US House votes to rein in Trump's war powers in rebuke over Iran

WASHINGTON, United States 

The United States House of Representatives passed a measure that seeks to halt President Donald Trump from taking further military action in Iran.

The 215-208 vote was successful after four Republicans joined Democrats in a public show of disapproval of the war, which began in February.

This is the fourth attempt by the House to rein in Trump's war powers, which critics say lack congressional approval.

The House resolution still needs approval from the Republican-controlled US Senate. Even if it were successful in the Senate, the measure is unlikely to fully curb military action against Iran.

The Senate advanced a similar resolution in May, after seven previous failed attempts, but it has yet to reach a full floor vote.

The vote on Wednesday marked the latest sign of division within Trump's Republican Party, coming just days after a revolt by conservatives in Congress led his administration to pull back plans for a $1.8b "anti-weaponization" fund for political allies.

In the House, Republicans Thomas Massie, Brian Fitzpatrick, Tom Barrett, and Warren Davidson joined a united front from Democrats to pass Wednesday's resolution. Democrat Jared Golden of Maine, who had previously voted against similar measures, gave his support this time.

"Congress alone declares war, that's something certainly we need to be protective of," Barrett, a Republican from Michigan, said. Asked if he was worried about retribution from Trump for his vote, Barrett said: "I vote my conscience for what I think is right and willing to accept that."

Representative Gregory Meeks, the leading Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs committee, described the vote as "a significant bipartisan rebuke of President Trump's illegal and costly war in Iran and the first step toward ending it once and for all".

Meeks said that Trump had failed to achieve the war's stated aims while pushing up fuel prices at home and making a diplomatic solution to Iran's nuclear programme even more difficult to achieve.

"The passage of this [measure] today signals a significant turning point: more and more Republicans are listening to their constituents who do not want another open-ended war in the Middle East," Meeks, who co-sponsored the resolution, said.

The US and Israel launched strikes against Iran on 28 February. Iran responded by attacking Israel and US-allied states in the Gulf, and effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global shipping.

In April, the US announced it would impose a blockade on ships travelling to or from Iran's coast.

The US and Iran reached an initial ceasefire agreement on 8 April.

Despite that agreement, the US has struck Iran in recent days, with Tehran responding with strikes on Kuwait, a US ally. Ahead of the vote, Trump again asserted that negotiations to end the war are going "very well" and could be finalised as soon as this weekend.

"We hit them pretty hard the night before, and actually last night," Trump told reporters at the White House on Wednesday, referring to strikes in Iran. "Some people would say they were slightly provoked because we took a strong action for a different reason, so they were reciprocating."

The president added that most of the members of his administration are hoping to end the conflict soon with a deal "without killing everybody".

"In theory they're pretty close to signing a paper, we've actually gotten along with them very well."

EAST AFRICA NEWSPAPERS 4/6/2026

 

US imposes fresh sanctions on M23 and FDLR leaders

WASHINGTON, United States 

The United States has imposed new sanctions on senior figures from the M23 rebel movement and the FDLR militia, escalating pressure on armed groups fueling conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. 

The move signals Washington’s determination to enforce commitments made under the Washington peace accords

The United States announced fresh sanctions on Tuesday against two commanders accused of playing key roles in the conflict that continues to destabilize eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

The measures, imposed by the U.S. Treasury Department, target John Imani Nzenze, the intelligence chief of the M23 rebel movement, and Gustave Kubwayo, also known as “Colonel Sirkoof,” a senior commander within the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR).

According to Washington, both men are involved in activities that contribute to violence and insecurity in the region despite ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the conflict.

John Imani Nzenze is considered one of the closest associates of M23 leader Sultani Makenga, who is already under U.S. and United Nations sanctions.

A prominent figure within the movement since its first rebellion in 2012-2013, Nzenze has long been linked to military operations against Congolese government forces.

On the other side of the conflict, Gustave Kubwayo heads an intelligence and special operations unit of the FDLR, a Hutu militia with roots in the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. His group remains active in the Nyiragongo territory of North Kivu province.

By targeting commanders from both armed groups, Washington appears intent on demonstrating neutrality while increasing pressure on all actors contributing to instability.

Announcing the sanctions, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the administration remains committed to ending the violence that has fueled one of Africa’s most severe humanitarian crises.

