Author: Wycliffe Nyamasege

The measures, focused on energy independence, economic revitalization, and a rollback of diversity and immigration initiatives, signal a dramatic pivot in national policy.

At the forefront of President Trump’s initiatives was the declaration of a national energy emergency, a move he claimed would unlock the nation’s untapped potential in fossil fuel resources.

“We have something that no other manufacturing nation will ever have, the largest amount of oil and gas of any country on Earth, and we are going to use it,” Trump said during his inaugural address.

The declaration grants the administration sweeping powers to expedite permits for fossil fuel infrastructure, including mining and drilling projects.

Trump also ordered the resumption of oil and gas drilling in Alaska and the repeal of Biden-era restrictions on liquefied natural gas exports, asserting these steps would boost domestic energy production and lower energy costs for Americans.

The 47th President of the United States ordered his administration to “eliminate the electric-vehicle mandate” — his bid to undo regulations governing automotive pollution and fuel-economy standards which he believes unfairly limit consumer choice.

The declaration to encourage expanded fossil fuel production is expected to draw criticism from environmental advocates, especially as climate disasters continue to escalate.

Meanwhile, in line with his “America First” agenda, President Trump signed orders to investigate alleged unfair trade practices and re-evaluate trade deals, including the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The administration plans to assess China’s compliance with the 2020 trade deal and explore imposing new tariffs to protect domestic industries.

“Instead of taxing our citizens to enrich other countries, we will tariff and tax foreign countries to enrich our citizens,” Trump said.

Trump also proposed the creation of an “External Revenue Service” to oversee tariff collections and launched a review of the U.S. industrial base to identify opportunities for strengthening manufacturing.

The Trump administration reinstated a freeze on federal hiring, barring exceptions for military and immigration enforcement roles, and reintroduced Schedule F, a controversial category of federal employment that removes job protections for certain civil servants. Federal workers were also ordered to return to in-office work, ending remote work policies implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Immigration policies saw some of the most dramatic reversals. Trump reinstated the “Remain in Mexico” policy for asylum seekers, suspended the refugee admissions program, and declared a national emergency at the southern border to redirect funds toward wall construction. He also announced plans to end birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants, a proposal likely to face significant legal challenges.

“We’re taking back control of our borders,” Trump declared. “No longer will America be a sanctuary for those who enter illegally.”

In a broad push to reshape federal priorities, Trump ordered the termination of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs and recognized only two genders under federal law: Male and Female. Protections for transgender individuals in federal prisons were also rescinded.

On climate, Trump’s orders included withdrawing the U.S. from the Paris Agreement and halting offshore wind farm leasing, moves he justified as essential for economic growth.

Trump also ordered the withdrawal of the U.S. from the World Health Organization (WHO), marking the second time he has issued such orders.

“Oooh, that’s a big one,” the newly inaugurated US president, who has been critical of how the international body handled Covid-19, said as he approved the document after arriving back at the White House.

Trump began the process of pulling America out from the Geneva-based institution during the pandemic in his first term. President Joe Biden later reversed that decision.

On Monday, Trump also ordered a review of the TikTok ban, granting the platform a 75-day extension to comply with a law requiring either a sale or a ban due to national security concerns raised by U.S. lawmakers.

The President has floated the idea of a joint venture, proposing a 50-50 partnership between “the United States” and TikTok’s Chinese owner, ByteDance.

Other orders issued on Monday include the renaming of Mount Denali and the Gulf of Mexico. Trump also tasked tech billionaire Elon Musk, a close associate, with leading a cost-cutting initiative dubbed the Department of Government Efficiency.

In a striking departure from tradition, the ceremony will host a notable roster of foreign leaders, making it an unprecedented international affair, as no heads of state have previously made an official visit to the U.S. for an inauguration.

Trump, alongside Vice President-elect JD Vance, will take the oath of office on the steps of the Capitol, followed by a day of celebrations, including musical performances, a parade, and inaugural balls.

However, the spotlight will be on the distinguished and unconventional guest list, which includes sitting heads of state, former leaders, and notable political figures from around the globe.

Typically, U.S. presidential inaugurations are domestically focused, attended by American officials, former presidents, and other VIPs, with foreign representation limited to diplomats.

