Latest news with #EastAfrican
Egypt Independent
an hour ago
- Politics
- Egypt Independent
As protesters are hit with terrorism charges, critics accuse Kenya's government of criminalizing dissent
Nairobi, Kenya CNN — One of Kenya's most prominent human rights activists has been released on bail after being charged with unlawful possession of ammunition, as critics accuse authorities of ramping up efforts to stifle dissent in the East African country. Boniface Mwangi was arrested over the weekend 'in connection with the facilitation of terrorist activities' during the June 25 protests, Kenya's Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) announced on social media on Sunday, drawing immediate outrage among activists. When the 42-year-old award-winning photographer appeared in court on Monday, the terrorism charges had been downgraded to two counts of 'possession of ammunition without a valid firearm certificate' because of teargas canisters and blank rounds allegedly found at his office. His arrest came as activists say more than 100 protesters have been charged with terror-related offenses, arson and money laundering in the past month over demonstrations sparked by widespread dissatisfaction with President William Ruto's administration – especially among the youth whose support propelled him into power. 'I'm known as a human rights defender, not a terrorist,' Mwangi told CNN on Monday evening after he was released on bail. 'I'm so fired up; I'm not scared at all. The only thing that can stop me is a bullet in my head, but as long as I'm alive I'll keep organizing for regime change. The government we have in power is not working for the people.' Mwangi, who has been critical of successive Kenyan governments and describes himself as 'the people's watchman,' saidhe was arrested at home by plainclothes policemen on Saturday and taken to his office in the capital Nairobi. He claimed policemen ransacked the office, confiscating devices and finding two unused teargas canisters and one blank round. Protesters often display the canisters or rounds during demonstrations to journalists as evidence of police brutality and use of excessive force. Video on social media showed Mwangi shout 'Ruto Must Go!' as he was driven away from his office on Saturday. Mwangi denied the charges; a judge freed him on a personal bond and set a hearing date for August 21. Prominent Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi poses for a photo while holding a Kenyan flag inside the dock at Kahawa Law Courts in Kiambu, Kenya, Monday, July 21, 2025. Brian Inganga/AP Crackdown on protest Protests erupted in the country in June after several cases of alleged police brutality, including the death of a teacher while in police custody. During the protests, claims swirled among frustrated demonstrators on social media that government-affiliated politicians had hired people to attack peaceful protesters and damage property to discredit the demonstrations. The Law Society of Kenya, which advises and assists the legal profession, government and public, said the protests had been 'infiltrated by armed, hired goons' in a scathing statement on Monday. 'We strongly condemn this malicious, deliberate re-emergence of radicalized militia sponsored by the political class.' During recent protests, CNN saw groups of men armed with batons marching alongside police and beating up civilians in Nairobi while uniformed officers watched. Businesses were burnt in other parts of the country and a police station attacked. CNN has asked the Kenyan government and police for comment, but has not heard back. President Ruto accused some politicians of misleading youth to riot on Sunday and warned of consequences: 'The police are trained to deal with criminals. They're not trained in parenting. So, if you surrender your children to the police, what do you expect?' The right to protest is protected under Kenya's constitution but authorities have characterized recent demonstrations as chaotic looting sprees. Kenyan prosecutors slapped several youths with arson and terrorism charges following the protests, and judges imposed hefty bail terms even though many claimed their innocence. Rights groups have condemned the use of terrorism charges. 'We are deeply concerned by the continued misuse of the Prevention of Terrorism Act to manage public order,' according to a statement on Monday from the Police Reforms Working Group, a coalition of civil society organizations that monitors policing. 