East Africa

In Somalia, Danab commandos face food ration theft allegations from the US government. Soldiers detained for diverting rations to markets for profit. US stopped support in 2024 due to misappropriation. Senior leaders aware of diversions during combat. Corrupt incidents revealed, including arms sale in Mogadishu market. Ministry of Defense appreciates US support but arrests seen as a scapegoat. Investigations launched for accountability and transparency. Somali forces transitioning logistic needs for sustainability. US…

In Cardiff, Mohamud Hassan, 24, was found dead under mysterious circumstances after his release from police custody. This led to an inquest uncovering allegations of police misconduct and differing witness testimonies. The inquest, happening at Pontypridd Coroners' Court this week, aims to unravel the events that led to Hassan's death on January 9, 2021. A post-mortem examination found Mr. Hassan's cause of death as "unascertained," as revealed to the jury last week. Hassan's uncle, Sulieman Mohamed, testified during the…

As Somalia deals with security issues, political turmoil has arisen from attempts to amend the provisional constitution put in place in 2012. The recent amendments, approved by Parliament on March 30, aim to increase presidential authority, eliminate the prime minister role in favor of a vice president, and switch from a clan-based voting system to universal suffrage. These changes also suggest extending the terms of the president and Parliament, transferring some legislative powers to the presidency. The proposed…

The Congo government is threatening to sue Apple, alleging that the tech giant is purchasing minerals illegally sourced from eastern Congolese mines where human rights violations occur, and then smuggled into Rwanda. They are questioning Apple's awareness of the issue concerning what they refer to as "blood minerals."

Somalia's relief organization under fire for sandbag placement near flood-prone regions In Doolow, Somalia, the Somalia Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) and its commissioner, Mohamud Moallim, are receiving criticism on social media for strategically placing sandbags in the areas near the Jubba and Dawo rivers. While the purpose of the sandbags was to prevent potential flash floods, the move has been met with disapproval from the public, who view it as disrespectful and irresponsible. Experts predict heavy rainfall in…

In Somalia, the death toll of Al-Shabaab members rises to 70 due to successful operations conducted by the Somali National Army (SNA) in collaboration with US Africa Command and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). The recent crackdown focused on central regions, with fierce fighting resulting in the killing of over 70 militants and injuring 30 others near Tabar-mooge area, north of Harardhere town. This area is known for harboring Al-Shabaab operatives. The joint military operation involved Somali forces…

In a notable turn of events, authorities in Somaliland have set free Ugbaad Mohamud Abdi, a female singer, who was held for a week due to a rap song that was considered critical by authorities. Ugbaad Mohamud Abdi, also known as Ugbaad Aragsan, was released on Thursday after the charges against her were dropped, according to her lawyer. The young singer was detained in Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland, since the previous Tuesday. "I am now free and safe. The treatment in detention was pleasant," she briefly shared with…

In the heart of El Fasher, North Darfur, tensions rise, prompting the United States to urge Sudan's armed forces to stop attacks immediately. Concerns grow over an impending assault by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and affiliated groups, placing civilians, especially the displaced, at risk. Matthew Miller, speaking for the State Department, voices alarm about the potential RSF offensive in El Fasher endangering the lives of displaced civilians. The U.S. government expresses deep distress over confirmed reports of village…

The death toll from flooding in Kenya has climbed to 70 due to increased rainfall since March. East Africa is vulnerable to climate change, experiencing heavy rains from the El Nino weather pattern. The government spokesperson confirmed the number of lives lost due to floods. The extreme weather has caused chaos in Nairobi, blocking roads and damaging homes. Tanzanian Prime Minister announced 155 deaths and 236 injuries from flooding. The disaster has affected homes, property, crops, and infrastructure. In Burundi, 96,000…

As a result of increased rainfall in Kenya since March, 70 people have died in floods, according to a government official on Friday.