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The measures, imposed by the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), aim to disrupt networks that use forced labour, commit violence against civilians, and finance instability.

The United States has imposed sanctions on armed groups and supply chain actors accused of profiting from the illicit trade in critical minerals in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), a region plagued by decades of conflict.

In a statement on Tuesday, the US Department of State said the sanctions target four entities engaged in the production and trade of conflict minerals in Rubaya, a mineral-rich area in eastern DRC.

 

The measures, imposed by the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), aim to disrupt networks that use forced labor, commit violence against civilians, and finance instability.

“Today’s sanctions impose consequences on actors who destabilize the eastern DRC. They target one of many armed groups carrying out illegal mining operations, including through forced labor and violence against civilians,” the statement read.

“They also counter companies in the DRC and China that partner with armed groups to profiteer from instability and steal the DRC’s mineral wealth.”

The U.S. said the designations send “a clear message that no armed group or commercial entity is immune from sanctions if they undermine peace, stability, or security in the DRC.”

Through its mediation in the Regional Economic Integration Framework, Washington said it is supporting the DRC and Rwanda in efforts to build a peaceful and prosperous future, while working to secure reliable global supply chains for critical minerals.

“The conflict minerals trade is exacting a deadly toll on Congolese civilians, fueling corruption, and preventing law-abiding businesses from investing in the DRC,” said Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence John K. Hurley.

“The Treasury Department will not hesitate to take action against groups that deny the United States and our allies access to the critical minerals vital for our national defense.”

Illicit trade

The sanctions were issued under Executive Order 13413, as amended, which authorizes measures against individuals and entities engaged in activities that threaten the peace, security, or stability of the DRC — including those involved in the illicit trade of the country’s natural resources.

The US government reiterated its commitment to promoting a mining sector in the Great Lakes region that supports lasting stability and economic growth while safeguarding the integrity of global critical minerals supply chains.

On July 8, 2024, the State Department raised alarm over the illicit trade and exploitation of certain minerals that contribute to ongoing instability in eastern DRC.

It expressed concern about the conflict and humanitarian crisis in the region, as well as the role of illicit mineral trade in financing armed groups.

“In many cases, minerals sourced from eastern DRC are smuggled through Rwanda before being transported to major refining and processing countries such as China,” the State Department said.

“Minerals from conflict-affected areas directly or indirectly benefit armed groups, which raise funds by selling them and imposing illegal taxation schemes, often in collusion with corrupt local officials.”   By Bruhan Makong, Capital News

Fresh fighting between Somali government forces and Jubaland militias killed at least two soldiers, highlighting ongoing tensions in the southern Gedo region.

In July, fighting killed at least five people in Beled Hawo town in the southern Gedo region, an area long entangled in political tension with Mogadishu [GETTY]

Fresh fighting between the Somali government and forces loyal to the semi-autonomous southern Jubaland region killed at least two Somali soldiers on Monday, the defence ministry said.

Somalia is a federation of five semi-autonomous member states, Puntland, Jubaland, Galmudug, Hirshabelle and South West, and a central government in the capital, Mogadishu.

In July, fighting killed at least five people in Beled Hawo town in the southern Gedo region, an area long entangled in political tension with Mogadishu.

The defence ministry said the latest clash began after an "unprovoked assault" on its positions by militias allied to Ahmed Madobe, a former warlord whose election as Jubaland leader last year was not recognised by the government.

The federal forces managed to repel the attack and take the positions it was launched from, the ministry said in a statement, but in the course of the fighting, "two brave soldiers of the national army...were martyred".

Three soldiers were also wounded during the clashes, the ministry added.

Abdirashid Hassan Abdinur, head of the Somali national security and intelligence agency, told reporters at the scene that the routed pro-Jubaland forces retreated over the Kenyan border.

He accused Nairobi of providing access to the defeated pro-Jubaland forces.

AFP could not independently verify his claims.

Shire Abdullahi, Beled Hawo district commissioner, said there had been "death and injuries" but was unable to give precise numbers.