'This practice undermines Kenya's criminal justice system and jeopardizes critical international partnerships aimed at safeguarding national security.' The Kenyan chapter of the International Commission of Jurists on Sunday said it was 'alarmed by the growing pattern of arbitrary arrests and trumped-up charges targeting innocent youth.' In a statement, the human rights group added: 'What began as targeted persecution of young protesters demanding accountability has metastasized into a full-scale assault on Kenya's democracy.' The government has denied any wrongdoing. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecution defended its use of terrorism charges, saying that the protests were 'calculated and coordinated acts of violence' and that the office 'remains committed to executing its constitutional mandate in accordance with the law, public interest, and administration of justice.' 'We wish to reassure the public that all charges have been brought strictly based on available evidence,' it added on Monday. Heavy-handed policing Activists like Mwangi and legal experts say the Kenyan government is criminalizing dissent by using charges such as terrorism, arson and money laundering to stoke fear among protesters. Over the past year, CNN has filmed security forces violently breaking up protests on multiple occasions, shooting at unarmed protesters and assaulting bystanders. At least 38 people were killed and 130 injured in another protest earlier this month, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights. President Ruto previously told police officers on July 9 to shoot 'looters and arsonists' in the leg if they considered them a threat, rather than killing them. His Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen went further a week later by issuing a directive for officers to shoot at protesters who approached police stations. The former lecturer of law attempted to walk back the comments after public outcry but did not rescind the directive. On Monday, Murkomen called out those challenging the terror charges, asking: 'If you invade a police station and burn it and steal guns… burn courts… and people's businesses, what is that crime if it is not terrorism?' Mwangi told CNN that Ruto and his government were 'weaponizing the DCI to criminalize dissent, which is allowed by the constitution – but he's going to fail.' 'They want to scare youth (away) from protesting because it will be hard to get work, or even a visa,' he said. 'And if the kids are not scared, they want to scare their parents.'
CNN
10 hours ago
- Politics
- CNN
As protesters are hit with terrorism charges, critics accuse Kenya's government of criminalizing dissent
One of Kenya's most prominent human rights activists has been released on bail after being charged with unlawful possession of ammunition, as critics accuse authorities of ramping up efforts to stifle dissent in the East African country. Boniface Mwangi was arrested over the weekend 'in connection with the facilitation of terrorist activities' during the June 25 protests, Kenya's Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) announced on social media on Sunday, drawing immediate outrage among activists. When the 42-year-old award-winning photographer appeared in court on Monday, the terrorism charges had been downgraded to two counts of 'possession of ammunition without a valid firearm certificate' because of teargas canisters and blank rounds allegedly found at his office. His arrest came as activists say more than 100 protesters have been charged with terror-related offenses, arson and money laundering in the past month over demonstrations sparked by widespread dissatisfaction with President William Ruto's administration – especially among the youth whose support propelled him into power. 'I'm known as a human rights defender, not a terrorist,' Mwangi told CNN on Monday evening after he was released on bail. 'I'm so fired up; I'm not scared at all. The only thing that can stop me is a bullet in my head, but as long as I'm alive I'll keep organizing for regime change. The government we have in power is not working for the people.' Mwangi, who has been critical of successive Kenyan governments and describes himself as 'the people's watchman,' said he was arrested at home by plainclothes policemen on Saturday and taken to his office in the capital Nairobi. He claimed policemen ransacked the office, confiscating devices and finding two unused teargas canisters and one blank round. Protesters often display the canisters or rounds during demonstrations to journalists as evidence of police brutality and use of excessive force. Video on social media showed Mwangi shout 