Category: Politics

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, 11 April 2026 (NPA) — The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has warmly congratulated H.E. Ismail Omar Guelleh on his re‑election as President of the Republic of Djibouti.

In a statement issued today, the AUC Chairperson noted the official results announced by Djibouti’s Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), confirming the outcome of the presidential election. He commended the people of Djibouti for their peaceful participation, underscoring their commitment to democratic governance, national cohesion, and stability.

Youssouf further acknowledged Djibouti’s important role in advancing regional peace, security, and cooperation in the Horn of Africa. He reaffirmed the African Union’s dedication to strengthening and advancing the shared aspirations of Agenda 2063 with member states.

The Chairperson also praised the African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM) for its professionalism and expressed appreciation for the leadership of H.E. Bernard Makuza, former Prime Minister of Rwanda, who served as Head of Mission.

Extending his best wishes to President Guelleh, Youssouf emphasised the AU’s continued support for Djibouti’s progress and stability, wishing the President a successful term in office.

PORTO‑NOVO, Benin Republic, 10 April 2026 (NPA) — The Head of the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission (EOM), H.E. Nana Akufo‑Addo, has held discussions with national institutions responsible for organising Benin’s presidential election scheduled for 12 April.

Akufo‑Addo, accompanied by ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs Abdel‑Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Benin H.E. Amadou Diongue, and officials from the ECOWAS Commission, met stakeholders in Cotonou on 9 April.

At the Autonomous National Electoral Commission (CENA), talks with President Saka Lafia focused on the deployment of electoral materials, management of polling stations, and security measures.

The delegation also visited the Constitutional Court, where discussions with President Dorothé Sossa centred on the Court’s role in verifying the regularity and credibility of the process and announcing final results.

Later, the mission met President Edouard Loko and advisers of the High Authority for Audiovisual and Communication (HAAC) to review efforts to monitor and regulate media coverage of the campaign and voting operations.

On 27 March 2026, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) appointed H.E. Nana Akufo‑Addo as Head of its Election Observation Mission to Benin’s presidential election. The appointment was conveyed by ECOWAS Commission President H.E. Dr Omar Alieu Touray, underscoring the Community’s commitment to democracy, good governance and regional stability.

According to ECOWAS, the mission will be deployed from 7 to 15 April 2026, in line with the ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance (2001), which provides the legal and normative framework for election observation across the region.

NAIROBI, Kenya, 10 April 2026 (NPA) — Kenya and the Kingdom of Morocco have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation following high‑level talks in Nairobi aimed at strengthening political, economic and development ties.

Speaking at the Ministerial Session of the inaugural Kenya–Morocco Joint Commission for Cooperation, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi said the meeting marked a significant step in advancing relations from traditional cooperation to a structured strategic partnership.

Mudavadi noted that the Commission reflects a deliberate decision by both governments to institutionalise engagement and expand collaboration across key sectors. He disclosed that 11 bilateral instruments would be signed covering agriculture, justice, health, fisheries, gender equality, cultural cooperation, higher education, scholarships, sports, immigration and wildlife conservation.

“These instruments will translate our shared commitments into practical and impactful cooperation,” he said, adding that global economic shifts make stronger African partnerships essential for resilient development.

Mudavadi welcomed the Moroccan delegation led by Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, highlighting nearly six decades of cordial relations founded on mutual respect and a shared commitment to Africa’s progress. He stressed the importance of improved connectivity to accelerate trade, tourism and innovation, and reaffirmed Kenya’s view of Morocco as a strategic partner in renewable energy, automotive manufacturing, agro‑processing, pharmaceuticals and infrastructure.

Bourita described the Commission as a decisive turning point, noting that Mudavadi’s 2025 visit to Morocco had already strengthened ties through new agreements and the opening of Kenya’s embassy in Rabat. He emphasised that both countries possess complementary strengths — Morocco as a gateway to Europe with advanced manufacturing, and Kenya with its dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem and digital innovation.

While acknowledging that trade volumes remain below potential, Bourita called for stronger engagement between governments, the private sector and stakeholders. He stressed that the challenge lies in translating agreements into tangible projects that benefit citizens.

Both leaders expressed confidence that the Joint Commission would unlock new opportunities for economic collaboration and strengthen the partnership as Kenya and Morocco work together to advance development and integration across Africa.