Podcasts about East African Community

Enhancing peace and security cooperation is a key pillar of the EU-Africa partnership, which celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2025. In the second address of the 2025 Development Matters lecture series, which is kindly supported by Irish Aid, Mr Johan Borgstam, EU Special Representative for the Great Lakes Region, presents his assessment of the situation in the region based on his recent visits and focus on the EU's engagement in support of peace, stability, and security in countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Mr Borgstam is a Swedish diplomat with extensive national and EU experience, which includes serving as the Head of the EU Delegation to Ethiopia and ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, and Greece. He was appointed the EUSR for the Great Lakes Region on 1 September 2024. In this role, he supports the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs in implementing the EU's foreign policy objectives in the Great Lakes Region. His mission is to contribute to building a stronger, more comprehensive, and more strategic partnership with the countries in the region, maintaining close contact with key regional organisations and fora, such as the African Union and the East African Community, as well as the United Nations, the International Financial Institutions, and non-state actors when relevant. It is the second lecture of the 2025 Development Matters series, which is kindly sponsored by Irish Aid.

Den Rwanda-støttede væpnede gruppen M23 har tatt kontroll over store områder i den mineralrike østlige delen av Den demokratiske republikken Kongo. Offensiven har kostet titusenvis av liv og fordrevet et stort antall mennesker. Hva er det som skjer i DR Kongo nå og hvem er de ulike aktørene involvert? Hvilken rolle spiller tilgangen på naturressurser som landområder og viktige mineraler? Selv om vi har hørt lite om situasjonen i DR Kongo før M23 tok kontroll over Goma, så er ikke krisen i DR Kongo noe nytt. Situasjonen i landet har vært svært alvorlig i mer enn to tiår, preget av ekstrem vold, angrep fra væpnede grupper og masseflukt. Hvordan er den humanitære situasjonen for befolkningen? Hvordan er situasjonen for kvinner og barn? Og hvilken rolle kan og bør East African Community, African Union, FN og resten av verdenssamfunnet spille?

Our guest this week on The Long Form podcast is Dr. Richard Sezibera. A former minister, Dr. Sezibera's long public career has included stints in the military and global diplomacy.We shall discuss his ideological fervor, how Africa can navigate new global realities, and whether the East African Community will reach its potential or fall on the wayside. Listen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/rw/podcast/the-long-form-with-sanny-ntayombya/id1669879621Listen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7HkkUi4bUyIeYktQhWOljcFollow Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya on Twitter: https://x.com/TheLongFormRwFollow Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelongformrw/Follow Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@longformrwFollow Sanny Ntayombya on Twitter: https://x.com/SannyNtayombya About Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya:The Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya is a weekly podcast intent on keeping you up to date with current affairs in Rwanda. The topics discussed range from politics, business, sports to entertainment. If you want to share your thoughts on the topics I discuss use the hashtag #LongFormRw on Twitter and follow us on Twitter and Instagram on our handle @TheLongFormRwBe a part of the conversation.

* Israel to release 183 Palestinians; Hamas to free 3 Israelis Hamas has named three Israeli captives set for release today in exchange for 183 Palestinian prisoners under the ceasefire deal. The latest exchange follows official statements in which authorities in Gaza accuse Israel of blocking humanitarian aid and essential supplies from entering the territory. * US approves $7.4B sale of bombs, missiles to Israel The US has approved a $7.4 billion arms sale to Israel, including bombs, missiles, and related equipment used in its war on Gaza. The State Department signed off on $6.75 billion in bombs and guidance kits, plus $660 million in Hellfire missiles. The Defence Security Cooperation Agency has notified Congress of the sale. * Seventy-nine ICC member nations condemn US sanctions in joint statement Seventy-nine parties to the International Criminal Court condemned US President Donald Trump's sanctions, warning they increase the "risk of impunity" for serious crimes. A joint statement, led by Slovenia, Luxembourg, Mexico, Sierra Leone, and Vanuatu, said the move threatens global order and security. They were joined by dozens of other nations, including Britain, France, Germany, Canada, Brazil and Bangladesh. The ICC also condemned the sanctions, vowing to continue delivering justice. * Tanzania to host DRC, Rwanda leaders as Kigali-backed M23 rebels fight on Rwandan President Paul Kagame and DRC's Felix Tshisekedi will meet in Tanzania as regional leaders seek to ease the conflict in eastern DRC. The summit in Dar es Salaam on Saturday will gather leaders from the East African Community and the South African Development Community. The Rwanda-backed M23 armed group has seized territory in eastern DRC, causing thousands of deaths and mass displacement. * Türkiye's Oruc Reis conducted seismic studies in Somali waters Türkiye's Oruc Reis vessel has completed 50% of its seismic studies in Somali waters, Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar announced. The vessel has been exploring oil and gas off Somalia's coast since docking in Mogadishu last October. Bayraktar met Somalia's Petroleum Minister Dahir Shire Mohamed in Istanbul to discuss the next phase of exploration and potential collaborations on land.

Leaders of the Southern African Development Community and the East Africa Community are meeting Friday and Saturday to discuss the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The DRC is a member of both the SADC and the EAC, while Rwanda is a member of only the East African Community. SADC and the EAC have both put forth separate mediation efforts – the Nairobi Peace Process and the Luanda Peace Process. Professor Sipho Seepe, a political analyst and former deputy Vice Chancellor for Institutional Support at the University of Zululand, explains the two approaches to VOA's James Butty

Following an East African Community (EAC) meeting on the escalating DRC conflict, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) held an extraordinary summit. SADC is committed to peace after at least 16 troops were killed in clashes with M23 fighters. Why are regional blocs like EAC and SADC struggling to restore stability in Africa?

The M23 rebels who seized the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo city of Goma last week have announced a unilateral ceasefire effective today (February 4). In a statement Monday, the M23 said the ceasefire was for humanitarian purposes. The group denied that it was planning to capture the town of Bukavu or other parts of DRC. Meanwhile, Kenyan President William Ruto says DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame have agreed to attend a joint East African Community and Southern African Development Community summit this weekend. Reporter Al Katanty Sabiti Djaffar in Goma talks to VOA'S James Butty about these developments

East African Community heads of state have called for an immediate ceasefire in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where government forces are fighting the rebel group M23. Aid agencies in the area say the clashes are further deepening the already dire, long-running humanitarian crisis in the region. Juma Majanga reports from Nairobi.

Lawyers representing over 30 hotels in South Sudan have sued the government in the East African Court of Justice for what they call unpaid hotel and accommodation services rendered to officials and are seeking over $60 million in punitive and general damages. South Sudan Justice Minister Ruben Madol Arol refused to comment. Wani Santino Jada, lead counsel for the plaintiffs, tells VOA's James Butty that failure to pay for services violates key principles of the East African Community.

The East African Community (EAC) marked 25 years of existence. However, EAC is facing persistent tensions and infighting among its member states. This could undermine the bloc's efforts toward regional integration, calling into question its very existence. DW's Josey Mahachi speaks to Ivan Mugisha a social and political commentator and DW's James Shimanyula.

On Daybreak Africa: A Zimbabwean court freed an opposition leader Jameson Temba and 34 activists after sentencing them to suspended prison terms for participating in what authorities termed an unlawful gathering. Plus, U-S President Joe Biden will make his first trip to Africa next week with a visit to Angola. Namibians await results from Wednesday's presidential and parliamentary elections. Democracy is facing a crossroads in Africa. Kenya drops on travel index ranking with new visa requirements. The East African Community marks 25 years Friday. Members of the Liberian Diaspora will make an annual month-long return to Liberia this December. For these and more tune in to Daybreak Africa!

On Daybreak Africa: South Africa swears in government of national unity, but there's trouble in the provinces. Plus, A U.S. high school principal will discuss cooperation with Liberia's premiere technical school – the Booker T. Washington Institute. Nile Basin journalists receive training in Data Journalism. East African Community women call for harmonized laws on gender equality. The U.S Embassy in Guinea and the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta hold a workshop on controlling disease outbreaks. For this and more tune to Daybreak Africa

On Daybreak Africa: Kenyan President Ruto will not sign controversial tax hikes into law. Plus, Kenyans question why police are being deployed to Haiti while unrest churns at home. Traders in Tanzanian embark on a go-slow strike to protest numerous taxes and collection methods. South Sudan Church leaders call for change. South Africa's COSATU labor union looks forward to working with a national unity government. Tensions among East African Community members make attaining stability difficult. President Joe Biden and Donald Trump are set to debate in Atlanta Thursday. For this and more tune to Daybreak Africa

Battered by drought and flooding, laid low by more than 30 years of civil war, as SOMALIA prepares to accede to a seat on the UN Security Council and joins the East African Community, we ask a senior member of the Prime Minister's Office could the hostilities between Mogadishu and Addis Ababa over Somaliland descend into all -out war? Plus, why are so many Somali baby girls being named Istanbul? ABDIHAKIM AINTE, Director of Climate Change and Food Security talks to Africa Here and Now.MALAWI's government has embarked on an ambitious programme of digitisation and AI to improve service delivery and governance. We ask MARTIN KALIMA, Manager for Tech and Digital Transformation in Malawi for the Tony Blair Institute, how is digital transformation even possible when fewer than 20% of Malawians have access to electricity? Guest panellist, VERONIQUE EDWARDS, recalls the introduction of the Double Decker Bus and how locals were perplexed by the absence of an additional driver on the top deck.VERONIQUE also draws our attention to the ongoing conflict in her home country, CAMEROON which is enduring an insurgency whose fighting groups have now splintered, and few know who is fighting for what. What started as a secession bid by Anglophone Cameroonians has now descended, Vero says, into chaos with millions of people too afraid to return to their villages.PATRICK, with a very intermittent connection in Paris, manages to tell us about the mood in France as the far right look set to make advances in legislative elections and why that matters to Africa and to Africans. Even Les Blues are concerned. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nigeria's trade unions fighting for a higher minimum wage close down business and airports and plunge the country into darkness. East African Community, one of the fastest growing economic blocs in the world, in financial crisis as members fail to stump up their dues.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Daybreak Africa: Ballots are being counted in South Africa after a nationwide poll that's been described as the most important in thirty years. Plus, the East African Community halts its activities over a financial crisis. Ugandan University students petition Parliament over the East African Crude Oil Pipeline project. We'll take you to the Africa Development Bank's annual meeting in Nairobi. An analyst says West African leaders should do more to prevent constitutional changes to stay in power. For this and more tune to Daybreak Africa!

