- Ugandan government withdraws troop from Bobi Wine’s residence
The Ugandan soldiers have now been ordered to stand down from their position at Bobi Wine’s house, the opposition leader who is was arrested after the January 14 election where the incumbent president, Yoweri Museveni won to secure the seat for a record sixth term.
Wine’s team are yet to decide whether to contest the presidential poll results. The deadline for application is February 2.
2. Tanzania: Magufuli releases 1,789 imprisoned Ethiopian migrants
President John Pombe Magufuli of Tanzania has pardoned and ordered the release of 1,789 Ethiopian illegal migrants.
Their release was prompted following an official diplomatic meeting on Monday, 25 January 2021 between Magufuli and Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde.
“Ethiopians can go home today if they want to. There are no conditions for the release of the foreigners who lacked proper travel documents,” Magufuli ordered.
3. Nigeria’s Buhari replaces Service Chiefs
President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria has replaced the heads of the armed forces on Tuesday, 26 January 2021, as pressure builds over his response to the dire security situation in the country.
While the president gave no reasons for their sack, he also announced the new service chiefs.
4. AU urge Kenya, Somalia to ease tensions
The African Union on Tuesday, 26 January 2021 urged Kenya and Somalia to exercise restraint, and de-escalate the building tension along their borders.
Somalia had accused Kenya of supporting armed fighters who engaged Somali forces on Monday, a fight that claimed 11 lives.
“I’m following the tensions on the Kenya-Somalia border with concern, and urge the two neighbours to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue in conformity with the IGAD-led process,” African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat said in a statement.
5. South Africa resorts to use morgues as COVID-19 deaths rock
South Africa remains the continent’s worst-hit country in the pandemic, with more than 1.4 million coronavirus cases and 40,800 deaths.
The country is now struggling to beat back infections when they surged to unprecedented levels this month after scientists detected a new virus variant widely believed to be more contagious.
To help store the influx of bodies and ensure COVID-19 victims are separated from others — AVBOB has distributed 22 containers normally used for transporting goods to its 250 South African morgues.
