East Africa

OCHA's Staffing Cuts: Navigating Unforeseen Challenges The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, known more commonly as OCHA, has been a vital player in the global humanitarian arena—akin to a beacon guiding aid to regions most in need. Their mission, to ensure that aid is delivered quickly and effectively to crises-stricken populations, is pivotal, especially amidst unfolding natural disasters and escalating conflicts. But with looming budget constraints, can OCHA continue to carry…

In a world where the price at the pump can alter the very fabric of society, it's fascinating and somewhat alarming to see how the domino effect of rising gasoline prices influences every societal layer. Be it the bustling corridors of corporate giants or the humble abodes of low-income households, fuel costs permeate deeply into the routine affairs of daily life. Take a moment to reflect on this: in some African countries, the cost of gasoline has stubbornly remained steep over recent months. Despite some hopes to…

Alarm bells are ringing louder than ever as the United Nations draws attention to the alarming surge of child rape incidents in the Congo, merely within the year's first two months. It's a heart-wrenching reality that UNICEF underscores—the tender and innocent, even the youngest among them, are not spared. This brutal narrative is not isolated; it's etched into reality, with sexual violence becoming a hauntingly regular occurrence. Local organizations, immersed in the firestorm of sexual violence, reveal that an…

Cuban doctors treating a patient in Mandera County, 2019 In the quiet yet resilient towns of Mandera County, Kenya, two Cuban doctors, Assel Herrera Correa and Landy Rodríguez Hernández, embarked on a journey that remains tragically unfinished. Their mission, like many before them, was to heal. But in 2019, under circumstances that remain both mysterious and heartbreaking, they were kidnapped—a distressing chapter that continues to be written.…

North Western State of Somalia's Strategic Play in Global Politics: An Ambitious Bid for U.S. Partnership In the complex tapestry of international relations, where opportunities are intricately woven with risks, North Western State of Somalia appears to be navigating its path with a fresh perspective—particularly echoing the reputation of former President Donald Trump, often seen as a pragmatist negotiator. This political gambit raises intriguing questions: Could North Western…

The memories of historical tensions from my elementary and secondary school days bring Djibouti, the Somali Coast, to mind. Recently, I came across several articles on social media that discussed how people were busy with fleeting pursuits, like finding signals in Djibouti, rather than focusing on significant historical narratives. Such commentary often lacks the decorum and depth reminiscent of Djibouti’s historical role in Somali politics and nation-building, supported immensely by President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh’s political…

Meetings of international significance often carry an air of gravitas, yet they are underlined by the profoundly human quest to build bridges. On a Thursday afternoon in Paris, an intriguing convergence of perspectives unfolded as President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria sat down with Massad Boulos, the Senior Advisor for Africa to then U.S. President Donald Trump. Their conversation, intricately woven with aspirations of fortifying economic and security alliances, marked a pivotal moment in Nigeria's engagement with the United…

Understanding Somalia's Predicament and Potential In the heart of the Horn of Africa lies Somalia, a land teetering on the precipice of potential and peril. Today, this nation is primarily embroiled in a clash between its government and the notorious militant faction, al-Shabaab. Notably, other parties like Hizbul Islam—a former Islamic group historically opposing al-Shabaab—and the Dhulbahante clan are also pivotal in this turbulent landscape. The complexities of this conflict are compounded by the nuanced involvement…

In the restless heart of eastern Congo, a powerful storm brews. Last week, a majority of Goma, the bustling nucleus of the region, came under the control of rebels believed to be backed by neighboring Rwanda. The U.N. reports that even the city’s pivotal airport is now in rebel hands. Uncertainty hangs heavy as Rwanda's President, Paul Kagame, joins the choir of international voices demanding a halt to hostilities. Yet, amidst the chaos, what truly drives this conflict that seems to defy resolution? Not since the 2012…

Regional Leaders Convene for Critical Dialogue In what promises to be a pivotal meeting, the presidents of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, Félix Tshisekedi and Paul Kagame, respectively, are set to meet in Dar es Salaam. This extraordinary summit, heralded by Kenyan President William Ruto, aims to dissect the escalating hostilities in eastern Congo. President Ruto's announcement on Monday marked a significant diplomatic endeavor as tensions simmer between the two nations. Why is this summit happening now?…