East African Community - Dr. Kevin Desai

On Daybreak Africa: An online campaign on the social media platform X, previously known as Twitter, with the hashtag #UgandaParliamentExhibition, has gained traction by leaking official documents and presenting information through scheduled posts. Plus, Somalia officially becomes a full member of the East African Community after submitting its ratification documents for official admission. The World Bank says digital entrepreneurship and internet access is paving the way for economic empowerment and poverty reduction across. For this and more tune to Daybreak Africa!

Somalia has now officially become a full member of the East African Community after the country deposited its so-called “ratification instrument of the treaty of accession” on Monday. The country now becomes the eighth member of the community. Moses Havyarimana reports

Listen to the Sun. Feb. 25, 2024 special edition of the Pan-African Journal: Worldwide Radio Broadcast hosted by Abayomi Azikiwe, editor of the Pan-African News Wire. The program features our regular PANW report with dispatches on obstruction of the prisoners exchange by Tel Aviv during talks in Paris; an individual set themselves on fire outside the Israeli embassy in Washington, D.C.; the Kenya government is attempting to build unity in the East African Community; and violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo has put Uganda on alert. In the second and third hours we continue our African American History Month commemoration with a tribute to Malcolm X (El Hajj Malik Shabazz) on the 59th anniversary of his martyrdom. 

South Africa is leading a regional force that's deploying into eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and risks being caught up in a conflict that has displaced 7-million people. Operation Thiba is an initiative of the 16-nation Southern African Development Community (SADC), though it's unclear how it will be funded. Troops from South Africa, Tanzania and Malawi will begin to replace a United Nations force that's been in Congo for 25 years and a year-old East African Community deployment. Neither has been able to stabilise a region that's rich in tin, tantalum, gold and other metals. Rwanda has been training, funding and fighting alongside the M23 rebel group operating in eastern Congo, according to UN experts, and the new mission puts SADC on the opposite side of the conflict. Rwandan President Paul Kagame has denied backing the rebels. SADC won't be fighting the Rwanda Defence Force directly, but the mission may lead "to fighting the RDF behind the M23," said Onesphore Sematumba, Congo analyst at the International Crisis Group. Two South African soldiers deployed as part of the SADC mission were killed by a mortar attack this week. While the operation may bolster South Africa's ambition to be a leading force in resolving continental crises, it will place further strain on its already depleted coffers. The country has also contributed troops to a force that has been fighting militants aligned with Islamic State in northern Mozambique since 2021, a deployment that was in part made to encourage TotalEnergies SE to proceed with a $20-billion liquefied natural gas project. That operation is meant to be concluded by mid-July, although it's unclear if a recent resurgence in attacks will prompt a rethink. South Africa will send 2 900 troops to Congo for a year at a cost of R2.37-billion, according to President Cyril Ramaphosa's office. Funding won't come from the defense department's existing budget, it said, without giving details. "South Africa has participated in peacekeeping operations for many years on the continent and it sees this as a national duty," Ramaphosa told the Cape Town Press Club on Thursday. Congo's government and South Africa's presidency and defense, international relations and treasury departments didn't respond to requests for comment. SADC's secretariat said it couldn't comment for security reasons. Moses Kunkuyu, Malawi's information minister, said the country will deploy troops but didn't specify how the cost would be met while Tanzania's government wouldn't comment. SADC's defense subcommittee recommended a $436-million budget for the mission, Zimbabwe's State-owned paper, The Herald, cited Angola's Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Frederick Shava as saying in September. SADC approached the European Union for funding and was rebuffed, people familiar with the situation said, asking not to be identified as the information isn't public. The US Congress would hesitate in supporting American or UN financial support for a SADC force, a congressional aide told Bloomberg. Congress turned down a request to support the East African force in 2022 outside of the UN funding mechanism, and Tshisekedi's decision to kick those troops out last year makes financing another regional force seem even riskier, said the aide, who spoke on condition of anonymity. South African, Tanzanian and Malawian troop contingents with the UN's Congo mission have largely been paid for by that organization. A major concern for the SADC forces will be a lack of adequate air cover. South Africa has underfunded its air force for years, with just eight of the country's 50 attack and transport helicopters in flying condition, Defense Minister Thandi Modise said in a reply to a parliamentary question in October. "Everything is falling apart. We are so thinly sliced in terms of air capability," said Kobus Marais, defense spokesperson for South Africa's main opposition, the Democratic Alliance. "If we are not properly resourced you a...

War in eastern Congo keeps children out of school. Plus, a Nigerian court orders President Tinubu's government to do something about the high price of goods within seven days. Analysts say Nigeria's discovery of shady foreign exchange claims signals a deeper problem. Zimbabwe moves to abolish the death penalty. The East African Community seeks to harmonize laws on Genetically Modified Crops. For this and more tune to Daybreak Africa!

The East African Community is seeking to harmonize laws on Genetically Modified Organisms. This comes as regional law makers are consulting and scrutinizing policies of the eight member states, an exercise that started on Tuesday. Moses Havyarimana reports.

On Daybreak Africa: ECOWAS urges Senegal's political class to urgently restore the country's electoral calendar. Plus, the W-H-O says at least four million girls are at risk of undergoing Female Genital Mutilation each year. Doctors without Borders says one child dies every two hours in Zamzam displaced people's camp Sudan. The East African crude oil pipeline faces fresh hurdles. Nigerian authorities voice concern as the rising cost of living sparks protest. The East African Community seeks to harmonize laws on GMO crops. For this and more tune to Daybreak Africa!.

At the weekend, Felix Tshisekedi was sworn in as President of the Democratic Republic of Congo – starting his second term in office. Last week on the podcast we talked about whether democracy and the political classes were doing anything to improve the lives of normal citizens across the country. And today we're taking a closer look at the Eastern DRC – where decades of war has left millions killed or displaced. Despite ongoing fighting between government forces and the M23 rebels and other armed groups, Tshisekedi's government has demanded that regional and UN peacekeepers leave the region – arguing both have failed to stop the violence, and accusing the East African Community forces of colluding with the rebels. In this episode of Africa Daily, Alan Kasujja discusses the implications of the peacekeeping forces' departure with Goma-based journalist Akilimali Saleh and BBC Africa's security correspondent, Ian Wafula.

Somalia was recently formally admitted into the East African Community, a regional bloc with aspirations for deeper economic and political union. Somalia joins a more expanded bloc with members Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South-Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The recent admissions into the bloc have drawn criticism, with some analysts arguing that South Sudan, DRC and now Somalia are unstable and would bring instability into an already fragile region. However, others have argued that Somalia's admission was long due as the people of Somalia are already deeply embedded within the East African Community besides sharing a border with Kenya. Our guest, Dr Sylvanus Wekesa, agrees with the latter. He is a foreign policy expert and a Research Associate at the African Leadership Centre, King's College London. In a previous episode of the Kenyanist, he helped us understand Kenya's foreign policy during President Uhuru Kenyatta's time in office. That episode can be found by following this link https://www.thekenyanist.com/kenyas-foreign-policy-in-uhuru-kenyattas-era/

Downtown Kampala's Owino Market has long been a go-to enclave for rich and poor people alike looking for affordable, but quality-made used clothes, underscoring perceptions that Western fashion is superior to what is made at home. These clothes have been discarded by Europeans and Americans, then shipped to African countries by middlemen. It's a multimillion-dollar business, with some two-thirds of people in seven countries in East Africa having “purchased at least a portion of their clothes from the secondhand clothing market,” according to a 2017 U.S. Agency for International Development study, the most recent with such details. Despite the popularity, secondhand clothes in East Africa are facing increasing pushback. Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni declared in August that he was banning imports of used clothing, describing the used clothing as coming “from dead people.” Trade authorities have not yet enforced President Museveni's order, which needs to be backed by a legal measure such as an executive order. Other African governments also are trying to stop the shipments, saying the business amounts to dumping and undermines the growth of local textile industries. The East African Community trade bloc — consisting of Burundi, Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda — has recommended banning imports of used apparel since 2016. But member states have not enforced it at the same pace, amid pressure from Washington. In Uganda, the president's order has spread panic among traders, for whom such a ban, if implemented, spells disaster. They hawk used clothes in scores of large open-air markets across the country of 45 million people, at roadside stands and even in shops in malls where it's possible to buy secondhand clothes marketed as new. The association of traders in Kampala, known by the acronym KACITA, opposes a firm ban on used apparel, recommending a phased embargo that allows local clothing producers to build capacity to meet demand. “If the government should ban these clothes, let it be a gradual process, so that even it prepares our traders not to lose money,” says KACITA chairman Thadeus Musoke. This article was provided by The Associated Press.

