East Africa

In a setting as tranquil as an early Kenyan morning, an unexpected tremor of terror rippled across the vast stretches of Mandera County. Just as the rising sun cut through the morning mist, five government officials vanished, taken by the elusive hands of Al-Shabaab militants. The clock had barely ticked past dawn on Monday when the rugged paths leading from the small outpost of Wargadud to Elwak town witnessed this chilling event. Could anyone there have foreseen such an alarming start to the day? Julius Njeru, Mandera…

Nairobi (AX) – In a move demonstrating both urgency and tradition, the Kenyan government is gearing up to dispatch a group of Somali elders. Their mission? To negotiate the release of five local chiefs, who vanished on Monday near the Kenya-Somalia border in Mandera County. The abductions have sparked a sober realization—the intricate dance between diplomacy and danger that governs this troubled region. Why involve elders, you might wonder? They possess the nuanced understanding of local customs, an essential element for…

In a tense region where borders are more than just imaginary lines on a map, Djibouti’s security forces recently launched a drone strike that ended with the deaths of eight individuals identified as members of a so-called terrorist organization. This operation, near the Ethiopian border, also resulted in injuries to an unspecified number of civilians. The news came to light on a quiet Sunday, stirring conversations far beyond Djibouti's borders. The defense ministry of Djibouti issued a statement explaining the operation:…

Refugees heading to the CBCA Mugunga Church, which sits within the expansive Mugunga IDP camp in Goma, offer a snapshot of resilience amidst adversity. (Photo Credit: Michel Lunanga/AFP) Mary Ashuza, burdened by the enormity of circumstances beyond her control, walked westwards from Goma. In a scene far too common in the war-ravaged landscapes of the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), she and her children clutched onto the remnants of their lives packed into bundles they could carry. From the farmsteads of…

GOMA, Democratic Republic of Congo — In a region teetering on the brink, uncertainty looms large as Rwanda-backed rebels, involved in a fierce struggle in the Democratic Republic of Congo's illustrious east, have surprisingly declared a ceasefire. The city of Goma, an urban sprawl of over two million souls, stands at the center of this turmoil. With Monday’s declaration, the rebels surprisingly took a step back, professing humanitarian motives and responding to pleas for the creation of a safe corridor for displaced…

Kismayo (AX) – On a warm Monday in Dolow, the sweet aroma of brewing tea filled the air as Jubbaland's First Vice President, Mahmoud Sayid Adan, convened with a delegation from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). This meeting, nestled in the scenic Gedo region, was not merely about pleasantries; pressing matters laid on the table, crying out for nuanced discussion. Among the lively delegates were members of the Jubbaland cabinet, along with Gedo…

In Mayotte—an archipelago encumbered by its dreams yet stung by reality—a haunting scenario unfolds for hundreds of Somali migrants who embarked on what seemed like a journey to a European El Dorado. Coaxing promises from shifty smugglers turned to ash as these voyagers landed not in prosperity but in destitution, with shadows of deportation threats looming ominously. Is hope that elusive mirage they dare chase across harsh terrains and unforgiving seas? Our tale begins with human traffickers weaving dreams in the minds of…

The intricacies of maritime operations in the Red Sea are taking a pivotal turn, reframing international collaborations like never before. Picture a vast ocean where towering commercial vessels navigate their journeys, shielded under the vigilant watch of an elite operation. Enter the scene: Operation Aspides, a guardian of these mighty ships, quietly ensuring safe passage through one of the world’s most strategic waterways. The Maritime Security Centre Horn of Africa, a linchpin in these naval undertakings, stands on the…

The recent political turbulence in Mozambique signals a profound crisis, shaking the very foundations of the nation's governance. Following the October 2024 elections, opposition parties raised alarm bells, asserting widespread electoral fraud. The fervor surrounding these allegations has created a volatile environment, where trust in democratic processes is fragile. Amidst this backdrop, the country's electoral authority declared victory for Frelimo, naming Daniel Chapo as the newly elected president. But what does this…

A lab technician carefully cradles a cluster of indigenous seeds at the Genetic Resources Research Institute seed bank in Kiambu, Kenya, Nov. 14, 2024. KIKUYU, Kenya — Nestled amidst the verdant landscapes of Kikuyu town, the National Seed Bank stands as an unsung hero in the quest to preserve Kenya's agricultural heritage and future. But why is this unassuming institution so critical? Behind the walls of this governmental edifice lie two chilled chambers that house over 50,000 varieties of seeds—a veritable treasure trove…