M23 continues to gain ground in volatile east DR Congo

KANYABAYONGA, DR Congo 

The M23 militia group continued to gain ground in the war-torn east of DR Congo, with more towns falling into the hands of the rebels, sources told our reporter Sunday.

Kinshasa accuses Rwanda of backing the Tutsi-led M23 rebel group which has seized swathes of eastern DR Congo in an ongoing offensive launched in 2021 — something Kigali denies.

On Sunday the M23 (March 23 Movement) moved into the town of Kirumba, in North Kivu province, which has been rocked by violence since 2021 when the group resumed its armed campaign in the region.

Kirumba is the biggest town in the south of the Lubero territory, where the group has been advancing, and a big commercial center with more than 120,000 residents.

"We regret that the large entity [the town] has since yesterday evening been in the hands of the M23," a local official, who did not wish to be named, told our reporter on Sunday.

He said the group is now heading north from the town.

"They are numerous, some arrived on foot and others in vehicles," a civil society leader who asked to remain unnamed said.

Another local official, who also said the rebels had arrived in the town, said they are "waiting for the government's reaction."

President Felix Tshisekedi held a meeting of DR Congo's defense council on Saturday.

During a speech to mark the country's independence day, Tshisekedi said "clear and firm instructions have been given for the safeguarding of the territorial integrity of our country", without giving more details.

On Saturday M23 seized the strategic town of Kanyabayonga, as other surrounding areas also fell into the hands of the rebels.

Kanyabayonga is home to more than 60,000 people and tens of thousands of people have fled there in recent months, driven from their homes by the advance of the rebels.

The town is considered a pathway to Butembo and Beni in the north, strongholds of the Nande tribe and major commercial centers.

It is in the Lubero territory, the fourth territory in the North Kivu province that the group has entered after Rutshuru, Nyiragongo and Masisi.

Other towns near Kanyabayonga have also been seized by M23, according to officials and security sources.

Five people including three civilians and two soldiers have been killed in the town of Kayna where the rebels took control on Saturday, Console Sindani vice president of Kayna civil society, told the reporter on Sunday.

The mayor of the commune of Kayna, Clovis Kanyauru said on Sunday there had been three deaths.

DR Congo's mineral-rich east has been the scene of violence for 30 years by armed groups, both local and foreign-based, going back to regional wars of the 1990s.

Kenya to borrow Ksh.1 Trillion after Finance Bill rejection

NAIROBI,  Kenya 

President of Kenya,  William Ruto painted a bleak picture of the country's future on Sunday, following the rejection of the proposed Finance Bill, 2024.

According to the Head of State, Kenya has gone back two years and will need to borrow at least Ksh.1.2 trillion this year to keep the government operational.

"We have dropped the Finance Bill. What does that mean? It means we have gone back almost 2 years," President Ruto told journalists at State House on Sunday. 

"It means that this year we are going to borrow 1 trillion shillings to be able to run our government."

President Ruto told the Presidential roundtable that dropping the Finance Bill means the government will be unable to confirm 46,000 Junior Secondary School teachers on permanent and pensionable contracts.

He stated that without the funds that his administration hoped to raise, it will be impossible to assist Kenyan farmers in ensuring they receive at least Ksh.50 per litre of milk.

"It means we can not help our farmers get a return of Ksh.50 per lire of milk, we can not pay coffee farmers' debs, we can not support the cherry fund, and we can not help Mumias farmers with their debts," he said.

President Ruto announced last Wednesday that he would not sign the contentious Finance Bill into law, following days of growing unrest and protests in more than 15 counties.

The bill was intended to generate 346 billion Kenyan shillings ($2.68 billion), or 3% of GDP, in additional revenue.

Kenya agreed a four-year loan with the IMF in 2021, and signed on for additional lending to support climate change measures in May 2023, taking its total IMF loan access to $3.6 billion.

The IMF requires regular reviews of reforms - in Kenya's case every six months - before it releases tranches of funding.

