Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan. Canada, the Bahamas, and several Asian and Middle Eastern countries also introduced new controls.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated that the risk of spread to the United States remains low but urged clinicians and public health officials to remain alert.

Health agencies have emphasized that Ebola spreads primarily through direct contact with bodily fluids from infected individuals. Experts say healthcare workers and family caregivers remain among the highest-risk groups during outbreaks.

Rare Ebola Strain Raises Additional Challenges

The Bundibugyo strain was first identified in Uganda in 2007 and is considered less common than the Zaire strain associated with previous major Ebola epidemics. Unlike some other Ebola variants, there are currently no widely approved vaccines or antiviral therapies specifically targeting Bundibugyo virus disease.

International responders warned that the combination of armed conflict, population displacement, porous borders, and limited medical infrastructure could make containment significantly more difficult. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called for a ceasefire in eastern Congo to improve access for medical teams responding to the outbreak.

Details about the full scale of infections remain uncertain as authorities continue testing suspected cases and tracing contacts across affected regions.

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The measures were introduced in the northeastern province of Ituri, where the outbreak has spread across conflict-affected communities already struggling with displacement, weak healthcare infrastructure and armed violence. International health agencies warn the crisis could intensify regional instability if containment efforts fail.

According to the WHO, at least 82 Ebola cases and seven deaths have been laboratory confirmed, though officials believe the actual scale is significantly larger. Health authorities are investigating nearly 750 suspected infections and 177 suspected deaths linked to the outbreak.

Health Emergency Deepens in Eastern Congo

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the outbreak is spreading rapidly inside Congo, prompting the agency to elevate its internal risk assessment from “high” to “very high.” The organization continues to classify the regional threat as high while maintaining that global transmission risk remains low.

The outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, a rarer variant for which no approved vaccine or targeted treatment currently exists. WHO officials said the virus may have circulated undetected for weeks after initial testing focused on more common Ebola strains.

Congolese authorities have now banned funeral wakes and gatherings exceeding 50 people in parts of Ituri Province. Funeral ceremonies must follow strict health protocols due to concerns that Ebola victims’ bodies remain highly infectious after death.

Conflict Zones Complicate Containment Efforts

The epidemic has spread into areas affected by armed insurgencies and mass displacement, complicating surveillance and emergency response operations. WHO and aid agencies say population movement between eastern Congo and neighboring countries raises the possibility of additional cross-border infections.

Cases have also been reported in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, including areas controlled by the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel movement. Congolese officials warned that limited coordination between government authorities and rebel-controlled territories could undermine containment efforts.

The outbreak has already crossed international borders. Uganda confirmed two Ebola cases linked to travel from Congo earlier this month, prompting heightened surveillance measures across East Africa.

International Aid Response Expands

International agencies and foreign governments have begun increasing financial and medical support to the region. The United Nations announced a $60 million emergency allocation for Congo and neighboring countries, while the United States pledged an additional $23 million to strengthen treatment facilities and surveillance systems.

Despite the influx of assistance, frontline medical workers continue reporting severe shortages of protective equipment and treatment capacity. Associated Press journalists in Bunia observed doctors using expired protective masks while caring for suspected Ebola patients.

Humanitarian organizations also warned that misinformation and distrust of authorities remain major obstacles. In one recent incident, angry residents reportedly attacked an Ebola treatment center after being prevented from retrieving a relative’s body for traditional burial rites.

Regional Health Security Under Pressure

The WHO earlier declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, citing fears of wider international spread and the lack of available vaccines for the Bundibugyo virus strain. Health experts say insecurity, displacement and fragile healthcare systems have created conditions for the outbreak to expand rapidly if intervention efforts stall.

Analysts note that Ebola outbreaks in eastern Congo have historically carried broader geopolitical implications because of the region’s porous borders, humanitarian crises and ongoing armed conflicts. Public health agencies are now focusing heavily on contact tracing, border screening and community outreach to prevent further transmission.

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The debate has placed President William Ruto under intensified scrutiny, with critics — including former religious allies — accusing the self-described Christian leader of benefiting from a climate of political aggression that they say contradicts the moral and religious values he promoted during his rise to power.

According to reporting from The Associated Press, supporters of Ruto use the term “goonism” to describe violent gangs disrupting political activity, while opposition figures argue the phrase has become shorthand for what they see as state-tolerated intimidation targeting critics and rivals ahead of the 2027 election campaign.

The escalating tensions highlight broader anxieties over democratic stability in East Africa’s largest economy, where elections have historically been accompanied by ethnic and political violence. Analysts warn that rising hostility between rival political camps risks deepening instability in a country viewed as a key diplomatic and economic anchor in the region.

Religious Backlash Intensifies Against Ruto

The controversy has become especially sensitive because of Ruto’s long-standing public image as a devout evangelical Christian.

Before winning the presidency in 2022, Ruto frequently framed his political rise as divinely guided and presented himself as a champion of ordinary Kenyans against entrenched political elites. He was widely supported by evangelical churches and religious leaders who viewed him as a morally conservative reformist figure.

However, some of those same religious figures now accuse him of abandoning those principles after taking office. AP reported that preacher Wilfred Lai recently condemned politicians who use violence and intimidation while claiming moral authority, warning during a sermon that leaders relying on “goons” to maintain power would ultimately fail.

