East Africa

A plane soars through the Nairobi skies, seemingly oblivious to the plume of smoke wafting from the grounds of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Below, airport operations continue unperturbed, the rhythm of arrivals and departures undisturbed by the fiery disruption. But how often does a fire this close to an airport not ground flights? On the evening of February 21, 2025, a fire was reported in the northern section of Kenya's busiest airport, JKIA. Kenya Airways, keen to reassure, stated that the blaze posed no…

With the emergence of Djibouti's Mahmoud Ali Youssouf as the new leader of the African Union Commission (AUC), a pivotal question arises: how will this new stewardship navigate the escalating continental and global crises? Often overshadowed by global news headlines, the recent African Union (AU) summit in Addis Ababa marked a significant turning point for Africa's foremost multilateral institution. A tectonic shift, if you will, was felt as Youssouf, an esteemed diplomat, was ushered in to replace Chad's Moussa…

Sudan has taken a bold step—recalling its ambassador from Kenya in a dramatic response to the latter's decision to host discussions aimed at forming an alternate government. The story, intricate and multi-layered, reflects not just a geopolitical quarrel but the often unpredictable dance of diplomacy. Sudan's Foreign Ministry, never one to mince words, remarked that Ambassador Kamal Jabara was summoned "for consultations." Why, you wonder? Kenya's seemingly audacious move to bring together individuals from the Rapid Support…

A quiet Tuesday afternoon turned significant when the African Development Bank (AfDB) broke the news that the list of candidates for the presidency had been finalized. The esteemed Steering Committee, after an arduous evaluation process, has endorsed a select group, ushering them closer to the coveted position. Is the race more about continuity or change? The contenders themselves reflect a tapestry of aspirations, visions waiting to be realized. It's a poignant moment for the AfDB. As the sun begins to set on the tenure of…

It's said that history doesn’t repeat, but it often rhymes. Can this phrase apply to Kenya's economic journey? Recently, whispers from unnamed insiders suggest a major shift in financial strategy. Insider sources, who chose to remain anonymous, leaked that the promised loan to Kenya will be delivered in full rather than in stages as originally intended. Such a financial influx at one go is quite unconventional, isn’t it? Not much has been said publicly; neither Kenya's Treasury Secretary John Mbadi nor the UAE…

In the often tumultuous sphere of global security, how do nations prepare for challenges that seem as ceaseless as the tides? Mogadishu, a city at the heart of such inquiries, recently witnessed an intriguing chapter in its journey of resilience and preparation. Here, among the echoes of both hope and conflict, stands an event worth pondering. The U.S. Army paratroopers have taken stride amidst Somali Danab special forces, together engaging in an exercise dubbed Justified Accord 2025 (JA25). Imagine, if you will, the…

In the bustling heart of Mogadishu, where whispers of the past merge with aspirations for the future, a new chapter is about to unfold. Can the development of a luxury hotel not only transform the urban landscape but also reframe how the world perceives Somalia? This is the ambitious vision of the stakeholders behind the Mogadishu Rotana—a beacon of change in Eastern Africa. In December, a groundbreaking initiative took its first steps in Mogadishu. Dignitaries and developers gathered near Aden Adde International Airport to…

Inflation, a relentless specter haunting the African continent, burdens both individuals and enterprises. Though inflation is not unique to Africa, the continent's fragile economies, heavy import dependence, and capricious global influences exacerbate its impact manifold. This situation makes it exceedingly arduous for citizens to afford essentials and maintain business sustainability. But why does this happen with such intensity in Africa? Several factors contribute…

In an obscure corner of the world, far from the eye of most international media, the Al-Karrar office has metamorphosed into something more sinister—a financial command center crafted intricately for the Islamic State’s sprawling empire, extending its dark reach from Afghanistan to Mozambique. Picture a warren of clandestine activities where ancient hawala networks blur seamlessly with cutting-edge cryptocurrency transactions, a place surviving on the gritty art of extortion. Entire economies within these insurgent zones…

Rwanda's Complicated Role in the DRC Conflict In the ever-tense region of Central Africa, Rwanda's actions have once more brought international pressure. Recently, the U.S. Treasury Department placed sanctions on Rwanda’s former army general and the current Minister of State for Regional Integration, James Kabarebe, following allegations of Rwanda’s involvement in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) conflict. But what does this mean for the embattled region? The accusations are severe: Rwanda is said to…