East Africa

Mauritius artist Blakkayo. © Jean-Paul Mussoodee In the tropics of the Indian Ocean, Blakkayo has cultivated for more than two decades, through various music projects, the fruits of the encounter between Jamaican reggae and Mauritius culture. Soz Serye, his new album which is also the first for the international scene, reveals all his wealth. Giving meaning to his lyrics in Creole, conveying "messages" in his songs…

Somalia's parliamentary roads in Mogadishu closed, heavy security views MOGADISHU, Somalia - Heavy presence of security forces has been seen along all roads leading to the parliament in Mogadishu, just ahead of the stormy session, which is expected to start already now after Monday’s postponement. Last Saturday, MPs from both sides of the political divide shouted at each other in…

On March 29, 1947, in eastern Madagascar, rebel groups took up arms and rebelled against French settlers. A bloody repression of the French army ensues. Portraits of nationalist heroes by Malagasy photographer Pierrot Men and the film Tabataba are on display at the Photo Museum to celebrate the event. In the projection room,…

The Khartoum police chief created controversy last week by demanding the return of public order laws. Very controversial texts created during the old Islamic regime and which contained many restrictions that are often used against women. These remarks sparked an uprising that ultimately cost him his job as the first police officer in the Sudanese capital. After his controversial comments, Lieutenant General Issa Adam Ismaël was transferred to the Interior Ministry office. A new police chief in Khartoum was appointed on…

Fierce struggle for control of Mozambique's strategic northern city of Palma left beheaded corpses strewn in the streets on Monday with heavily armed rebels fighting army, police and private military equipment in several places. Thousands are estimated to be missing from the city, which held about 70,000 people before the attack started last Wednesday. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack on Monday, saying it was carried out by the Islamic State, the province of Central Africa, according to…

Hundreds benefit from free AMISOM medical services in the Gedo region African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) forces have provided free medical services to hundreds of people in the Gedo region of Jubaland state as part of their civil-military cooperation (CIMIC) activities. The free medical camp took place last weekend in Gedo's villages of Burahache and Gherrile. Elderly people,…

Somalia has teamed up with international organizations to launch an online learning platform for primary school as the country struggles with the effects of COVID-19. The Ministry of Education said the alternative learning opportunity aims to reduce the impact of COVID-19 on education and intends to improve access to quality education for children affected by the pandemic. The online platform, launched in partnership with the EU, Global Partnership for Education (GPE) and the Save the Children Somalia program, will…

Kenyan police said on Tuesday they had arrested three suspects and recovered a cache of weapons during a security operation in Garissa County, which borders Somalia. Rono Bunei, northeastern regional police chief, said the three suspects were snatched while transporting eight rifles, 2,104 bullets and 20 liters of petrol along a busy road in the Lagdera area when they were caught after a four-hour chase. Bunei said police patrolling the area spotted the saloon car around 5pm on Monday before the driver moved off,…

Salaam Somali Bank's branch in Beledweyne, Hiran region on Tuesday provided free microfinance to small business owners as part of the second phase of the 2021 offer. Qardu Hassan aims to develop and encourage small businesses throughout Somalia, according to the bank's management, which is credited with being the first in the country to found in 2009. The new traders who were given the opportunity said they are grateful to Salaam Somali Bank for its timely support which has helped them expand their business in the face…

Madagascar, who would win against Niger to hope for a second qualifier for CAN, failed on March 30, 2021 against Mena (0-0). A major failure when Ethiopia, beaten by Ivory Coast (1-3), inherited the second qualifying ticket for CAN 2021. An incredible scenario and results during the last day of Group K. There was only one place…