Kenya reached a staff level agreement with the IMF earlier this month on a seventh review - before President William Ruto abandoned the tax bill on Wednesday - even then warning of revenue shortfalls. The review in theory paves the way for $976 million, but it had not secured crucial IMF board sign-off.

"There isn't a great deal of room to manoeuvre unless you really start doing much more thorough reviews" of spending, said Giulia Pelligrini, senior portfolio manager with Allianz Global Investors, of what Kenya can do to meet targets. "So it's going to be difficult."

She added that a mix of government spending cuts, and flexibility from the IMF on programme targets, was the likely outcome.

Kenya's sovereign dollar bonds slid after Ruto's u-turn. Morgan Stanley said that with eurobond yields back above 10%, Kenya had limited access to international bonds, which could push them to borrow more locally.

England escaped an embarrassing last 16 exit at Euro 2024

COLOGNE,  Germany 

England escaped an embarrassing last 16 exit at Euro 2024 thanks to Jude Bellingham's overhead kick before Harry Kane struck in extra-time for a 2-1 win over Slovakia on Sunday.

The Three Lions have been hyped as one of the favourites to end a 58-year wait for major tournament glory but looked set to go out with a whimper to Ivan Schranz's 25th minute goal.

However, Bellingham's moment of inspiration five minutes into six added on in stoppage time breathed new life into Gareth Southgate's reign as England boss.

Kane then headed in just a minute into extra-time to set up a quarterfinal meeting with Switzerland on Saturday.

Southgate looked certain to fall on his sword after steadfastly refusing to make changes to a side that stumbled through as winners of Group C despite scoring just two goals in three games.

Kobbie Mainoo was introduced for his first competitive start in Southgate's only change and he paid the price with another lacklustre display lacking in any speed or invention for long spells.

The one saving grace of England's performances in the group stage was that a makeshift defence had held up well, conceding just once in three games.

However, they were torn to pieces early on by a Slovakia side ranked 45th in the world.

England did not heed a couple of warnings as David Hancko and Lukas Haraslin were wasteful with big chances.

Slovakia finally punished their more illustrious opponents when David Strelec was given acres of room to turn and play in Schranz, who confidently stroked past Jordan Pickford for his third goal of the tournament.

Despite his lack of experience, Mainoo was one of the few players that threatened to spark England into life as the Manchester United midfielder's effort was deflected wide.

The halftime whistle was met with a chorus of boos but Southgate still stuck to his guns and did not make a change until 25 minutes to go.

England did at least improve on a dismal first half and had the ball in the net within five minutes of the restart.

Phil Foden turned in Kieran Trippier's cross but was caught offside after a VAR review.

Slovakia should have doubled their lead shortly afterwards when England gave away possession and Strelec saw Pickford well off his line but failed to hit the target from the halfway line.

Southgate's hand was finally forced on 66 minutes by an injury to Trippier.

One of the major calls the England boss will come to regret is only naming one natural left-back in his 26-man squad in Luke Shaw, who has not played a minute for club or country since February.

With Shaw not match-fit, Bukayo Saka was forced to deputise at left-back to make room for the introduction of Cole Palmer.

England's chances seemed to have gone when Kane headed wide a golden opportunity and Declan Rice smashed the post with a long-range pot shot.

Southgate was even derided by the England support for bringing on Ivan Toney deep into stoppage time with chants of "you don't know what you're doing."

However, there was an incredible twist as Bellingham acrobatically turned home Guehi's flick-on from a throw-in the final moments of added-on time.

Slovakia were suddenly rattled and Toney was to have a telling contribution.

The Brentford striker headed Eberechi Eze's mishit shot back across goal for Kane to power home his second goal of the tournament.

Slovakia should still have taken the game to penalties when full-back Peter Pekarik failed to turn in a dangerous driven cross from point-blank range.

But England live to fight another day come the quarterfinal against an impressive Switzerland, who comfortably knocked out holders Italy 2-0 on Saturday.

Mauritania: Incumbent holds lead in presidential election

NOUAKCHOTT, Mauritania 

Mauritania's President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani holds the lead in Saturday's general elections by a large margin, according to provisional results released by the election commission,.

