Mohamed Taifouri

Ugandans cast their ballots on Thursday, January 15, in general elections marked by widespread violations, fatalities, and the arrest of hundreds. The outcome, however, followed a familiar script. Expectations pointed toward another renewal of President Yoweri Museveni’s mandate, now at the end of his sixth term, and the continued dominance of the ruling party across parliamentary and local councils. The Electoral Commission is expected to announce final results by the end of the week.

Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, has strongly defended Africa’s growing partnership with China, describing it as a relationship rooted in “mutual interest, respect and mutual understanding,” and dismissing criticism that Chinese engagement has pushed African countries into a “debt trap.” In an exclusive interview with CGTN’s Leaders Talk, Youssouf said Africa’s cooperation with China represents a decisive break from past global power dynamics.

Saudi Arabia is finalizing a new military cooperation pact with Somalia and Egypt aimed at countering the growing regional influence of the United Arab Emirates, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the matter. Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is expected to travel to Saudi Arabia in the coming weeks to conclude the agreement, which would expand strategic, military, and intelligence coordination among the three countries.