"There was a heavy gunfight which lasted about 45 minutes," added resident Ali Sokorow.

"I saw the dead bodies of several men from the sides, but I could not confirm the exact number," he added. The New Arab and Agencies

South Sudan’s Senior Presidential Advisor Gen. Kuol Manyang Juuk  - 

South Sudanese officials told an African Union Peace and Security Council delegation on Monday that the prolonged detention of First Vice President Riek Machar is a criminal matter, not a political one, despite mounting criticism over due process violations.

Machar, President Salva Kiir’s longtime rival and leader of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO), has been under house arrest since March 26. Kiir’s order cited Machar’s alleged involvement in violence in Nasir County, Upper Nile State—a claim Machar’s supporters reject as politically motivated.

Under South Sudanese law, detainees must be brought before a court within 24 hours of arrest. Pretrial detention cannot exceed six months without a court order. Yet Machar remains confined without formal charges, raising concerns about the government’s adherence to legal standards.

Gen. Kuol Manyang Juuk, chairman of the high-level ad hoc committee overseeing the 2018 peace agreement, defended the detention during a briefing to the AU Peace and Security Council in Juba on Monday.

“On the issue of Dr. Riek, we said the procedures are underway. It is not a political detention; it is a criminal procedure,” Kuol said. “It is a normal procedure taken when somebody is suspected of a crime because it is connected to the deaths of soldiers in Nasir and fighting in other areas. This is how we explained the situation to them.”

Kuol, who also heads the National Transitional Committee and serves as a senior presidential advisor, insisted that security arrangements under the 2018 peace deal are progressing. He said a second batch of unified forces will begin training in September and deploy by November.

“After that, the security forces will become one body under one commander-in-chief and can be deployed across the country,” he said, adding that this would pave the way for elections by late 2026.

Opposition Dismisses Claims

Juol Nhomngek Daniel, a senior SPLM-IO official, sharply criticized Gen. Kuol’s remarks, calling the detention of his leader a politically motivated maneuver.

“It is now very clear that the SPLM-IG’s government conspired to involve His Excellency President Kiir in a baseless case,” Nhomngek said. “They are stuck, unwilling to publicly acknowledge their costly mistake.”

He accused government officials of disregarding legal ethics and perpetuating tribalism.

“It is sad to see individuals with legal backgrounds speaking as if they are ordinary villagers,” Nhomngek said. “Law teaches us to defend the truth without fear or favor. The way some officials discuss criminal law is embarrassing and shows the highest level of ignorance.”

Nhomngek singled out Kuol, a respected veteran leader, for what he called a personal vendetta.

“His statement shows he is not working to help the president but to settle a grudge against Dr. Machar from the liberation struggle,” he said. “We must be guided by justice.”

AU Team Meets Kiir

Separately, the AU Peace and Security Council delegation met with President Kiir to discuss rising tensions and delays in the implementation of the 2018 peace agreement, which ended a five-year civil war that killed an estimated 400,000 people.

Foreign Minister Monday Semaya Kumba described the talks as “successful,” saying Kiir reaffirmed his commitment to the peace deal.

Dr. Mohammed Khaled, Algeria’s ambassador to Ethiopia and head of the delegation, said the council sought to assess challenges facing the peace process in South Sudan.

“We came here to listen and see how we can work together for the fulfilment of the peace process,” he said.

The visiting delegation, led by Dr. Mohammed Khaled, Algeria’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and current Chair of the AU Peace and Security Council, is expected to conclude its three-day visit to South Sudan on Tuesday. Radio Tamazuj

Court stops government’s plan to import 500,000MT of duty free rice 

A significant legal victory for Kenyan farmers has temporarily blocked the government’s controversial plan to import 500,000 metric tonnes of duty-free Grade 1 rice, valued at over Ksh 50 billion.

High Court Justice Edward Muriithi issued a conservatory order on August 11, 2025, suspending a gazette notice from July 28, 2025, which had approved the tax waiver on rice imports until December 31, 2025.

