Fred Oluoch
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Articles by Fred Oluoch
South Sudan at odds with donors over reforms, detentions
South Sudan is increasingly at loggerheads with key donors to its fragile peace process, amid fears the country could relapse into the levels of violence witnessed in 2013 and 2016. Concerns centre on the continued detention of opposition figures central to the 2018 peace deal, and uncertainty surrounding elections scheduled for December 2026.
South Sudan’s Kiir proposes elections first, political reforms later
South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir is pressing parties to the 2018 peace agreement to amend provisions requiring a new constitution, a population census, and institutional reforms; seeking to ease hurdles for elections. The country has tentatively scheduled the first-ever General Election for December 2026. But the 2018 peace agreement, whose transition period has been extended three times already, has posed a challenge in implementing the preconditions for elections.
Will Nyerere’s five-decades-old party survive current crisis of legitimacy?
Tanzania’s ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) extended its 48-year hold onto power with a sweeping victory in the October 29 elections, securing both the presidency and a near-total majority in parliament. But the legitimacy of this win is under intense scrutiny, as key opposition candidates were either imprisoned or barred from contesting. President Samia Suluhu Hassan was declared the winner with 97.66 percent of the vote, while CCM claimed almost all parliamentary seats.
Will Nyerere’s five-decades-old party survive current crisis of legitimacy?
Tanzania’s ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) extended its 48-year hold onto power with a sweeping victory in the October 29 elections, securing both the presidency and a near-total majority in parliament. But the legitimacy of this win is under intense scrutiny, as key opposition candidates were either imprisoned or barred from contesting. President Samia Suluhu Hassan was declared the winner with 97.66 percent of the vote, while CCM claimed almost all parliamentary seats.
Sudan ruling council: Why RSF Darfur campaign is extermination
The government of Sudan says that the continued attacks on civilians in El-Fasher, northern Darfur, are an extermination and not a conflict anymore, as the country blames the continent and the international community for abandoning it. At a press conference in Nairobi this week, Sudan’s Chargé d’Affaires Dr Mohammed Osman Akasha said that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are systematically targeting unarmed civilians for ethnic cleansing while the world looks the other way.
From victimhood to climate solutions: Africa's agenda for COP30
What you need to know: COP30 provides an opportunity for African countries to show that they are shaping the future, not only by cutting emissions but also by building resilience and adapting to the impacts of climate change. This COP is about implementation. The 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) will take place from November 6 to 21 in Belém, Brazil.
From victimhood to climate solutions: Africa's agenda for COP30
What you need to know: COP30 provides an opportunity for African countries to show that they are shaping the future, not only by cutting emissions but also by building resilience and adapting to the impacts of climate change. This COP is about implementation. The 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) will take place from November 6 to 21 in Belém, Brazil.
South Sudan peace monitors warn of descent into anarchy
South Sudan President Salva Kiir this week removed the country’s military chief and reinstated his predecessor, whom he had sacked three months earlier. The South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation announced late on Wednesday that Kiir had appointed Paul Nang Majok to replace Dau Aturjong as the new Chief of Defence Forces, without providing a reason for the decision. Aturjong was reassigned to be a technical adviser at the defence ministry.
Machar in the dock: South Sudan justice system goes on trial
What you need to know: The trial, which opened on September 22 in Juba, is the first of its kind since the country plunged into war only two years after gaining independence in 2011. Suspended South Sudan First Vice-President Riek Machar and seven of his lieutenants are on trial for treason and other crimes, in a case that tests the country’s constitution and justice system, as Machar loyalists challenge its validity under the 2018 peace pact.
Machar in the dock: South Sudan justice system goes on trial
Suspended South Sudan First Vice-President Riek Machar and seven of his lieutenants are on trial for treason and other crimes, in a case that tests the country’s constitution and justice system, as Machar loyalists challenge its validity under the 2018 peace pact. The trial, which opened on September 22 in Juba, is the first of its kind since the country plunged into war only two years after gaining independence in July 2011.
South Sudan blocks media, families from Machar trial
The trial of South Sudan’s suspended First Vice President, Riek Machar, opened on Monday in Juba under heavy security and restricted access. Private media outlets, victims’ families, and members of civil society were barred from entering Freedom Hall, where the hearings are being held. Roads leading to the venue — including University of Juba Road, Custom Road, Ministries Road, and Hai Soura Road — were sealed off, causing major traffic disruptions in the capital.
Authorities bar media from covering Machar trial Original
The trial of South Sudan’s suspended First Vice President, Dr Riek Machar, got off to a rocky start on Monday after private media outlets were denied access to the venue. And the court proceedings caused major traffic disruptions across parts of the capital Juba as roads leading to Freedom Hall — including University of Juba Road, Custom Road, Ministries Road, and Hai Soura Road — were blocked by security forces.
