Eyebrows Raised As Neighbouring Presidents Stay Away From Kenya's 60th Jamhuri Celebrations
By Moses Kinyanjui Published on: December 13, 2023 12:07 (EAT)
President William Ruto during a guard of honour at the 60th Jamhuri Day celebrations at Uhuru Gardens, Nairobi on December 12, 2023. PHOTO/WilliamsRuto/X
As Kenya celebrated the 60th Jamhuri Day celebrations on Tuesday undertones of a sorry state of East African Community affairs also gained dominance if the absence of the neighbouring presidents was anything to go by.
With the warm partnerships and camaraderie the nations in East Africa share, it is customary for Heads of State to grace each other's major national occasions like the Jamhuri Day fete.
Contrary to the habitual script, three presidents were a no-show on Tuesday opting to send their representatives.
Notably, presidents Yoweri Museveni (Uganda), Samia Suluhu (Tanzania), Evariste Ndayishimiye (Burundi) and Paul Kagame (Rwanda) were a no-show. The only presidents who accepted the invite were Sahle-Work Zewde (Ethiopia) and Hussein Mwinyi (Zanzibar).
Other leaders included Burundi's Vice President Prosper Bazombanza and Uganda's first deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga.
President Mwinyi attended on behalf of President Suluhu, noting that her absence was due to the harsh floods that are affecting the northern part of the nation.
Museveni's presence was represented by Ms. Kadaga who said that the president just "was not able to attend".
For neighbouring presidents to snub such a monumental day in Kenya's history, it pokes holes into the sturdiness of the so-termed firm relationship between President William Ruto and his regional counterparts.
President Suluhu once remarked at a public Islamic function in Zanzibar that investors were now picking Tanzania as their preferred investment hub after seeing that the 'neighbours were on fire'.
"Kati ya mwezi wa May na Juni, tumepokea wawekezaji wengi mno. Lakini ukitizama sababu ni nini. Sababu ni kwamba kwa jirani kunawaka moto..." she said during Kenya's heightened anti-government protests.
In the same, breath President Museveni cut reliance on Kenya for importation of its petroleum products in November and contracted bulk and refinery suppliers to obtain lower-cost petroleum products.
At the time, Uganda was importing more than 90% of its petroleum products through the Port of Mombasa in Kenya and the rest through the Dar es Salaam Port in Tanzania.
President Museveni said that Uganda had been sourcing the same products from middlemen in Kenya at exorbitant prices, exacerbating the country's fuel crisis.
"Without my knowledge, our wonderful People were buying this huge quantity of petroleum products from middlemen in Kenya," Museveni wrote on X.
"A whole country buying from middlemen in Kenya or anywhere else!! Amazing but true."
He added that it is more cost-effective for Uganda to purchase from refineries abroad and transport the product to Uganda via Kenya and Tanzania.
This also comes in the wake of heaped censures against Kenya, East Africa's powerhouse, over its collapsing economy and poor national governance.
With the ongoing flow and ebb in Kenya's state of affairs, it now remains unclear whether neighbouring presidents will honour invites in subsequent national celebrations or keep on sending representatives.
As Kenya celebrated the 60th Jamhuri Day celebrations on Tuesday undertones of a sorry state of East African Community affairs also gained dominance if the absence of the neighbouring presidents was anything to go by.
Tumewaacha mbali sana hata wao wenyewe wanajua ndio mana wamebaki wachache humu, tulikuwa tunawaambia kila siku mwakani sio mbali wakawa wanasema tumezoea kusema "tuta" "tuta" "tuta" 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo states that African countries, particularly Nigeria, face challenges in securing debt relief due to mismanagement of resources. He emphasizes the need for prudent leadership, cautioning against the debt trap, and encourages qualities such as setting examples and courage in decision-making for effective leadership.
“Worried by the debt scenarios across the African continent, Obasanjo declared that there would be little or no option for the next generation of Africans to secure debt relief for the continent from her huge debts owing various multilateral organizations”. BusinessDay reported.
The debt-to-GDP ratio is an important metric that compares a country’s total debt to its economic output, with lower ratios indicating economic stability and higher ratios signaling potential challenges in meeting debt obligations, influencing global investor decisions, and influencing interest rates on government bonds.
According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Here are Africa’s top 10 least indebted countries
Tanzania (41.8% Debt-to-GDP Ratio)
Tanzania takes the lead among Africa’s least indebted nations with a debt-to-GDP ratio of 41.8%. The East African nation’s relatively low ratio indicates a balanced monetary approach, contributing to economic stability and resilience.
Nigeria (41.3% Debt-to-GDP Ratio)
While being a significant player on the African economic stage, Nigeria surprised with its debt-to-GDP ratio of 41.3%. The country’s diverse economic sectors and efforts to manage debt contribute to its position among the least indebted nations.
Cameroon (39.6% Debt-to-GDP Ratio)
Cameroon’s debt-to-GDP ratio of 39.6% demonstrates the country’s commitment to maintaining fiscal discipline. Despite dealing with separatist unrest and economic crises, the country has maintained strict control over government expenditures. Prudent handling of oil income, a critical resource, has also aided budgetary stability.
Related News
Chad, with a debt-to-GDP ratio of 38.7%, reflects a balanced approach to managing financial obligations. A nation emerging from years of internal war has made an astonishing comeback. Debt restructuring initiatives and more openness in resource management have been critical.
Comoros (36.9% Debt-to-GDP Ratio)
Comoros exhibits prudent fiscal management with a debt-to-GDP ratio of 36.9%. is an example of a small island nation’s debt management. Tourism and agriculture drive the economy, but prudent foreign aid utilization and an emphasis on internal resource mobilization have kept debt at bay. The dedication of the Comoros to good administration and budgetary control lays the way for a brighter future.
Equatorial Guinea (33.7% Debt-to-GDP Ratio)
Equatorial Guinea’s debt-to-GDP ratio stands at 33.7%, showcasing the country’s strategic approach to financial policies. Its oil wealth could easily lead to overspending, but this small nation is proving otherwise. Strict control over oil revenues, along with investments in non-oil sectors like agriculture and tourism, has kept its debt in check.
Guinea (31.5% Debt-to-GDP Ratio)
Guinea’s debt-to-GDP ratio of 31.5% reflects the West African nation’s efforts in maintaining fiscal responsibility. Emerging from years of political instability, Guinea is focused on responsible resource management. Diversifying its economy beyond mining, coupled with prudent budgeting, has paved the way for fiscal stability.
Ethiopia (31.2% Debt-to-GDP Ratio)
Ethiopia’s debt-to-GDP ratio of 31.2% highlights the East African nation’s resilience in managing financial obligations. Large-scale infrastructure projects, coupled with investments in education and healthcare, are driving growth while keeping debt under control.
Botswana (18.1% Debt-to-GDP Ratio)
Botswana stands out with a remarkably low debt-to-GDP ratio of 18.1%, showcasing the Southern African nation’s prudent economic management. Botswana sets the gold standard for debt management. Careful planning, robust institutions, and a focus on long-term development have made it Africa’s second-least-indebted country
Congo, Dem. Rep. of the (11.1% Debt-to-GDP Ratio)
The Democratic Republic of the Congo boasts the lowest debt-to-GDP ratio among Africa’s least indebted countries, standing at 11.1%. The nation’s vast natural resources and efforts in managing debt contribute to its economic stability.
JamiiForums uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
www.citizen.digital
