East Africa

The Turmoil of Protests in Kenya: A Call for Reflection and Justice In the heart of Nairobi, a scene unfolded that encapsulated the complex tapestry of human emotion and socio-political strife. Bystanders and commuters converged in a commercial area recently ravaged by flames and vandalism, a stark reminder of the violent protests marking the anniversary of the anti-tax demonstrations from a year prior. The chaos that erupted on the streets serves not just as a narrative of sorrow and loss but as a poignant reflection of…

On June 27, a momentous event is set to unfold: the foreign ministers of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda will ink a peace agreement that could redefine the trajectory of their enduring conflict. This accord is not merely a piece of paperwork; it symbolizes hope emerging from years of turmoil marked by violence and loss. The stark reality of the region’s past cannot be overstated. For nearly three decades, armed conflict has wreaked havoc, resulting in unimaginable suffering. The forthcoming agreement explicitly…

It’s hard not to feel a heightened sense of tension in the world today—an undercurrent of uncertainty that seems to permeate our daily lives. If you've observed this sensation, you’re not alone. The latest findings from the 2025 Global Peace Index (GPI) corroborate these feelings, revealing a sobering truth: global peacefulness has declined for the sixth consecutive year. Alarmingly, this marks the 13th time in 17 years that we have witnessed such a backtrack. Yet, amidst this general decline, a curious silver…

On June 26, 2025, during a press conference in Nairobi, Kipchumba Murkomen, Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, made headlines with his stark remarks about ongoing protests in the country. Labeling these demonstrations as acts of "terrorism" and an attempted coup, he painted a grim picture of a nation at the brink. The echoes of his words reverberated not just through the room but across the very fabric of Kenyan society, raising urgent questions about governance, rights, and…

In the ever-evolving landscape of global finance, certain currencies can often surprise us—sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse. Over the past year, we’ve witnessed a notable decline in the value of several currencies, particularly the Egyptian pound and the Nigerian naira. This downturn can be attributed to various factors, including policy missteps, rampant inflation, and an over-reliance on imports. What’s striking is how these economic forces coalesce, often leaving citizens grappling with the real…

Yesterday, Windhoek was abuzz with excitement as the second edition of the Global African Hydrogen Summit was officially announced. Scheduled for 9 to 11 September 2025, this international gathering will unfold under the ambitious theme: “Ambition in Action: Fuelling Africa's Green Industrial Revolution.” This summit not only aims to showcase innovative energy solutions but also seeks to reposition Africa at the forefront of the global energy transition. But why hydrogen? Amidst the escalating concerns over climate change…

Exploring New Frontiers: Sierra Leone's Offshore Seismic Survey Sierra Leone stands at a crucial juncture, embarking on its first offshore 3D seismic survey in almost a decade. The aim? To uncover the vast potential nestled beneath the waves of its offshore oil basin. This six-week survey is not just a technical endeavor; it signifies a pivotal step towards demystifying the oil-rich subsea landscape that many experts believe holds great promise. Conducted in collaboration with the esteemed energy consulting…

African Trade: A Resilience Story After a challenging year in 2023, the winds are changing for trade among African nations. As we step into 2024, intra-African trade has surged impressively by 12.4%, reaching an eye-catching figure of $220.3 billion. This rebound encapsulates not just numbers; it conveys a spirit of resilience that echoes the diverse experiences across the continent. However, how did we emerge from the shadows of a 5.9% drop the previous year?…

A recent report from the World Bank titled Tracking SDG 7: The Energy Progress Report 2025 reveals some troubling realities regarding electricity access, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. It's disheartening but not surprising to learn that a large proportion of the world's electricity deficits are concentrated in this region. As investment in energy infrastructure continues to lag, the urgent need for improvements is clearer than ever. Despite various initiatives aimed at boosting electrification across the…

On May 19, families of detained Moroccans took a courageous step by submitting a formal complaint to Morocco’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They called for immediate intervention, arguing that their sons’ continued detention signals a grave violation of legal due process. These families recounted heart-wrenching tales of deception. Their sons, they assert, were lured to Somalia under the promise of legitimate employment but found themselves ensnared in a web of accusations related to terrorism. This recent appeal unfolded…