East Africa

Credit: REUTERS/Thomas Mukoya The global fight against pandemics like HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis faces a precarious moment. Why? On a fateful Tuesday, the Trump administration in the United States pivoted, deciding to freeze the supply of essential, lifesaving drugs intended for countries supported by US-AID. Ironic, isn't it? A world grappling with medical crises now finds itself cut off from a vital supply line. In an abrupt curtain call, a memo surfaced, targeting contractors and partners associated with US-AID. The…

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has ramped up its efforts to deport undocumented immigrants, a move that signals a new era of stringent immigration enforcement as the Trump administration takes the reins. If you thought the conversation around immigration was heated before, just wait—things are about to get spicier. Among African nations, Somalia tops the list with a staggering 4,090 of its citizens facing deportation. It’s a sobering statistic that casts a long shadow over the political landscape.…

On January 20, 2025, an executive order from the Trump administration sent shockwaves through the philanthropic world, as the U.S. government enacted an immediate freeze on foreign aid for a staggering 90 days. This bold decision ignited apprehension among aid organizations, leaving vulnerable communities in despair and shaking the foundations of essential programs tackling hunger, healthcare, and education. The reality is stark: lives depend on this assistance, and the abrupt halt threatens to pull the rug out from under…

"These programs were lifelines for so many," lamented a senior Somali official wishing to remain unnamed. The suspension of aid is a stumbling block we simply can't afford to encounter. Consider the meticulously crafted five-year development initiatives recently unveiled by USAID, worth a hefty $28 million. Designed to foster sustainable livelihoods and bolster local resilience, these programs were a beacon of hope for Somalia. A nation where nearly 70% of its denizens are trapped beneath the poverty line, the…

In the vibrant city of Dar es Salaam, a dynamic gathering is underway, bringing together over a dozen heads of state, along with influential representatives from international organizations and the private sector. The atmosphere is electric—not just because of the sun-drenched streets, but also due to a shared goal that’s lighting a fire under discussions: accelerating energy access and championing the continent's transition toward clean energy. Organizers highlight that this summit is not merely a talk shop; it’s about…

The world beneath our feet is more dynamic than it may appear. Imagine standing in Ethiopia's Afar Desert, where, in 2005, a colossal 35-mile fissure suddenly cleaved the arid landscape—a preview of Earth's internals at work. "The earth is forever changing; ask any geologist," my professor once said, emphasizing how every crack and crevasse has a story to tell. Isn't it fascinating how seemingly imperceptible movements can reshape entire continents over millennia? A geological mystery is unfolding, driven by tectonic forces…

In a corner of the world often scarred by turmoil, the picturesque city of Goma in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo finds itself shrouded in a thick cloud of violence once more. The relentless guns and recrudescent battles between the M23 insurgent faction and national forces have thrust the city into a maelstrom of chaos, displacing countless souls and quaking the very foundation of livelihoods and trade.

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…