Diplomatic tensions in East Africa, specifically between Kenya and Sudan, and Ethiopia and Somalia, are raising concerns for regional stability. Sudan recalled its ambassador from Kenya after the latter welcomed General Abdel Fatah al-Burhan's rival, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. Ethiopia's agreement with Somaliland, which Somalia sees as its territory, led to Somalia recalling its ambassador from Ethiopia. Experts warn these spats could lead to increased interstate conflicts in a region already struggling with internal divisions. Foreign powers are believed to be exacerbating tensions, and there are calls for de-escalation and respect for sovereignty.

Global Witness, a human rights and environmental organization, has accused TotalEnergies of coercing and intimidating communities affected by the East African Crude Oil Pipeline project in Tanzania and Uganda. The residents claim they are forced to accept inadequate compensation for their land. TotalEnergies denies these allegations. The pipeline, which began construction this year, stretches 1,443 kilometers from Tanzania's Tanga to Lake Albert in Uganda. Global Witness has spoken to over 200 people impacted by the project, including farmer Jealousy Mugisha, who alleges loss of land and demands fair compensation. Maxwell Atuhura, an environmental activist, reported harassment and intimidation for challenging the project. Global Witness is calling for an official investigation into the alleged rights abuses.

The International Monetary Fund warns African nations of potential economic downturns due to China's slowing economy. China, Africa's largest trading partner, faces economic challenges from a slowing property market, weak consumer spending, and the aftermath of COVID-19 restrictions. These issues threaten the trade relationship, impacting the export of African metals, minerals, and fuel, and the import of Chinese manufactured goods and machinery. Kenyan businessman Adan Ibrahim notes increased prices and difficulties in trade due to China's COVID-19 regulations. International economics lecturer Gerrishon Ikiara suggests Africa diversify its trading partners. The IMF advises African governments to diversify economies, increase regional trade, and improve the business environment.

A Kenyan IT practitioner developed Wakili, an AI chatbot designed to help Kenyans understand their country's laws and seek justice. The tool targets individuals, legal professionals, and organizations, and was inspired by the challenges faced by people, including the developer's father, in accessing justice.

The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan has accused the South Sudanese government and its intelligence agency of human rights abuses, including suppression of opposition, media restrictions, and interference with civil society. The commission's report, 'Entrenched Repression,' details violations such as torture, harassment, and intimidation, particularly targeting journalists, activists, and critics. The report also notes the resemblance of these tactics to those used by Sudan's security agencies before South Sudan's independence in 2011. With the transitional period ending and elections planned for December 2024, there are concerns about potential abuses by those in power. The UN panel calls for the completion of the constitution-making process, national elections, and the prosecution of those involved in violations to end the culture of impunity.

In Kenya, low-income earners are disproportionately affected by high inflation, with a significant portion of their income spent on food. The Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis reported that the majority of workers earn below the minimum wage, and the government is attempting to manage an inflation rate of 9.6%. Finance Minister Njuguna Ndung'u criticized monopolistic practices for exacerbating poverty. President William Ruto's administration is focusing on revenue collection to address debt from infrastructure projects. Economist Samuel Nyandemo recommends tax reductions on basic commodities to alleviate the cost of living. Kenya is seeking debt repayment leniency from creditors, including China.

A survey by Bayer Group found that 76% of farmers are concerned about the future impact of climate change, with 71% already feeling its effects on their farms and incomes. The study, which interviewed 800 farmers across eight countries, revealed that 568 farmers have directly experienced climate change impacts, such as heat effects leading to reduced yields. Rodrigo Santos of Bayer emphasized the challenge of producing more food with less land due to climate change. In Kenya, 73% of farmers have faced drought, causing crop losses and livestock deaths. The report also noted a global income loss of nearly 16% for farmers due to adverse weather in the past two years. Experts advocate for the adoption of new farming technologies and methods to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance biodiversity. The World Bank's Yosuke Kotsuji highlighted the need for faster technology dissemination in Africa, while Doaa Abdel-Motaal from the World Trade Organization stressed the importance of facilitating food movement between countries to combat food insecurity.

Kenya's President William Ruto inaugurated the first African Climate Summit in Nairobi, urging environmental experts to explore the economic opportunities that arise from tackling global warming and climate change.