With just over half of votes counted, Ghazouani had 54.87% of the vote, while his nearest rival, rights activist Biram Dah Abeid, was at 22.86% according to figures published on the commission's website on Sunday.

"The last word belongs to the Mauritanian voters. I commit myself to respecting their choice," Ghazouani told reporters after casting his ballot Saturday.

Ghazouni faced six challengers in the general election but was widely expected to win.

The president has vowed, if reelected, to bring in more investments to the West African nation, where many people live in poverty. The country possesses mineral wealth and is set to become a gas producer soon.

Ghazouani has promised a gas-fired power plant from the Greater Tortue Ahmeyin (GTA) offshore gas project, which is expected to start production by the end of this year. He also promised to invest in renewable energy and increase gold, uranium and iron ore mining.

"We must not let ourselves be fooled by the slogans of the candidates who are not reassuring. Mauritania must vote for continuity and stability and its security in a troubled environment and it is not these candidates without experience in governance who will give us confidence," Marieme Brahim, a 38-year-old who voted for Ghazouni told AP news agency.

The 67-year-old was first elected president in 2019.

Though Mauritania's neighbors, such as Mali, have faced insurgency and military coups, the country has experienced relative political stability since Ghazouani's election, with no recent militant attack.

"Authorities are ready to face any attempt at creating disorder, as security is Mauritanians' utmost priority," Ghazouani said during an election rally. He has promised supporters a "resounding first-round victory."

Deadly Kenya protests spurred by international debt woes

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa 

“Kenya is not IMF’s lab rat,” was just one of many slogans condemning the International Monetary Fund that was seen this week on demonstrators’ placards at protests in Kenya against proposed tax hikes.

The protests, fueled by tech-savvy youth on social media, were sparked by the Kenyan government’s plans to significantly raise taxes to pay off its enormous debt.

The government did a U-turn after things turned deadly Tuesday when protesters broke into parliament in Nairobi and police opened fire, killing over 20 people, according to rights groups.

Embattled President William Ruto announced he was listening to the protesters’ concerns and was scrapping his controversial finance bill. He said he would instead introduce budget cuts and austerity measures to try to shore up the country’s finances.

But the chaotic events in one of Africa’s major economies, also a key U.S. ally, have led to questions about the debt choking many developing countries, and who is to blame.

West African defense chiefs propose a $2.6 billion security plan

ABUJA, Nigeria

Defense chiefs of West Africa on Thursday, June 27 proposed a plan to deploy a 5,000-strong “standby force” to fight the region’s worsening security crises, a measure that analysts say might not work due to challenges of funding and division within the regional bloc.

The plan, which will cost $2.6 billion annually, was proposed to heads of state at a meeting of defense officials in Nigeria's capital of Abuja. The plan was also aimed at preventing further coups following a string of military takeovers that have destabilized the region, Nigeria’s Defense Minister Mohammed Badaru said.

Thursday’s meeting is the first time the bloc is mapping out publicly the financing of its long-talked-about standby force. However, analysts identified challenges it might face, including the shortage of funds from member states required to contribute money and securing the support of coup-hit countries most affected by the security crises.

“More than ever, we are at a pivotal moment in the history of our community to address insecurity,” said Omar Alieu Touray, president of the regional bloc of ECOWAS Commission, as he urged member-states to support the force. Their proposals are expected to be considered at the upcoming summit of the regional heads of state.

The resurgence of coups in West and Central Africa – with four of its nations being run by military governments – has divided the 15-nation ECOWAS and destabilized the region, especially the coup-hit countries of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, which are worst-hit by the deadly violence now spreading to coastal nations.

ECOWAS has unsuccessfully tried to return democracies in these countries. Their best shot with now-lifted economic sanctions resulted in the three coup-hit countries withdrawing their membership and opening more windows for Russian mercenaries in the region.

Touray, the ECOWAS commission president, said the bloc invited officials from the coup-hit countries of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger to attend Thursday’s meeting and join in forming such a force. It was not immediately clear if the countries would agree to this.