Trump, however, has invited several heads of state and two former leaders to his inauguration, signalling a significant break from protocol.

Many of the invited leaders share ideological alignment with Trump, particularly from right-wing or populist circles, while a few represent diplomatic overtures.

Media reports indicate that an estimated 500,000 guests are expected in total.

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The confirmed attendees for President-elect Trump’s second inaugural ceremony include several prominent figures. Argentina’s President Javier Milei, a far-right leader and strong ally of Trump, will be present, with Trump having praised him as a transformative force for Argentina.

Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is also expected to attend, though her participation depends on her schedule. Meloni’s potential presence follows her meeting with Trump in Florida in January, which solidified their political rapport.

Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa has confirmed his attendance, citing his support for Trump’s leadership in the Americas.

Former Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, a key figure in European right-wing politics, has also confirmed his presence.

Former President of Georgia, Salome Zourabichvili, is also expected at Trump’s historic inauguration.

However, several other leaders have faced hurdles preventing their attendance. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, a close Trump ally, will not be there due to domestic commitments.

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, often called the “Trump of the Tropics,” is unable to attend due to a travel ban imposed by Brazil’s Supreme Court, although he has expressed strong support for Trump.

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Notably absent from the guest list are prominent allies from NATO and the European Union, underscoring Donald Trump’s often-contentious relationships with traditional Western powers.

Both UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz were excluded from the event, while far-right figures such as Nigel Farage from the UK and Alice Weidel from Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD) were invited.

Despite their previous associations with Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also not be attending. Instead, Modi will send Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar as his representative.

A report by United Nations experts released on December 27, 2024, revealed that DRC forces had established a significant base in Lumbishi, located in Kalehe Territory.

Since May 2024, the Congolese army, in collaboration with armed groups like the FDLR, launched attacks in Lumbishi, targeting M23 positions in Masisi Territory, such as Ndumba. Lt. Col. Ndjike told the media that the forces stationed in North and South Kivu launched “Operation Caterpillar” to prevent M23 fighters from expanding their positions in the two provinces.

Following intense clashes on January 18, 2025, M23 fighters captured Lumbishi and advanced to Numbi and Shanje on the morning of January 19, as reported by Kalehe Territory Administrator Thomas Bakenga.

“After taking Lumbishi, they proceeded to Numbi and Shanje, both in Kalehe Territory,” Bakenga said.

As M23 fighters took control of Lumbishi, residents welcomed them with joy, expressing relief at their arrival. They also voiced complaints about crimes committed by the Congolese government forces, the FDLR, and allied militias.

M23 informed Lumbishi residents that they had driven out the FDLR, predominantly composed of remnants of perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, putting an end to the community’s suffering caused by the terrorist group.

This included dismantling illegal roadblocks, ending unlawful taxation, stopping sexual violence, preventing child recruitment into armed forces, and addressing other grievances that had plagued the area.

Speaking at a special general meeting in Dodoma, President Samia revealed that she had accepted Dr. Mpango’s “request to rest” after careful consideration. However, he will continue to serve as Vice President until the General Election scheduled for October.

“Dr. Philip Mpango, our Vice President, approached me recently to express his wish to step down. He cited several personal reasons, none related to his work. He mentioned that he is now 68 years old and would like to prioritize his health and well-being,” President Suluhu revealed.

“Last week, he handed me his resignation letter. While I initially hesitated, I later presented the matter to the Central Committee, and we collectively agreed to grant him his request,” she added.

Before assuming the vice presidency, Dr. Mpango served as Tanzania’s Minister of Finance and Planning from November 2015 to March 2021. His extensive career includes roles such as acting Commissioner General of the Tanzania Revenue Authority, Executive Secretary in the President’s Office (Planning Commission), Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Finance & Economic Affairs, Personal Assistant to the President (Economic Affairs), Head of the President’s Economic Advisory Unit, and Senior Economist for the World Bank.

He was sworn in as Vice President on March 31, 2021, following unanimous consent from the Tanzanian Parliament and nomination by President Suluhu.

Mpango’s nomination for the vice presidency came in the wake of President John Pombe Magufuli’s passing, which led to then-Vice President Suluhu assuming the presidency.