East Africa

Mandera County’s Initiative Against Polio: A Community-Centric Approach The sun rose with a renewed sense of urgency in Mandera County, casting long shadows on the dusty roads leading to the villages spread across the area. A sense of unity pervades the air, linked to a mission that transcends beyond borders: a battle against an invisible enemy, polio. Have you ever considered the impact of a single vaccine drop on the life of a child? From February 21 to 25, 2025, the Mandera County Department of Health is…

Speed limits, a crucial element of road safety, typically fluctuate across African nations based on the type of roadway. In cities, you'll find limits ranging from 40 to 60 km/h, while rural roads allow 60 to 100 km/h. Highways, the epitome of speed, permit 80 to 120 km/h. Speed limits serve not merely as numbers on signs but as lifelines woven into the fabric of road safety. They aim to foster an orderly flow of traffic and, more importantly, preserve human lives. "Speed thrills but kills," as the adage goes. Research…

Picture this: a city teetering on the brink of chaos, its narrow streets echoing with the clamor of celebration. In Bukavu, an occupied town in Congo, officers were reported by Reuters to be jubilating, somewhat paradoxically given the surrounding turmoil. Could it be a celebration of newfound power, or perhaps mere survival in a region marked by instability? The Eastern Congo has seen its share of strife, and Thursday was no exception. The M23 rebels, defiant and unyielding, made their determined push toward…

Is it possible for a single conversation to change the course of a region's security dynamics? Earlier this week in Nairobi, an important dialogue took place that might very well influence the future stability of East Africa. In a meeting characterized by commitment and collaboration, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Chief of Defence Forces of Uganda, engaged with Somali military leaders to deliberate on the persistent security challenges facing Mogadishu. The Somali delegation was led by Brig. Gen. Madey Nurey Sheikh, the…

Hargeisa (AX) – In the bustling heart of North Western State of Somalia's capital, Hargeisa, a new movement is unfolding. As the sun creeps over the horizon, the bustling markets and narrow streets begin to swell with activity. There’s perhaps an unnoticed rhythm to the city’s awakening—a blend of smells, sounds, and an intertwining of languages and cultures. Yet, amid this lively tapestry, a deeper narrative is emerging. Just as groups connect through shared…

The European Union's recent summons of the Rwandan envoy marks a crucial development in a protracted crisis that has left parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in disarray. Accusations of Rwandan meddling have interwoven themselves into this narrative of upheaval, leading to a humanitarian ordeal that has displaced millions and resulted in untold devastation. Who can truly fathom the magnitude of such human suffering? Despite constant refutation from Rwandan President Paul Kagame, the pressure from the…

FILE PHOTO Mogadishu (AX) — In the intricate web of international relations, two neighboring nations, Ethiopia and Somalia, have taken a significant step forward, fostering their military collaboration within the framework of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). Imagine a vivid tapestry, each thread representing the nuanced, complex layers of diplomacy and defense strategy. Here, the threads intertwine to form a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), setting the stage for…

Understanding the Diplomatic Tussle: A Close Look at Rooble’s Journey to South Africa Every trip can encounter a few hiccups—delayed flights, missing luggage, or the wrong kind of weather. However, former Somali Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Rooble faced a uniquely diplomatic snag when seeking clearance for his travel to South Africa. This particular episode makes one ponder: how often do the bureaucratic wheels turn seamlessly? "In any bureaucratic setting, is it ever as simple as it seems?" This question…

Mogadishu (AX) – A remarkable step has been taken yet again by the Somali National Army’s elite unit known as the Danab Special Forces. They recently participated in an internationally significant event, the Justified Accord military exercise in Kenya, marking their second involvement in this formidable gathering. Lieutenant Colonel Hassan Salah Abdi, the Commanding Officer of the Somali Special Forces, played a prominent role as he attended the closing ceremony held in Kenya. His presence was not only symbolic but…

Imagine a sprawling complex nestled in a strategically vital location—a hub of constant activity. These military bases, scattered across foreign lands, serve multifaceted purposes. Their roles range from counterterrorism painstakingly orchestrated from afar to safeguarding maritime borders. But have you ever wondered about the hidden layers beneath their ostensibly benign existence? Strategic military bases often appear as essential instruments of peace and stability. They’re pivotal for intelligence operations and for…