“I don’t think ECOWAS has the capacity to launch military interventions without foreign assistance,” said Ulf Laessing, head of the Sahel program at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.

Such a standby force can only work if ECOWAS gets the commitment of all its member states and if the bloc maps out a strategy to deal with Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, said Kars de Bruijne, a senior research fellow at the Clingendael Institute think tank.

“Delivering (on such plans) has been the issue with ECOWAS for a long time,” he said.

SA president hits out at coalition partner in fierce row

JOHANNESBURG,  South Africa 

South Africa's main coalition partners are at loggerheads just weeks after agreeing to share power, as President Cyril Ramaphosa accuses Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen of trying to create a "parallel government" in breach of the constitution.

He is said to have made the explosive allegation in a letter to Mr Steenhuisen on 25 June, which has been seen by local media.

Markets have slumped with the news of the deepening rift, at a time when Mr Ramaphosa's African National Congress (ANC) and the DA are supposed to be divvying up cabinet posts and settling into office.

When the ANC failed to win an outright majority in last month's election, the main opposition DA agreed to form a government of national unity that would keep President Ramaphosa in power - in exchange for DA politicians getting cabinet positions.

The ANC subsequently also signed a coalition deal with eight smaller parties, with Mr Ramaphosa under pressure to accommodate at least some of them in his cabinet as well.

Mr Ramaphosa penned his furious letter after giving the DA a final offer of six cabinet posts, according to local media reports.

The DA then demanded two further posts, reports the News24 website, which angered the ANC's top brass.

Mr Ramaphosa's letter accused the DA leader of "moving the goalposts" during the negotiation process.

He also rebuked the DA's powerful federal chairperson, Helen Zille, for demands that he described as "offensive, condescending and inconsistent with the constitution".

Local media also report that Mr Ramaphosa had reneged on his promise to give the DA the Trade and Industry Ministry, a key post to boost South Africa's struggling economy.

In response to this snub, says News 24, the DA's leaders told Mr Ramaphosa the "deal is off" unless he sticks to the earlier agreement that the two parties made.

The current row is causing consternation as South Africa enters alien political territory.

The ANC has lost its parliamentary majority for the first time since it took power at the end of the racist system of apartheid in 1994.

It got 40% of the vote, while the DA got 22%.

Initially, analysts told reporters that the two sides might be posturing as they try get the best deal for themselves, but the latest leaked correspondence suggest deeper rifts that some fear could sink the coalition agreement they signed on 14 June.

News of the possible collapse of the agreement led to South Africa's currency, the rand, plunging against the dollar.

The business sector has strongly advocated for a deal between the two parties, believing it would help achieve economy stability.

Russian, Congolese leaders hold talks in Moscow

MOSCOW,  Russia 

Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed his Congolese counterpart Denis Sassou Nguesso in the Kremlin on Thursday. 

Sassou is the latest African leader to visit Moscow, which has stepped up ties with African nations since 2022.

The Russian leader Sassou Nguesso's contribution to developing Russian-Congolese ties.

"You personally have done a lot for the development of Russian-Congolese relations. You took part in two Russia-Africa summits, and you are making the necessary efforts to develop our cooperation in almost all areas, I mean the political level, and recently trade and economic relations have been noticeably developing. We are grateful to you for your joint work on the international stage. Overall, everything is working out for us," said Putin.

Sassou-Nguesso has been in Russia since Tuesday. This is his second trip to the country in less than a year. Last July, he traveled to Saint Petersburg to attend the Russia-Africa summit.

This trip is expected to culminate in the signing of agreements on energy, trade and security cooperation.

"We would like to discuss with you and other officials the best way to advance the cooperation between our countries in all the fields, including economy, finance, defense, and security. We need security nowadays," said Sassou Nguesso.

Putin also awarded Sassou Nguesso with an Order of Honor for his contribution to developing Russian-Congolese ties.

Russia has worked to bolster ties with African countries in a bid to counter western sanctions and isolation over the war in Ukraine.

Most African nations have adopted a neutral stance on the conflict, calling instead for a ceasefire and peace talks.

