Central Africa

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has recently issued a revised humanitarian appeal, requesting a staggering $29 billion. This figure underscores a significant and troubling adjustment, emphasizing drastic budget cuts from earlier projections that reflect an increasingly daunting reality. In a statement posted on its official X page, OCHA expressed the urgency of this situation, stating: "We have been forced to re-prioritize our work. Brutal 2025 funding cuts mean…

The administration of President Donald Trump is reportedly contemplating a travel ban affecting nationals from an additional 36 countries. Alarmingly, 25 of these nations are located in Africa, as detailed in recent communications from the State Department. These outlines enumerate a multitude of concerns, urging the involved countries to implement corrective measures within a stipulated timeframe. Earlier this month, the president enacted a proclamation that barred citizens from 12 specific countries from entering the…

Northeastern State's Struggles and Resolve Against ISIS Mogadishu (AX) — The economic landscape of Northeastern State is undergoing severe turbulence, a crisis that President Said Abdullahi Deni attributes to the looming shadow of ISIS militants in the Al-Miskaad mountain range. During a recent banking development forum in Garowe, he voiced a conviction that echoes the frustrations of many citizens. “The main reason for Northeastern State’s economic downturn is the presence of ISIS in Al-Miskaad,” he stated emphatically.…

The persistent imbalance within Africa’s fuel pricing landscape has left many consumers and businesses disenchanted. Why, despite broader global stability, do fuel prices in various regions of Africa remain disproportionately high? This question echoes through the halls of government buildings, corporate offices, and everyday conversations among citizens. The answers are multifaceted and reveal the complexities of economics on the continent. One of the critical factors driving these high…

Recently, I had the opportunity to engage in a roundtable discussion with The Africa Report. During this compelling conversation, Bill Gates raised a significant point regarding the intricate relationship between political stability and healthcare systems in regions led by military governments. He acknowledged that while political dynamics can vary widely, certain areas remain bastions of healthcare efficiency. Gates stated, “Some of those countries run, within the areas of stability, pretty decent health…

Somalia's Muhidin Abubakar Makes History at UAE Warriors 60 ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AX) — On an electrifying Friday night, Muhidin Abubakar, the trailblazing fighter from Somalia, made his mark in martial arts history by defeating Victor “Sombra” Nunes from Brazil by unanimous decision at UAE Warriors 60. This victory not only secured him the interim flyweight title but also made him the first Somali fighter to ever clinch a championship within this promotion. Competing at the impressive Space 42 Arena in Abu…

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AX) — After a two-day hiatus marked by protests against rampant extortion, Somali-run spaza shops in Khayelitsha's Site C township reopened on Friday. The decision to shut down wasn’t made lightly; local traders felt compelled to act as the threat from gangs escalated to levels that were simply unbearable. Imagine a community reliant on small, informal shops for daily essentials, which suddenly find themselves devoid of those crucial resources. June 11 and 12 felt particularly bleak for many…

Recently, during an online briefing filled with engaged participants and stakeholders, Troy Fitrell, the U.S. State Department's leading official for African affairs, shared some important insights regarding the ongoing negotiations between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda. The dynamics between these two nations are delicate, entangled in a historical tapestry woven with conflict and mistrust. As of now, the stakes are incredibly high. Fitrell emphasized the immediacy of the situation when he…

Recent revelations from a leaked memo reviewed by The Washington Post indicate a potential expansion of the controversial travel ban first introduced in 2017. This move could see several African nations added to the existing list of restricted countries, which raises significant concerns. According to the details of the memo, the proposed restrictions are tied to several factors, notably visa overstay rates and perceived deficiencies in national security vetting systems. These criteria have become pivotal in…

Kenya's Ongoing Battle Against Terrorism NAIROBI, Kenya (AX) — On a notably vibrant Thursday in Mombasa, Kenyan President William Ruto spoke decisively about the strides the nation has made in combating the dark shadows of terrorism. With Al-Shabaab-linked attacks sparking fresh concerns in parts of northern and coastal Kenya, the backdrop of his comments was both pressing and urgent. As he addressed attendees at the closing of the 23rd Commonwealth Heads of Prosecuting Agencies Conference,…