“Persistent violence by armed groups is exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis,” Bessent said, adding that the measures are intended to support a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

Under the sanctions, all assets belonging to the designated individuals that are located in the United States or under the control of U.S. citizens are frozen.

American individuals and entities are also prohibited from conducting transactions with them.

The sanctions are closely linked to the commitments contained in the Washington Agreements signed on 4 December 2025.

The United States reiterated its expectation that the Congolese government continue efforts to dismantle the FDLR and affiliated groups operating on its territory. At the same time, Washington renewed calls for Rwanda to withdraw its forces from eastern Congo and cease any support for the M23 rebellion.

Rwanda has consistently denied allegations by the United Nations and Western governments that it backs the M23.

Senegal crowned TotalEnergies CAF U-17 AFCON champions after shootout win over Tanzania

RABAT, Morocco 

Senegal were crowned champions of the TotalEnergies CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2026, after beating Tanzania 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in Tuesday’s final in Rabat.

The Young Lions of Teranga had to come from behind at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium after Tanzania stunned them with an early goal through Hamis Chenga in the seventh minute.

Ibrahima Dione equalised for Senegal in the 64th minute, turning in from close range after Tanzania goalkeeper Haji Abdullahi failed to hold a free-kick from Souleymane Commissaire Faye.

With neither side able to find a winner in normal time, the final was decided by penalties, where Senegal showed greater composure to claim another continental title at this level.

Faye, Sadio, Dione and Thior all converted for Senegal in the shootout, while Tanzania scored through Usuph and Mbegelendi but saw Kilendemo and Mbegu miss their attempts.

The victory secured Senegal’s second U-17 AFCON title and further underlined the strength of the country’s youth football development system.

For Tanzania, defeat brought a painful end to a historic campaign in which the Serengeti Boys reached the final for the first time and gave East African football one of its proudest moments at continental youth level.

The final started with Senegal showing early intent, as Mouhamed Wagne created danger inside the opening minute.

But it was Tanzania who struck first.

Chenga won the ball in midfield, advanced towards the Senegal area and fired home from the edge of the box to give the Serengeti Boys a shock lead after only seven minutes.

The goal rewarded Tanzania’s bravery and discipline, while also exposing early uncertainty in the Senegal defence.

Senegal responded by pushing forward in search of an equaliser, but Tanzania remained compact and organised.

In the 22nd minute, Ibrahima Sow came close for the Young Lions with a header from a well-delivered cross by Thierno Sow, but Haji produced a fine save to preserve Tanzania’s lead.

Senegal continued to press through set-pieces and wide attacks, but they were unable to break through before half-time.

Tanzania went into the interval ahead, having shown the same resilience and tactical maturity that carried them through penalty shootout wins over Algeria and Egypt earlier in the knockout stage.

After the break, Senegal increased the tempo.

Commissaire Faye tested Tanzania from distance in the 48th minute, while Sega Fall Mbodji and Lamine Mbengue also threatened as the Young Lions began to take control of possession and territory.

The pressure finally told in the 64th minute.

Faye delivered a dangerous free-kick which Haji could only parry, and Dione reacted quickest to tap the loose ball into the net and bring Senegal level.

The equaliser shifted momentum towards Senegal, who looked the more dangerous side in the final quarter of the match.

Tanzania, however, refused to collapse.

They defended with discipline, stayed compact and looked for chances to break whenever Senegal committed players forward.

The match remained tense until the final minutes, with both sides searching for the decisive moment.

In stoppage time, Tanzania appealed for a penalty after a challenge involving Thierno Sow, but after a VAR review, the referee decided not to award a spot-kick.

That decision ensured the final would be settled from the penalty mark.

Senegal, who had already shown their nerve in shootouts against Mali and Morocco during the knockout stage, again proved clinical under pressure.

Their four penalty takers converted, while Tanzania could not match that accuracy.

The shootout victory completed a demanding campaign for Senegal, who recovered from difficult moments throughout the tournament to finish as African champions.

They had survived a dramatic quarter-final against Mali, eliminated hosts Morocco in the semi-finals and then overcame a determined Tanzania side in the final.

For coach Lamine Sané’s side, the triumph was built on resilience, tactical discipline and the ability to handle pressure in decisive moments.

For Tanzania, there will be disappointment, but also pride.

