East Africa

Angola is stepping into an ambitious role, attempting to mediate the ongoing turmoil in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). The focus lies on facilitating direct negotiations between Kinshasa, the capital of DR Congo, and the M23 rebel group, which has recently captured significant territories. During a recent meeting held in Luanda, Angolan President João Lourenço unveiled a comprehensive plan aimed at establishing dialogue between the warring factions. His commitment to fostering peace in the region cannot be…

In a dramatic twist of events, self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri and his wife, Mary Bushiri, welcome an unexpected chapter in their ongoing saga. As the leaders of the Enlightened Christian Gathering Church, they cultivated a prominent following in South Africa. However, the clouds of legal troubles have loomed ominously over their heads. Back in 2020, the couple made an audacious escape from South Africa, leaving behind a trail of serious allegations. Accusations of defrauding investors to the tune of R102 million…

By the time you hear about an internet shutdown, the damage has often already set in, like ripples spreading across a pond. According to a report from the vigilant watchdogs at Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition, Africa saw an unsettling record of 21 internet shutdowns across 15 of its nations last year—a stark increase from the previous records of 19 in both 2020 and 2021. This begs the question: what compels governments to flip the switch in times of turmoil? Among the affected…

Mogadishu, Somalia – Under the relentless heat of the Mogadishu sun, Mukhtar Abdiwhab Ahmed finds himself seated on a simple plastic chair outside his home. The sounds of children at play, soldiers in clusters, and rickshaws darting past are the symphony of his daily surroundings. “Had I known I'd be here in Somalia, these tattoos would never have made it onto my skin,” he muses to Al Jazeera. Mukhtar, a 39-year-old, resorts mostly to long-sleeved shirts now, hoping to shield himself from the critical whispers and…

A noteworthy meeting recently unfolded in the bustling city of Luanda. It was an encounter that could potentially reshape the future of a troubled region. DRC President Felix Tshisekedi engaged in dialogue with Angolan President Joao Lourenco—an interaction worthy of the spotlight. Following these discussions, Angola courageously pledged to mediate between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebels. A bold move indeed. What's next, you ask? A direct negotiation has been…

A Siege Broken: A Story of Courage and Resilience in Beledweyne In the early hours of a seemingly ordinary Tuesday morning, Hotel Cairo in Beledweyne became the scene of a dramatic 15-hour siege. The tranquility of the morning was shattered by a thunderous car bomb explosion, announced by the notorious Al-Shabaab militants. A total of seven unfortunate souls, comprising traditional elders, military officers, and civilian bystanders, were swept away in this storm of brutality. Those who survived sustained injuries—wounds…

There's a significant buzz in the world of global trade, and it seems to have taken root in the fertile grounds of Africa. Not long ago, experts projected a notable surge in Russian agricultural exports to the continent, with an estimation surpassing $7 billion by 2024. If you think that sounds impressive, the anticipated growth, a jump of 19% from 2023, reveals not only the ambitious spirit of Russian trade but also the burgeoning partnership between these distant lands. When it comes to the…

Kenya and South Africa: Pioneers in Cashless Economy Transition In a world embracing digital convenience, Kenya and South Africa are staking their claim as leaders in transitioning towards cashless economies. This shift is bolstered by the widespread adoption of digital payment systems, mobile money, and contactless transactions. But what does this really mean for these nations, and could it signal the beginning of a worldwide trend? The global march towards a future where cash is a rare…

Somalian Struggles Against Terrorism: A Chronicle of Hope and Resilience Alasow remarked on the grueling night's operations as government soldiers, supported by African Union forces, heroically navigated through a tense and dangerous situation. They worked tirelessly to rescue individuals trapped within the confines of a besieged hotel, including elders, military personnel, and innocent civilians. With a mixture of pride and sorrow, he disclosed, “During the 18-hour siege, our courageous soldiers eliminated two…

It is often said, "Youth is wasted on the young," but is that truly the case when it comes to wealth acquisition on the African continent? Paradoxically, despite Africa's vibrant young population, the upper echelons of wealth often belong to individuals well into their later years. Indeed, among Africa's billionaires, only a single individual falls below the age of 50. This discrepancy raises intriguing questions about the paths to wealth for the younger demographic in Africa. Perhaps the challenge lies in traditional…