Kenya president concedes to Gen - Z protesters

NAIROBI, Kenya 

Kenya's President William Ruto on Wednesday bowed to pressure from Kenyans after several protests and has declined declined to sign the Finance Bill 2024 to law.

The move follows Tuesday's deadly protests that saw demonstrators breach Parliament premises 0for the first time in Kenya's history.

“Following the passage of the Bill, the country witnessed widespread expression of dissatisfaction with the Bill as passed, regrettably resulting in the loss of life, destruction of property and desecration of constitutional institutions. I send condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones in this unfortunate manner.

“Consequently, having reflected on the continuing conversation around the content of the Finance Bill, 2024, I will decline to assent to the Bill,” he said in a televised address from State House on Wednesday flanked by the ruling party members of Parliament who voted for the Bill.

President Ruto’s decision will likely be seen as an attempt to de-escalate already rising tensions following Tuesday’s countrywide demos.

Protesters carry the body of a man who was shot during a protest over proposed tax increases in downtown Nairobi, Kenya, on Tuesday, June 25, 2024

Protesters had earlier vowed to keep up their demonstrations on Thursday.

After it was passed by MPs, the Finance Bill was submitted to his office for signing into law.

Kenyans, including industry groups, have widely criticised the legislation, saying it adds punitive new taxes and raises others on a wide range of goods and services that would escalate the cost of living.

The protests, which began in Nairobi last week, spread to other major towns and cities such as Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret, Nyeri and Mombasa and were witnessed in more than half of the 47 counties Tuesday.

Ruto said now he would engage young people to agree on their priority areas of concern.

“I also propose that within the next 14 days, a multi-sectoral, multi-stakeholder engagement be held with a view to charting the way forward on matters relating to the content of the Bill as well as auxiliary issues raised in recent days on the need for austerity measures and strengthening our fight against corruption,” the President said.

The President has also directed immediate operation budget cuts for the presidency and the entire Executive arm of government. 

He has also recommended the Judiciary, Parliament and county governments to follow suit.

Kenya police force arrives in gang-hit Haiti

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti

A couple hundred police officers from Kenya landed in the capital of Port-au-Prince, whose main international airport reopened in late May after gang violence forced it to close for nearly three months.

The Kenyans’ arrival marks the fourth major foreign military intervention in Haiti.

It wasn’t immediately known what the Kenyans’ first assignment would be, but they will face violent gangs that control 80% of Haiti’s capital and have left more than 580,000 people across the country homeless as they pillage neighborhoods in their quest to control more territory.

Gangs also have killed several thousand people in recent years.

While some Haitians welcome their arrival, others view the force with caution, given that the previous intervention - the U.N.’s 2004-2017 peacekeeping mission - was marred by cases of sexual assault and the introduction of cholera, which killed nearly 10,000 people.

Romain Le Cour, senior expert at Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, called on the international community and government officials to share details including the mission’s rules of engagement and concept of operation.

“We haven’t heard about a proper strategy about the mission on the ground, what is going to happen vis-a-vis the gangs,” he said. “Is it a static mission? Is it a moving mission? All those details are still missing, and I think it’s about time that there’s actually transparency.”

Meanwhile, the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti issued a brief statement welcoming the Kenyans' arrival: “It is a crucial step in the fight to restore security in the Haitian capital and its surroundings and protect the rights of Haitians.”

The Kenyans’ deployment comes nearly four months after gangs launched coordinated attacks targeting key government infrastructure in Haiti’s capital and beyond. They seized control of more than two dozen police stations, fired on the main international airport and stormed Haiti’s two biggest prisons, releasing more than 4,000 inmates.

“We’ve been asking for security for the longest time,” said Orgline Bossicot, a 47-year-old mother of two who sells carrots and charcoal as a wholesale distributor.

Gang violence has stymied her sales, and she tries to stay out as late as possible before sundown to make up for the losses despite being afraid.

“You don’t know who’s waiting for you around the corner. We are a target,” she said, adding that she is hopeful about the Kenyan police joining forces with local authorities. “It would be a great step forward for me, for Haiti and for a lot of people.”

