East Africa

Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has strongly criticized Citizen TV for its portrayal of Garissa, Wajir, and Mandera counties as the “Somali region” during a news segment. When discussing the issue on Thursday, Duale did not mask his disapproval of the expression used by the media company, which falls under the Royal Media Services umbrella. The media report covered a High Court decision that invalidated the 2019 census results from Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) for these counties, attributing the…

In an unexpected turn of events, the acclaimed Nigerian artist Tems, recognized globally for her Grammy-winning talents, has opted to cancel her highly anticipated “Born in the Wild” tour performance in Rwanda. This decision, grounded in complex geopolitical realities, spotlights the nuanced interplay between art and international conflict. Tems was set to grace the stage at the BK Arena in Kigali on March 22, 2025, a date that many fans had circled in red ink on their calendars. The excitement surrounding her performance…

At the Gisenyi border point of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), a scene rife with tension unfolds as rebels from the March 23 Movement (M23) assert their dominance. Supported by Rwanda, the M23 rebels are tightening their hold on Goma, the largest city in eastern DRC, marking a severe setback for the Congolese army and escalating a conflict that has, over the years, cost countless lives and displaced millions. The M23, infamous for their strategic maneuvers, made their entrance into Goma on a rather somber…

On the serene streets of Beledweyne, a palpable tension hangs in the air. This, a city not unfamiliar with hardship, was struck with tragedy yet again on Wednesday night. Mohamed Hassan Barow, a cherished member of the Somali National Army, met an untimely and violent end. The location? Kooshin neighborhood; the time? Under the cloak of night, as shadows melded with the bloodied dust of Nuur Hawaad Street. One might ask, who is responsible for snuffing out this vibrant life? Fingers point towards the notorious Al-Shabaab, a…

In a world often divided by strife and uncertainty, the rare moments of harmony and shared purpose become all the more significant. Such was the atmosphere at the press briefing on Wednesday, as President William Ruto of Kenya stood side by side with his Egyptian counterpart, Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi. A simple encounter, yet layered with much deeper resonances. It is said that real leaders are defined not just by their vision but by their ability to foster peace in turbulent seas. Is there a more turbulent region than the Middle…

The border between Somalia and Kenya, often a tense line in the sand, witnessed an unexpected turn of events recently. On a seemingly ordinary Sunday evening, 11 soldiers from the Somali National Army made their way to the Hulugho border, not to patrol or at the call of duty but to seek refuge. Armed, yet vulnerable, they surrendered, rifles shouldered and more than 1,000 bullets in tow. Their decision to cross over into unfamiliar territory did not go unnoticed. As they inched towards Garabey, a small enclave near the…

FILE - A man works on a computer, cyber codes cascading over him, in this imaginative illustration dated May 13, 2017. Today, a startling report reveals a troubling spike in the online sexual exploitation and abuse of children in Kenya. Consider young Winnie Muyam. Digital platforms were once her gateway to a vibrant social life and a universe of entertainment. Last year, everything changed for the 17-year-old. She started receiving messages from strangers, at first innocuous, then alarmingly intrusive. "They began by…

Garowe (AX) – With undeniable intensity, Northeastern State’s regional government has emphatically refuted claims circulated by Ethiopian media, asserting that three Ethiopian citizens met their demise in the towns of Bosaso and Garowe. Is it a misunderstanding, or a deliberate misrepresentation? On Thursday, with an air of resolute authority, the Northeastern State Police issued a press release dismissing these allegations as unfounded and misleading. Their message was clear: "Dismiss these claims," they urged the public,…

In a remarkable stride for public health, the World Health Organization (WHO) has officially applauded Guinea for its success in eradicating human African trypanosomiasis, more commonly known as sleeping sickness. This milestone is more than just a line on the achievement chart; it marks the first time a neglected tropical disease has been wiped out in the country, shining brightly as a beacon of hope amidst ongoing global health challenges. Coincidentally, this announcement was made on World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day,…