East Africa

Doctors at public hospitals in Kenya inked a pact with the government to end a strike launched in March. The agreement addresses salary arrears, hiring of trainee doctors, and insurance concerns. Television footage captured the handshake between union and government officials following the agreement. Health Minister Susan Nakhumicha confirmed the strike's end, citing the signed return-to-work formula. Arrears stemmed from a 2017 collective bargaining agreement, with doctors pressing for better medical insurance. KMPDU's…

In Nairobi, Kenya, the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE) 2024 commenced, showcasing the deepening trade and investment ties between the two regions. The event drew a prestigious delegation from Hunan Province in central China, emphasizing the strong partnership between China and Africa. Rebecca Miano, the cabinet secretary for the Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry, highlighted the expo's mission to unlock Africa's untapped potential by fostering connections with China's business community. Eric…

A vibrant battle for the DFL endorsement played out in south Minneapolis for an open state House seat, with Anquam Mahamoud securing the party's backing.This opportunity arose when DFL Representative Hodan Hassan opted not to run again after three terms.Anquam, 35, serves as the chief operating officer of Twin Cities Health Services, a facility that offers substance abuse treatment and mental health care in Minneapolis. While she is relatively new to the political arena, Anquam has gathered a substantial number of…

Minneapolis is preparing to reveal "Common Currents," a fresh public art piece that pays tribute to the legacy of the late Hussein Samatar, well-known for uniting cultures in the city's lively community. Scheduled for May 28, "Samatar Crossing" will pay homage to the initial Somali-American to hold public office in Minneapolis. The art display will honor the diverse paths of the local populace. The installation consists of two sculptures on opposite ends of the bridge, showcasing vibrant steel panels adorned with poetry from…

South Sudan's leader, Salva Kiir, is optimistic about the outcome of the peace talks taking place in Nairobi. The negotiations involve the government and rebel factions not included in the 2018 peace agreement that ended a devastating civil war. Key provisions from the previous agreement, such as the establishment of a unified security force, remain unfulfilled. To ensure fair elections, the opposition party has pushed for renewed discussions before the upcoming polls. Several African heads of state at the meeting have…

In a recent address to the Somali community in Kenya, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre of Somalia highlighted the current Federal Parliament's crucial role in achieving significant national milestones, contrasting it sharply with its predecessor. Barre emphasized that without the current Somali Parliament, the government would not have been able to secure relief from the arms embargo, achieve debt forgiveness, or join the East African Community, accomplishments that were unattainable under the previous administration.…

Deserted vans in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.Photographer: AP Photo Nairobi (AX) - UNICEF has reported that almost one million people in Eastern Africa are suffering from floods and landslides caused by heavy rains, stressing the urgent need for humanitarian aid. The latest report on East Africa flood situation from UNICEF states that a large number of individuals have been displaced in Burundi, Kenya, Somalia, and Tanzania. Extensive damage has been recorded, including impacts on homes, schools, infrastructure, as well as the…

Irish authorities are scrambling to create new laws in response to a court ruling blocking the return of migrants to the UK. The decision, issued by the Irish High Court in March, cited concerns about human rights abuses in Rwanda as the reason for the UK being deemed unsafe for returning migrants.A young Somali individual, going by the pseudonym "Ali" for safety reasons, sheds light on the broader issue at hand. After enduring over two years of threatened deportation in the UK, Ali and others like him are now seeking refuge…

In Mogadishu, during her final official trip to Somalia, Isha Dyfan, a human rights expert appointed by the Human Rights Council in May 2020, urged the Somali government to take strong measures against officials who violate human rights. Dyfan stressed the importance of prosecuting offenders to ensure justice, especially in cases of gender-based violence. She criticized ongoing terrorist activities by Al-Shabaab, which disproportionately impact women and children. Dyfan called on the government to improve protection for…

Hargeisa (AX) - Law enforcement in Somaliland arrested a young person on Thursday for an alleged deadly attack in Hargeisa. Authorities validated the capture of Jim'ale Mohamed Mohamud, aged 17, in connection with the death of Abdihakin Adan Abdullahi, 18, in the Mohamed Mooge neighborhood at approximately 11:00 PM on Wednesday. "After a thorough inquiry by the police, predominantly from the eastern territory, and assisted by residents of Mohamed Mooge neighborhood, the suspect was nabbed early this morning," law…