On Daybreak Africa: The World Food Program has resumed activities in eastern DRC, where thousands of IDP's are in desperate need of assistance. Plus, former Guinea military leader Dadis Camara is recaptured after a jail break. The East African Community hails the possible extension of the AGOA trade pact. SADC discusses deploying a mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The United Nations says the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip is the worst since October 7. A spokesperson for the Israeli Defense Forces says the army has taken steps to protect civilians in its war against Hamas. For this and more tune to Daybreak Africa!

Uganda plans terminate fuel imports deals with Kenya+++Germany's Scholz wants to expand migration centres in Nigeria

On Daybreak Africa: Ghana protesters call for economic reforms and an end to alleged corruption. Plus, Liberia's ruling coalition accuses the opposition of threatening violence ahead of elections in October, but an opposition politician says he's a man of peace. Eswatini pro-democracy groups take issue with the King's speech to the UN General Assembly. We'll hear from his spokesperson. The East African Community appeals for financial support for its peacekeeping mission in DRC. For this and more tune to Daybreak Africa!

On Daybreak Africa: Nigeria's Appeals Court upholds President Bola Tinubu's election. Plus, the mandate of the East African Community's Forces in the DRC is extended. Civil society calls for peace in Ethiopia. Eswatini marks its 55th anniversary of independence and the King's 55th birthday. The Africa Climate Summit ends with a call to reform global financing. For this and more tune to Daybreak Africa!

Listen to the Sat. Aug. 19, 2023 edition of the Pan-African Journal: Worldwide Radio Broadcast hosted by Abayomi Azikiwe, editor of the Pan-African News Wire. The program features our regular PANW report with dispatches on developments in Niger where a delegation of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has visited the country and held discussions with the new CNSP government as well as the ousted western-backed President Mohamad Bazoum; Sudan has witnessed an escalation of fighting in South Darfur between the Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF); Somalia is seeking admission to the East African Community regional organization; and Mali leaders have held talks with the United Nations envoy for peacekeeping on the departure of troops from the West African state. In the second hour we listen to a briefing on the upcoming BRICS Summit in South Africa where numerous states are seeking membership. Finally, we continue our month-long focus on Black August with an examination of the legacy of Nat Turner.

On a hot day in late May, Abdifatah Ali walks through a community health and wellness fair at Currie Park in the Cedar-Riverside area of Minneapolis. As kids run in the fountains and play in the bounce house, Ali, an assistant professor at the University of Minnesota, is searching for someone who might be willing to leave the festivities and go across the street to fill out a survey about cancer.Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in Minnesota, and nationally. As with other aspects of health, there can be vast racial disparities in prevention and treatment. A Nov. 2022 report from the MN Community Measurement survey found that “[e]xcept for white patients, patients from all other race categories had significantly lower rates of colorectal cancer screening compared to the statewide rate.”“There's disparities across the spectrum,” said Ivan Wu, an assistant professor at the U's School of Public Health working on the project with Ali, who specializes in organizational psychology. “You can start from knowledge and awareness — sometimes perceptions of screening are different from what they actually should be. Folks may not even know how to get screened.”On top of that, people may not have insurance, transportation or be able to get time off for medical appointments. And then there's the actual interaction with the physician, where there may be cultural and language barriers. People may also lack accurate information.Colon cancer, like some other cancers, can have a higher survival rate when caught early. Which is why testing regularly, especially if you're high-risk, is crucial. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screenings for adults aged 45 to 75.“One time I was having a conversation with an elderly Somali male about colonoscopy, and colon cancer. And, you know, there's a lot of stigma around getting [a] colonoscopy and health procedures done. Some people don't understand the extent of the procedure; if it's a full surgery, or if it's something that, you know, can be done while the individual is awake,” Ali said. “So just having those talks and conversations, we've realized that there is a need for education and an opportunity to help our people understand.”In an effort to address some of those disparities, Wu and Ali, along with their community partners, are embarking on a study to better understand what people in the East African community know about cancer, and develop better education to help prevent it. An ongoing conversationThe idea for the research came up organically. Wu and Ali have known each other for years, since they were students at Michigan State University. Both were peer mentors, assigned to the same session.“I remember him asking certain questions, and I was asking certain questions, and we were like, ‘wow, we think alike. I need to know who this guy is.'” Wu said.They bonded over their mutual interests. They were in the same department, and both from California.“We just hit it off. And ever since then [we] talk about research, and we've collaborated over the years,” Ali said. So when they both ended up at the U of M, they continued their conversations.The idea for this research came up over cups of tea.“I was like: I'm personally not aware of any assessments or this type of research that's been done, when it comes to the East African Community,” Ali said. “Maybe there's an opportunity for us to look into some of these issues.”Then there was a funding call at the Masonic Cancer Center. The two have $100,000 for a two-year study. Ali and Wu expect to have data collected and analyzed by early next year.The aim of the project is to reduce cancer disparities by building knowledge in community health workers. They want to find the gaps, in terms of what services are being provided, and train trusted people in the community so they can provide the best interventions possible.While Wu says that similar research exists for Latino communities, they don't know if the same approach will work for the East African community. The preliminary survey has basic questions: Have you ever heard about cancer? How knowledgeable do you feel about preventing cancer? What are common signs and symptoms of cancer?The researchers said it's important to start from this baseline level.“We can't come in with assumptions,” Ali said. “I think, oftentimes, we're coming from a place of knowledge as academics. And so when you have all that knowledge, you can maybe make some assumptions — some faulty assumptions — about where the community is.” A community-centered approachAli and Wu say it's important to partner with community organizations from the beginning. The researchers are working with the Twin Cities nonprofit Metro Youth Diversion Center.“We have a lot of community members that really are lacking the access to resources,” said Executive Director Rashad Ahmed. “So they're coming to us asking us for help. I know there's a language barrier, there's a cultural barrier. And that is where we fit in. We come in because we understand the languages and the cultures. And that makes it easy for them to trust us.”Ahmed said if people don't understand something, they won't be able to trust it. “So we are here to provide that opportunity for community to connect with the providers, and then be the liaison between the health care system and the community.”They also know the kinds of challenges that the community is facing. Whether that's getting insurance, finding providers or learning more about cancer treatment and options.“We are the ones that are connected to the community, we are the ones that see all the issues are coming up — all the complaints, all the situations that our people are facing,” he said. “So I think having [community organizations] at the table, and being part of the research project is very crucial. And I think that's the key to finding solutions to some of our pressing issues.”

Pope Francis has called on Sudan's warring parties to lay down their weapons and give dialogue a chance to end the suffering of civilians. Plus, a new study said police are among the top human rights violators in Uganda. Uganda's parliamentary speaker appeals to the East African Community to support its anti-LGBTQ bill and former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar wants to call 100 expert witnesses to support his election fraud claims. For this and more, stay tuned to Daybreak Africa!

In DR Congo, the regional force deployed by East African nations to stop the M23 rebels' advance in the east of the country is coming under scrutiny. While the regional force maintains that the rebels are gradually withdrawing from the territories they conquered, dubious Congolese authorities are demanding a "truthful discussion" on the mandate of the East African Community's force. On May 9, President Felix Tshisekedi expressed his disappointment, hinting that the troops could depart by the end of June. Our correspondents report.

*) Ukraine says Russian forces making progress in frontline Bakhmut Russian forces have had some success in the eastern frontline city of Bakhmut, Ukrainian military officials said. The mining city of Bakhmut and surrounding towns in the eastern industrial region of Donetsk have been the focal point of assault for much of the war. Neither side yet has full control with heavy losses suffered by both but Russian officials say their forces are still capturing ground in street-by-street fighting. *) Mexico detention cell officials 'did nothing' to save migrants amid blaze The deaths of 39 migrants in a fire at a Mexican detention centre are being investigated as suspected homicides, a prosecutor has said. In a video, whose authenticity was confirmed by the government, three guards were seen rushing to leave migrants in their cell as flames spread. Eight people have been identified as allegedly responsible for the failure, Security Minister Rodriguez said at a news conference. They are two federal agents and a state immigration official, as well as five members of a private security company. *) Uganda deploys 1,000 troops to DRC's troubled east Uganda has deployed 1,000 troops to the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo under the regional East African Community force. The deputy spokesperson of Uganda people's defence forces said the Ugandan army will be operating from Ituri province. Burundi and Kenya have already sent their troops to DRC for the same mission. Fighting in eastern DRC has been simmering for decades as more than 120 groups fight for valuable resources — while others try to defend their communities. *) UAE president designates his eldest son as crown prince of Abu Dhabi The president of the United Arab Emirates has appointed his eldest son as crown prince of Abu Dhabi. He is now next in line to take over as the leader of the federation. The state-run WAM news agency reported Sheikh Khaled's appointment as crown prince, without providing further details. The new crown prince has risen to prominence at the country's state security service and as chairman of the powerful Abu Dhabi Executive Office. *) ​​UN adopts landmark resolution on climate justice The UN General Assembly has adopted a resolution calling for the world body's top court to outline legal obligations related to the climate crisis. The measure asks the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to lay out nations' obligations for protecting Earth's climate and the legal consequences if they don't. The adoption marked an emotional moment for the Pacific youth who spearheaded the initiative.

On Daybreak Africa: The East African Community continues to deploy troops in the Democratic Republic of Congo to form a buffer zone in Rutshuru and Masisi territories where M23 rebels have displaced several residents. Plus, the head of South Sudan's Union of Journalists argues that the media environment in the country is hostile. For this and more, stay tuned to Daybreak Africa!

