East Africa

Recently, the Global Mind Project unveiled its extensive report on mental health, drawing from over a million responses collected online from participants in 76 different countries. The data revealed a rather unsettling truth: in wealthier countries, the mental well-being of those aged 18 to 34 is on a downward trend with little sign of recovery in sight. However, there's a silver lining. In parts of Africa, youth are demonstrating a remarkable resilience that stands out globally. Who would've thought? Tanzania,…

Imagine defending a castle with crumbling walls against an unknown adversary keen on breaching its defenses. This metaphor reflects the precarious situation faced by many African nations, where a significant lack in the tank fleet can create substantial security vulnerabilities. With insurgencies, territorial disputes, and cross-border tensions simmering like a pot on a low boil, having a robust armored presence is not a mere luxury; it's a critical necessity. Picture this: a weak or aging…

Mogadishu (AX) — The intricate tapestry of Ethiopian politics is once again at a crossroads, with the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) standing poised on the verge of conflict. This tension unfurls from a central grievance: the perceived breach of a peace agreement by the Ethiopian government. Signed in 2018, during the nascent tenure of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the accord promised autonomy over resources for the Somali region, an acknowledgment of historical injustices, and a commitment to foster free trade…

The narrative of women in politics is one of inspiring transformation and ongoing challenges. From the early 20th century to the present, the path has been marked by groundbreaking changes, with countries such as New Zealand, Finland, and the United States initially breaking the mold by granting women the crucial right to vote and stand for election. Have you ever wondered what conversations took place in those turbulent times, pushing society toward this seismic shift? One could only imagine the fervor of…

In this photograph, Somali Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Fardowsa Osman Egal, participates actively in a government meeting in Mogadishu. Mogadishu (AX) — Nestled on the beautiful shores of the Indian Ocean, Mogadishu has recently faced turbulence in its air relations. The skies over Somalia's capital have become quieter following a warning issued by the U.S. Embassy regarding potential threats by terrorist factions. But here's where the plot thickens: the Somali government, exhibiting both poise and resilience,…

Freedom in Africa: A Struggle for Expression What does it mean to be truly free? This question resonates deeply as we delve into Freedom In The World 2025, the annual report by Freedom House. Explicitly, it tells us that 21 African countries fall under the "Not Free" category. This highlights an ongoing battle against censorship, repression, and violations of human rights, painting a picture of a continent at a crossroads. Africa, the land of vibrant cultures and myriad voices, still struggles under the shadow…

Mogadishu (AX)—A stirring event unfolded on Thursday in Baidoa as hundreds of freshly trained Somali security personnel celebrated the completion of a demanding six-month training program. This training, meticulously conducted by Ethiopian forces, falls under the Africa Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). The recruits endured intense military drills and mastered the complexities of weapons handling and counterterrorism strategies. Such rigorous training imbues them with the vital skills…

The announcement that Nigeria has become a member of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) marks a pivotal moment in its economic journey. This welcome news was shared by Nigeria's Finance Minister and Economic Coordinator, Wale Edun, as he accepted the country's membership certificate from the EBRD delegation led by Heike Harmgart in Abuja. Entering this new chapter, one can't help but wonder how this might reshape Nigeria's economic landscape — can this membership stir the growth needed to…

Starlink: A Complex Interplay of Progress, Policy, and History Elon Musk is once again making waves, though this time it's not exclusively in the tech world. The billionaire's recent assertion that Starlink—the satellite internet enterprise of his company SpaceX—is being thwarted by South African law because he is "not Black," has stirred a hornet's nest. This provocative statement, delivered on Musk's social media platform X, has reignited debates about South Africa's intricate tapestry of business…

Friday, March 7, 2025 By Mohamed Rashid At the Zanzalima Camp for Internally Displaced People, volunteers toil diligently as they unload hefty 50-kilogram sacks of wheat flour, a part of an aid delivery from USAID dated December 17, 2021. This sight, while reassuring, also serves as a quiet testament to a nation grappling with its heavy reliance on foreign aid. Somalia, for decades, has found itself dependent on international assistance, primarily sourced from entities like USAID and myriad donor institutions. Although…