South Sudan: Machar's movement calls on supporters to mobilse for war Original
South Sudan's suspended First Vice-President Riek Machar's movement is calling on supporters to rise against the government, potentially signalling further fissures in a fragile power-sharing arrangement created from a 2018 peace deal. The announcement by the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO) came after President Salva Kiir suspended Machar as first vice-president after he was indicted for treason.
Machar treason case puts S.Sudan’s transition government at risk
South Sudan’s transitional coalition government led by President Salva Kiir may be entering another era of uncertainty after key officials in a rival group were placed on criminal charges including treason. On Thursday, the Justice Ministry placed several officials including First Vice-President Riek Machar and other lieutenants of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in Opposition (SPLM-IO) on a charge sheet of crimes ranging from murder, treason, conspiracy and terrorism.
The price of the past: Calls for reparations grow in Africa and Caribbean
More than six decades after they were supposedly freed from the yoke of slavery and colonialism, Africa and Caribbean countries say they are still bearing its burden. This is a telling scar for both regions, which have a traditional cultural connection because they were both victims of the two vices. At the African Union in Addis Ababa this week, the leaders from both regions gathered to discuss the economic toll of slavery and colonialism for the second time in five years.
Divisive Ethiopian dam that could save regional economies
Ethiopia will launch its controversial mega dam on the Blue Nile on September 9, completing a decade of an ambitious project that nearly cost a war with Egypt. But the launch of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (Gerd), which will generate some 5GW for local consumption and export, could signal the beginning of the end of Egypt's 96-year stranglehold on the Nile waters. Yet Ethiopian officials do not see it as a threat to anyone.
Divisive Ethiopian dam that could save regional economies
Ethiopia will launch its controversial mega dam on the Blue Nile on September 9, completing a decade of an ambitious project that nearly cost a war with Egypt. But the launch of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (Gerd), which will generate some 5GW for local consumption and export, could signal the beginning of the end of Egypt's 96-year stranglehold on the Nile waters. Yet Ethiopian officials do not see it as a threat to anyone.
Juba faces ruin after Sudan shuts oil pipeline
South Sudan’s oil exports are facing renewed risks after its northern neighbour ordered the shutdown of the pipeline in the Heglig area after rebel attacks. The decision by Sudan’s Ministry of Energy and Petroleum came after the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) launched a strike targeting the pipeline. The Heglig complex serves as a vital transit centre for oil pumped from South Sudan, which exports petroleum via Port Sudan in the Red Sea using the Sudanese pipeline.
‘S. Sudan 2018 peace deal on verge of collapse’
South Sudan’s 2018 peace deal is on the verge of collapse, monitors have warned, citing unilateral actions by President Salva Kiir’s side. Although the peace deal, mediated by regional bloc Intergovernmental Authority on Development, was signed by Kiir, his arch-rival Riek Machar and several other armed groups, the president’s moves, including firing ministers from clustered ministries, have raised worry.
Somalia’s women use poetry to bring peace
After 34 years of conflict, Somalia has long seen men dominate the search for peace. But women are increasingly stepping forward, breaking traditional barriers to play a central role in reconciliation and peacebuilding. A study by the Mogadishu-based Heritage Institute for Policy Studies, released on 17 August, highlights how women are reviving traditional methods—most notably poetry—to bridge divides and mediate between warring clans.
Unease as Kiir names daughter to crucial post
South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has become the latest African leader to appoint a family member to a senior government position, prompting accusations of nepotism. He appointed his daughter, Adut Salva Kiir, as Senior Presidential Envoy for Special Programmes. This makes her one of the president's closest advisers. The position was previously held by Dr Benjamin Bol Mel, who was appointed Vice-President in charge of the Economic Cluster in May. Adut had previously kept out of government affairs.
Kiir ally signals ‘death’ of Nairobi peace talks
The Nairobi talks on South Sudan’s peace are presumed dead, putting President Salva Kiir’s administration on the spot over its alleged unwillingness to “save the country”. The Tumaini Initiative, if it is indeed dead, adds to the pile of failed peace processes initiated by either his government or regional bodies, blamed on Juba’s belligerence.
Jitters as Kiir ally implies Nairobi talks ‘failed'
The Nairobi talks on South Sudan’s peace process are presumed to have failed, putting President Salva Kiir’s administration under pressure over its alleged unwillingness to “save the country”. If the Tumaini Initiative has indeed collapsed, it adds to the pile of failed peace processes initiated by his government or regional bodies such as the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (Igad), which have been blamed on Juba's belligerence.
The hurdles for RSF parallel government in war-torn Sudan
The African Union this week promptly rejected formation of a parallel government by Sudan’s paramilitary group, Rapid Support Forces (RSF). But that was only one of the hurdles facing the group that is competing for power and influence with the military government under Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.
