East Africa

The Cost of Accountability: Kenya’s Landmark Legal Battle with Britain NAIROBI, Kenya — The vast expanses of Lolldaiga Hills, home to resilient communities and rich biodiversity, have stood as silent witnesses to a historical shift in Kenya's legal landscape. For the first time, Britain has agreed to compensate Kenyans following military misconduct, an event that marks a turning point in the accountability of foreign forces operating abroad. A Fire’s Far-reaching Consequences In 2021, a persistent blaze engulfed more than…

The head of Ethiopia Electric Power, Asheber Balcha, recently expressed concerns over Egypt's actions regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), the largest hydroelectric project in Africa. Balcha accused Egypt of "scrambling to create hurdles" just as the dam nears its operational launch—a project deeply tied to the Nile River, a vital water source for Egypt and its neighbors. This statement comes at a time of escalating diplomatic tensions in the region. While visiting Uganda, the Egyptian foreign minister…

Amid a backdrop of controversy, top brass in Kenya's government, including President William Ruto, staunchly defended controversial accords with the Adani Group . However, the tide has turned. President Ruto decided to annul the procurement process poised to hand the keys of Kenya's primary airport to India’s corporate heavyweight, Adani Group, following the indictment of its founder in the U.S. This dramatic revelation came on Thursday as part of Ruto’s address to the nation. The original agreement, a hefty $2 billion…

In Malawi, Dzaleka—the nation’s sole refugee settlement—has begun to receive financial support to alleviate the repercussions of the El Niño weather phenomenon. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of KfW Development Bank and the African Risk Capacity Group, these insurance payouts total nearly U.S.$408,000. This initiative came to fruition after the UN refugee agency in Malawi utilized the group’s innovative Replica program. Essentially, this program allows humanitarian organizations to secure insurance on behalf of…

In preparation for the upcoming holiday season, Kisumu, a vibrant lakeside city, has taken proactive steps to bolster security. This includes forming a diverse committee tasked with ensuring safety during this festive period. As Kisumu City Manager, Abala Wanga, shared, this task force is an amalgamation of the National Police Service, local government authorities, and various community groups. They've set in motion stringent strategies to tackle crime head-on. The city has recently faced a surge in incidents where gangs,…

In the hubbub of Mogadishu, news has just dropped that Somalia’s cabinet decided to lift the ban on chemical fertilizers. This move aims to cranking up efficiency in agriculture, tackling food shortages, and minimizing how climate change has been throwing curveballs at farming in the region. Announced with a bit of fanfare on Thursday, this policy is a linchpin in the government's plan to breathe new life into the agriculture sector. This sector, by the way, is the bread and butter for over 70% of the people, plus it makes…

Sudan’s football warriors have navigated the turbulent seas of civil conflict to secure their spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Despite the chaotic backdrop, they triumphed in a fiercely competitive final round of qualifiers, joining Benin in the journey to next year's illustrious tournament. Due to the unrest that began in April of the preceding year, Sudan’s domestic league has been on pause, forcing the national team to play their home games on neutral grounds, far from the cheering home crowd. With Libya and South…

In a recent address, President Filipe Nyusi, who is nearing the end of his current term, urged for a constructive dialogue aimed at resolving the unrest that has swept through the nation over the past few weeks. These protests erupted following the October 9 elections, during which Daniel Chapo, the candidate for the ruling Frelimo party, was announced as the victor. Nyusi expressed his concerns, noting that the ongoing violence is detrimental to Mozambique's economy, stating that it “restricts business operations and port…

The situation in Somalia is evolving rapidly, particularly with ISIS's burgeoning influence, notably in the Northeastern State region. It seems newly arrived foreign militants have significantly amplified the group's capabilities. A recent report vividly underscores these developments, attributing the expansion primarily to foreign operatives, which has bolstered ISIS's position amidst the ongoing tussle with their fierce adversary, al-Qaeda-associated al-Shabab. A key observation from intelligence hidden within the…

Archbishop Thabo Makgoba, the Anglican Primate of Southern Africa, has issued a cautionary note suggesting that we may see an uptick in reports of misconduct involving church officials, especially following the resignation of Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby. Welby's departure came on the heels of an investigation that unveiled his failure to report allegations of abuse perpetrated by John Smyth—a barrister, educator, and director of Christian camps—during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Smyth was a prominent figure…