East Africa

On the inaugural day of 2025, a momentous peacekeeping initiative took its first steps. This mission, designed to unfold over a five-year span, heralds a significant shift: Uganda's military will now command the helm in two strategic sectors within Somalia, sectors previously overseen by forces from Burundi.The Uganda People's Defense Forces (UPDF) are stepping into a pivotal role with the inception of the African Union Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). This move signals an invigorated chapter in Uganda’s…

Mogadishu (AX) – As the sun cast its warm rays over Mogadishu, a significant development unfolded in the ongoing battle against terrorism on the African continent. The Somali Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, announced on Monday a remarkable stride in enhancing security within Somalia. Through a dual channel of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and a bilateral pact, Egypt is set to deploy troops on Somali soil—a strategic move aimed…

In the bustling heart of Harare, a disconcerting trend is unfolding before our very eyes. Zimbabwean retailers are trimming their sails, downsizing their operations in response to relentless economic shocks—a clear sign that all is not well in this Southern African nation. As reported by NewZimbabwe.com, the retail landscape is morphing into a ghost town. Stores once vibrant and bustling with life now stand as mere husks of their former selves. Take, for instance, the OK Zimbabwe outlets in Marimba, Hillside, Kuwadzana 2…

The M23, an armed group notorious for its tumultuous past, takes a somber stroll with the locals down Keshero neighborhood’s bustling streets in Goma. These scenes unfolded on a striking winter's day — Jan. 27, 2025. GOMA, CONGO — Amidst whispered rumors and tense anticipation, a seismic diplomatic discussion looms on the horizon. Kenyan President, William Ruto, voiced a pivotal announcement on Monday, heralding a consequential meeting on Wednesday. Both President Paul Kagame of Rwanda and President Félix Tshisekedi of…

Garowe (AX) – In an era where the historic and the contemporary constantly intertwine, Northeastern State authorities have sounded a stern warning: mistreating foreigners will incur serious consequences. This declaration is part of an intensified campaign in the Bari region aimed at decimating the stubborn presence of ISIS, often compared to an unwanted guest who has overstayed their welcome. Under the searing Garowe sun on what seemed like an ordinary Monday, the ever-energetic Northeastern State's Minister of…

In the merry month of May, a tempest brewed in local news circles over a demanding missive from kidnappers, requesting a hefty ransom—$1.5 million no less!—for two missing Cuban medics. The Kenyan government, cool as a cucumber, refused to cough it up, and mum was the word from Cuba about whether they were even acknowledging this audacious claim. Months have trickled by like sand through an hourglass, leaving folks high and dry when it comes to updates on the Cubans' whereabouts. Occasionally, whispers from the island…

In the sprawling and untamed landscapes of Somalia, livestock isn't just a commodity—it's the lifeblood of the economy. Picture this: a whopping 70% of the country's exports are tied to camels, goats, cattle, and sheep. It's a pastoral symphony harmonized around the rhythm of animal trade. But as serene as it sounds, this melodious arrangement hit a discordant note in 2023, when nearly $1 billion flowed primarily into Saudi Arabia's coffers from Somali livestock exports. However, this paradise of pastoral profits faces a…

Dhusamareb (AX) – Under the blazing Somali sun, NISA agents sprang into action on a mission worthy of a blockbuster thriller. In Bahdo district, within the heart of Galgadud region, two vehicles were intercepted, stirring up more intrigue than a pirate treasure map. These vehicles, reportedly full to the brim with critical provisions, were allegedly headed straight to the notorious Al-Shabaab—a group known far and wide for giving even seasoned security forces a run for their money. The buzz in the neighborhood was palpable,…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a recent crackdown on swirling rumors, the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) made it crystal clear that the freshly-minted national ID cards have absolutely zilch to do with Somalia's forthcoming nationwide elections using the one-person, one-vote principle. In a direct tête-à-tête with BBC Somali on a sun-drenched Sunday, NIRA’s head honcho, Abdiwali Ali Abdulle Timacade, set the record straight, emphasizing that this ambitious ID card initiative is all about offering a timeless…

Jigjiga (AX) – In an event bubbling with vibrant cultural hues, a Somali government delegation graced Dire Dawa in Ethiopia's Somali Regional State on a crisp Saturday morning to honor a monumental recognition. The gathering was an eclectic mix of cultural exuberance and official prestige, marking UNESCO's acknowledgment of Xeer Ciise as earmarked for the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The lemonade was particularly tangy that day, with the theme "The Xeer Ciise is the Foundation of Equality, Justice, and Unity"…