Critics say the coordinated gang attacks that began Feb. 29 could have been prevented if the foreign force had been deployed sooner, but multiple setbacks including a legal challenge filed in Kenya and political upheaval in Haiti delayed its arrival.

ICC seeks arrest of Russian officials over attacks on Ukrainian civil infrastructure

THE HAGUE, Netherlands

A pre-trial chamber of the International Criminal Court issued Tuesday (Jun. 25) arrest warrants for Russia’s former Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu and current chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, Valery Gerasimov.

The judges say there are reasonable grounds to believe that the officials bear responsibility for missile strikes carried out by the Russian army against the Ukrainian electric infrastructure from at least 10 October 2022 until at least 9 March 2023.

Shoigu and Gerasimov are allegedly responsible for the war crimes of directing attacks at civilian objects and causing excessive incidental harm to civilians or damage to civilian objects, and the crime against humanity of inhumane acts under the Rome Statute.

Like the US, Ukraine and Israel, Russia isn’t a member of the court and refuses to hand over suspects.

The ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the court "failed to live up to expectations and did not become a truly independent body of international justice," according to state news agency Tass.

Last year, the court issued a warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin.

France face tough road to final in a forced draw with Poland

DORTMUND, Germany

Kylian Mbappe scored a penalty on his return after breaking his nose but Robert Lewandowski's reply meant France and Poland drew 1-1 in their final group game at Euro 2024 on Tuesday.

The result, combined with Austria's 3-2 victory over the Netherlands at the same time, means France finish second in Group D with one win and two draws.

France will now head to Duesseldorf for a last-16 tie next Monday against the runners-up in Group E, which will be Belgium, Romania, Slovakia or Ukraine.

"We have to appreciate what we did. We're qualified. We know when we're playing next (1 July), even if we don't know against who exactly," said France coach Didier Deschamps.

"We've achieved our first objective," said Deschamps. "Even if we don't have the spot we were aiming for because we are second. A new competition is about to start."

Wearing a mask to protect his injured nose, Mbappe rolled in a spot-kick to put France ahead early in the second half in Dortmund after Ousmane Dembele was brought down in the Poland area.

It was Mbappe's first ever goal at a European Championship, and the first scored by a France player at this year's tournament – their only prior counter was an own goal by Austria's Maximilian Woeber.

Yet Lewandowski, Poland's all-time top scorer who was himself starting for the first time at Euro 2024 after a thigh injury, equalised from a penalty at the other end 11 minutes from time.

His first kick was saved by Mike Maignan, but Lewandowski was allowed a retake as the France goalkeeper came off his line before the ball had been struck.

France's result is all the more significant as they are now on the same side of the draw as Portugal, Spain and Germany, which they would have avoided by topping the group.

Often imprecise and lacking in intensity here, the 2022 World Cup runners-up will certainly need to improve on this performance, and their previous group outings, if they are to win the competition.

Poland had already been eliminated before this game, becoming the first team to go out after losing their opening two matches.

This result at least allowed Michal Probierz's side to rescue some pride and gave some cheer to their large support.

 

Dour England win Euro 2024 group

COLOGNE, Germany

England ground out a 0-0 draw with Slovenia to claim top spot in Group C and avoid a last-16 meeting with hosts Germany, but France faces a complicated path to the final after failing to beat Poland on Tuesday.

Gareth Southgate's side have struggled to find their best form in the tournament and delivered another unimpressive performance in Cologne, one that will do little to silence the mounting criticism back home.

It was still enough to advance as group winners though after an equally turgid 0-0 draw between Denmark and Serbia in Munich, which saw the Danes finish second ahead of Slovenia despite an identical record.

"That was the aim before the start of the tournament, to come top of the group," England captain Harry Kane told ITV.

"These games are really, really tough. We've been here before and stepped it up in the knockouts. Hopefully we can do it again but whoever we get in the next round will be tough."

England must wait to find out which of the four best third-placed teams they will meet in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday for a place in the quarterfinals.

Denmark pipped Slovenia to the runners-up spot by virtue of a better disciplinary record after both nations finished with three draws, the same goal difference and number of goals scored.