Kenya’s rights record hit by protests, abductions
The global alliance of civil society organisations, Civicus, has given Kenya the second-worst rating — 'repressed' — in its assessment of human rights observance. A watchlist by Civicus on July 30 shows that Kenya has continued to employ brutal tactics to silence dissent, including lethal force, arbitrary arrests and digital surveillance, against citizens who oppose bad governance.
African Union turns 62 with Little to Celebrate
The African Union (AU) celebrated 62 years of existence on May 25, 2025, under the theme “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations”. Yet, Africa Day passed largely unnoticed across the continent, not only because the theme of reparations for slavery, colonialism, and apartheid has long rung hollow, but also due to the African Union’s persistent failure to address the continent’s pressing contemporary challenges.
South Sudan peace deal stalls with rivals locked in unending fights
Implementation of the 2018 South Sudan peace agreement has virtually collapsed unless the international community intervenes to force the political players to act, according to regional body charged with monitoring the settlement process.
Weakened Salva Kiir moves to save his party SPLM
South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has directed the top lieutenants of his ruling political party to strengthen the movement as it attempts to shed the tag of a militia at odds with the people. The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) was a liberation movement that helped secure independence from Sudan in 2011. But the SPLM, which also had an armed wing, Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA), that transitioned into the South Sudan Defence Forces, has struggled to build on its ideology.
Financing challenges and spiralling conflicts drag Igad’s year of dreams
The Inter-Intergovernmental Authority on Development (Igad) is blaming funding challenges and a spiral of conflicts in the region as key stumbling blocks against integration. In its annual report, the Horn of Africa bloc suggested difficulties in mediating conflicts which have erupted in Sudan and continued in South Sudan.
Kenya using anti-terrorism laws to tame civil protests
President William Ruto has intensified his rhetoric against anti-government protesters, labelling them “terrorists” and suggesting they be shot and prosecuted. It marks a significant shift from his earlier stance in June 2024, when he referred to youth who stormed Parliament as mere “criminals.” This week, after widespread unrest on July 7 left parts of Nairobi and other urban centres in chaos, the President said looters, arsonists, and muggers should be treated as terrorists.
South Sudan accepts US deportees to placate Washington
South Sudan says it accepted deported nationals from other countries in a bid to soothe Washington’s ties with Juba. Juba, last week, accepted eight people deported from the US, but only one of them was a South Sudanese national. The others are from of Myanmar, Cuba, Vietnam, Laos and Mexico, and were deported for committing crimes on US soil and for having improper papers to remain in the country.
Kenya, Ethiopia agree to build cross-border infrastructure
Negotiations AfCFTA The Eastafrican, 06 June 2025 By Fred Oluoch Kenya, Ethiopia agree to build cross-border infrastructure Kenya and Ethiopia have agreed to work on cross-border infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing bilateral trade. At a meeting in Addis Ababa on June 5 as part of the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project (HOAGDP), the two countries agreed on transformative programmes to improve the movement of goods, people, and digital services across the Ethiopian-Kenyan border.
Ruto@1,000: From a peacemaker to ‘war enabler’
Since taking over from Uhuru Kenyatta on September 13, 2022, President William Ruto has turned Kenya’s foreign policy on its head, in the process causing diplomatic tensions with neighbours such as Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), South Sudan and Somalia. Kenya was once seen as a beacon of peace and a trusted mediator and regional peacemaker.
The scourge of plastic pollution in Africa
As the world celebrates Environment Day, the United Nations estimates that there will be more plastic than fish in the ocean by 2050. The associate director of advocacy and strategic communications at The Nature Conservancy Africa, Victor Nyambok, talks to The EastAfrican’s Fred Oluoch about plastic pollution in Africa. What is the extent of plastic pollution in East Africa?East Africa is confronting a rapidly escalating plastic pollution crisis.
Kenya, Ethiopia agree to build cross-border infrastructure
Kenya and Ethiopia have agreed to work on cross-border infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing bilateral trade. At a meeting in Addis Ababa on June 5 as part of the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project (HOAGDP), the two countries agreed on transformative programmes to improve the movement of goods, people, and digital services across the Ethiopian-Kenyan border.
Healthcare system in South Sudan faces collapse
The lives of more than 250,000 people in need of medical assistance in South Sudan are at risk due to the continued attacks on medical facilities and providers in the ongoing conflict. Health experts say that as the conflict in the country and in its neighbour Sudan continues, the healthcare system is on the verge of collapse.
From Hope to Chaos: South Sudan at a Crossroads
During the South Sudan independence celebrations on 9 July 2011 at Freedom Square, next to the John Garang Mausoleum, the unity of purpose and hope for the future was electrifying. One could hardly imagine that the country would collapse into civil war only two years after independence, especially after a devastating 21-year war with the north. However, the country has been highly unstable and fractured since the civil war broke out in 2013.
