East Africa

Bolstering North Western State of Somalia’s Quest: A Meeting of Diplomatic Significance On a warm Monday in Nairobi, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga greeted North Western State of Somalia President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro with a firm handshake, signaling solidarity amid complex geopolitical currents. This high-profile meeting on June 2, 2025, held in the tranquil setting of Karen, was more than just a simple farewell gathering; it was a defining moment for North Western State of Somalia in its ongoing journey…

The Aviation Quandary: Blocked Funds in Africa’s Skies It's no secret that the aviation industry plays a critical role in connecting regions and facilitating trade. However, a recent report from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) sheds light on an alarming trend: the staggering amount of funds blocked in various African nations, which paints a concerning picture for the continent's aviation sector. Among fifteen nations identified, twelve…

African Cities Leading in Quality of Life in 2025 As we find ourselves in mid-2025, it's striking to observe the remarkable achievements of several cities across Africa. These urban centers shine as examples of cleanliness, security, modern infrastructure, effective governance, and a burgeoning middle class. They are earning their place among the most livable cities on the continent, showcasing what is possible when communities thrive. Take Kigali, for instance—the capital of Rwanda. This city has become a…

Weather Advisory: A Call for Preparedness in Nairobi and Surrounding Regions As we embrace the shifting seasons, the Kenya Meteorological Department has issued an important alert that demands our attention. Over the next three months, Nairobi County and the Highlands East of the Rift Valley are expected to experience colder conditions. This change in weather could significantly heighten the risk of respiratory ailments, including asthma, pneumonia, flu, and the common cold. It’s crucial that we, as community members,…

A thought-provoking adage reminds us, “Whoever desires to raise a high building must strengthen and perfect its foundation.” Initially, this wisdom applies to architecture, yet its resonance echoes deeply within the spheres of politics and diplomacy. Take, for instance, the unfolding narrative of North Western State of Somalia. This self-declared state, seeking international recognition and broader engagement, must establish a sound domestic foundation for its foreign policy to be effective. It’s imperative to recognize…

SOMALI PRIME MINISTER HAMZA ABDI BARRE (LEFT) MEETS WITH DJIBOUTIAN PRESIDENT ISMAIL OMAR GUELLEH (RIGHT) AT THE PRESIDENTIAL PALACE IN DJIBOUTI ON JUNE 2, 2025. THE LEADERS DISCUSSED REGIONAL SECURITY AND EFFORTS TO STRENGTHEN BILATERAL COOPERATION BETWEEN SOMALIA AND DJIBOUTI. Djibouti City, Djibouti (AX) — In a significant meeting held on Monday, Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre engaged with Djibouti’s President Ismail Omar Guelleh. The focal points of their discussion centered around enhancing bilateral…

In the heart of Addis Ababa, Ethiopian Airlines is navigating some exciting new avenues. The airline recently embarked on testing an array of aircraft models, including the Airbus A220, Embraer E-2, and the Boeing 737 MAX 7, which is still awaiting final certification. It's a classic case of readiness meeting opportunity; however, the pressing question remains: how will these choices align with the future of air travel in the region? The Boeing 737 MAX 7 stands out due to its capacity to accommodate more…

The Trump administration seems to be adding Rwanda to a growing roster of partner nations—similar to El Salvador, Mexico, and recently South Sudan—willing to accept deportees as part of its robust migration enforcement initiative. It raises the question: what motivates countries to become involved in these arrangements? In essence, the U.S. appears to be adopting a methodology reminiscent of the UK's earlier, contentious plan, which aimed to send asylum-seekers to specific countries. Yet this once-rejected…

In a world where economic conditions shift like the tides, the CEO of BruntWork, a global talent outsourcing firm, is not reveling in the misfortunes of others but rather preparing lifeboats. "When companies start slashing jobs by the thousands, they often treat the symptom rather than the disease," Ong states plainly. He likens traditional cost-cutting strategies to taking aspirin for a broken leg—providing temporary relief without addressing the underlying issues. The Great Corporate Exodus of 2025…

Madagascar stands at a crucial crossroads as it seeks to deepen its economic ties with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The island nation is working diligently to attract investments that aim to invigorate its tourism and energy sectors. Such a partnership has become increasingly important in light of recent trade challenges with the United States, particularly steep tariffs that threaten its economic stability. As of 2024, the United States ranks as Madagascar's third-largest trading partner, trailing only…