Slovenia picked up one more yellow card than Denmark, who take on Germany in the last 16.

"It's a great team but we're a great team as well and when we play the big nations, we always step up," said Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand.

Slovenia celebrated reaching the knockout phase of a major tournament for the first time, while Serbia were eliminated after coming last in the section. Croatia's exit was also confirmed.

Kenya deployes Army to fight protesting youths

NAIROBI,  Kenya 

Kenya's Defence Cabinet Secretary, Aden Duale, has announced the deployment of the millitary in the country following a day of protests against the controversial Finance Bill 2024. 

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In a gazette notice dated June 25, the Defence CS cited Article 241 (3) (b) of Kenya's constitution to declare the deployment of the Kenya Defence Forces in support of the National Police Service.

According to Duale, the deployment of KDF soldiers was in response to ongoing violent protests in various parts of the Republic of Kenya, which have resulted in the destruction and breaching of critical infrastructure.

The Kenya Defence Forces is deployed on the 25th June, 2024 in support of the National Police Service in response to the security emergency caused by the ongoing violent protests in various parts of the Republic of Kenya resulting in destruction and broaching of critical infrastructure," the gazette notice reads. 

The Head of State will, according to a State House communique, address the press at 9pm on Tuesday. 

Early Tuesday, Kenyan protesters broke through parliament barricades on Tuesday and entered the complex, where lawmakers were debating contentious tax hike proposals that have sparked widespread outrage.

According to Amnesty International Kenya, hundreds of protesters broke through police barriers outside parliament in Nairobi, with police firing live rounds and injuring "many" people.

A section of parliament that houses offices was also set on fire as protesters stormed the buildings, accompanied by heavy gunfire from police officers battling the defiant mob.

Protesters who have rallied against the contentious Bill, which was passed by the House on Tuesday, have been picketing for the past week, arguing that if passed, the Bill will burden an already burdened population.

The United States of America, the United Kingdom and a host of other countries have condemned the abduction and killing of protesters in Kenya during the ongoing anti-Finance Bill protests that have been witnessed across the country.

In a joint statement, Ambassadors & High Commissioners from 13 countries expressed concern over the violence witnessed across the country and the resultant deaths.

"We are deeply concerned by the violence witnessed in many parts of the country during the recent protests, and are especially shocked by the scenes witnessed outside the Kenyan Parliament," reads the statement.

Five killed and parliament ablaze in Kenya tax protests

By Basillioh Rukanga, NAIROBI  Kenya 

At least five protesters have been shot dead by police in Kenya and a section of parliament has gone up in flames as demonstrations against new tax proposals escalate.

An angry crowd broke through police lines to storm parliament in the capital Nairobi before setting parts of it ablaze.

In an address on Tuesday evening, President William Ruto said all means would be deployed to "thwart any attempts by dangerous criminals to undermine the security and stability of our country".

He has deployed the military to quell the protests.

Footage from multiple Kenyan media outlets also showed people battling a fire at City Hall, the office of the Nairobi county governor.

The Kenya Medical Association said that police shot dead at least five people, with hundreds more reported injured.

Our reporter saw bodies lying in the street.

Police have not yet commented on casualty figures.

"Such actions are unacceptable and constitute a grave violation of human rights," the Kenya Human Rights Commission said.

But President Ruto pledged a tough response to the "violence and anarchy".

"It is not in order or even conceivable that criminals pretending to be peaceful protesters can reign terror against the people, their elected representatives and the institutions established under our constitution and expect to go scot-free," Mr Ruto added.

Police deployed to protect key government buildings including parliament were overwhelmed by protesters.

Hundreds of MPs were unable to leave and reportedly took cover in the basement as protesters stormed the building before being evacuated via underground tunnels.

A cathedral in Nairobi, which doctors were using as a medical camp received streams of injured demonstrators.

However, the operation was shut down by the military. A BBC reporter witnessed doctors being forced out of the building by soldiers.

Outside the emergency unit at Kenyatta National Hospital, staff set up a temporary unit to receive more casualties.