The 'Beans is How' coalition, comprising over 60 organizations, aims to double bean consumption in Kenya to improve diets and food systems. Jean Claude Rubyogo of the Pan-African Bean Research Alliance highlights the need to increase bean production and reduce costs for consumers and farmers. Climate change and low awareness of proper seed varieties have affected yields. The coalition is developing faster-growing bean varieties and those requiring less cooking time. Despite low production, many Kenyans consume pulses daily. Paul Newnham of the Sustainable Development Goal 2 Advocacy Hub emphasizes beans' nutritional value and the campaign's roadmap to make beans more visible and understood. The campaign will be featured at the Africa Food Systems Forum in Tanzania.

Human Rights Watch has documented a surge in political violence, arbitrary arrests, abductions, and threats against opposition in the Democratic Republic of Congo ahead of December elections. Authorities are accused of curtailing freedoms and intimidating opposition leaders, with incidents such as Moise Katumbi being barred from political activities and the death of Cherubin Okende, a member of Katumbi's party. The political climate is seen as detrimental to democracy, with concerns over the credibility of the upcoming elections. The government has not commented, but President Felix Tshisekedi has previously stated he would target those threatening national security.

Food Banking Kenya, a non-profit organization in Nairobi, has distributed over 500,000 kilograms of food to families in need amidst a deepening food crisis. The crisis is driven by climate change-induced droughts and high food prices, which have been further exacerbated by the war in Ukraine.

Dozens of members of the Good News International Church in Kenya died from starvation after being encouraged by the cult's founder, Paul Mackenzie, to fast until they met Jesus. Francis Wanje, a grandfather, blames the authorities' lack of action for the high death toll, which includes at least 90 deceased and 314 missing. The Kenyan Red Cross has rescued 34 people, while Kenyan government officials vow to combat religious extremism. Theology experts criticize Mackenzie's teachings as non-biblical and exploitative. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki announced that Mackenzie, arrested on April 15, will face prosecution for the deaths.

A Kenyan grandfather, Francis Wanje, blames authorities for not acting sooner against the Good News International Church, whose members starved themselves and their children, resulting in at least 90 deaths. Wanje's own family was involved, and he managed to rescue his grandson. The cult, founded by Paul Mackenzie, promoted starvation as a means to meet Jesus. The Kenyan Red Cross reports 314 missing persons, while theology experts denounce Mackenzie's teachings as non-biblical. Kenyan officials, including Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, have vowed to combat religious extremism and announced Mackenzie's arrest and upcoming prosecution.

Cocoa prices have tripled in the past year, reaching $8,000 per ton due to climate change and the El Nino weather effect, impacting the supply from top producers Ghana and Ivory Coast. These countries, which account for nearly 60% of global cocoa, have faced heavy rains, flooding, and extreme heat, leading to crop damage and diseases like black pod. Ghana has cut its cocoa production estimate from 850,000 to 650,000 tons. The Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit highlights the need for wealthier nations to provide aid to farmers affected by severe weather and climate change.

Africa is navigating geopolitical challenges with resilience and leveraging economic opportunities amid global tensions, according to a report by Control Risks and Oxford Economics Africa. Despite the war in Ukraine, inflation, and climate and security issues, African countries are finding political, economic, and security opportunities. Major global powers, including the U.S., China, Russia, and the EU, are competing for influence and access to Africa's vast mineral resources and economic prospects. The U.S. has pledged $55 billion to Africa over three years, while China and Russia have increased their investments and trade. African nations are also pushing for industrialization and positioning themselves as manufacturing destinations. However, the continent faces challenges such as illicit financial flows and environmental damage, and wars on the continent are attracting external actors like Wagner and terror organizations.

In Mombasa, Kenya, a severe public health crisis has emerged due to lead poisoning. Scholastica Shikanga's grandson, Kelvin, is among the many affected, showing high levels of lead in his blood, leading to significant health issues. The source of the poisoning is from materials like rubber, battery casings, and burnt tyres. Despite the dire need for medical care and decontamination of affected areas, enforcement of safety measures is lax, and companies often violate regulations with impunity. Human Rights Watch has highlighted the issue, but affected individuals, like George Charo Kiti and Cosmos Otieno Oundo, continue to suffer from the toxic effects. Phyllis Omido, a former employee at a battery plant, has become an activist fighting for the plant's closure after her own child was poisoned.