East Africa

In the ever-evolving landscape of international diplomacy, few stories capture the essence of persistence and collaboration quite like the tale of Ethiopia and Somalia's rapprochement. This journey toward reconciliation, marked by the Ankara Declaration, has all the elements of a gripping drama with a cast of influential characters set against the backdrop of regional power dynamics. Let’s rewind to last December when the bustling city of Ankara took center stage—as polished Turkish officials buzzed around the opulent rooms…

Everyone loves a good underdog story, and North Western State of Somalia might just be crafting one of its own. Imagine the scene: a nation rising to a perilous challenge, determined to scrub its streets clean of the whispers of narcotics that threaten to spiral into a roaring chaos. Over in North Western State of Somalia, the government isn’t just making noise about tackling drug trafficking. It’s rolling up its sleeves and launching a three-week nationwide crackdown with more than just brawn—this operation blends…

Sure, let's breathe some life into this story. --- Mogadishu (AX) – In a fiery broadside against the Somali federal government's current policies, the former President, Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, didn't mince words. Emerging from political hibernation, Ahmed, who holds the reins of the Himilo Qaran Party, orchestrated a press conference in Mogadishu on Tuesday that left no stone unturned in its critique. He cut straight to the chase, lambasting the government for its handling of politics, security, constitutional tweaks,…

On a bustling January day in 2025, the heart of Nairobi reverberates with the chants of protesters holding placards high above their heads. Their message is as resolute as the sun beating down upon Kimathi Street: an insistent demand for answers to what they allege is a troubling surge of enforced disappearances targeting vocal government critics. In the tangled and vibrant tapestry of Kenyan life, human rights groups have sounded the alarm, pointing accusing fingers at the police. They claim a systemic silencing of dissent…

Imagine the vibrant scene in Addis Ababa: Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed warmly shaking hands with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud as the sun casts its golden light over the city. This meeting marks a significant turn in the diplomatic tango between Ethiopia and Somalia, offering a glimmer of restored unity. After months steeped in diplomatic drama, an avenue for collaborative futures is finally emerging. The winds of change have brushed away those stormy clouds hanging over African Union's mission in Somalia…

Along the sun-drenched shores of Qaw in Northeastern State, northeastern Somalia, a lone member of the Somali security forces patrols diligently, casting an ever-watchful eye across the vast landscape. It's December 18th, 2016. This snapshot, courtesy of AFP, paints a vivid picture of vigilance and resilience against the relentless backdrop of security threats. Fast forward to the bustling capital of Mogadishu, where the hum of daily life mingles with the palpable tension of ongoing military maneuvers. Somali security…

In a tale that seems ripped from the pages of a spy novel, Tanzanian human rights activist Maria Sarungi Tsehai recently found herself at the heart of a chilling real-life drama. On a seemingly ordinary Sunday, as the sun lazily basked Kenya’s bustling streets, Tsehai was snatched away from her afternoon stroll by anonymous gunmen. As if Nairobi needed any more action. Why was Tsehai targeted, you ask? Well, she calls it a consequence of her audacious calling out of Tanzanian authorities for suppressing their people.…

Imagine buzzing through the heart of Addis Ababa in a sleek electric vehicle, enjoying the silent hum of progress beneath your feet. Exciting, right? Well, that vision is fast becoming a reality as Ethiopia takes significant strides toward electrifying its transportation system. With ambitious plans to dot the nation's landscape with electric vehicle (EV) charging stations every 50 to 120 kilometers, this lofty dream is beginning to take shape. It's like paving a green highway for the future, one charging station at a time.…

Mogadishu (AX) – In an extraordinary tale of endurance and hope, two Somali fishermen have made a triumphant return to Mogadishu, thanks to the timely intervention of a passing Chinese vessel. Their ordeal at sea, fraught with peril and uncertainty, has gratefully concluded, as officially confirmed by the Somali government. Meet Ibrahim Mohamud Ali and Sharma'arke Nur Abdi Adan—ordinary men turned survival champions. For 24 grueling days, these resilient souls found themselves at the mercy of the relentless Indian Ocean.…

Sure, here is a rewritten version: --- Maria Sarungi Tsehai: A Bold Voice Amidst Tumultuous Times Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, prominent Tanzanian activist Maria Sarungi Tsehai has resurfaced after a harrowing ordeal that left her supporters both stunned and relieved. This fierce advocate for human rights and social justice found herself ensnared in a terrifying situation when armed individuals whisked her away in Nairobi, Kenya—a city whose bustling streets are no stranger to tales of political intrigue. The…