East Africa

Complex Implications of Kenya's Shirika Plan for Somali Refugees Edited by Ali Musa Axadle Times International–Monitoring Mogadishu (AX) — Kenya's ambitious Shirika Plan aims to transform refugee camps into permanent cities, arousing significant concern in Somalia. This initiative, designed to reshape the Dadaab and Kakuma camps, could hinder efforts to repatriate Somali nationals, potentially perpetuating their displacement. Set to commence in 2024, the multi-billion-dollar project intends to reinvent two…

The anticipation builds each year as countries await their position in the Passport Index rankings. This 2025 edition sheds light on which nation, across the continents, offers the golden key of visa-free travel — the passport that opens the most doors without bureaucratic encumbrances. North America: Canada Canada once again proves that her passport is a powerhouse with its bearers gaining access to 173 destinations sans the need for a visa. “A dream of mine,” one Canadian traveler…

Exploring the Burden of Debt in African Economies Albert Einstein once quipped, "Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. He who understands it, earns it; he who doesn’t, pays it." This quote rings particularly true for several African nations today. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), numerous African economies find themselves grappling with alarming levels of government debt. This raises a multitude of questions about fiscal sustainability…

The sudden cessation of aid disbursements from USAID by Donald Trump on January 20, 2025, signals a monumental shift for Africa, a continent that has long leaned on this vital lifeline of support. Given the U.S.'s stature as a leading global foreign aid benefactor, this unexpected move prompts a pressing query: What is on the horizon for Africa's aid-dependent nations? It seems only yesterday that Donald Trump, then the U.S. President, decided to pull the plug on USAID funding. This abrupt decision sent shockwaves through…

In the bustling heart of Nairobi, amidst the blend of modern skyscrapers and vibrant street markets, Kenya's Finance Minister, John Mbadi, shared insights on the economic pathway the country is carving. During a recent interview with Reuters on February 5, 2025, Mbadi candidly discussed the emerging dialogue with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) about a new financial program, sparking conversations about Kenya's fiscal future.Edited by Ali Musa, Axadle Times international–Monitoring. The Complex Tango with the…

Imagine possessing a key that unlocks the world. This is precisely what a powerful passport represents: unfettered freedom to explore diverse landscapes, cultures, and opportunities beyond borders. The 2025 Passport Index has brought to light intriguing revelations about which nations hold such keys, organizing them by continent. This eye-opening report ranks countries based on their citizens’ ease of travel, without the need for prior visa arrangements. It sparks a thought: How do our global connections shape…

Kenya Airways recently made waves with an announcement that caught everyone by surprise on Tuesday. For the first time in over ten years, the airline has recorded a pretax profit, marking 2024 as a significant benchmark in its financial history. Imagine steering a ship through tumultuous seas for over a decade only to finally glimpse a serene coastline. Such is the story of one of Africa's aviation giants. Reporting a pretax profit amounting to 5.53 billion shillings, or approximately $42.82 million, last year was…

Winners of the 2025 WRC Safari Rally pose for a photo during the award ceremony in Naivasha, Nakuru County, Kenya, March 23, 2025. (Photo by Joy Nabukewa/Xinhua) Last Sunday marked the exhilarating conclusion of the 2025 World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally, celebrated with cheers and heartfelt accolades. The Kenyan President, William Ruto, expressed his sincere appreciation for the event's safe and successful closure. His words captured a collective pride as he emphasized the…

Clash of Narratives: Burundi and Rwanda in Diplomatic Crosshairs In recent developments, Burundi's President, Évariste Ndayishimiye, stirred diplomatic waters when he candidly revealed to the press his possession of "credible intelligence." This intelligence allegedly points to an impending attack by Rwanda on Burundi. Such claims are not made lightly. Given the tense history of this region, these words have gravity, not just as a political maneuver but also as a harbinger of possible conflict. To many, this…

In a recent announcement, the World Health Organization (WHO) has revealed the contenders for the highly sought-after position of Regional Director for Africa. This revelation comes in the wake of the untimely passing of Dr. Faustine Ndugulile, a distinguished Tanzanian public health expert, who was poised to assume the role in November 2024. Tanzania has formally nominated Professor Mohamed Janabi, an esteemed cardiologist and health advisor to President Samia Suluhu Hassan. His expansive experience and deep-rooted…