East Africa

South Africa's Military Withdrawal from the DRC: A Moment of Reflection In a recent announcement reported by Sputnik Afrique, South Africa’s Defence Minister, Angie Motshekga, warmly welcomed a contingent of 249 soldiers returning from duty in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Her words resonated with both pride and poignancy as she extolled their “unwavering patriotism” in one of the African continent’s most tumultuous zones. It brings to mind the dual nature of military service—intense duty and the…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a recent development that has raised eyebrows within diplomatic circles, former Somali Foreign Minister, Ambassador Ahmed Isse Awad, has voiced strong opposition to a letter issued by the Somali government. The letter calls for the dissolution of the C6+ international coordination framework, a move that Awad has critically labeled as both diplomatically irresponsible and detrimental to Somalia’s standing on the global stage. During an engaging televised debate on Universal Somali TV this past Saturday,…

Recently, during an online briefing filled with engaged participants and stakeholders, Troy Fitrell, the U.S. State Department's leading official for African affairs, shared some important insights regarding the ongoing negotiations between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda. The dynamics between these two nations are delicate, entangled in a historical tapestry woven with conflict and mistrust. As of now, the stakes are incredibly high. Fitrell emphasized the immediacy of the situation when he…

Recent revelations from a leaked memo reviewed by The Washington Post indicate a potential expansion of the controversial travel ban first introduced in 2017. This move could see several African nations added to the existing list of restricted countries, which raises significant concerns. According to the details of the memo, the proposed restrictions are tied to several factors, notably visa overstay rates and perceived deficiencies in national security vetting systems. These criteria have become pivotal in…

In a crucial address to Parliament on Thursday, Kenya's Treasury Cabinet Secretary, John Mbadi, unveiled budget estimates that revealed a staggering decline in funding for HIV, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria. The funding has plummeted from KSh 28.7 billion in this fiscal year to a mere KSh 17.3 billion for the next—news that has sent shockwaves through the health sector. This significant reduction in budget comes on the heels of the withdrawal of financial support from the United States…

Protests Erupt Over Death of Kenyan Blogger Albert Ojwang In a tragic turn of events, the voice of political dissent has resonated loudly across the streets of Nairobi. The recent death of Kenyan blogger Albert Ojwang, while in police custody, has ignited a wave of protests that speak to the heart of persistent issues surrounding police brutality in the nation. As demonstrators clash with police amidst burning vehicles, this incident serves as a chilling reminder of the consequences faced by those who dare to criticize…

Weather Alert: Prepare for Strong Winds and Large Waves A dramatic scene unfolds as strong winds whip through the landscape on a rainy day, captured in a recent footage report from Weather Today. Reflecting this chaotic beauty, the Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a crucial weather advisory that urges citizens to brace for intense winds and towering waves over the next six days. The message, released on Friday, June 13, is not just mere meteorological jargon; it carries the weight of severe implications for both…

Rising Health Spending in East Africa: A Response to Aid Withdrawal In recent months, the finance ministers across East Africa have found themselves navigating a challenging landscape, driven primarily by U.S. President Donald Trump’s abrupt withdrawal of billions of dollars in aid. This decision has triggered a profound re-evaluation of health expenditures within the region. What does this mean for healthcare systems already grappling with insufficient resources and an upsurge in health crises? The stakes are incredibly…

Addressing Substance Abuse and Conflict Prevention in Dadaab In the vast expanse of northern Kenya lies the Dadaab complex, a series of camps that have become home to thousands of Somali refugees. Within these camps, a pressing issue has emerged over the years: the alarming rise in substance abuse, particularly affecting jobless young men. The Youth Organisations’ Alliance has taken up the mantle to shed light on this issue, conducting an extensive study over seven months that reveals unsettling truths about the lives…

In a significant development, the Kenyan police conducted an operation on Thursday in Elwak, Mandera County, resulting in the arrest of two men who had crossed into Somalia and enlisted in the Somali National Army. This incident highlights a complex intersection of local challenges and wider geopolitical issues that affect not only Kenya but also its neighboring countries. Authorities reported that the suspects, aged 23 and 32, were linked to a troubling pattern of robberies in the Elwak region. Acting on a tip-off, police…