East Africa

Having spent the larger part of her existence within the confines of an Ethiopian refugee camp, Fardowsa Abdi Aden found herself stepping onto Minnesota soil last Friday, her heart brimming with anticipation. The long-awaited family reunion with her sister and mother was finally within arm's reach. Meanwhile, Neima Mohamed Yusuf, just 2 years old and with a flair for melodrama, burst into tears as her aunt Shun Adan drenched her with affectionate kisses. Her arrival in Minnesota on January 17, 2025, was just the beginning…

FILE – Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and his Somali counterpart, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, share a moment in Cairo, August 2024 – Egyptian Presidency In a move that could stir the diplomatic waters of the region, the heads of state from Egypt and Somalia put pen to paper on Thursday, sealing a joint political declaration. This pact aims to forge a strategic partnership, elevating the bilateral ties to a higher echelon. The grand halls of Cairo saw President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi roll out a warm Egyptian…

Witnessed here, a poignant mother-son reunion, Billy Mwangi exudes an air of reticence, a shadow cast by his recent ordeal. In the bustling heart of Kenya, whispers echo through the streets. Over 80 individuals, known for their outspoken criticisms of government policies, have simply vanished over the last half-year. The public's reaction? A tempestuous uproar. With an air of determination, a judge has issued a stern ultimatum to top security brass: face imprisonment for contempt of court unless they present…

Amid escalating violence in the eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the United Nations has raised a clarion call, expressing "grave concern" for the safety and security of civilians caught in the crossfire. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has reported a staggering exodus, with over 400,000 individuals displaced due to renewed hostilities between the M23 rebels and the Congolese army. That’s nearly double the figure reported just a week ago, illustrating how quickly the situation is spiraling out of…

With a characteristic vigor, Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El Sisi on Thursday reaffirmed Egypt's unwavering support for Somalia, envisaging a future ripe with collaborative triumphs. He emphasized, often with a flourish, that Somalia's security isn't just a distant concern but a vital piece of Egypt's own national security puzzle. In moments like these, can anyone really overstate the power of friendship between nations? During a lively joint press conference with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Sisi eloquently…

In a tale that'll make your spine tingle and your heart ache, a man in Kenya is stirring the winds of fear and disbelief with his strikingly calm demeanor amidst an appalling accusation. "John Kiama Wambua," says the Directorate for Criminal Investigations (DCI), looked as cool as a cucumber when nabbed with ghastly remains in his possession. The bustling streets of Huruma, flanked by the gentle whispers of Nairobi’s morning breeze, bore witness to this chilling narrative. Police officers, carrying out their…

Hargeisa (AX) – In a bold move that's been turning heads across North Western State of Somalia, President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro has shaken things up at the very top of the military and police hierarchy. The new appointees represent not just fresh faces but a pivotal shift towards youthful energy in national leadership, stirring a fascinating blend of hope and curiosity among the populace. Imagine being the youngest officer to ever grace the pinnacle of military leadership in your country—meet Lieutenant General…

Jigjiga (AX) – On a bright Thursday morning, amidst the buzz and hum of anticipation in the air, delegations from Somalia's Federal Government and the self-declared independent state of North Western State of Somalia touched down in the bustling town of Jigjiga. Their arrival coincided with the celebrations marking the anniversary of Ethiopia's Somali Regional State, a festivity as eagerly awaited as a tickled hangover of nostalgia intertwined with hope.This gathering was no small affair. At the heart of it were…

Mogadishu (AX) - Against the backdrop of fluttering flags and the hum of bustling streets, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud touched down in the enchanting, ever-bustling city of Cairo. It was Wednesday, and the president, accompanied by an entourage of dignitaries, heeded the call to visit Egypt—a gesture of friendship extended by none other than Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi. Talk about rolling out the red carpet! Amid the aroma of Egyptian spices swirling through the air, the agenda of…

WASHINGTON — It was a grim scene over two relentless days of tumult in Somalia’s Northeastern State territory where recent skirmishes claimed the lives of over 20 individuals and left a further ten nursing battle scars. The security forces clashed with Islamic State insurgents in a fierce showdown, as shared by officials on Tuesday. Speaking to VOA’s Somali Service, the steely Brigadier General Mohamud Mohamed Ahmed, who orchestrates Northeastern State's security responses, painted a stark picture of the skirmish. He…