'Ruto Must Go!' as he was driven away from his office on Saturday. Mwangi denied the charges; a judge freed him on a personal bond and set a hearing date for August 21. Protests erupted in the country in June after several cases of alleged police brutality, including the death of a teacher while in police custody. During the protests, claims swirled among frustrated demonstrators on social media that government-affiliated politicians had hired people to attack peaceful protesters and damage property to discredit the demonstrations. The Law Society of Kenya, which advises and assists the legal profession, government and public, said the protests had been 'infiltrated by armed, hired goons' in a scathing statement on Monday. 'We strongly condemn this malicious, deliberate re-emergence of radicalized militia sponsored by the political class.' During recent protests, CNN saw groups of men armed with batons marching alongside police and beating up civilians in Nairobi while uniformed officers watched. Businesses were burnt in other parts of the country and a police station attacked. CNN has asked the Kenyan government and police for comment, but has not heard back. President Ruto accused some politicians of misleading youth to riot on Sunday and warned of consequences: 'The police are trained to deal with criminals. They're not trained in parenting. So, if you surrender your children to the police, what do you expect?' The right to protest is protected under Kenya's constitution but authorities have characterized recent demonstrations as chaotic looting sprees. Kenyan prosecutors slapped several youths with arson and terrorism charges following the protests, and judges imposed hefty bail terms even though many claimed their innocence. Rights groups have condemned the use of terrorism charges. 'We are deeply concerned by the continued misuse of the Prevention of Terrorism Act to manage public order,' according to a statement on Monday from the Police Reforms Working Group, a coalition of civil society organizations that monitors policing. 'This practice undermines Kenya's criminal justice system and jeopardizes critical international partnerships aimed at safeguarding national security.' The Kenyan chapter of the International Commission of Jurists on Sunday said it was 'alarmed by the growing pattern of arbitrary arrests and trumped-up charges targeting innocent youth.' In a statement, the human rights group added: 'What began as targeted persecution of young protesters demanding accountability has metastasized into a full-scale assault on Kenya's democracy.' The government has denied any wrongdoing. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecution defended its use of terrorism charges, saying that the protests were 'calculated and coordinated acts of violence' and that the office 'remains committed to executing its constitutional mandate in accordance with the law, public interest, and administration of justice.' 'We wish to reassure the public that all charges have been brought strictly based on available evidence,' it added on Monday. Activists like Mwangi and legal experts say the Kenyan government is criminalizing dissent by using charges such as terrorism, arson and money laundering to stoke fear among protesters. Over the past year, CNN has filmed security forces violently breaking up protests on multiple occasions, shooting at unarmed protesters and assaulting bystanders. At least 38 people were killed and 130 injured in another protest earlier this month, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights. President Ruto previously told police officers on July 9 to shoot 'looters and arsonists' in the leg if they considered them a threat, rather than killing them. His Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen went further a week later by issuing a directive for officers to shoot at protesters who approached police stations. The former lecturer of law attempted to walk back the comments after public outcry but did not rescind the directive. On Monday, Murkomen called out those challenging the terror charges, asking: 'If you invade a police station and burn it and steal guns… burn courts… and people's businesses, what is that crime if it is not terrorism?' Mwangi told CNN that Ruto and his government were 'weaponizing the DCI to criminalize dissent, which is allowed by the constitution – but he's going to fail.' 'They want to scare youth (away) from protesting because it will be hard to get work, or even a visa,' he said. 'And if the kids are not scared, they want to scare their parents.'