On 24 January, Rwanda's defence forces fired a missile at a DR Congo army jet for allegedly violating Rwandan airspace. Congolese officials called the incident an “act of war”. The shooting has ratcheted up already high tensions between Rwandan and Congolese authorities, with the two governments at loggerheads since the resurgence of the M23 rebel group in late 2021. The M23 was defeated in 2013 but has re-emerged in the past year, taking control of significant areas in the eastern DR Congo's North Kivu region. Kinshasa accuses Kigali of supporting the M23. Rwanda denies the allegations, though repeated UN reports offer strong evidence that the rebels are, indeed, supported by Rwanda. The fighting has triggered a humanitarian crisis, with hundreds of thousands displaced, many in the last few months. This week on Hold Your Fire!, Richard Atwood speaks with Richard Moncrieff, Crisis Group's interim Great Lakes project director, about the resurgence of the M23 in the DRC and how the conflict could affect the stability of the wider Great Lakes region. They talk about the origins of the M23, what its leaders want and its ties to Rwanda. They discuss how the conflict has worsened already fragile Rwandan-Congolese relations. They also delve into the efforts of the East African Community to defuse tensions in the DRC, particularly Kenya's military and diplomatic involvement in the region, and examine the risks that the crisis in the DRC could trigger a wider conflagration. For more on the situation, check out Crisis Group's latest Q&A “A Dangerous Escalation in the Great Lakes” and our extensive analysis on our Great Lakes regional page. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Democratic Republic of Congo is the newest member of The East African Community, a regional group made up of seven countries. With a population of nearly 100 million people, vast agricultural land, and rich mineral reserves, DRC has great potential for business but an endless conflict spanning decades is threatening the region's stability. The M23 rebel group has escalated its attacks, leading the East Africa Community to sanction a regional force to help DRC forces to repel the rebels. Kenya has committed 1,000 soldiers, it's a deployment which will cost the Kenyan taxpayer 37 million dollars in a year. But is it worth it? And can the East Africa Community finally bring peace to DRC? Africa Daily's Alan Kasujja has been speaking to East Africa Security expert Sylvanus Wekesa.

As heavy fighting between government forces and the M23 rebels escalated in Eastern DRC this week, attempts to restore peace will resume tomorrow in Kenya's capital, Nairobi. Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, who is the facilitator of the East African Community-led talks, visited Goma after talks in the Congolese  capital Kinshasa on Monday. He also spoke to Rwandan leader Paul Kagame on the need for M23 rebels to cease fire and withdraw from captured territories. The United Nations has reported that the latest fighting has so far displaced over 200 000 people. To discuss this we are joined on the line by Ras Advocate Sipho Mantula, Researcher at the Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Affairs 

Farhia Budul gazed over the state Capitol grounds as hundreds of people stopped at booths lining the street. For Budul, the Sept. 17 Walk for Recovery was lined with hope. “You see recovery everywhere here in the state of Minnesota,” Budul said. Substance use disorder recovery advocates like Budul are sounding the alarm about the opioid crisis. “The opioid epidemic has come hard and hit hard the East African community,” Budul said as she greeted passersby. Liam James Doyle for MPR News Attendees visit booths and mingle at the Minnesota State Capitol Grounds on Saturday. As Budul, a Somali American Muslim woman, began her own journey of recovery from substance use disorder, she saw a pressing need for culturally-specific services. Budul founded her nonprofit Niyyah Recovery Initiative last year. Niyyah means “intention” in Arabic, Budul explained. She aims to educate what she describes as  the backbone of the community, particularly mothers and elders, about opioids and substance use disorder in the Somali language. “Moms are like, ‘My son or daughter died of a heart attack,' when we know that 20-year-old playing basketball the other day had taken the wrong pill laced with fentanyl and overdosed and did not wake up,” she said. Budul said lack of education and stigma is attached to the idea of addiction in her culture, which is why she chooses to “recover out loud.” Liam James Doyle Emma Matrious, right, contributes to a board where people could share their stories of recovery at the Minnesota State Capitol Grounds on Saturday. The problem is in every Minnesota community. The state reported record drug overdose deaths in 2021. The increasing prevalence of fentanyl is thought to be a contributing factor. While the Minnesota Department of Health said it does not keep data on overdoses in the East African communities currently, the state does keep track of the numbers by groups more broadly. In the most recent numbers from 2019, African Americans were almost two times more likely to die of a drug overdose than whites. Native Americans were seven times more likely to die of drug overdose than whites.  Pearl Evans, a prevention program administrator for the state health department, works on culturally-specific services for Black Minnesotans. Evans has seen an encouraging shift among the older generation during the pandemic. “They are more open to having this conversation, to receive the information so they can be prepared to administer naloxone,” Evans said. Naloxone, also called Narcan, rapidly reverses an opioid overdose, and can be administered in a nasal spray. Like Budul, Yussuf Shafie is one of the pioneers of culturally-specific services for the East African community. Shafie, the CEO and treatment director at the Alliance Wellness Center in Bloomington, Minn., said he has also seen significant changes in awareness and acceptance of substance use disorders, partly because of the desperation of the families touched by the opioid crisis. Liam James Doyle for MPR News Yussuf Shafie, treatment director with Alliance Wellness Center, participated in the recovery awareness event at the Minnesota State Capitol grounds in St. Paul. “2015 was more like alcohol, marijuana, cocaine,” Shafie said.  “2018, 2019, 2020, [it was] opioids and fentanyl.” He added that fentanyl seems to comprise almost all of the cases he's seeing. Shafie's goal is to serve as a bridge between youth and their families in a rapidly changing landscape. “It's a different generation with social media and technology,” Shafie said. “Drugs are easily accessible nowadays and it's just really unfortunate.” Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendent Drew Evans said law enforcement is also working to curb an increase of importation of fentanyl across the southern U.S. border. Evans said fake oxycodone pills that can contain fentanyl have become among the most common seizures. “In 2021, for example, we were seeing about an average of 100 cases involving fentanyl per month coming into our BCA laboratories across the state,” the BCA superintendent said. “This year we are on pace at 120 cases per month, so you see a significant increase we are looking at.” Last year, Minnesota averaged more than three people dying every day from an overdose of any drug type and the state reported a larger percentage increase in overdose deaths in greater Minnesota than in the seven-county Twin Cities area. September is National Recovery Month. Farhia Budul said it will take everyone's efforts year-round to fight the opioid crisis. “Addiction does not discriminate, it does not have a color,” Budul said. She added that for future Recovery Walks, “I hope to see in the next few years more East African and more BIPOC communities coming out to the state Capitol.” Liam James Doyle for MPR News Attendees socialize and visit various booths at the Minnesota State Capitol Grounds on Saturday.

Lack of access to modern energy services remains a major constraint to economic development in many regions, and perhaps in Africa most of all. According to the Africa development Bank, only 40 percent of the continent's people have regular access to electricity.  African governments are trying to expand their capacity to provide energy to their citizens, and this has seen a proliferation of “mega energy deals”, where governments sign deals investors, usually foreign, who pledge to work with the government to build energy generation facilities, upgrade energy grids and other such cost-intensive developments.  However, this all happens in a context where we know what we have to do to solve the climate crisis. We must keep coal, oil and gas in the ground. What happens when African governments try to pass progressive policies to protect the environment, and to protect  people from some of the harmful practices of these investors? The fossil fuel industry has a secret powerful weapon to keep countries locked in on fossil fuels: The Energy Charter Treaty (ECT).  The ECT is an International Investment Agreement (IIAs) that establishes a multilateral framework for cross-border cooperation in the energy industry. The treaty covers all aspects of commercial energy activities including trade, investments and energy efficiency,  and it is currently on a massive geographical expansion into Africa, Asia and Latin America.  History shows that, though the Energy charter treaty makes many promises of burgeoning investment, the reality is that it does not significantly improve investment prospects. Instead, the ECT's Investor State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) provisions give foreign investors in the energy sector sweeping rights to directly sue states in international tribunals of three private lawyers, the arbitrators. Companies can be awarded dizzying sums in compensation for government actions that have allegedly damaged their investments, either directly through ‘expropriation' or indirectly through regulations of virtually any kind. In many of those countries in the process of acceding to the ECT, hardly anyone seems to have even heard of the agreement, let alone have thoroughly examined its political, legal, and financial risks. And even with a supposed “modernization process”, which is supposed to deal with the problematic clauses in the agreement,   the treaty continues to threaten to bind yet more countries to corporate-friendly energy policies. Here at the state of power podcast, we are concerned with power. How it can be generated in a fair and equitable manner,  without endangering the planet or livelihoods. On this episode of the podcast, we take a specific look at East Africa, where five of the East African Community (EAC) countries have signed the non-legally binding International Energy Charter (IEC), which is a political declaration aimed at strengthening energy cooperation among signatory countries and international organizations, and does not impose any legal or financial obligation. The Governments of Burundi, Tanzania and Uganda signed the IEC in 2015, while the Government of Rwanda in 2016, and the Government of Kenya and the East African Community as an intergovernmental institution signed the charter in 2017.  As a consequence of this political declaration, the ECT Secretariat, whose survival depends on continuation of the treaty, continues to lobby these countries to take additional steps towards acceding to the Energy Charter treaty, which , because of its ISDS clauses,  is not as innocuous as the International Energy Charter.  To get a better understanding of what exactly is going on, we speak to  Olivia Costa, who is the executive director of Tanzania Trade and investment coalition, a grouping of thirteen Civil Society Organizations in the East African country. Joining her is  Brenda Akankunda, who works with the Southern and Eastern Africa trade Information and Negotiations Institute (SEATINI), and is based in Uganda. Both organizations  focus on Trade and Investment.  Image: The retired Orlando Power station in Johannesburg, South Africa/ Wikimedia Commons.  Episode Notes:  On the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT):  https://www.tni.org/en/energy-charter-dirty-secrets Busting myths around the Energy Charter Treaty:  https://www.tni.org/en/ect-mythbuster State of the World Conference link:  https://www.tni.org/en/webinar/state-of-the-world-2022 Get your tickets to the State of the World Conference:  https://ticketpass.org/event/ELAYKF/state-of-the-world

