East Africa

In a recent crackdown, security personnel in Mandera snagged 190 bags of sugar that hadn't gone through customs in the Siftu region, nestled close to the border of Kenya and Ethiopia. Acting on a tip from locals, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) reported the seizure this past Wednesday. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp "After we took a gander, it was crystal clear—this truck was ferrying a hefty 190 bags, each clocking in at 25 kilos, of sugar without customs clearance," according to the…

In a significant ceremonial shift, Taye Atske Selassie ascends as Ethiopia's President, committing to foster tranquility within the borders and beyond. This seasoned diplomat takes over from Sahle-Work Zewde, the nation’s pioneering female president, amidst whispers of discord with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. After securing the nod from the parliament, the ex-Foreign Minister Taye Atske Selassie assumes the largely symbolic presidential reins. However, it's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed who clutches the reins of power in…

In a significant gathering at the United Nations Human Rights Council on February 26, 2024, in Geneva, delegates from various nations convened to deliberate on pressing global human rights dilemmas. Amidst this backdrop, Kenya's election to the council for the 2025–2027 tenure stirred the pot, faced with heavy criticisms from civil society groups due to alleged human rights transgressions. Photo by Janine Schmitz/picture-alliance/dpa/AP Images NAIROBI, Kenya (AX) — Kenya's leap onto the United Nations Human Rights Council…

A recent diplomatic spat has nudged Somalia towards cosier relations with Egypt and Eritrea, each entangled in longstanding grumbles with Ethiopia. Folks are jittery that rising tensions could tip the scale into outright conflict. “This is a coalition against Addis Ababa," dished out Hassan Khannenje, who steers the Horn International Institute for Strategic Studies, during a chinwag on the BBC's Focus on Africa. "Seems like they're bundling grievances to crank up the heat on Addis Ababa." A snapshot beamed by Eritrea…

On October 10, 2024, Presidents Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi of Egypt, Isaias Afwerki of Eritrea, and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia, gathered in Eritrea’s capital for what turned out to be a remarkable powwow. This exclusive Tripartite Summit, held on a Thursday, aimed to bolster relationships and tackle the hair-raising regional security issues that shadow their nations. The host, President Afwerki, ushered in a fresh chapter of camaraderie between these countries. The Egyptian entourage, led by Abbas Kamel, the mastermind of…

In a striking move, the state-run National Handling Services (NHS) has sent several senior executives home amid serious allegations of corruption, ineptitude, and failures in corporate governance. Among those suspended are Godknows Maravanyika, Question Maisera, and Shamiso Nyangairi, who heads the Human Resources department. These individuals face accusations of financial improprieties and mismanagement of company assets. The atmosphere within NHS resembles a stormy sea, as discontent among employees reaches a boiling…

Mogadishu (AX) — Kenya Airways is poised to hit the brakes on all its flights ferrying passengers to Mogadishu, Somalia, starting on October 14, 2024. The decision, attributed to some gnarly operational hiccups, was splashed across a letter by the airline’s honcho, Allan Kilavuka. This communiqué, dated October 9, 2024, was penned to Mohamed Daghar, the Principal Secretary in Kenya’s Ministry of Roads and Transport."We've run into some operational snags," explained Kilavuka in the letter, "so we've chosen to halt our…

Mogadishu (AX) — The Egyptian leader, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, is gearing up for a visit to Asmara, Eritrea, come Thursday, where he's scheduled for a three-party pow-wow with Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. This top-tier sit-down aims to bolster security partnerships and tackle mutual hurdles in the Horn of Africa and the bustling Red Sea zone. A big-ticket item on the agenda is the creation of a tri-nation coalition to navigate common challenges, with a spotlight on Ethiopia's…

In Asmara, Eritrea, on October 9, 2024, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki held bilateral meetings to discuss enhancing military cooperation and strengthening their relationship amidst regional shifts. Credit: Villa Somalia Somalia's leader, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, touched down in Asmara, Eritrea, this past Wednesday for a formal visit. Since taking the helm in 2022, this marks his fourth voyage. It's likely geared toward boosting a developing alliance among Somalia,…

In a grand setting, Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stepped up to address the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly on a bustling Tuesday, September 24, 2024. (AP Photo by Richard Drew) - AP Photo/Richard DrewWith considerable spotlight, President Erdogan participated in the send-off ceremony for Turkey’s energy research vessel, Oruc Reis. This month, the ship departed towards the Somali waters, bolstered by two Turkish naval ships.Somali Energy AccordThe Oruc Reis deployment emerges from an energy…