East Africa

Kenya Seeks Public Input for Economic Reform Legislation Post-Protests A sweeping view captures Nairobi's bustling central business district on February 18, 2022. REUTERS/Thomas Mukoya Purchase Licensing Rights In a bid to rejuvenate its economy, Kenya's finance ministry is calling upon the citizens for their insights on new laws aimed at increasing revenue and addressing various challenges. Finance Minister John Mbadi made this announcement on Monday, following a wave of protests that compelled the government to retract…

Ethiopia Asserts Its Sovereignty Amid Regional Tensions ADDIS ABABA - Facing mounting pressure, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed firmly declares that his nation has never engaged in aggression against another state. He emphasizes that Ethiopia will staunchly defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity should it face any threats. The situation in the Horn of Africa is becoming increasingly fraught. Somalia claims that Ethiopia is violating its territorial rights, while Egypt alleges that Ethiopia is siphoning water…

K'naan Takes a Step Back: A Cinematic Journey Begins K'naan, the renowned artist, has decided to step away from the limelight. He has chosen to shift his focus behind the lens for his debut film. Following the release of his 2012 album “Country, God or the Girl,” K'naan felt the weight of the music industry's demands. "Honestly, I’ve likely created enough material for two albums since then. However, I’ve refrained from sharing it, as I lost my drive to produce music," the 46-year-old admits during a video call from his…

Ottawa Police Accused of Illegal Surveillance and Racial Discrimination Against Somali Officers A $2.5 million lawsuit claims that the Ottawa Police Service engaged in unlawful wiretapping and surveillance of five Somali officers, including their families. It alleges systemic racism and discriminatory practices against its own personnel. Filed in September 2023, the lawsuit asserts that the OPS obtained wiretap orders and overarching warrants based on "racist and stereotypical beliefs about Black individuals of Somali…

Somalia's Deputy PM Advocates for Synergy in Climate Resilience and Security Initiatives Mogadishu (AX) — During the recent Conference on Security and Climate Change in the Somali capital, Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama emphasized the pivotal connection between climate issues and national security. The discussions centered on how environmental alterations, such as droughts and torrential floods, aggravate displacement and fuel conflicts particularly in Somalia and the broader Horn of Africa. In his address, Deputy…

Tensions Rise as Regional Health Ministries Clash with Federal Government Over Cooperation Mogadishu (AX) — An alarming rift has emerged between the federal government of Somalia and the regional health ministries, alongside the Banadir region. This discord pertains to the cessation of collaborative efforts essential for the provision of health services. In a united statement released on Sunday, these regional bodies accused the Federal Ministry of Health of unceremoniously halting cooperation. They highlighted a…

Religious Leaders Urge Peace Amid Tensions Between Somalia and Ethiopia MOGADISHU, Somalia - In the wake of escalating tensions, religious figures convened in Mogadishu, calling for tranquility and denouncing the controversial pact forged between Ethiopia and Somaliland. They assert that this agreement threatens Somalia’s territorial integrity and violates international law. The scholars emphasized the necessity of safeguarding Somalia's sovereignty. They urged the populace to unite and remain calm, highlighting that…

Egypt's Military Maneuvers Ignite Long-Standing Rivalries in Somalia and the Horn of Africa Egypt's military footprint in Somalia has surged dramatically in recent weeks. Between August 27 and 29, 1,000 Egyptian soldiers were deployed in Mogadishu. Furthermore, Egyptian authorities have unveiled intentions to transfer an array of armaments, including anti-tank missiles, rocket launchers, and drones—actions that prompt fears of escalating hostilities. Notably, Egyptian and Somali military forces are gearing up for joint…

The Mental Health Crisis in Somalia: Stigma and Conflict at Play Mogadishu (AX) — For the past several years, Hodan Ali has been robbed of restful nights. This 32-year-old mother of three is stirred from sleep by terrifying echoes of gunfire, remnants of Mogadishu's turbulent past. Like countless other Somalis, Hodan finds herself ensnared in a mental health quagmire, exacerbated by years of violence, societal stigma, and a glaring scarcity of professional support. A recent investigation uncovers a staggering truth: nearly…

Decoding the Post-HIPC Journey: Insights and Strategies for Somalia Somalia’s saga reflects a tumultuous thirty years marked by both governance attempts and enduring chaos. Strikingly, it stands among the few nations that achieved independence in the third quarter of the 20th century, a period profoundly shaped by the Cold War’s ideological divides. This era followed the monumental outcomes of World War II, leading to a global shift towards market-driven economic policies, heavily influenced by capitalist and communist…