East Africa

In a tragic turn of events, Charles Owino, a 19-year-old, lost his life to a gunshot wound to the head during July's anti-government demonstrations near Nairobi, according to an autopsy reported by Reuters.However, his death, as recorded by the police, was classified as a road accident, Owino's brother revealed after he saw the morgue log entry upon identifying the body. Reuters hasn't been able to access the mentioned document. Similarly, in a separate instance, police claimed Shaquille Obienge, aged 21, succumbed to a road…

Mogadishu (AX) – So, here's the scoop: Somali Foreign Minister and International Cooperation guru, Ambassador Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, just had a pow-wow with a crew from the Indian High Commission based out of Nairobi. What's the word on the street? They're putting the final touches on opening a swanky new visa facilitation center right in good ol' Mogadishu. On Monday, this was trumpeted by the Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The session was also graced by the presence of Said Jama Mire, who runs the Asia and Australia…

In a bustling, often unpredictable world, fresh allegations have surfaced in the Horn of Africa, casting a shadow over the delicate peace between Somalia and Kenya. Lawmakers from the autonomous region of Jubbaland are pointing fingers at Somalia's federal government, accusing it of stirring up trouble along their shared border with Kenya. On Tuesday, a collective declaration emerged from Jubbaland's parliamentary representatives, both those in the Lower House and the Upper House. They claimed that federal forces, alongside…

**Mogadishu (AX) —** An exciting shift is happening amidst the arid landscapes of Somalia's Bari region, with local farmers finally reaping the rewards of patience and perseverance. After years of struggling against a harsh climate, they've tapped into success by cultivating and selling dates, sweetening both their prospects and their wallets. Take Mohamed Rage Ali, for instance. The father of 14 has turned a promising corner. After half a decade of toil, his farm has yielded a harvest with a $1,200 payout, providing his…

Lawmakers Challenge Exclusive Livestock Export Deal In a bold stand, about one hundred members from both chambers of Somalia's Federal Parliament openly criticized a recent government decision favoring Abu-Yasir, a foreign entrepreneur, with exclusive rights to export the country's livestock. In clear-cut words on Monday, the parliamentarians pointed fingers at President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, accusing him of putting a foreigner's interest over those of local Somali traders. These traders have long been pillars in the…

Paris (AFP) - Despite his vivid orange beard and distinctive glasses, Abdul Qadir Mumin remains a shadowy figure, difficult to catch, and even harder to understand. This Somalian has likely climbed to the top tier within the Islamic State (IS) ensemble, potentially acting as the de facto big cheese without the official endorsement, according to experts. Some observers are puzzled about the mysterious figure Abou Hafs al-Hachimi al-Qourachi, IS's supposed caliph, speculating if he even exists. Meanwhile, it's plausible that…

Rwanda has proudly inaugurated Africa's pioneering laboratory dedicated to assessing the quality and safety of motorcycle helmets. This innovative facility is capable of testing between 30 to 40 helmets each day. Its primary objective is to ensure that both locally produced and imported helmets comply with the safety regulations set forth by the Rwanda Standards Board. "By establishing this lab, we are taking crucial strides towards lowering head injuries and fostering economic advancement," explains a representative from…

The education crisis in Ethiopia is strikingly grim, with over 9 million children unable to attend school, a staggering figure revealed by UNICEF, a respected global advocate for children's welfare.ADDIS ABABA, Jan. 5 (Xinhua) -- UNICEF has taken the spotlight by disclosing that throughout Ethiopia, a disturbing number of over 9 million children find themselves out of the educational fold. This alarming development is attributed to both human-induced conflicts and Mother Nature's unpredictable actions.A recent report from…

The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has mobilized a specialized team to undertake an extensive investigation into the troubling situation at Lake Chivero, where recent reports of fish and wildlife fatalities have emerged due to pollution. This urgent action comes in light of the serious pollution crisis impacting Lake Chivero, the main source of water for Harare. This contamination has tragically led to the deaths of not only four white rhinoceroses and three zebras but also various bird species…

Recently, the Rwandan government made headlines by teaming up with U.S. comedian Steve Harvey's company, BILT LLC, in a pact designed to enhance both tourism and investment in the nation. This exciting agreement was formalized in the capital, Kigali, with Rwanda Development Board (RDB) CEO Francis Gatare signing alongside Steve Harvey himself. The focus of this partnership is far-reaching—it aims to develop skills in critical areas like film, media, and education. Moreover, it seeks to promote health and wellness…