East Africa

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…

Nairobi (AX) – In the heart of Mandera County, a shadowy cloud of fear descended as alleged Al-Shabaab insurgents spirited away five local chiefs on Monday. Their journey toward Elwak was abruptly interrupted, sparking concern throughout the region. North Eastern Regional Commissioner, John Otieno, relayed the troubling news, painting a stark picture of areas like Bamba Owla and Ires Suki, known for their vulnerability to militant operations. One might wonder, what drives these menacing forces to such acts of aggression? The…

In a striking move, U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning regarding aid to South Africa, asserting that he might halt all assistance due to concerns over the nation’s land expropriation policies. He characterized these measures as “unfair,” claiming they enable the government to seize land indiscriminately while treating certain individuals and communities “very badly.” This bold declaration follows a significant political shift in South Africa, where President Cyril Ramaphosa recently advanced the…

Ebola Vaccine Arrival Spurs Immediate Action in Kampala Do you remember the last time an epidemic shook the very core of public health? This familiar unease crept back into Uganda as the first 2,160 doses of the Ebola vaccine arrived in Kampala—a determined effort against a formidable adversary. The cargo, teeming with both hope and urgency, marks a critical step towards preparing for what may unfold. Just yesterday, Uganda’s Health Ministry solemnly announced an outbreak. The trigger? A 32-year-old male nurse, who had…

Mogadishu (AX) — The recent return of Jubaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe to Kismayo marks another chapter in the ongoing saga of his strained dealings with Somalia's federal government. Imagine the tumultuous dynamics of a family feud, where each member grapples with deep-seated grievances yet yearns for some semblance of harmony. Upon Madobe's arrival in Kismayo, the semi-arid interim capital of Jubaland, state media and confidants released a brief video capturing his return. It is a stark contrast to the…

What do a leader of a North African nation and the foreign affairs minister of a small East African country have in common? Quite a lot, it seems. On a recent Sunday in the bustling heart of Cairo, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and Djibouti’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, convened to deliberate on the pressing issues facing Somalia and the collective endeavors required to restore tranquility and stability in the Horn of Africa. A communiqué from the Egyptian presidency underscored the…

Garowe (AX) – In a gesture that underscores the complexities of international alliances, the Northeastern State regional state has publicly extended its heartfelt appreciation to the United States and the United Arab Emirates. These nations have played a pivotal role in the ongoing military operations against ISIS militants entrenched in the rugged Al-Miskat mountains of the Bari region. The weight of the situation in this craggy landscape is not lost upon Northeastern State officials. In a carefully crafted…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a move thick with political tension and historical reverberations, the Dhulbahante and Warsangeli clans have banded together to reclaim Erigavo, a town presently within North Western State of Somalia's borders. This bold declaration emerged from a comprehensive six-day assembly in Badhan, capturing the spirit of a united stand against what they perceive as three decades of foreign rule. Stepping into Erigavo would not just redraw borders—it would challenge the very notion of North Western State of…

Mogadishu (AX) — In the fog of war, where words weave through gunfire, the SSC Khaatumo forces proudly announced a significant triumph over North Western State of Somalia troops in the disputed Shangeed region this past Thursday. The battle, fierce and unrelenting, left a toll not easily quantified as both factions recount heavy losses, each narrative shaded with their truths and agendas. Who, amidst this turmoil, can sift through the discord to find the forgotten stories of those caught in the crossfire? The numbers of the…

FILE - Boqor Osman Aw Mohamud Buurmadow, a notable figure in North Western State of Somalia's traditional leadership. In a world where the shadows creep closer to the edges of light, stories like this remind us of the timeless complexities of human society. Recently, a clan conference took place in Badhan, sparking renewed tensions between Somalia and North Western State of Somalia. At the forefront of this narrative, Boqor Osman Aw Mohamud Buurmadow, a respected leader, did not shy away from addressing the issue head-on.…