East Africa

For nearly a month now, the semi-autonomous region of Northeastern State in Somalia has become a theater of military operations as security forces advance against Islamic State militants entrenched in its rugged mountains. It’s a tense standoff, a test of endurance and strategy. What makes these events profoundly compelling? It could be the frenetic chess game unfolding between the regional forces and a disciplined insurgent group. The crescendo of this operation seemed to reach new heights late last week. The regional…

The scene in Garowe was tense yet purposeful on Wednesday, as Northeastern State authorities embarked on a significant, perhaps controversial, operation. They deported close to a thousand undocumented Ethiopians, a move that underscores the region's determination to address the thorny issue of undocumented migration. The individuals were held for a brief period, just two days, before being transported in trucks—an image stark in its human implication—to the Somali-Ethiopian border. Why, one might ponder, has this policy…

In a dazzling display of football fervor, the much-anticipated draw for the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 was held in Rabat, Morocco, illuminating the path for the 24 countries aiming to take home the coveted trophy from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. The atmosphere was electric, filled with the buzz of anticipation and the whispers of fans eager to see how their beloved teams would fare against the competition. At the focal point of the event, the host nation—Morocco—was assigned to Group A alongside Mali, Zambia,…

Credit: REUTERS/Thomas Mukoya The global fight against pandemics like HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis faces a precarious moment. Why? On a fateful Tuesday, the Trump administration in the United States pivoted, deciding to freeze the supply of essential, lifesaving drugs intended for countries supported by US-AID. Ironic, isn't it? A world grappling with medical crises now finds itself cut off from a vital supply line. In an abrupt curtain call, a memo surfaced, targeting contractors and partners associated with US-AID. The…

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has ramped up its efforts to deport undocumented immigrants, a move that signals a new era of stringent immigration enforcement as the Trump administration takes the reins. If you thought the conversation around immigration was heated before, just wait—things are about to get spicier. Among African nations, Somalia tops the list with a staggering 4,090 of its citizens facing deportation. It’s a sobering statistic that casts a long shadow over the political landscape.…

On January 20, 2025, an executive order from the Trump administration sent shockwaves through the philanthropic world, as the U.S. government enacted an immediate freeze on foreign aid for a staggering 90 days. This bold decision ignited apprehension among aid organizations, leaving vulnerable communities in despair and shaking the foundations of essential programs tackling hunger, healthcare, and education. The reality is stark: lives depend on this assistance, and the abrupt halt threatens to pull the rug out from under…

"These programs were lifelines for so many," lamented a senior Somali official wishing to remain unnamed. The suspension of aid is a stumbling block we simply can't afford to encounter. Consider the meticulously crafted five-year development initiatives recently unveiled by USAID, worth a hefty $28 million. Designed to foster sustainable livelihoods and bolster local resilience, these programs were a beacon of hope for Somalia. A nation where nearly 70% of its denizens are trapped beneath the poverty line, the…

In the vibrant city of Dar es Salaam, a dynamic gathering is underway, bringing together over a dozen heads of state, along with influential representatives from international organizations and the private sector. The atmosphere is electric—not just because of the sun-drenched streets, but also due to a shared goal that’s lighting a fire under discussions: accelerating energy access and championing the continent's transition toward clean energy. Organizers highlight that this summit is not merely a talk shop; it’s about…

The world beneath our feet is more dynamic than it may appear. Imagine standing in Ethiopia's Afar Desert, where, in 2005, a colossal 35-mile fissure suddenly cleaved the arid landscape—a preview of Earth's internals at work. "The earth is forever changing; ask any geologist," my professor once said, emphasizing how every crack and crevasse has a story to tell. Isn't it fascinating how seemingly imperceptible movements can reshape entire continents over millennia? A geological mystery is unfolding, driven by tectonic forces…

In a corner of the world often scarred by turmoil, the picturesque city of Goma in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo finds itself shrouded in a thick cloud of violence once more. The relentless guns and recrudescent battles between the M23 insurgent faction and national forces have thrust the city into a maelstrom of chaos, displacing countless souls and quaking the very foundation of livelihoods and trade.