To mark the end of Season Three of The Horn, Alan discusses a few major developments in the region with Crisis Group experts. First up, he speaks to William Davison, Senior Analyst for Ethiopia, to discuss the prospect for possible peace talks in Ethiopia after the humanitarian ceasefire declared in March between federal and Tigrayan forces. They discuss the recent welcome steps towards peace talks, the remaining hurdles towards holding such negotiations and the major obstacles that any peace talks will need to overcome. They also discuss Ethiopia's deteriorating economic situation and the ongoing insurgency in the Oromia region.Next, Alan speaks with Nelleke van de Walle, Project Director for the Great Lakes region, to discuss Kenya's recent diplomatic foray in the eastern DR Congo and how it is reshaping regional politics. Alan and Nelleke discuss the factors behind the warming ties between Kinshasa and Nairobi and the reasons for Kenya's recent initiatives towards the DR Congo. They discuss the proposal for the East African Community to deploy a joint force under Kenyan command to fight armed groups in the eastern DR Congo, and they unpack the recent peace talks Nairobi hosted between Congolese authorities and armed groups. They also chat about how the looming presidential election in Kenya could impact Nairobi's future diplomatic role. Finally, Alan talks to Nazanine Moshiri, Senior Analyst for Climate & Security in Africa. They break down the impact of the devastating historic drought hitting much of the Horn region. Nazanine explains which parts of the region are worst hit and outlines how this crisis is exacerbated by the global commodity shocks, which are driving up food prices as well. They also highlight the worrying repercussions, from major displacement to land disputes and intercommunal conflict. Back from recent visits to the northern Great Rift Valley and Laikipia county in Kenya, Nazanine talks about how the drought is upending life there and how the climate shocks are intermixing with rising political tensions and violence ahead of Kenya's elections.For more analysis, check out Crisis Group's Horn of Africa and Great Lakes regional pages.We want to hear from you! As Season Three of The Horn draws to a close, If you have any feedback or suggestions for topics you'd like us to cover next season, you can write to podcasts@crisisgroup.org or get in touch with Alan directly on Twitter, @AlanBoswell. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Uganda's Lawmaker has approved the adoption of Swahili as an official language. The cabinet also recommended that the teaching of Swahili in primary and secondary should be made compulsory. The Ugandan cabinet says the decision followed a directive by the East African Community bloc to adopt the language to ease communication among member countries

Economies of Senegal and Uganda advance, cocoa prices slump and an in-depth look at the EAC Common External Tarriff.

In this episode of The Kenyanist, Sylvanus Wekesa hosts Nicodemus Minde who is a lecturer of International Relations at the United States International University (USIU) in Nairobi, Kenya. The discussion is focused on the rising concern in Kenya's August 2022 elections in regards to the economic security and political considerations in the East African region; with stiff competition between the two leading candidates, namely the government backed opposition leader Raila Odinga and the current deputy president, William Ruto. Dr Minde gives a brief overview of the current East African Community (EAC) scene, with the recent admission of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as a member country; now the EAC being made up of DRC itself, together with South Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi and the original founder countries, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. The question answered here is the consequence of the DRC joining the community in terms of the benefits it has and the overall effects its admission has to the rest of the region. The discussion steers towards the current democratic states of each country within the EAC and how the election results would affect the same, appreciating the fact that Kenya serves as a model country to the rest in terms of its democratic, political and even social advancements. With the other member countries being directly tied to Kenya's all-round status, the question of how their relations would change in the case of either leading presidential candidate winning the seat emerges, and Dr Minde gives an overview of what to foresee in either case, noting that there would be either positive or negative ramifications in shaping the regional integration of the future of the EAC, depending on the election outcome. The region having seen emerging trends of alliances, the discussion delves into the possibility of leaders fulfilling the original EAC agenda of being a people-driven organisation, rather than being elite-dominated. This further goes into the general understanding of the role the EAC is expected to perform among the new generation of leaders and how political parties and aspirants would align their manifestos to achieve the same. However, this is challenged by the key political agendas being driven by both candidates, Ruto and Odinga, being more inward in their approaches, of which leads to the discussion of the radical shift in the status quo in terms of both regional and international politics in the case of either candidate winning, which finalises the episode.

East African heads of state have agreed to deploy a joint military force to the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo to deal with the armed groups operating in that region. The regional leaders resolved that such a force should be mobilised with immediate effect. All Congolese armed groups operating in the restive eastern part of the country should unconditionally participate in a political process to resolve their grievances, a statement from the summit says. DR Congo joined the seven-member East African Community regional bloc last month, in what some analysts see as a move towards seeking joint solutions to its security challenges in the east.

Today on the Fatboy Show, Olive speaks to Economist and Public Health Expert KPMG, David Kisitu on how Uganda stands to benefit from the Democratic Republic of Congo joining the East African Community bloc.

IMF's Stance on Personal Income Tax, Senegal's economic expansion and an in-depth look of what the East African Community gains from DRC's entry. 

The Democratic Republic of Congo has officially been admitted to the East African Community trade bloc. Kenya's President Kenyatta says the moment was significant He says the community will grow significantly as there will be expanded market opportunities. DR Congo's parliament will still have to ratify the EAC laws and regulations, as well as deposit the instruments of acceptance with the secretariat before they come into effect. The EAC is also expected to consider a proposal for the simultaneous translation of French and Swahili during the community's meetings.

Talks in Geneva to reverse the loss of nature and halt extinctions are in their final day. Marco Lambertini is director general of the wildlife and nature charity WWF International, and tells us what progress is being made towards the text of a UN framework aimed at protecting biodiversity. Also in the programme, the war in Ukraine is halting moves aimed at limiting the use of palm oil, which is a cause of deforestation in Asia. The price of one alternative, sunflower oil, has increased massively since the conflict began, and supermarket chain Iceland has reversed its pledge to remove palm oil from its own-label food. We find out more from Glenn Hurowitz of the Washington DC campaign group, Mighty Earth. The Democratic Republic of Congo is the latest country to join the East African Community, which is a common market of states in the region, including Kenya and Tanzania. Our African business correspondent Peter Mwangangi explains what membership of the EAC will mean for the Congolese people. Plus, the BBC's Jo Critcher reports on how drones are now being used all over the world for humanitarian purposes. Today's edition is presented by Mike Johnson, and produced by George Thomas, Sarah Hawkins and Tom Kavanagh.

In today's episode we talk about, Israel's stunning resurgence on the world stage and how they're interacting with their changed strategic environment. Then we cover an exciting development with the East African Community which is the addition of the Democratic Republic of Congo to the community and the many advantages that are gained for both parties. Lastly we talk about another interesting development in the Eastern Question, which is the growing disunity of NATO over the prospect of conflict with Russia over Ukraine and how attitudes towards the alliance are changing rapidly among its member states. All that and more! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/haisean/support

Authorities in South Sudan's Jonglei State say at least three women were killed and 18 others, including young girls, were abducted in Akobo County on Wednesday; The new mayor of the South Sudan capital Juba, Michael Allajabu, says he is working to address traders' concerns about exorbitant and unclear taxes levied by the Juba City Council and plans to digitize tax collection in the city; A holdout rebel group, the National Salvation Front, has welcomed a gesture by President Salva Kiir to return to peace talks that collapsed some three months ago; South Sudanese legislators at regional bloc the East African Community have welcomed a declaration it will increase the number of job slots for South Sudanese citizens at the secretariat

Authorities in South Sudan's Jonglei State say at least three women were killed and 18 others, including young girls, were abducted in Akobo County on Wednesday; The new mayor of the South Sudan capital Juba, Michael Allajabu, says he is working to address traders' concerns about exorbitant and unclear taxes levied by the Juba City Council and plans to digitize tax collection in the city; A holdout rebel group, the National Salvation Front, has welcomed a gesture by President Salva Kiir to return to peace talks that collapsed some three months ago; South Sudanese legislators at regional bloc the East African Community have welcomed a declaration it will increase the number of job slots for South Sudanese citizens at the secretariat

The United Nations Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan is expressing concern about what it says are ongoing threats, harassment and intimidation of prominent human rights defenders, journalists, and civil society activists by national security across the country; Some legislators representing South Sudan in the East African Legislative Assembly are raising concern about a lack of participation by the country's Minister for East African Community, Deng Alor, in affairs of the regional bloc; Tens of thousands of Sudanese took to the streets Thursday afternoon to commemorate the 57th anniversary of toppling Sudan's first military ruler, General Ibrahim Abboud, and to demand a smooth transition to democratic and civilian rule in Sudan

 In this episode Eva provides an overview of the role and mandate of the East Africa Private Equity & Venture Capital Association. She further gives an account of the domestic economic conditions that have aided the East African Community's rise as a leading investment destination on the continent as well as some of the leading challenges faced by foreign investors.               Enjoy! Don't forget to leave a review & Let me know what you think. We value your suggestions & feedback. Tweet Me! @zimchad WhatsApp Me! +250 785 835 647 My Website: www. chadchawanda.com Facebook & Instagram @chadchawanda

In this episode our guest is Creck Buyonge Mirito, Principal Consultant & CEO Customs & International Trade Associates Limited. Creck reflects on the importance of travel towards gaining more accurate perceptions on the conditions in many African countries, noting that the media often does not provide a true representation of conditions on the ground. He goes on to provide a brief history of one stop border cooperation within the East African Community, which predates the establishment of One Stop Border posts across the continent. Creck also offers his perspectives on the EAC's trade facilitation interventations in reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic. He further provides an overview of the leading customs clearing technoligies in use across the continent, emphasizing the need for business process re-enginerring to be done prior to the automation of customs clearing systems, in order for automation to be a gainful process.

