East Africa

In the heart of Mogadishu, a momentous occasion unfolded on a significant Thursday as Ethiopia's Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, touched down in Somalia's capital. His agenda was clear: to bridge the chasm that had formed between Ethiopia and Somalia. The reception, marked by reverence, was just the prelude to the dialogues expected to reshape their bilateral relations. History has a peculiar way of weaving its narrative, and in this tale, the frostiness of relations dates back to January 2024. It was a time when…

Hurghada, nestled along the sun-kissed shores of the Red Sea in Egypt, is more than just a tourist hotspot. Once a quaint fishing village, this vibrant coastal city has blossomed into a premier destination for travelers worldwide. Imagine waking up to the gentle sound of waves, the sun coaxing you out for a morning dive. Here, in its crystalline waters, you'll find an underwater spectacle of coral reefs and marine life dancing just beneath the surface.…

Exploring the Ebb and Flow of Kenya's Inflation Rates In recent times, Kenya's economic landscape has witnessed a fascinating dance of numbers, reflecting the country's inflation trajectory. Observing these movements is akin to watching a symphony, where every note, every pause, plays a part in the bigger picture of the Kenyan economy. Let's take a step back to September of last year. During this month, a noteworthy change was observed: inflation rates fell from 4.4% in August to an encouraging…

Bridging Horizons: The Kenya-Somalia Trade Facilitation Endeavor In the heart of East Africa, an evolving conversation is taking place, one that holds the promise of profound economic transformation. This dialogue, centered around a trade facilitation agreement, is set to dismantle the irregular non-tariff barriers that have historically strained the economic synergy between Kenya and Somalia, two neighboring nations with rich cultural ties. Setting the Stage for Regional Collaboration In December 2023, a pivotal…

Food inflation looms as a profound challenge for numerous African nations, exacerbating existing economic hardships and amplifying food insecurity for millions of citizens. Life in various parts of Africa is already mired in complexity, as many countries grapple with systemic issues. With the spike in food prices, the situation is akin to salt on an open wound—undermining not only household well-being but threatening the broader economic landscape. Consider a family struggling to make ends meet, now facing the relentless…

In the serene yet bustling market town of Eldama Ravine, a shadowy event has thrust its local police force into the global spotlight. At the intersection of highways, where the vibrance of everyday life meets the concerns of the unforeseen, law enforcement officers have embarked on an investigation that has left many pondering — are they witnessing the unearthing of a human trafficking network? Recently, law enforcement officers intercepted a vehicle, a Toyota Hiace, packed with 20 women journeying under suspect…

Africa, while home to a vast spectrum of cultures and landscapes, encounters a unique geographical challenge—being landlocked. Surprisingly, one-third of the continent's countries do not have direct access to the sea. Yet, the presence of seaports on the African coastline is a beacon of economic hope and utility, facilitating access to international markets for even the most inland businesses. These maritime gateways are not just crucial for those positioned at the water’s edge, but they extend their opportunity-laden arms…

Diplomatic Overtones: Ethiopia and Somalia's Renewed Bond In a gesture of renewed camaraderie, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met on Thursday in the bustling heart of Mogadishu. As their nations work towards mending a relationship frayed by Ethiopia's recent sea access arrangement with North Western State of Somalia—an autonomous region Somalia still emphatically claims—a path toward cooperation cautiously unfolds. Arriving robustly on a sunny Thursday, Prime…

The Triumphs and Trials of Resilience “I find myself in a difficult position,” shared Maryan, as the evening darkness enveloped the settlement. “Tonight, it was a neighbor who had the kindness to give us a bowl of rice and sugar. I cooked it for the children. Raising seven children without a father is not easy—some are older, others younger—but too often, we go to bed with empty stomachs.” Maryan's eyes reflected a mixture of weariness and quiet fortitude. Maryan's journey has been arduous. For nearly four…

Embracing a New Era: Somalia's Security Transition In the bustling atmosphere of Addis Ababa, African defense ministers recently convened to take a pivotal step forward for Somalia's future. They meticulously crafted a blueprint for the deployment of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), marking a momentous phase in Somalia’s journey towards self-reliance. But what does this transition mean for Somalia, a nation that has weathered turbulent storms over the last two decades?…