The ruling comes amidst strong opposition from local producers who argue the influx would devastate their livelihoods and depress market prices.

The Farmers Party, represented by Musyoki Musango Advocates, successfully challenged the Cabinet decision, labeling it “irrational, illegal, and in violation of the Constitution”.

Simon Kamangu, Secretary General of the Farmers Party, emphasized the detrimental impact on local farmers, stating, “The move would severely disadvantage local farmers, who already have sufficient rice to supply the market.”.

Farmers state there is “currently no rice shortage in the country following recent harvests and existing private reserves,” and that the government has not exhausted local supplies before opting for imports. They further contend that the directive lacked public participation and violates constitutional rights, including economic rights and the right to property. 

The government, through the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), had defended the importation as a measure to cushion Kenyans against food shortages caused by global supply chain disruptions and to stabilize prices.

AFA Director General Bruno Linyiru stated, “Failure to import rice under the current shortfall would lead to either acute food scarcity or a sharp spike in prices not only for rice but also for other staples such as maize flour and wheat products.”. He assured that the imports would not disrupt the local market, citing a significant shortfall where local production of 264,000 metric tonnes meets only about 20% of the annual demand of 1.3 million tonnes.

However, farmers from the Mwea Irrigation Scheme, a major rice-producing region, expressed frustration, noting they still have unsold stock and haven’t received payments for previous harvest. Kirinyaga Senator James Kamau Murango highlighted the government’s unfulfilled promise to purchase 50,000 bags of rice from the Mwea Rice Growers Multipurpose Cooperative Society (MRGM), with 15,000 bags still in storage.

The High Court has certified the farmers’ petition as urgent, scheduling a mention for August 14, 2025, to hear the matter further.

The conservatory order remains in force, effectively freezing the rice import plan until a final determination is made. By , KDRTV

Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi appears before the Senate Energy Committee at Bunge Towers, Nairobi, on March 4, 2025, to discuss the Budget Policy Statement and issues affecting Kenya’s energy sector. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]
 

Geothermal Development Company is on the spot for allegedly disregarding the State Corporations Advisory Committee recommendation, on filling of positions and promoting of employees. 

The Kenya Electrical Trades and Allied Workers’ Union (KETAWU) said GDC continues to discriminate against employees despite the advisory.

KETAWU, in a letter to the CS Ministry of Energy, Opiyo Wandayi, raised concern over alleged selective policy application at senior management levels on academic qualifications acquired in-service. He noted continued discrimination against unionisable employees. 

Nadome in the letter dated August 8, 2025, noted that the State Corporation Advisory Committee (SCAC) guided the recognition of academic qualifications acquired in-service in May 2025, indicating that such qualifications shall be considered on jobs advertised internally or externally competitively and outlawed upgrade.

State Corporations Advisory Committee (SCAC) Secretary, Simon Indimuli, in the circular said employees of State corporations will not be automatically promoted after advancing their studies. He said such employees will be required to apply for vacant positions should they arise. 

Indimuli said that upgrading a staff member who was hired without a degree to a position requiring a degree, solely based on having obtained one, is tantamount to mischievously filling a vacant post without opening it up to a competitive and transparent process. 

He noted that the practice of upgrading officers to higher grades due to acquired degree certificates could also imply that the staff establishment is porous enough to absorb any number of certificate-holders, without regard for capping within the complement control system.

Indimuli made the remarks in an advisory to the Geothermal Development Company (GDC), which had sought guidance on how to handle the grading of officers who obtain undergraduate degrees while in service. 

“Please note that whenever there is a vacancy at any State corporation, such a vacancy is supposed to be filled openly and competitively, as required by the Constitution of Kenya (2010) and the approved Human Resource (HR) Instruments,” read part of the advisory dated May 7, 2025. 

The union in the letter stamped received by the CS noted that the positions of  General Manager, Corporate Services, General Manager, Finance and Investment and Manager Human Resource Management were filled without advertising. By Julius Chepkwony, The Standard

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