The Serengeti Boys leave Morocco 2026 having reached their first final, qualified for the FIFA U-17 World Cup and shown that East African football can compete with the continent’s strongest youth sides.

But the night belonged to Senegal.

After a final of tension, recovery and penalty drama, the Young Lions of Teranga stood tallest to claim the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 title.

EAST AFRICA NEWSPAPERS 3/6/2026

 

African Judges forum call for expeditious justice in the case of Tundu Lissu

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa 

The African Judges and Lawyers Forum (AJJF) has urged the Tanzanian judiciary to expedite the criminal proceedings against opposition leader Tundu Lissu, warning that delays in the trial could undermine public confidence in judicial institutions.

AJJF Members 

In a statement, the AJJF noted that trials involving prominent politicians attract national and international attention, so transparency and speed of proceedings are essential.

Tanzanian opposition leader and CHADEMA National Chairman Tundu Lissu was arrested on April 9, 2025, and has been in arbitrary detention for well over a year. He is facing politically motivated charges, including high treason, and remains in remand without trial despite international outcry and demands for his immediate release.

The forum warned that “justice delayed could undermine public confidence in the judiciary and the broader justice system.”

"As a continental platform of judges, jurists, and legal practitioners committed to the promotion of constitutionalism, judicial independence, the rule of law, and access to justice in Africa, AJJF does not take positions on the political merits of disputes before national courts, nor does it seek to interfere with the independence of judicial processes within sovereign states." The statement said. 

The AJJF stressed that a speedy and credible decision serves the interests of the accused and the State, while safeguarding the integrity of democracy. 

Tundu Lissu

It also urged Tanzanian courts to discharge their constitutional duty with independence and professionalism, ensuring that trials respect due process standards and strengthen public confidence in constitutional governance.

However, AJJF recalls that cases involving prominent political actors and matters of significant public interest inevitably attract heightened national, regional, and international scrutiny. 

The said that in such circumstances, courts bear a particularly important constitutional responsibility to ensure that justice is administered impartially, transparently, fairly, and in a manner that sustains public confidence in the integrity and independence of the judiciary.

At a time when many African democracies continue to confront complex governance and constitutional challenges, the faithful observance of fair trial guarantees and judicial independence remains indispensable to peace, democratic legitimacy, and the rule of law across the continent.

Senegal's President Faye forms new government, sidelining party of former ally Sonko

DAKAR, Senegal 

Senegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye on Monday, June 1, announced a new government, excluding the party led by his former ally Ousmane Sonko, whom he sacked as prime minister over political disputes. 

Faye's announcement came in a live television broadcast less than two weeks after he fired Sonko, his former mentor, and dismissed the cabinet following disagreements including over the troubled economy.

A popular figure, Sonko was promptly elected speaker of parliament by allies in a vote boycotted by the opposition, deepening the political crisis in the west African country. 

Sonko remains the undisputed leader of Pastef, the party he founded in 2014 – to which Faye also belongs – and which controls 130 of the 165 seats in Senegal's only legislative body.

On Monday, Faye named senior economist Ahmadou Al Aminou Mohamed Lo as prime minister, saying the new appointee had the expertise to steer Senegal out of its crippling debt. 

Lo on Monday read out a list of 30 new ministers, including some Pastef members, but notable for the absence of several of its senior figures who had been in the previous government.

Sonko said his party would not join the cabinet after disagreeing about it with Faye during a "long conversation" earlier Monday.

"Some points of agreement were indeed confirmed, but also, above all, points of disagreement," Sonko said in a statement on social media. 

"Pastef will not take part and will not be represented by any ministers.

Faye appointed Sonko as prime minister in April 2024 just days after being elected president. 

Sonko would almost certainly have won the top job if he had not been barred from the presidential election due to a defamation conviction.

With his pan-Africanist rhetoric, Sonko had gained a following among young Senegalese after a power struggle with former president Macky Sall, who ruled from 2012 to 2024.

Tensions began to surface in July when the outspoken Sonko accused Faye of a "failure of leadership" by not backing him up enough against his many critics.

In May, the president took a shot at Sonko, saying the party needed to be "depersonalized" from any leader dominating it. 

While Faye is open to discussions with the International Monetary Fund on a new loan program, Sonko had advocated a more sovereign approach.

EAST AFRICA NEWSPAPERS 2/6/2026