Ugandan warlord Ongwen fails to stop $57mln reparations
Ugandan warlord Dominic Ongwen has lost his appeal against a heavy penalty imposed by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for his war crimes. On Monday, the ICC’s Appeals Chamber upheld the Trial Chamber’s judgement ordering Ongwen to pay $57 million in reparations to the victims of his crimes against humanity and war crimes in northern Uganda.
South Sudan Machar’s party pulls out of peace process
What you need to know: SPLM-IO says it has withdrawn from the security arrangements of the 2018 peace deal. The South Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO) says it has withdrawn from the security arrangements of the 2018 peace deal, signalling further wrangling in the coalition government.
Sudan blocks Kenyan goods as AU rejects ‘parallel’ government bid
Sudan says it will block entry of all Kenyan goods in the latest protest against Nairobi’s dalliance with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the paramilitary group that has been fighting the army since April 2023. The decision was rendered in a decree issued by Omar Ahmed Mohamed Ali, the acting minister for Trade and Finance of Sudan, halting all imports from Kenya through all ports, border crossings, airports and entry points.
South Sudan talks return to Nairobi after four-month hiatus
High-level mediation for South Sudan resumed in Nairobi on Wednesday after a four-month break, amid optimism that the parties will reach a deal before Christmas. The resumed talks will involve a reconstituted government delegation and opposition, civil society and religious groups. The groups have 14 days to reach an agreement on the outstanding protocols, Trust and Confidence Building, Guarantors, and the Implementation Matrix.
Sudan’s RSF gets podium in Nairobi to deny rights abuses
Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) took to the podium in Nairobi on Monday to refute accusations of civilian rights abuses, including ethnic cleansing, rape and murder. In a rare press conference since the war started in April last year, the RSF delegation appeared in Nairobi to deny the allegations and defend President William Ruto for allowing them space in Kenya.
RSF accused of new massacres in Sudan
Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are facing fresh accusations of committing more massacres, even as rights watchdogs say the warring factions have been violating the rules of war for months. And Human Rights Watch (HRW) says the United Nations should deploy a peacekeeping mission in Sudan to act as a buffer zone and prevent further civilian casualties.
Amerika yashangaa hakuonekani kuwa na haraka ya kuunda IEBC
Habari za Kitaifa Amerika yashangaa hakuonekani kuwa na haraka ya kuunda IEBC AMERIKA imelalamikia kucheleweshwa kwa mchakato wa uteuzi wa makamishna wa Tume Huru ya Uchaguzi na Mipaka (IEBC) wiki hii ambapo Mahakama ya Kuu ilibatilisha uamuzi wa Jopo la Kutatua Mizozo kati ya Vyama vya Kisiasa (PPDT) kuhusu suala hilo.
No end in sight to IEBC troubles as US weighs in
The United States of America (US) is latest to weigh in on the inordinate delay in appointing commissioners for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), in the same week that the High Court overturned a decision by the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal.
South Sudan attempts to create hybrid court, again
After almost 10 years, South Sudan is preparing to establish the Hybrid Court to try those who have committed war crimes and crimes against humanity since the civil war began in 2013. The Transitional National Legislative Assembly recently passed two important bills to create a Hybrid Court, a major milestone in the country’s long search for transitional justice.
South Sudan in bid to create Hybrid Court – again
After almost 10 years, South Sudan is preparing to establish the Hybrid Court to try those who have committed war crimes and crimes against humanity since the civil war began in 2013. The Transitional National Legislative Assembly recently passed two important bills to create a Hybrid Court, a major milestone in the country’s long search for transitional justice.
South Sudan's holdout groups to sign deal next month -- Sumbeiywo
The parties to the South Sudan High-Level Mediation in Nairobi, often referred to as the holdout groups, are expected to sign the final agreement in November following the completion of nine protocols on key agenda items. The revelations from the mediation team signal a revival of the final stages of the talks, which had appeared to be suspended for the past two months after the government delegation went to Juba for consultations.
Juba in dilemma as sponsors decry term extension
South Sudan’s transitional government may face a legitimacy question as it starts an extended term of government, the result of failed plans to organise elections initially meant for December this year. The reality check emerged this week as Juba’s development partners, who had offered guarantees to the 2018 peace deal that created the coalition arrangement, indicated they do not support an extension.
Ethiopia's enemy is Somalia's friend
When two Egyptian aircraft landed at Mogadishu’s Aden Abdulle International Airport on Tuesday, they were not delivering tourists to a new site. Instead, their cargo, which turned out to be weapons, became an irritant in Addis Ababa. It had been long in coming. Egypt, a friend of Somalia, now is not in good terms with Ethiopia over the Grand Renaissance Dam (Gerd) built on the Nile and, which Cairo sees as a national security issue over water restrictions.
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