East Africa

The quiet offices of Mandera's administration were a crucible of tension, buzzing with rumors and suspicion. Whispers of nefarious activities floated through the town like an ill-wind, leaving dread in their wake. An Assistant Chief, a man who some might say epitomized trust, was now shrouded in alleged misdeeds. Was there truth in the accusations, or was this yet another shadow cast in the complex web of Mandera's security challenges? Kenyan police forces were especially vigilant, with their eyes glued to any movements…

In 2002, the European Union instituted sanctions against Zimbabwe’s defense sector, a move triggered by instances of electoral malpractice and human rights violations. The EU's embargo specifically targets arms shipments rumored to support internal repression. This decision was solidified following a European Council meeting held on February 18, signaling a persistent commitment to uphold human rights and democratic values. The European Union’s approach to these restrictive measures has been gradual, aimed at fostering…

In a compelling twist of diplomatic maneuvers, Kenya's Ministry of Foreign Affairs boldly declared its readiness to back peace initiatives in the tumultuous Sudan. This pronouncement followed a curious diplomatic kerfuffle: Sudan accused Kenya of breaching its sovereignty by hosting a gathering of the controversial Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Nairobi. But what does this really mean for regional politics and Kenya’s standing on the international stage? The Sudanese Government, in a statement drenched in indignation,…

Mogadishu (AX) – It was an ordinary morning in Garowe when the news broke. The atmosphere, typically buzzing with the cadence of daily life, took on an air of urgency. This change emanated from a single pronouncement by Northeastern State’s regional President, Said Abdullahi Deni. Why now, and what prompted this decisive action, you might ask? In response to unsettling reports of foreign nationals finding their way into ISIS-Somalia, Deni decreed a stringent crackdown on illegal immigration. The influx, he warned, could no…

“As long as this system remains unchanged, our expectations from the federal government remain nonexistent. We do not recognize it as a true national administration serving Somalia's collective interests,” Madobe emphatically declared. Intriguingly, he likened it to "an enterprise operating in Mogadishu." His words were neither mere rhetoric nor isolated discontent; they reverberated the escalating discord between Somalia’s regional states and the central government. Consider Jubaland—a region…

Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki (L) and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (R) appear together during a past diplomatic sojourn. CREDIT / EPC Mogadishu (AX) — In recent developments, Eritrea has firmly rebutted allegations by former Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome, who suggested that Eritrea is preparing for military conflict against Ethiopia. Eritrea swiftly labeled these claims as unfounded, attributing them to an attempt to deflect from Ethiopia's internal challenges. Teshome, speaking through Al Jazeera, pointed…

Sudan Voices Dismay Over Kenyan Event Involving Rapid Support Forces In a world teetering on the edge of diplomacy and chaos, every action can send ripples across continents. On Tuesday, Sudan's foreign ministry articulated its profound regret regarding Kenya's decision to facilitate a political gathering for a coalition aligned with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). One might wonder, in a landscape where alliances define fates, why would Kenya host such an event? The Nairobi-hosted event unfolded on Tuesday, serving as a…

The Rwandan government has sharply rebuked Belgium for what it perceives as an “aggressive campaign” aimed at disrupting its access to vital development funding. In a bold move, Belgium has urged the European Union to suspend direct budgetary support to Rwanda, contingent on the nation “severing ties with the Tutsi-led M23 rebels,” who have made significant territorial gains in the eastern parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This dramatic escalation of diplomatic tensions raises an important question: To…

In the remote and arid expanses of Mandera County, an air of tension hangs heavily over the desolate landscape. A seemingly ordinary morning was disrupted by an alarming development: detectives had detained two individuals linked to an unsettling conspiracy. Their objective? To abduct foreigners engaged in a pivotal government project, which, ironically, promises to bring much-needed infrastructure improvements to this marginalised region. The two men, as disclosed by Mandera County Criminal Investigations Officer Pius…

Mogadishu (AX) – At the heart of a bustling Mogadishu, a significant meeting unfolded on Tuesday. Somali Minister of Ports and Maritime Transport, Mohamud Adan Gesod, welcomed Turkish Ambassador to Somalia, Alper Aktaş, into a dialogue centered on the future of Somali ports—a future intricately tied to the narrative of rebuilding and hope. How many times has the world heard tales of reconstruction in post-conflict zones? Yet here it was, raw and earnest, unfolding in the flesh, where rebuilding isn’t just about bricks…