Ethiopian Election: Vote counting underway +++ Why The Gambia's National Football Team snubbed President Adama Barrow +++ Cameroon: COVID embezzlement scandal +++ DR Congo joins the East African Community

The toxic influence of social media and society standards cause many people, especially women to develop body dysmorphia and eventually an eating disorder. The goal of our project is to eliminate the stigma around eating disorders and body dysmorphia in the East African community. In our video podcast, we dismiss common misconceptions most people have about Eating Disorders and Body Dysmorphia. This video includes a spoken word piece titled “Digesting Hidden Truths”. Interested in learning more?  How Organ Systems are affected by Eating Disorders Cardiovascular System: How the heart pumps and regulates the circulation of blood within the body is dependent upon the amount of calories that is consumed. With fewer calories, the heart has less fuel for its activities.  Digestive System: Gastroparesis which is known as slowed digestion occurs.  Neurological System: The brain consumes one-fifth of the calories the body makes. When actions like fasting, dieting, self-starvation, etc… are occurring,  enough energy will not be delivered to the brain. This can cause difficulties in concentration and sleep.  Endocrine System: The body hormones are made from the fat and cholesterol we intake when eating. Lack of these nutrients can cause detriments to hormonal levels.  Statistics  BDD is more common than disorders such as schizophrenia or anorexia nervosa. Approximately one in fifty people are diagnosed with BDD. The common misconception that black women are less susceptible to eating disorders is false. In fact, studies have found that Eating disorders in the black community develop at the same or higher rate when compared with white women. Black teenagers are 50% more likely than white teenagers to have bulimic behavior, such as binge-eating and purging. Black Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) with eating disorders are half as likely white people to be diagnosed or receive treatment.       Links  US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health-Body dysmorphic disorder Center for Discovery Eating Disorder Treatment-Common Myths About Body Dysmorphic Disorder US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health-Prevalence of Eating Disorders among Blacks in the National Survey of American Life  National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders- Eating Disorder Statistics National Eating  Disorders  Association  Common Health Consequences of Eating Disorders     Meet the People Behind the Project:  Asha Omar is an intern at the Young Women's Wellness and Leadership Initiative. Asha wants to employ her education in something beyond a degree: fixing disparities in  women's health. She hopes to one day open up a community clinic for uninsured women in her community.  In her freetime, Asha enjoys sewing and reading novels. For excitement, Asha loves to visit cafes and restaurants she's never been to.   Raida Ismail is an Intern at the Young Women's Wellness and Leadership Initiative. She has a passion for making a positive and progressive change in her community's outlook on mental health. As a future St. Catherine University student, she plans to pursue a degree which will help her fulfill her morals and passions. In her free time she likes to read dystopian themed science fiction novels and try out new baking recipes. She would also like to convince her mom to get her a pet cat one day (not that it's going to work but it's worth a try). Alia Bereka is an Intern as part of the cohort at the Young Women's Wellness and Leadership Initiative (YWWLI). She is currently a high school senior at Ubah Medical Academy, and plans to attend the University of Minnesota Twin-Cities in Fall 2021, majoring in Human Physiology. Alia would love to work as humanitarian, in her home country (Ethiopia) and in other foreign countries-with humanitarian need. In other terms, Alia is a science nerd-(more on the anatomical/psychological/physiological side), wannabe cooker, bookworm, Youtube binge watcher, tries to make Fitness/Wellbeing goals, big time procrastinator, and future traveler-inshaAllah( God Willing, she plans to see & experience the lifestyles and customs of other countries).   

A Covid-19 outbreak has brought China's Yantian port to a standstill, threatening trade. Tom Hale of the Financial Times in Hong Kong explains the background to the disruption, and we consider the potential impact on global trade with Nils Haupt, senior director at German shipping firm Hapag-Lloyd. Also in the programme, earlier this week El Salvador decided to adopt the cryptocurrency Bitcoin as legal tender. Nic Carter is founding partner at Castle Island Ventures, and his Twitter event on cryptocurrency was joined by El Salvador's President Bukele just as the country's parliament passed the new law. Finance ministers across the largest member states of the East African Community, such as Kenya and Tanzania, present their national budgets for 2021/22 today. Dario Kenner is a development economist with the Catholic charity Cafod, and discusses the budgetary challenges the countries face. Plus, the BBC's Shingai Nyoka reports from Zimbabwe on efforts in the country to bring down its high 28% youth unemployment rate.

Kenya says it has formally communicated to the UN refugee agency that it will close the Dadaab and Kakuma refugee camps on 30 June 2022.Interior Minister Fred Matiang'í says a team of officials from the government of Kenya and the UNHCR will fast track the process set to begin on 5 May 2022.The latest roadmap includes voluntary repatriation or issuing of free work or residence permits for refugees from the East African Community.The government in March gave the UN a two-week ultimatum to come up with a roadmap for the closure of the two camps, which host more than 400,000 refugees mostly from Somalia, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho added that the decision to close Dadaab and Kakuma camps by 30 June 2022 is in the country’s public interest.

Rais John Magufuli wa Tanzania, amekosolewa kwa muda mrefu kwa muonekano wake wakuto wekea umuhimu mavazi ya barakoa katika vita dhidi ya virusi vya Coronavirus.

H.R. McMaster in conversation with Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda, on Wednesday, February 3 at 9:00am PT on "Rwanda And The African Union: The Promise Of Increased U.S.-Africa Engagement." In this eighth episode of Battlegrounds, H.R. McMaster and President Paul Kagame discuss the African Union, security in the Great Lakes region, and the future of U.S. diplomatic and economic relations with Rwanda and Africa, the world's youngest continent in which 50% of the population is under 25 years old. ABOUT THE SPEAKERS Paul Kagame is President of the Republic of Rwanda. In 2019 he was elected Chairperson of the East African Community, and has been leading the institutional reform of the African Union (AU) since 2016. President Kagame is currently Chairperson of the AU Development Agency New Partnership for Africa's Development (AUDA-NEPAD) as well as African Union Leader for Domestic Health Financing. H. R. McMaster is the Fouad and Michelle Ajami Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University. He is also the Bernard and Susan Liautaud Fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute and lecturer at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business. He was the 26th assistant to the president for National Security Affairs. Upon graduation from the United States Military Academy in 1984, McMaster served as a commissioned officer in the United States Army for thirty-four years before retiring as a Lieutenant General in June 2018. ABOUT THE SERIES Battlegrounds provides a needed forum with leaders from key countries to share their assessment of problem sets and opportunities that have implications for U.S. foreign policy and national security strategy. Each episode features H.R. McMaster in a one-on-one conversation with a senior foreign government leader to allow Americans and partners abroad to understand how the past produced the present and how we might work together to secure a peaceful and prosperous future. “Listening and learning from those who have deep knowledge of our most crucial challenges is the first step in crafting the policies we need to secure peace and prosperity for future generations.” For more information, visit: https://www.hoover.org/battlegrounds_perspectives. Pick up a copy of "Battlegrounds: The Fight To Defend The Free World," by H.R. McMaster here - https://www.hoover.org/research/battlegrounds-fight-defend-free-world 

David Mukanga, Senior Program Officer Regulatory Affairs, Africa Systems, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (and Africa Regional Editor for DIA Global Forum) explores the East African Community’s Medicines Regulatory Harmonization (EAC MRH) initiative with Margareth Sigonda, Head of Health Programs for The New Partnership for Africa's Development, the African Union development agency. “Before this initiative was launched in the EAC, each country had different requirements, different formats for dossier submission,” Margareth explains. “Therefore, adopting the CTD was really a game changer in terms of how now the countries were in a position to receive applications that were kind of in a similar format.”

A human rights group has accused Uganda of channelling gold mined in the Democratic Republic of Congo that funds conflict, but the authorities insist that refiners are not processing metal from illicit sources. Ugandan gold exports have more than doubled in one year, fuelling the concerns. Its biggest market is the United Arab Emirates, having overtaken countries of the East African Community. --- This episode is sponsored by · Afrolit Podcast: Hosted by Ekua PM, Afrolit shares the stories of multi-faceted Africans one episode at a time. https://open.spotify.com/show/2nJxiiYRyfMQlDEXXpzlZS?si=mmgODX3NQ-yfQvR0JRH-WA Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/newscast-africa/support

Kenya and the United States formally launched negotiations on Wednesday for a bilateral trade pact that the two economies hope could serve as a model for additional agreements across the African continent. In a joint statement, trade ministers for the two countries, Betty Maina and Robert Lighthizer, said they were holding an initial round of talks virtually over the next two weeks due to the coronavirus. Maina and Lighthizer said they believe this agreement with Kenya will complement Africa’s regional integration efforts, including in the East African Community and the landmark African Continental Free Trade Area. Two-way goods trade between the United States and Kenya totaled $1.1 billion in 2019, up 4.9% from 2018. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

South Sudanese Diplomats suspended from African Union after failure to pay $9millions of membership fees. A few years ago, South Sudan was also suspended from the East African Community because of membership fees. The number of Coronavirus cases is also increasing in South Sudan. - Kɔc ke panë Junup Thudän ake cuɔpwei në käny kɔɔr akutnom ë African Union kek. Acïï akutë African Union caal cë man adɛ̈ ke panë Junup.

