East Africa

Human Rights Watch has raised significant concerns regarding the police's failure to act during the violent incident on June 26, when a group of armed men assaulted peaceful protesters. This alarming lack of intervention casts doubt on the government's ability to conduct the general elections scheduled for September in a fair and unbiased manner. In a heated atmosphere surrounding the upcoming national elections, the incident reflects more than just a moment of chaos; it unveils a deeper, systemic issue. Imagine being…

The waves of change in international relations often ebb and flow unpredictably. Just recently, Kenya and the United Kingdom took a significant leap forward in their partnership by introducing six additional flights each week between Nairobi and London. This initiative, championed by President William Ruto, aims to address ongoing challenges in both cargo transportation and passenger travel—challenges that have at times felt like insurmountable hurdles in the rapidly evolving landscape of global commerce. This agreement…

In a bold move aimed at invigorating the economy and drawing in private sector investment, Kenya is gearing up to privatize a number of state-owned enterprises through initial public offerings (IPOs). President William Ruto articulated this vision during a recent address at the London Stock Exchange, emphasizing the need for a modern and dynamic approach to national economic management. The journey towards privatization is set to kick off later this year with the listing of the Kenya Pipeline Company on the…

Tragedy Strikes: African Union Helicopter Crash in Mogadishu On a seemingly ordinary Wednesday morning, July 2, 2025, a tragic event unfolded at Aden Adde International Airport in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu. An African Union military helicopter, under the auspices of the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), faced a catastrophic accident while attempting to land, resulting in the loss of at least three lives. This incident not only underscores the perilous nature of military operations in…

The growing might of militaries around the world is no longer merely a badge of honor or a show of resilience; it has evolved into a strategic necessity for survival, influence, and relevance in a rapidly changing global landscape. With geopolitical tensions flaring from Gaza to Ukraine, Sudan to the Taiwan Strait, the year 2025 presents a sobering reality for nations grappling with the implications of military power. At its core, the expansion of military strength is a direct reflection of a nation's quest to…

The Zimbabwean government finds itself at a crossroads, grappling with unmet commitments regarding essential infrastructure. Promises of upgraded treatment plants, modern pump stations, and prepaid meters have faded into empty rhetoric, particularly following a substantial loan of U.S.$144 million from the China Exim Bank intended for Harare's water treatment system enhancement. As a means to address the escalating debt, a new water levy was instituted in March, placing an additional financial burden on the citizens. The…

The recent helicopter crash at Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu, Somalia, has cast a somber light on aviation safety amidst ongoing conflicts and political challenges. It serves as a striking reminder of the unpredictable nature of both human endeavors and natural circumstances. Ahmed Maalim, the head of the Somali Civil Aviation Authority, shared critical updates with the BBC. He confirmed that at least eight individuals were on board the ill-fated aircraft at the time of the crash. While the…

The USAID Transition and Its Implications for Africa The recent announcement made by Secretary of State Marco Rubio signals a paradigm shift in U.S. foreign engagement, particularly concerning Africa. This significant transition, which will take effect on July 1, has left many wondering about its repercussions. For decades, USAID has played a crucial role in development, acting as a dependable partner in the region. Yet, this revamped approach prompts serious questions about the future of global development efforts. Rubio…

Mogadishu (AX) — On a fateful Tuesday, a military helicopter met with disaster at Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu, igniting flames and spawning smoke clouds that rushed into the sky. Eyewitness accounts from airport staff detail a scene filled with chaos and uncertainty as the incident unfolded. Preliminary investigations suggest that the helicopter belonged to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia, now known as the African Union Stabilization and Support Mission (AUSSOM). This renaming not only…

Uganda's Shift Towards Sustainable Fuel: A New Ethanol Blending Policy Beginning in January next year, Uganda is set to embark on a transformative journey in its fuel distribution sector. This new initiative will mandate all fuel distributors to incorporate locally produced ethanol into the petrol they sell nationwide. It’s not just a regulatory shift; it’s a bold stride towards sustainability and self-reliance in energy production. The announcement came from Ruth Nankabirwa, the Energy Minister, who outlined that the…