Kenya's president faces tough questions as regional tensions grow

In mid-November a high-profile incident shook east-african politics when Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye vanished from Nairobi during a book event (which later caused regional tension)

The situation got more complex when Besigye showed up at a military court in Kampala: facing terrorism charges. His wife – a UN-aids director pointed out the odd nature of civilian trial in military court; while UN human-rights chief expressed deep worry about such practices

Kenyas Catholic Church made things worse by rejecting president William Rutoʼs $40‚000 donation and criticizing his government for what they called a “culture of lies.“ Meanwhile Ugandan officials openly talked about Kenyaʼs involvement in Besigyeʼs transfer which contradicted Nairobiʼs denial

The president had to deal with other issues too – he cancelled deals worth $2‚5B with indian businessman after fraud charges came up in US. Human rights groups say security forces did bad things during summer protests: over 70 people disappeared and 1‚300-plus got arrested without proper cause

• South Africa gets ready to lead G-20 starting december
• Chinaʼs leader visited Morocco to discuss billion-dollar factory plans
• Russia plans its first embassy in Togo next year
• Five west-african countries agreed on huge highway project

Despite growing problems US keeps supporting Ruto – making Kenya non-NATO ally and getting them involved in Haiti mission. But some US politicians dont like this approach saying it hurts Americas image when talking about democracy

A new road project might change west-african trade: $15B highway connecting Ivory Coast to Nigeria got extra $6‚8B funding for business zones. When done it should carry most goods traded between these countries making local trade easier than ever