CNN
10 hours ago
- Politics
- CNN
As protesters are hit with terrorism charges, critics accuse Kenya's government of criminalizing dissent
One of Kenya's most prominent human rights activists has been released on bail after being charged with unlawful possession of ammunition, as critics accuse authorities of ramping up efforts to stifle dissent in the East African country. Boniface Mwangi was arrested over the weekend 'in connection with the facilitation of terrorist activities' during the June 25 protests, Kenya's Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) announced on social media on Sunday, drawing immediate outrage among activists. When the 42-year-old award-winning photographer appeared in court on Monday, the terrorism charges had been downgraded to two counts of 'possession of ammunition without a valid firearm certificate' because of teargas canisters and blank rounds allegedly found at his office. His arrest came as activists say more than 100 protesters have been charged with terror-related offenses, arson and money laundering in the past month over demonstrations sparked by widespread dissatisfaction with President William Ruto's administration – especially among the youth whose support propelled him into power. 'I'm known as a human rights defender, not a terrorist,' Mwangi told CNN on Monday evening after he was released on bail. 'I'm so fired up; I'm not scared at all. The only thing that can stop me is a bullet in my head, but as long as I'm alive I'll keep organizing for regime change. The government we have in power is not working for the people.' Mwangi, who has been critical of successive Kenyan governments and describes himself as 'the people's watchman,' said he was arrested at home by plainclothes policemen on Saturday and taken to his office in the capital Nairobi. He claimed policemen ransacked the office, confiscating devices and finding two unused teargas canisters and one blank round. Protesters often display the canisters or rounds during demonstrations to journalists as evidence of police brutality and use of excessive force. Video on social media showed Mwangi shout 'Ruto Must Go!' as he was driven away from his office on Saturday. Mwangi denied the charges; a judge freed him on a personal bond and set a hearing date for August 21. Protests erupted in the country in June after several cases of alleged police brutality, including the death of a teacher while in police custody. During the protests, claims swirled among frustrated demonstrators on social media that government-affiliated politicians had hired people to attack peaceful protesters and damage property to discredit the demonstrations. The Law Society of Kenya, which advises and assists the legal profession, government and public, said the protests had been 'infiltrated by armed, hired goons' in a scathing statement on Monday. 'We strongly condemn this malicious, deliberate re-emergence of radicalized militia sponsored by the political class.' During recent protests, CNN saw groups of men armed with batons marching alongside police and beating up civilians in Nairobi while uniformed officers watched. Businesses were burnt in other parts of the country and a police station attacked. CNN has asked the Kenyan government and police for comment, but has not heard back. President Ruto accused some politicians of misleading youth to riot on Sunday and warned of consequences: 'The police are trained to deal with criminals. They're not trained in parenting. So, if you surrender your children to the police, what do you expect?' The right to protest is protected under Kenya's constitution but authorities have characterized recent demonstrations as chaotic looting sprees. Kenyan prosecutors slapped several youths with arson and terrorism charges following the protests, and judges imposed hefty bail terms even though many claimed their innocence. Rights groups have condemned the use of terrorism charges. 'We are deeply concerned by the continued misuse of the Prevention of Terrorism Act to manage public order,' according to a statement on Monday from the Police Reforms Working Group, a coalition of civil society organizations that monitors policing. 'This practice undermines Kenya's criminal justice system and jeopardizes critical international partnerships aimed at safeguarding national security.' The Kenyan chapter of the International Commission of Jurists on Sunday said it was 'alarmed by the growing pattern of arbitrary arrests and trumped-up charges targeting innocent youth.' In a statement, the human rights group added: 'What began as targeted persecution of young protesters demanding accountability has metastasized into a full-scale assault on Kenya's democracy.' The government has denied any wrongdoing. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecution defended its use of terrorism charges, saying that the protests were 'calculated and coordinated acts of violence' and that the office 'remains committed to executing its constitutional mandate in accordance with the law, public interest, and administration of justice.' 'We wish to reassure the public that all charges have been brought strictly based on available evidence,' it added on Monday. Activists like Mwangi and legal experts say the Kenyan government is criminalizing dissent by using charges such as terrorism, arson and money laundering to stoke fear among protesters. Over the past year, CNN has filmed security forces violently breaking up protests on multiple occasions, shooting at unarmed protesters and assaulting bystanders. At least 38 people were killed and 130 injured in another protest earlier this month, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights. President Ruto previously told police officers on July 9 to shoot 'looters and arsonists' in the leg if they considered them a threat, rather than killing them. His Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen went further a week later by issuing a directive for officers to shoot at protesters who approached police stations. The former lecturer of law attempted to walk back the comments after public outcry but did not rescind the directive. On Monday, Murkomen called out those challenging the terror charges, asking: 'If you invade a police station and burn it and steal guns… burn courts… and people's businesses, what is that crime if it is not terrorism?' Mwangi told CNN that Ruto and his government were 'weaponizing the DCI to criminalize dissent, which is allowed by the constitution – but he's going to fail.' 'They want to scare youth (away) from protesting because it will be hard to get work, or even a visa,' he said. 'And if the kids are not scared, they want to scare their parents.'
