East Africa

Mogadishu (AX) — "The wind of change is blowing through Somalia," as the region witnesses ISS's intricate web of terror tighten its grip. On the brink of the new year, December 31 saw the Islamic State Somalia Province (ISS) launching a major assault on Northeastern State's security apparatus, illuminating the increasingly sophisticated tactics used by extremist factions. Through precision and coordination, attackers unleashed suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (SVBIEDs) and suicide vests (SVESTs) on a…

Mogadishu (AX) — In Ethiopia's Somali Regional State, the Dhagahyo Addo area has recently been stirred with anxiety owing to feral encounters that left two young boys injured by hyena attacks. These incidents illuminate the thin line rural communities walk when typified by wildlife encroachments. The first unfortunate encounter involved Bashir Mohamed Ismail Harir, a 16-year-old who faced a harrowing episode while catching some z’s near a camel corral. His father painted a vivid picture of the scary incident: "The hyena…

Mogadishu (AX) — A recent decision by school authorities in Axum, Ethiopia, has sparked significant controversy by prohibiting Muslim girls from donning hijabs while at school, driving over 159 students away from their education. This directive has ignited a firestorm within Ethiopia's Muslim community, who have condemned the move as a blatant breach of religious liberty.The Supreme Islamic Council of Tigray emphatically criticized the decision, branding it both discriminatory and unconstitutional."This ruling dramatically…

In a notable twist of events out of Kismayo, tensions have flared between the Jubbaland State cabinet and Somalia’s federal government over serious allegations involving international humanitarian aid. Jubbaland authorities are pointing fingers, saying that aid meant to support their vulnerable communities is being rerouted to bankroll regional conflicts. The unsettling claims were aired during a gathering in Kismayo last Thursday, where it was asserted that instead of reaching those in need, these crucial resources have…

The Kenyan Health Ministry has stepped forward to calm public nervousness about the buzz surrounding the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) flu outbreak over in China. Despite the chatter, they’re saying, “Stay cool, folks!” while giving the nod to those with gnarly respiratory symptoms—if it hits hard, go see a doc. To clear the air, they mentioned that HMPV is certainly not some brand-new bug. It’s a bug that’s been giving people snotty noses and buggy tubes for quite some time now, even in Kenya. “No spike in the number of…

On Thursday, the political landscape of the country saw a dramatic turn as opposition leader Venancio Mondlane made his homecoming. This return comes just before the much-anticipated inauguration of Danial Chapo, the candidate from the ruling party who was proclaimed the winner of the presidential elections held on October 9, 2024. The atmosphere, however, was anything but celebratory. Reports by allAfrica’s Boakai Fofana reveal that tensions flared as police clashed with Mondlane’s supporters. Their attempts to gather at…

This is the scoop, folks. Somalia's got a bit of a step up in the realm of global travel documents. According to the 2025 Henley Passport Index, the Somali passport is now sitting at 102nd place, granting free passage to 35 destinations all over the map. Let's take a quick jaunt back a few years — in 2015, Somalia's passport was limping at 108th spot. While a move to 102nd might seem like a crawl in progress, it feels like an anticlimax when you see how the United Arab Emirates leapfrogged 32 spots to touch the tenth with…

In an inspiring turn of events, three fishermen from North Western State of Somalia, missing at sea for almost a month, have finally been found safe near the coast of Djibouti, marking the end of a grueling 29-day survival saga that left their community in anguish and suspense. The unpredictable journey began on December 6, 2024, when these hardy souls set off from Berbera. Their small vessel, however, soon ran into mechanical woes, rendering them powerless and adrift on the uncertain seas. Khadar Ibrahim Abdillahi, one of…

On January 2, 2025, an impressive international collaboration took place at Tirunesh Beijing Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Local and Chinese doctors teamed up to perform cataract surgeries, showcasing a remarkable partnership between the two nations. (Photo Credit: Tianjin Eye Hospital/Handout via Xinhua) This initiative, dubbed "China-Ethiopia Brightness Journey," marks a significant step in medical diplomacy. It was officially set in motion by a dedicated team from Tianjin Eye Hospital, which launched a campaign to…

The Foiled Plans of Al-Shabaab's Financial Mastermind: A Close Look at Mire's Fall Mire, the mastermind behind financial operations for al-Shabaab, played a significant role in orchestrating attacks in Kenya and Somalia. This narrative unfolds the gripping tale of his involvement and ultimate demise at the hands of U.S. forces. Setting the Stage: Westgate Tragedy On the fateful day of September 21, 2013, terror struck Nairobi's Westgate Mall when four armed assailants, under Mire's orchestration, launched a brutal assault.…