As a result of the protests, many businesses across the country have been forced to close and transport systems have been paralysed.

Protesters have been demanding the government withdraw a controversial finance bill which includes unpopular tax proposals.

The government has rowed back on some of the most contentious proposals, but passed an amended bill on Tuesday.

"There are some things that are hard to understand, like how can you impose 16% tax on bread? How can you tax sanitary pads?" 24-year-old Derrick Mwathu told the reporter, referring to some of the proposals contained in the original bill.

America, United Kingdom condemn abductions, killing of protesters

By Philip Mwaniki, NAIROBI Kenya 

The United States of America, the United Kingdom and a host of other countries have condemned the abduction and killing of protesters in Kenya during the ongoing anti-Finance Bill protests that have been witnessed across the country.

In a joint statement, Ambassadors & High Commissioners from 13 countries expressed concern over the violence witnessed across the country and the resultant deaths.

"We are deeply concerned by the violence witnessed in many parts of the country during the recent protests, and are especially shocked by the scenes witnessed outside the Kenyan Parliament," reads the statement.

"We regret the tragic loss of life and injuries sustained including by the use of live fire.

Amnesty International reported that five people have been shot dead and 31 people injured. Amnesty revealed that 13 people were shot with live bullets, 4 with rubber bullets and 3 people hit with launcher canisters.

Calling themselves "friends and partners to Kenya", the ambassadors and High Commissioners said protesting is a constitutional right.

"We note that Kenya's constitution guarantees the right to peaceful protest. All actors have the responsibility to respect, uphold, promote and fulfil the principles of democracy and the rule of law, particularly by ensuring a proportionate security response."

"We welcome the statement released by the Hon Chief Justice Martha Koome and are deeply concerned by allegations of abductions of protestors."

They also called for civic engagement by all Kenyans "in addressing issues of vital public concern.

"We call for restraint on all sides, and encourage all leaders to find peaceful solutions through constructive dialogue," reads the joint statement.

The ambassadors and High Commissioners are drawn from Canadian High Commission, the Royal Danish Embassy, Embassy of Finland, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, Embassy of Ireland, Embassy of the Netherlands, Embassy of the Republic of Estonia, Embassy of Norway, Embassy of Sweden, Embassy of Romania, Embassy of Belgium, British High Commission and the Embassy of the United States of America.

'Julian Assange is free' - WikiLeaks

LONDON, England

Julian Assange’s wife Stella on Tuesday thanked campaigners for their support as the WikiLeaks founder was released after five years in British custody.

“Julian is free!!!!” she wrote on the social media platform X following confirmation that he had left Belmarsh high-security prison in southeast London.

“Words cannot express our immense gratitude” to everyone who had backed the global push for his release, she added.
Stella Assange met the Australian publisher while he was holed up in Ecuador’s London embassy to avoid extradition to Sweden on sexual assault charges that were later dropped.

Assange, accused of divulging US military secrets related to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, had been due back in court in London next month after winning an appeal against extradition.

But WikiLeaks said in a statement: “Julian Assange is free. He left Belmarsh maximum security prison on the morning of June 24, after having spent 1,901 days there.

“He was granted bail by the High Court in London and was released at Stansted airport during the afternoon, where he boarded a plane and departed the UK.”

The media freedom group said sustained campaigning, from grassroots supporters to political leaders and the United Nations, “created the space for a long period of negotiations with the US Department of Justice,” leading to a deal.

The organization said the deal “has not yet been formally finalized.”
Assange was initially detained for skipping bail in relation to the Swedish case and held in custody while the US extradition request wound its way through court.

He will now be reunited with his wife, whom he married at a ceremony in the prison, and their two young children, it added.
“WikiLeaks published ground-breaking stories of government corruption and human rights abuses, holding the powerful accountable for their actions,” the statement read.

“As editor-in-chief, Julian paid severely for these principles, and for the people’s right to know.

“As he returns to Australia, we thank all who stood by us, fought for us, and remained utterly committed in the fight for his freedom. Julian’s freedom is our freedom.”