Time Business News
15 hours ago
- Time Business News
Drive Uganda: Self-Drive Car Hire and Budget Rentals
Uganda's streets are called—from the foggy mountains of Bwindi to the green fields of Murchison Falls, this East African jewel is a haven for street globe-trotters. Whether you're a courageous pioneer or a laid-back traveler, the opportunity to move at your own pace begins with one thing: the right car rental alternative. Welcome to 'Drive Uganda,' your direct line to self-drive car enlistment, budget rentals, and everything in between. Cheap Car Rental Uganda: Explore More for Less Traveling through Uganda doesn't have to break the bank. Budget-conscious travelers can presently get cheap car rental Uganda choices that cater to both consolation and reasonableness. Local and universal companies have streamlined their administrations to suit an assortment of travelers—from solo hikers and couples to families and inquiring vehicles like compact cars, Toyota Rav4s, and more seasoned Arrive Cruisers are accessible at sensible everyday rates. Most rentals incorporate boundless mileage inside the nation, permitting you to investigate without always checking your odometer. Also, numerous companies offer regular rebates amid the moo visitor season (ordinarily March–May and November), giving keen travelers indeed more key benefits of cheap car rentals in Uganda include: Cost-effective travel compared to booking numerous transport rides or private tours Wide choice of vehicles to fit diverse street sorts and individual needs Flexible pickup and drop-off areas including Entebbe Airplane Terminal and Kampala city Optional additional items like housetop tents camping equipment and child seats Budget travelers arranging to visit national parks like Queen Elizabeth, Lake Mburo, or Kidepo Valley can save altogether by choosing self-drive alternatives instead of guided visits. Make sure beyond any doubt to check whether stop expenses for vehicles are included or charged separately. Rent a Car with a Driver in Uganda: Comfort and Local Knowledge Combined For those who need to center absolutely on the involvement or maybe the coordinations, it is a great choice to rent a car with a driver in Uganda. Drivers in Uganda frequently double as casual guides, giving important Local experiences, making a difference, exploring challenging routes, and guaranteeing you're secure on eccentric a car with a driver is especially valuable in scenarios likeFirst-time visits to Uganda, where exploring can be overwhelmingBusiness travel, where reliability and proficiency are keyPhotography or natural life visits, permitting you to concentrate on your craftMulti-destination trips that require routes over farther regionsThe best portion? Drivers are ordinarily familiar with English and learned about natural life, culture, and nearby traditions. They can offer assistance as you interface with nearby communities, prescribe covered-up pearls, and indeed help in booking lodges or campsite this alternative is somewhat more costly than immaculate self-drive, the benefits of comfort, local information, and diminished hazard make it a favored choice for numerous vehicle choices for driver-assisted rentals includeLand Cruiser Prado TX or GX – Perfect for safari expeditionsSafari vans with pop-up rooftops—amazing for family or bunch travelToyota Rav4s or Hilux Twofold Cabs—Flexible and ReliableMany rental companies offer full-day rates for driver administrations (more often than not around $30–$50/day), and it's standard to cover the driver's convenience and dinners if traveling outside Kampala. Self-Drive Car Rentals in Uganda: Freedom to Roam If you're an autonomous traveler looking for the greatest adaptability, self-drive car rentals in Uganda offer the extreme street trip encounter. Uganda's major streets are cleared and generally simple to explore, particularly on routes interfacing cities and national parks. In any case, a few rustic and steep streets are unpaved and can be challenging, especially amid the blustery said, renting a 4×4 vehicle, guarantees that you can certainly investigate the farthest areas. Whether you're cruising along the shores of Lake Victoria or making your way up to the Rwenzori Mountains, self-drive, permits you to shape your own schedule and travel on your own time. Some tips for effective self-drive involvement in Uganda: Carry an updated GPS or offline map: Google Maps works offline in most regions, as do apps like Maps. I am a traveler favorite. Fuel up often: Petrol stations are common in towns but uncommon in rustic areas—always refueling