East Africa

Kenyan President William Ruto warmly greeted Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni at the State House in Nairobi on May 16, 2024. The two countries, Kenya and Uganda, inked multiple deals to strengthen their partnership. One of the agreements permits Uganda to bring in and transport processed oil products through Kenya from other producing areas. This move aims to solve issues faced by Uganda's oil sector, as stated by Kenya's President William Ruto. Ruto expressed optimism that these agreements will strengthen their bond and…

In Jigjiga, Ethiopia, a brand new vehicle assembly plant has opened, with an investment of 250 million Birr, marking a significant milestone in the country's industrial growth. The factory, capable of producing up to 10 cars per day, was launched amidst great excitement and hope. Somali Regional President Mustafe Mohamed, leading the event, commended the collaborative work that brought the project to life. "This plant shows our progress in industry and the increasing role of the private sector in our economy," President…

Recently, US Central Command announced that the Mason was part of the latest series of attacks. They shared that on May 13, the Mason successfully intercepted an anti-ship ballistic missile. Additionally, they took down two drones launched by the Houthi that same day. According to EUNAVFOR Aspides, a total of 13 drones and missiles have been neutralized by US and EU forces over the past week. Another drone was reported to have crashed. These attacks intensified after the Houthi declared a fourth wave of assaults. In a…

London, UK (AX) – "The Village Next to Paradise," a Somali drama helmed by filmmaker Mo Harawe, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival's Un Certain Regard section and inked distribution deals in multiple territories. MAD Solutions acquired the film for release in the Middle East and North Africa, along with distribution agreements in France with Jour2fête and in Austria with Filmladen. Displayed at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, the drama was spotlighted among 14 films for its vivid depiction of an obscure region. The…

In Columbus, a tragic incident unfolded at an Amazon warehouse in West Jefferson when a 22-year-old security guard trainee, Ali Hamsa Yusuf, was shot by police after attempting to harm his supervisor and engaging in a shootout with officers. The altercation began at the warehouse around 4:45 p.m. as Yusuf, armed and not authorized to carry a gun on duty, tried to shoot his supervisor from close range, but the weapon malfunctioned. Despite the scary situation, no one was hurt during the initial confrontation. Around an hour…

The US ambassador to Ethiopia faces backlash for a speech meddling in the country's affairs, sparking accusations of violating international laws by Addis Ababa. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Ambassador Ervin Massinga's remarks as misguided and uninformed. Ethiopia accuses the groups supported by the ambassador of seeking to overthrow the government by force, amidst internal conflicts leading to loss of lives. The Ministry plans to collaborate with the US embassy to rectify errors in the statement made by the…

AX Minneapolis - Mahamud Tooxoow Mahamed, 39, originally from Noel, Missouri, faces a new indictment in connection to the 2019 murder of Jessica McCormack, whose body was found in a suitcase along Highway 59. The updated charges now include kidnapping resulting in death and stalking resulting in death, broadening the scope of the accusations against him.Originally indicted in August 2019, Mahamed, a Somali national and U.S. permanent resident, was linked to McCormack's death, when her body was discovered between Lanagan and…

Seychelles throws its hat in the ring for the AU Commission Chairperson position, shaking up Raila and Somalia's hopes. Kenya, Djibouti, and Somalia have already put forward their candidates, but Seychelles has now entered the race with Vincent Meriton as its contender, adding complexity to the competition. Meriton, with his extensive background in various key ministries, including Foreign Affairs and Health, is seen as a strong candidate. Djibouti's Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Kenya's Raila Odinga, and Somalia's Fawzia Yusuf are…

Under the punishing sun and amidst tin shacks in Galkayo, Somalia, mothers worry about feeding their children, a struggle echoed across the country where rains have failed, leading to severe drought and subsequent flooding. "The Somali people didn't cause climate change, but they are suffering from its effects," says El-Khidir Daloum, the wfp's country director for Somalia. Samawade, a small settlement like many in Somalia, reflects the nation's fragility due to conflict and extreme weather events. Nearly 4 million…

In Mogadishu, Somalia, Al-Shabaab has criticized President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's accomplishments, calling him a 'serial failure'. Mohamud has been in power for three years since replacing Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, promising to defeat the group within two years. Al-Shabaab claims that Mohamud has not succeeded in his goals, pointing to various attacks by the group on Somali government forces in Gal’ad, Awsweyne, and El-Lahelay. The government's efforts to combat Al-Shabaab began under Mohamud's leadership. State media…