Sans surprise, le général Évariste Ndayishimiye, le candidat du CNDD-FDD, le parti au pouvoir, a donc été déclaré hier vainqueur de la présidentielle par la commission électorale burundaise. Il obtient un peu plus des deux tiers des voix. Pour sa part, Agathon Rwasa, le candidat du parti d'opposition, le CNL, le Conseil national pour la liberté, recueille un peu moins du quart des suffrages. Dans un pays où la liberté de la presse est plus que relative, l'un des derniers médias indépendants du pays, Iwacu rapporte les faits bruts : « Le CNDD-FDD jubile, le CNL déçu », s'exclame le site d'information burundais. Pour Joseph Ntakarutimana, le secrétaire général adjoint du CNDD-FDD, rapporte-t-il, « c’est une victoire de tous les Burundais, ceux qui ont voté pour nous, ceux qui ont voté contre nous, ceux qui nous aiment, ceux qui ne nous aiment pas […]. » Pour sa part, poursuit Iwacu, « Agathon Rwasa soutient que les résultats annoncés par la CENI sont aux antipodes du vote de la population. "Nous avons collecté, a-t-il dit, des preuves irréfutables transmises par nos mandataires présents aux différents bureaux de vote et attestant la victoire de notre parti lors des élections du 20 mai !" L'opposant a annoncé qu’il allait déposer un recours auprès de la Cour Constitutionnelle. » Reformatage En tout cas, « il était difficile de se convaincre de la possibilité d’un suspense », commente Le Monde Afrique : « Organisées le 20 mai dernier par temps de coronavirus, ces élections générales se sont tenues avec les frontières fermées, sans listes électorales publiées, ni mission d’observateurs internationaux   les seuls qui auraient pu se rendre au Burundi pour la circonstance avaient été avisés au dernier moment qu’ils seraient contraints de passer deux semaines en quarantaine et n’auraient retrouvé leur liberté de mouvement qu’après le scrutin. » Pas de surprise donc, « dans un pays verrouillé par les forces de sécurité, il n’y avait aucune raison d’espérer une victoire (de l'opposition), poursuit Le Monde Afrique. Ces élections ne sont pas l’expression d’une compétition à la loyale. Elles ne sont pas davantage le syndrome d’une transition, mais, plus prosaïquement, celui d’un reformatage. […] Quant à Pierre Nkurunziza, après quinze ans au pouvoir, il va bénéficier d’une prime d’un demi-million d’euros, d’une grande maison de fonction et d’un salaire. Il compte aussi, et surtout, continuer d’exercer une influence et a été investi récemment du titre de "guide suprême du patriotisme". » Un processus démocratique « en trompe-œil » De son côté, la presse burkinabé ne mâche pas ses mots... « Le général Evariste Ndayshimye élu à plus de 68 % au Burundi : "L’héritier" s’est emparé de son sceptre par la triche et la violence », fulmine le quotidien Aujourd'hui. « C’est peu de dire que c’est un processus démocratique en trompe-œil que vient de connaître le Burundi, renchérit Le Pays. Mais avec le départ de Nkurunziza, qui avait érigé la terreur en mode de gouvernance en s’accommodant de l’existence de milices armées, c’est déjà ça de gagné pour le Burundi. Et dans l’intérêt de la démocratie, on espère que son successeur saura s’affranchir de la tutelle de son mentor pour écrire l’histoire du pays autrement qu’en lettres de larmes et de sang. » Violences post-électorales ? Enfin pour La Libre Afrique, émanation du quotidien belge La Libre Belgique, « la grande question est maintenant de savoir comment va réagir l’électorat CNL. […] La Cour constitutionnelle burundaise passe pour acquise au CNDD-FDD. En appeler à une cour de justice non burundaise – de l’East African Community ou de la Cour pénale internationale, par exemple – prendrait tant d’années qu’elle pourrait n’avoir aucun effet sur le mandat du général Ndayishimiye. » Et La Libre Afrique de s'interroger : « Rwasa va-t-il dès lors "se coucher", comme il l’avait fait aux élections controversées de 2015, en échange de postes pour son parti ? Si oui, sa base, brutalisée par les forces pro-CNDD-FDD, le supportera-t-elle ? Le CNL va-t-il se lancer à nouveau dans la lutte armée ? »

Au Burundi, pas de surprise. Le candidat du parti au pouvoir, le général Ndayishimiye, a été officiellement élu dès le premier tour de la présidentielle. Il n'y avait aucun observateur étranger et l'opposition dénonce une fraude massive. Quelle est à présent la marge de manœuvre du perdant, Agathon Rwasa ? Et quelle sera la liberté d'action du vainqueur officiel par rapport au Président sortant, Pierre Nkurunziza ? Thierry Vircoulon, coordonnateur de l'Observatoire de l'Afrique australe et centrale à l'IFRI, l'Institut français des relations internationales, est notre invité. RFI : Thierry Vircoulon, une victoire avec plus de 68 % des voix et un taux de participation supérieur à 87 % des voix, que vous inspirent les résultats de cette présidentielle ? Thierry Vircoulon : Ce sont des résultats dont la crédibilité fera toujours question. Il n’y avait pas d’observateurs impartiaux à cette élection et elle a été contrôlée de A à Z par le parti au pouvoir. Donc on peut dire que le résultat était attendu et que la victoire au premier tour du candidat du CNDD-FDD ne surprend personne. Avec le taux de participation annoncé, près de neuf Burundais sur dix auraient voté. Est-ce que c’est crédible ? Ce n’est pas impossible. C’est difficile de se prononcer, dans le climat actuel, mais comme il y a un encadrement très, très fort, très contraignant, de la population au Burundi, le pouvoir peut toujours faire voter les gens. Le parti d’opposition CNL s’indigne du cas de la commune de Musigati, dans l’ouest du pays, où le candidat Évariste Ndayishimiye a réuni 99,9 % des voix, et où, selon l’AFP, le taux de participation serait de plus de 100 %. Il serait à 102 %. Oui, souvent il y a un excès de zèle de la part de la Commission électorale et quelques couacs dans la fabrication des résultats. Et on parle d’une fraude plus massive dans les régions de Rumonge et de Bujumbura rural… Oui, parce que ce sont des bastions acquis à l’opposition, et donc en effet, celle-ci, normalement, aurait dû remporter la majorité dans ces zones. Avez-vous des commentaires à faire sur les législatives et les communales ? Elles seront du même goût. Le CNDD-FDD va les remporter, évidemment. Et là, il y a des appétits qui sont encore plus aiguisés qu’à la présidentielle, puisqu’être un élu local représente beaucoup d’avantages. Et ces appétits sont surtout des appétits à l’intérieur du parti au pouvoir. Donc c’est là qu’il faut s’attendre à ce qu’il y ait des contestations à l’intérieur du CNDD-FDD. Voulez-vous dire que le parti au pouvoir peut se déchirer ? Je pense qu’à ce niveau-là, oui, il peut y avoir des oppositions entre plusieurs personnes du CNDD-FDD qui veulent occuper ces positions. Comment peut réagir aujourd’hui le chef de l’opposition Agathon Rwasa ? Il dénonce les résultats… Evidemment, il peut toujours déposer un recours contre ces résultats, mais là aussi, sans se faire d’illusions sur ce recours. En fait, il n’a absolument aucune marge de manœuvre. Il n’en avait pas de 2015 à 2020 et il n’en a pas plus aujourd’hui. Donc il va être réduit à faire comme il l’a déjà fait ces cinq dernières années, c’est-à-dire le faire-valoir démocratique du régime.Vous dites qu’il n’est qu’un faire-valoir, mais depuis plusieurs jours, il dénonce ces résultats qu’il dit « fantaisistes ». Il parle de « tricherie et de pure manipulation ».Oui, mais c’était déjà le cas des résultats de 2015 et cela ne l’a pas empêché de siéger au Parlement ! Donc on verra si, cette fois-ci, cela se passe de la même façon et si lui et son mouvement acceptent de jouer les faire-valoir démocratiques d’un régime de parti unique, ou si, cette fois-ci, il se retire complètement du jeu politique. Il peut re-rentrer dans la clandestinité éventuellement, mais il faut quand même se rappeler que pendant cinq ans il a joué en quelque sorte « l’idiot utile » du CNDD-FDD Mais en jouant « l’idiot utile », comme vous dites, et en refusant d’en appeler à la rue, est-ce qu’il ne risque pas de se couper de ses militants ? Je crois qu’en effet, il a de moins en moins de militants, en tout cas des militants historiques. Il y a, par contre, un très fort désir de changement de régime au Burundi. Mais paradoxalement, je crois que les troupes historiques de son mouvement, qui était le FNL, ont été réprimées à plusieurs reprises pendant ces dix dernières années, et par conséquent, cette base historique, je crois, a beaucoup faibli. Avec cette victoire officielle dès le premier tour, est-ce qu’Évariste Ndayishimiye a les mains libres face au président sortant Pierre Nkurunziza ? Non, je n’irais pas jusque-là, puisque cette victoire n’est pas une victoire. Ce sont des résultats dont la crédibilité sera toujours questionnée… Donc ce ne sont pas des résultats à prendre comme fiables sur la popularité réelle d’Évariste Ndayishimiye ou du CNDD-FDD lui-même. Et avec le titre de « Guide suprême du patriotisme burundais », est-ce que Pierre Nkurunziza va rester le vrai patron du Burundi ? En fait, c’est la question qui est maintenant essentielle. On peut avoir deux scénarios pour l’après-élection. Soit un scénario à l’angolaise, où le nouveau président se débarrassera de Pierre Nkurunziza, en quelque sorte, comme cela s’est passé en Angola. Ou alors, la bonne entente qui a présidé à ce passage de témoin va continuer, et Pierre Nkurunziza sera en retrait de la République. Pierre Nkurunziza est-il parti de son plein gré ? Peut-être pas forcément de son plein gré. En tout cas il est parti en bonne entente avec le leadership du CNDD-FDD, qui voulait qu’il passe la main, et ce passage de relais s’est fait par la négociation dans les coulisses du CNDD-FDD. Et ce leadership qui l’a obligé à partir, ce sont surtout des généraux, non ? Oui, c’est cela. Le leadership du CNDD-FDD, c’est en fait une poignée de généraux qui sont le cœur historique du système depuis 2005. Comment la Communauté internationale va-t-elle réagir à cette élection très controversée à l’intérieur du pays ? Il n’y aura absolument aucune réaction notable. Il y a eu des contacts discrets qui ont été pris avant l’élection auprès de l’East African Community, de l’Union africaine, etc., pour en quelque sorte introduire le nouveau président et pour s’assurer que, justement, il n’y aurait pas de réaction désagréable. Donc il faut s’attendre à ce qu’il n’y ait pas de réactions. Voulez-vous dire que plusieurs partenaires du Burundi attentent une ouverture de la part du nouveau maître du pays ? Oui, c’est cela. Je crois que ce serait dans l’intérêt du régime burundais. Ce serait aussi, probablement, dans l’intérêt de la population burundaise, qui est une des plus pauvres d’Afrique. Est-ce que le leadership du CNDD-FDD est prêt à cette ouverture ? C’est une autre question.

