East Africa

As the dry winds swept across the vast desert landscape of Mandera on February 4, 2025, President William Ruto made a significant entrance, escorted by local dignitaries who eagerly awaited his arrival. The timbre of anticipation was palpable, especially with the burden of unresolved concerns hanging in the air. Would the five abducted Mandera chiefs see the light of freedom soon? President Ruto's resolute promise echoed a commitment that although rare in articulation, resounded with heartfelt urgency. Ruto, in a bid that…

Ethiopia’s National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) has revealed that the ongoing security operation by Kenya against the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) is a concerted effort with Ethiopian security forces. This operation, targeting “OLA camps” on both sides of the border, underscores a strategy where borderlines blur into zones of mutual concern and cooperation. What has led these two countries to act in unison against threats lurking at geographical seams? On February 4, NISS issued a statement indicating that this…

Hargeisa (AX) – In the ever-complex political landscape of North Western State of Somalia, a glimmer of hope appears to be emerging. President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro recently acknowledged a peace proposal extended by Northeastern State President Said Abdullahi Deni, aimed at quelling the tumultuous disputes currently unfolding in the Sanaag region. Could this mark the beginning of a new chapter for this embattled region? In an intimate gathering held at the presidential palace on a breezy Wednesday…

On a seemingly ordinary Wednesday, Kenya found itself at a pivotal juncture regarding its critical security mission in Haiti. The East African nation, known for its rich tapestry of landscapes and cultures, is steadfastly working to transition its security mission on the sun-baked Caribbean island into an official United Nations operation. Why this sudden shift? A disruption in U.S. funding. It seems like a daunting challenge, but Kenya's resolve is evident, and the narrative unfolds with remarkable intricacy. Korir…

Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs during a past function. PHOTO/PRINT In a resolute and somewhat complex maneuver, Kenya has decided to send Somali elders to their homeland to negotiate the release of four Chiefs and an Assistant Chief. These officials, entrusted with great responsibility, were tragically abducted by Al-Shabaab militants in the heart of Elwak, Mandera County. One might ask, why such a delicate approach? The truth lies in the intricacies of ensuring their safe return. Despite a joint security operation being…

In a landmark decision, the High Court has shifted the paradigm regarding individuals living with HIV, advocating against their classification as a distinct category of offenders. The justices emphasized that, with the remarkable strides we've made in medical science, HIV is no longer viewed as a death sentence. This transformation in perspective reflects not just advancements in treatment but also a deeper understanding of the human experience. As the court deliberated, it became clear that the once-dreaded specter of HIV…

In an ambitious stride toward bolstering online safety, TikTok has taken significant action by eradicating nearly 11.9 million videos across nine African nations. This impressive effort touches Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa, Algeria, Somalia, Libya, Ethiopia, Sudan, and Morocco, with the goal of upholding integrity, advertising, privacy, and safety standards on its platform. Egypt emerges as the country with the most removals, tallying an astonishing 2.75 million videos. This figure underscores the challenges platforms like…

As the sun reluctantly rose over Goma, painting the sky in hues tinged with both hope and despair, the air was thick with an unsettling silence. Was this the calm after the storm or merely an interlude before the next tempest? The Red Cross team moved purposefully, carrying the staggering weight of grief as they began the solemn task of laying to rest the victims of clashes between the M23 rebels and the Congolese army. At the ITIG Cemetery, shadows of bereavement stretched long over the ground that holds more stories than…

In just a few days, President Cyril Ramaphosa will take center stage to deliver his eagerly awaited State of the Nation Address (SONA). This occasion holds added significance, as it will be the inaugural SONA since the establishment of the Government of National Unity (GNU) in South Africa. Anticipation runs high as the nation looks to Ramaphosa to illuminate his administration's roadmap for the coming year. The tone of his address is expected to revolve around pivotal themes such as economic rejuvenation, job generation,…

Recently, the militia group known as M23 made a surprising announcement, coinciding with a surge of violence that has tragically claimed over 700 lives within a mere few days. This escalation has not gone unnoticed; international aid organizations and human rights advocates have expressed serious concerns regarding the state of affairs in the region. In their statement, the M23 rebels cited humanitarian issues as the driving force behind their latest actions, particularly following their seizure of Goma. This city, a…