Criticism has also emerged over Ruto’s increasingly combative political rhetoric and economic policies, including controversial tax increases that triggered youth-led protests in Nairobi and other cities. Opposition figures and civil society groups argue the administration has responded to dissent with intimidation rather than dialogue.

Some former supporters point to symbolic changes in Ruto’s public conduct — including criticism surrounding plans for a large church complex at the presidential compound — as evidence that his leadership has become more focused on power projection than spiritual messaging.

Political Violence Raises Democratic Concerns

Kenya’s political atmosphere has become increasingly confrontational as rival factions prepare for the next national election cycle.

AP reporting highlighted incidents in which armed groups allegedly disrupted rallies, attacked politicians and intimidated activists. In one recent case, opposition Senator Godfrey Osotsi was reportedly assaulted by men questioning his political views, an incident that intensified national debate over politically motivated violence.

Interior Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has publicly warned gangs against participating in political violence, while National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula said “goonism” had no place in a democratic society.

Yet opposition leaders claim violence is becoming normalized within Kenya’s political culture. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, once a close Ruto ally before their political split, has emerged as one of the president’s fiercest critics and now leads efforts to block Ruto from securing a second term.

The increasingly hostile exchanges between senior political figures have alarmed religious leaders and governance observers, who fear the country’s political environment could deteriorate further as campaigning intensifies.

Regional Stability and International Reputation at Stake

The rising tensions carry implications beyond domestic politics because Kenya plays a major diplomatic and economic role across East Africa.

Kenya hosts key international institutions and serves as a regional hub for trade, finance and humanitarian operations. Prolonged instability or election-related violence could affect investor confidence and regional security coordination at a time when neighboring countries including Sudan, Somalia and the Democratic Republic of Congo continue facing conflict and political uncertainty.

Political analysts interviewed by AP warned that the re-emergence of organized political gangs evokes memories of previous Kenyan election crises, particularly the violence that followed the disputed 2007 election, when more than 1,000 people were killed.

Observers say the growing use of the term “goonism” reflects wider public fears that intimidation and informal militias may again become embedded in Kenya’s electoral politics if tensions are not contained early.

As rival political alliances continue mobilizing ahead of the 2027 vote, church leaders, civil society groups and regional observers are increasingly calling for restraint amid fears that escalating rhetoric and political violence could threaten Kenya’s democratic stability and international standing.

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Escalating Violence in Eastern DR Congo Claims Hundreds of Lives

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is witnessing escalating violence, with over 700 people killed and 2,800 injured in just five days of intense fighting between January 26 and 30. The United Nations has raised alarms about the devastating toll the conflict is taking on civilians, as the situation continues to worsen.

According to UN Secretary-General spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, these numbers are expected to rise as humanitarian organizations continue to assess the situation on the ground.

Rebel Advances and Territorial Gains in Eastern DR Congo

The World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners, in collaboration with the DRC government, reported the grim toll of casualties during an assessment conducted between January 26 and 29. Dujarric emphasized that the humanitarian impact is significant, citing the widespread looting of aid warehouses and offices in the city of Goma.

On January 30, the city of Goma, located in North Kivu province, was reported to have fallen under the control of the AFC/M23 rebel coalition, marking the latest in a series of territorial gains by the rebel group. The Congolese government has accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels, though this claim remains unconfirmed. Despite the government’s denial, it has acknowledged that Goma is under siege.

Humanitarian Crisis Deepens as Goma Faces Shortages

The humanitarian situation in Goma is dire. With the M23 rebels making rapid advances, including taking control of key areas, civilians in the region are facing severe shortages of essential goods. Basic necessities are scarce, and access to safe drinking water has been completely cut off, leaving people with no choice but to rely on untreated water from Lake Kivu, which poses a significant health risk.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has warned that without immediate action, the risk of waterborne disease outbreaks in the region will continue to rise.

Government Response and Ongoing Tensions

On January 28, President Felix Tshisekedi of the DRC vowed to mount a “vigorous and coordinated response” against the M23 rebel coalition. He expressed his determination to defend the nation’s mineral-rich eastern regions, which have long been a source of conflict. Local troops, many of whom have been forced to surrender to the rebels, are also under pressure.

Meanwhile, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, stated on January 30 that while sporadic shooting continues, overall calm is gradually being restored in Goma. However, the rebels are reported to be moving quickly, with their forces located just 60 kilometers north of the strategic city of Bukavu, further intensifying fears of broader instability.

Humanitarian Aid Struggling to Meet Growing Needs

Humanitarian organizations are working tirelessly to provide aid, but the ongoing violence and displacement of local populations have made it challenging to deliver assistance. Looting and insecurity have left the region’s aid offices and warehouses vulnerable, complicating efforts to address the growing crisis.

The WHO and other partners continue to monitor the situation, with a focus on preventing the spread of diseases amid worsening sanitation conditions.

Urgent Call for Action

The UN and humanitarian groups are calling for urgent international support to address the humanitarian crisis in Eastern DR Congo. Without immediate intervention, both the human cost of the conflict and the risk of further health crises will continue to grow.

As the M23 rebels continue to gain ground and the safety of civilians remains in jeopardy, the international community is urged to increase efforts to provide humanitarian assistance and seek a long-term resolution to the violent conflict that has plagued the region for years.

Source

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