Africans livid over WHO modeling study that projects 231 million infections+++Truck drivers in East Africa stigmatized amid Covid-19 pandemic +++Children's plight in Cameroon's Anglophone conflict.

Insurance market Lloyd's of London say coronavirus-related claims could cost up to $4.3bn. It estimates the global insurance industry could face a bill in excess of $200bn from the pandemic, and Ashwin Mistry, chairman of British insurance firm Brokerbility discusses what that might mean for consumers as well as companies like his. Also in the programme, we travel to Chile, where the BBC's Jane Chambers reports on some businesses bucking the impact of lockdown. The BBC's Russell Padmore tells us how members of the East African Community, a trading bloc including countries like Uganda, Tanzania and Sudan, have agreed to use digital tracking to monitor the movement of cargo trucks. Plus, the BBC's Victoria Craig reports on efforts under way to save Britain's cheese industry from collapsing under the weight of coronavirus. Jason Hinds of cheese retailer Neal's Yard Dairy discusses a box of cheeses they put together which sold very quickly. Joe Schneider, owner of Stichelton Dairy, which makes one of the cheeses in the box tells us it was a big boost to the firm's bottom line. And Miguel Gomez, associate professor at Cornell University, says the Covid-19 crisis could place a greater emphasis on sales of food directly from small producers like artisanal cheesemakers to consumers.

Some Juba Town residents want South Sudan to quit its membership with the East African Community; the European Union pledges one hundred million euros to Sudan to help the government implement reforms in the country; and the first case of the coronavirus in sub-Saharan Africa is confirmed in Nigeria.

In this episode, we discuss the origins, successes, and challenges of the East African Community, a political and economic bloc comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. Dig Deeper Take a look at some of our favorite articles that we came across while researching this topic: EAC Webpage Headwinds toward East African regional... The post The East African Community appeared first on Matters of State - International Relations Podcast.

A rapid build-up of loans has pushed East African countries close to a debt crisis, putting at risk the region's long-term economic stability. Five East African Community member countries have together amassed more than $100 billion domestic and foreign debt, stretching their repayment budgets to the limit. Kenya and Burundi have the highest loan distress profiles relative to their EAC peers, with their debt to gross domestic product (GDP) ratios projected to exceed 60 percent this year. The International Monetary Fund considers a debt to GDP ratio of 50 percent to be within the tolerable limit for developing economies such as the EAC members. "With several countries facing increased foreign exchange and refinancing risks, it is critical to enhancing debt management frameworks and transparency," warned the IMF in its latest Regional Economic Outlook report released a week ago. Kenya's debt-to-GDP ratio is on course to hit 61.6 percent at the end of this year from 60.1 percent last year, while Burundi's ratio is expected to climb to a high of 63.5 percent from 58.4 per in 2018. Rwanda's debt-to-GDP ratio is expected to touch 49.1 percent from 40.7 percent, taking Kigali closer to the 50 percent threshold. The debt-to-GDP ratios for Uganda and Tanzania will increase to 43.6 percent and 37.7 percent from 41.4 percent and 37.3 percent respectively. The surging debt loads of EAC countries have stoked fears over future capacity to meet repayment obligations, with indications that the region is headed into a debt overhang prompted by an increased appetite for quick and expensive loans. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/newscast-africa/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In November 2019 the East African Community will mark 20 years since the signing of a treaty to re-establish the organisation after it collapsed in 1977. The regional body has six members - Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi and South Sudan. To assess what the region has achieved, its challenges and what the future holds for it, I spoke with veteran journalist Charles Onyango-Obbo following his special series of articles about the East African Community.

In November 2019 the East African Community will mark 20 years since the signing of a treaty to re-establish the organisation after it collapsed in 1977. The regional body has six members - Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi and South Sudan. To assess what the region has achieved, its challenges and what the future holds for it, I spoke with veteran journalist Charles Onyango-Obbo following his special series of articles about the East African Community.

In November 2019 the East African Community will mark 20 years since the signing of a treaty to re-establish the organisation after it collapsed in 1977. The regional body has six members - Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi and South Sudan. To assess what the region has achieved, its challenges and what the future holds for it, I spoke with veteran journalist Charles Onyango-Obbo following his special series of articles about the East African Community.

In November 2019 the East African Community will mark 20 years since the signing of a treaty to re-establish the organisation after it collapsed in 1977. The regional body has six members - Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi and South Sudan. To assess what the region has achieved, its challenges and what the future holds for it, I spoke with veteran journalist Charles Onyango-Obbo following his special series of articles about the East African Community.

TOP STORIES ON AFRICA RISE AND SHINE THIS HOUR... *** East African Community heads of state meet in Tanzania..... *** Malawi's presidential candidates to submit their nomination papers.. *** In Economics: Tax on social networks has reduced the number of Internet users in Uganda.... ***And In Sports: South African under 20 football team prepare to take on Nigeria...

TOP STORIES ON AFRICA RISE AND SHINE THIS HOUR... ** Vote counting gets underway in Lesotho........ ** Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe kicks off election campaign.... ** Burundians welcome East African Community support.... ** In Economics: Uber slammed for price surges during London terror attack ..... ** And In Sports: South Africa begin preparations for AFCON qualifier against Nigeria....

TOP STORIES ON AFRICA RISE AND SHINE THIS HOUR... *** East African Community leaders meet in Dar es Salaam today.... *** Zimbabwe's high court overturns police ban on demonstrations in Harare.... *** In Economics: Volkswagen to start assembling cars in Kenya.... *** And In Sports: Paralympic Games get underway in Rio de Janeiro....

SADC moves on industrialisation of the region, South African Consumer confidence recovers slightly, AGRA draw up a $31m business plan for Ghana, East African Community's Vision of a single currency, News vessels expected as fuel scarcity lingers in Nigeria, Barclays Africa to Negotiate for name after parent's exit, IMF lowers SA's growth outlook for 2016 etc --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/africabusinessnews/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/africabusinessnews/support

Nicole de Silva, IKEA Research Fellow in International Relations at Oxford, gives a talk for the OTJR seminar series on 2nd March 2016.

Listen to this edition of the Pan-African Journal: Worldwide Radio Broadcast hosted by Abayomi Azikiwe, editor of the Pan-African News Wire. We will feature our regular PANW report with dispatches on the efforts by the Mall of America to place restraints on anti-racist demonstrations in the Twin Cities of Minnesota; the Central African Republic is attempting to chart a new course with a recently-elected government in the aftermath of nearly three years of turmoil and destabilization; Somalia has been denied admission to the East African Community; Shell oil has been sued in the UK over its role in damaging the environment in the West African state of Nigeria; and an attempt to hold a vote of no-confidence against the African National Congress government in South Africa was defeated in the parliament this week. In the second hour we begin a monthlong focus on International Women's History Month with a rare archival broadcast from 1968 looking at the role of African American women in United States society. In the final hour we examine the role of culture in the Cuban Revolution.

The Quest for Regional Integration in the East African Community lays out all aspects of the ongoing financial integration process for Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi.

Over the last decade, the East African Community has enjoyed some of the fastest growth rates in the world. To continue on its growth path, IMF economists suggest the region can learn lessons from other countries which have enjoyed rapid development.

As the East African Community considers an ever closer union, the EAC and the International Monetary Fund co-host a conference to draw lessons from the turmoil in the euro area.