some time recently before long stretches. Be aware of road conditions: Inquire of local people or your rental company about street security, especially amid blustery months. Obey traffic rules: Drive on the cleared-out side of the street, and continuously carry your worldwide driving permit. Watch for wildlife and livestock: Particularly in national parks or rustic towns, where creatures unreservedly wander roads Rental companies offer camping-ready vehicles, rooftop tents, and indeed long-term rental rebates for travelers setting out on broad ventures through Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, or Tanzania. Why Choose Car Rental in Uganda? Flexibility: Make your own schedule without being tied to a bunch of schedules. Cost-efficient: Spare cash by dodging expensive safari packages. Authentic involvement: Connect with local people, halt where you like, and investigate less-touristed areas. Cross-border alternatives: A few rentals offer travel clearance to Rwanda or Kenya. Custom add-ons: GPS, camping equipment, portable WiFi, and indeed coolers can be included in your rental. Best Time to Rent and Drive in Uganda The dry seasons—from June to August and December to February—are the best times for driving over Uganda. Streets are more open, natural life is less demanding to spot close water sources, and national parks are bustling with seasons (March–May and September–November) can make a few unpaved routes sloppy and challenging. If you're traveling amid these months, a high-clearance 4×4 is fundamental, and contracting a nearby driver may be wise. Food and Accommodation Options While on the Road While driving over Uganda travelers can discover a bounty of mid-range guesthouses, high-end lodges, and budget hiker remains along major travel routes. Cities like Kampala, Entebbe, Jinja, Post Entry and Kabale offer assorted eating and lodging routes frequently incorporate lodges inside or close to national parks. Numerous rental companies have organizations with lodging and may offer bundled bargains for car and hold-up packages. For food, roadside eateries known as kafunda serve nearby dishes like matoke (steamed plantains) nyama choma (barbecued meat) and posho (cornmeal). These dinners are delicious, reasonable, and grant a genuine taste of Ugandan culture. Conclusion: Drive Uganda, Your Way Whether you're looking for a rough experience through Uganda's wild or a smooth, picturesque drive over the country's rolling hills, car rental choices are outlined to fit each traveler's requirements. Cheap car rental Uganda arrangements make it conceivable for budget pioneers to get behind the wheel, whereas Renting a car with a driver in Uganda gives guided consolation. For those who pine for autonomy and disclosure, self-drive car rentals in Uganda offer unmatched freedom. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Daily News Egypt
16 hours ago
- Business
- Daily News Egypt
Illicit Economy Fuels Armed Groups and Instability in East Africa
Armed groups across East Africa are increasingly funded by a vast illicit economy that includes illegal mining, trafficking, smuggling, and the trade of everyday goods. Experts warn this shadow economy is not only undermining regional governments but also fueling violence and prolonging conflicts. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, armed groups earn up to $1.3 billion annually from illegal mineral trade, sustaining operations and enabling regrouping after defeats. In Somalia, Al-Shabaab profits from taxing the charcoal trade, generating up to $10 million a year. The group also earns millions more from sugar smuggling into Kenya, and from controlling trade routes for fuel and food. Human trafficking and narcotics have also become key revenue streams. Al-Shabaab and other groups tax or facilitate heroin shipments through East African ports, while armed actors in Libya and Darfur profit from smuggling networks. A joint INTERPOL report estimates seven major African armed groups generate up to $1.39 billion annually through such illicit activities. The human cost is severe—linked to child labor, torture, sexual violence, and widespread rights abuses. These groups often act as de facto authorities in remote areas, collecting taxes and enforcing rule by force. Regional experts and international bodies are calling for stronger cross-border cooperation to curb illicit trade, improve governance, and prevent the black economy from further destabilizing East Africa. Without decisive action, these underground networks will continue to empower violence and weaken fragile states.
