Moyiga Nduru

SUDAN-ELECTIONS: No Contest Expected at Upcoming Presidentials

The result of Sudan's no-party elections, to be held on Mar. 7-18 appears to be a foregone conclusion. Few doubt that incumbent head of state Lt-Gen. Omar Hassan al Bashir will emerge victorious.

EAST AFRICA-POLITICS: Anti-Drought Body Struggles to Keep Afloat

By Moyiga Nduru

The armed conflicts in and around the Horn of Africa and hostility between some governments of the countries of the area have all but paralysed an institution launched a decade ago to fight drought and instability there.

SOMALIA-POLITICS: Somali Exiles Look on and Wait for Better Days

By Moyiga Nduru

Two unarmed young men keep guard outside Islan Mohamed's office here, checking the identity of unfamiliar visitors.

RWANDA-AID: NGOs Unsure About Kigali’s Change of Heart

By Moyiga Nduru

Western non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that moved here after Rwanda's government kicked them out in December have reacted with caution, and some with suspicion, to signs that Kigali may be thinking of allowing them to return.

KENYA-UNITED STATES: Hopes Soar Following U.S. Envoy’s Visit

By Moyiga Nduru

U.S. Commerce Secretary Ron Brown offered no handouts to Kenya when he visited here this week -- at least, nothing like the 92 million U.S. dollars pledged earlier to Cote d'Ivoire for housing projects in its capital.

BURUNDI-POLITICS: From Peace-building to Annexation

By Moyiga Nduru

The United Nations wants to send a rapid intervention force to Burundi to prevent generalised mayhem in the Central African nation, but analysts and politicians here advance a variety of other recipes for peace there.

KENYA-POPULATION: Thirsty Nomads Flee to Somalia, Ethiopia

By Moyiga Nduru

Thousands of nomads hit by a severe drought in northeast Kenya, are fleeing to neighbouring Somalia and Ethiopia in search of water and pasturage for their livestock, according to NGO and community leaders here.

/RELIGIOUS BULLETIN 2/ KENYA: Charismatic Sects on the Increase

By Moyiga Nduru

Each Sunday, Ngonya wa Gakonya harangues his flock in the Uhuru (Freedom) Park here, urging them to rid Kenya, and Africa as a whole, of foreign religions and return to their traditional spiritual values.

EAST AFRICA: Ethiopian Refugees Claim Discrimination

By Moyiga Nduru

A solidarity group here has appealed to the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Sadaka Ogata, to investigate reports that her agency is dicriminating against Ethiopian refugees in Kenya, Uganda and D'jibouti.

AFRICA-ECONOMY: No Aid Cuts by Tokyo, Japanese Official Says

By Moyiga Nduru

Western countries have reduced their aid to Africa and other parts of the developing world but the word from a Japanese official here is that assistance from Tokyo will remain unchanged.

KENYA-RELIGION: Charismatic Churches on The Rise

By Moyiga Nduru

Each Sunday, Ngonya wa Gakonya harangues his flock in the Uhuru (Freedom) Park here, urging them to rid Kenya, and Africa as a whole, of foreign religions and return to their traditional values.

BURUNDI-POLITICS: European Union Keeps Up the Pressure

By Moyiga Nduru

The European Union (EU) will continue to put pressure on Burundi's feuding politicians to prevent the strife-torn country from slipping further into chaos, EU officials said here Tuesday.

RWANDA-POLITICS: Hutu Leaders Want Stronger U.N. Presence

By Moyiga Nduru

Rwandese opposition leaders here want the United Nations to expand its peacekeeping force in Rwanda so that it can effectively monitor the return home of refugees whom Zaire has threatened to expel.

RWANDA-REFUGEES: Kigali Worried By Expulsion Threat

By Moyiga Nduru

Threats by Zaire's government to forcibly repatriate Rwandan refugees has raised concern in the Central African nation, which is battling to overcome the legacy of more than three decades of ethnic and political tragedies.

KENYA-MEDIA: Plenty of Shady Areas in Press Bill Saga

By Moyiga Nduru

For journalists here, any hopes that Kenya's government might change its mind on controversial press bills following the resignation of the chairman of a committee charged with drafting them would be illusive.

KENYA: Flamingos Flying From Drought In Traditional Haunts

By Moyiga Nduru

Hundreds of thousands of flamingos, the graceful pink birds that have fascinated visitors for decades, are deserting their home in drought-stricken Lake Nakuru. The exodus spells trouble for the tourist-dependent town.

KENYA-ECONOMY: Free Trade Woes

By Moyiga Nduru

Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL) managing director John Karanja isn't one to adhere slavishly to the doctrine of unfettered free trade that appears that has come into fashion in recent years.

SUDAN-POLITICS: Increased Fighting Hampers Relief Efforts

By Moyiga Nduru

Increased insecurity in Southern Sudan is threatening efforts to bring humanitarian aid to millions of people afflicted by famine and war, according to U.N. officials.

ENVIRONMENT-KENYA: Flamingos Fly From Traditional Haunts

By Moyiga Nduru

Hundreds of thousands of flamingos, the graceful pink birds that have fascinated visitors for decades, are deserting their home in drought-stricken Lake Nakuru and the exodus spells trouble for the tourist-dependent town.

SUDAN: Opposition Divided Over U.S. Decision to Withdraw Envoys

By Moyiga Nduru

Sudanese opposition groups here are divided over Washington's decision to withdraw its diplomats from the northeast African country. While some welcome it, others feel the U.S. government should take tougher action against Khartoum.