France’s Minority Government falls in historic no-confidence vote

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s government was o Wednesday evening ousted by a no-confidence vote, marking a historic first since Georges Pompidou’s administration was toppled in 1962.

The vote followed Barnier’s controversial move to push through the 2025 social security budget without parliamentary approval. With 331 lawmakers supporting the motion, Barnier’s tenure as prime minister—already the shortest in the history of the Fifth Republic—came to an abrupt end.

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier reacts Wednesday after losing a no-confidence vote in the National Assembly in Paris.

The no-confidence motion was spearheaded by the New Popular Front (NFP), a coalition of left-leaning parties, and supported by the far-right National Rally (RN), led by Marine Le Pen. This cross-spectrum alliance reflects the increasingly fragmented nature of French politics.

President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to dissolve parliament in June had already set the stage for a deeply divided legislature following snap elections in July.

With new elections constitutionally barred until mid-2025, the political landscape in France remains fraught.

President Macron must now navigate the complex process of appointing a caretaker government, which will oversee operations in the short term but faces significant challenges in achieving long-term stability. Financial markets have already shown signs of concern, with France’s borrowing costs spiking amid the turmoil.

This development places France at a critical juncture, further complicating the European Union’s dynamics as Germany grapples with its own electoral uncertainties and the U.S. prepares for Donald Trump’s return to the White House in January.

Kenya sued at East African Court of Justice

Kenya is facing a legal battle at the East African Court of Justice (EACJ) over its decision to grant diplomatic immunities to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

The case, filed by Kenyan petitioners Sigi Waigumo Mwanzia and Gichohi Waweru on November 28, 2024, accuses Kenya of breaching the East African Community (EAC) Treaty and its own Constitution by failing to ensure transparency, public participation, and accountability in the process.

A past photo of President William Ruto when he hosted American businessman Bill Gates at State House Nairobi on November 15, 2022.

The immunities, granted through a gazette notice on October 4, 2024, sparked public debate. Critics argue such privileges are typically reserved for diplomatic missions, not private entities.

The petitioners demand an explanation of how the foundation qualified under Kenya’s Privileges and Immunities Act and access to related documentation. The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has also filed a separate case, leading the High Court to suspend the immunities pending a hearing.

Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi, had earlier defended the decision, emphasizing the foundation’s substantial contributions to development and adherence to legal frameworks. However, questions linger about the broader implications of extending diplomatic protections to philanthropic organizations.

Karua returns to Kenya after delays in obtaining practice license in Uganda

Kenyan lawyer Martha Karua has returned to Kenya after failing to secure a temporary practicing license from the Uganda Law Council, delaying her plans to lead the defense of Ugandan opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye.

Karua visited Uganda on December 1, 2024, to obtain the necessary certification but was unsuccessful. Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, a member of Besigye’s legal team, stated that the team remains hopeful the license will be approved soon.

Kenyan lawyer and former justice minister Martha Karua has applied to lead a team of 50 lawyers in mounting a spirited defence for Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye and his ally Obeid Lutale, who were arrested by Ugandan security agents in Nairobi on November 16, 2024.

The legal team sought an adjournment in Besigye’s case to allow time for Karua’s certification, but the General Court Martial rescheduled the hearing to December 10, 2024, citing scheduling conflicts.

Besigye and his ally Abeid Lutale face charges including illegal possession of firearms and activities undermining national security following their controversial arrest in Nairobi, Kenya, while in the city to attend the launch of Karua’s book. Both remain remanded at Luzira Prison.

The charges have drawn criticism from rights activists, who argue they are politically
motivated, with questions raised about the military court’s jurisdiction over civilians.

Besigye, a veteran opposition figure and four-time presidential candidate, has faced repeated arrests for anti-government protests.

Trump nominates Jared Isaacman to head NASA

United States President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Jared Isaacman, a tech billionaire and private astronaut, to lead NASA.

Isaacman, known for funding and participating in SpaceX’s private space missions, would replace the outgoing administrator, Bill Nelson, if confirmed by the Senate.

Jared Isaacman, 41, is the founder of Shift4 Payments and an accomplished fighter pilot.

Isaacman, 41, is the founder of Shift4 Payments and an accomplished fighter pilot. He collaborated with SpaceX in 2022, making history with the first private spacewalk while testing customized spacewalking suits. His nomination signals NASA’s continued reliance on private companies like SpaceX, which plays a central role in the Artemis program aimed at returning humans to the moon.

Isaacman’s leadership is expected to deepen NASA’s focus on commercial partnerships and expand exploration efforts, including missions to Mars.

Trump highlighted Isaacman’s potential to drive breakthroughs in space science, technology, and exploration. Critics have noted Isaacman’s lack of government experience but acknowledged his expertise in private space ventures.

This early appointment aligns with Trump’s push to accelerate space exploration and expand the commercial space sector, with support from Elon Musk, a close collaborator and major donor to Trump’s campaign.

Rwanda to unveil Rubavu Port

Rwanda is set to officially launch the Rubavu Port on December 6, a state-of-the-art facility designed to boost regional trade and connectivity, particularly with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Situated on Lake Kivu in Nyamyumba Sector, this two-hectare port features cargo and passenger terminals and has been operational in a pilot phase since June 2024. It can handle 700,000 tonnes of cargo and 2.7 million passengers annually, with facilities including a wastewater treatment plant, petrol station, and accommodations for staff.

Rubavu Port project aims to lower trade costs and improve efficiency in transporting goods like cement, beverages, and dairy products across Lake Kivu.

The project, funded by Invest International and TradeMark Africa, aims to lower trade costs and improve efficiency in transporting goods like cement, beverages, and dairy products across Lake Kivu. It also supports local communities by creating jobs and fostering tourism. Officials anticipate significant economic benefits, including streamlined logistics, reduced tariffs, and fewer cross-border trade bottlenecks.

Rubavu Port is part of a larger initiative, the Lake Kivu Harbour Transport Project, which includes the development of additional ports in Rusizi, Karongi, and Nkora.

The project aims to transform Rwanda into a regional trade corridor, reducing the cost per metric ton of goods transported across Lake Kivu by nearly 60% while promoting greener and safer alternatives to road transport.