East Africa

**Mogadishu (AX) — An urgent situation unfolds in Saudi Arabia, where around 50 Somali citizens face capital punishment for alleged drug smuggling. Family members and Somali authorities are fervently seeking clemency, arguing for a reduction of sentences from the grim reality of execution to imprisonment. These individuals, mostly young, initially ventured to Saudi Arabia in search of employment opportunities. They were either coerced or misled into participating in drug trafficking across the Saudi border. Now, with the…

In a shift that has stirred some buzz, Somalia's Foreign Affairs Minister, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, has revealed plans to shift the Ethiopian Embassy away from the presidential compound. This announcement marks a significant response to public disapproval over the embassy's notable location. Speaking to reporters on November 4, Fiqi stated, “The move comes as a reaction to the public’s dissatisfaction with having a foreign embassy within our presidential grounds.” Recognizing the legitimate unease, he further added, “The concerns…

In the bustling metropolis of New York City, a significant verdict unfolded that speaks volumes about global security threats. A 34-year-old Kenyan named Cholo Abdi Abdullah, tethered to the infamous Somali militant cadre Al Shabaab, was handed a conviction for orchestrating a catastrophic plot echoing the dark shadows of the September 11 attacks. Abdullah's journey entwined intrigue and menace. Captured in the Philippines back in July 2019, his next chapter unfolded in the U.S. by December 2020, facing justice in a foreign…

FILE - Ethiopian Foreign Minister Seyoum Mesfin (right) and Somali Prime Minister Ali Mohamed Ghedi (left) proudly hoist the Ethiopian flag during the opening ceremony of the revamped Ethiopian Embassy in Mogadishu, dated May 27, 2007. Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia plans to shift the Ethiopian Embassy from its hallowed presidential precinct, signaling a widening chasm in diplomatic relations, primarily triggered by Ethiopia's contentious port arrangement with North Western State of Somalia—a deal Somalia perceives as an affront…

Understanding what's at play, let's take the core message of a Kenyan delegation trying to ease the political friction between Somali leader Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Jubbaland's head honcho, Ahmed Madobe, over the looming election. There's some backstory involving some heavy hitters like former bigwigs from IGAD—Mahbub Moalim and Ambassador Mohamed Abdi Affey. We've even got Wajir County's own Senator Abdirahman Ali Hassan Olow in the mix. Their mission? Play peacemaker and sort out this kerfuffle over inclusion or lack…

The political climate in Ethiopia's Amhara state has raised eyebrows in the United States, sparking significant concerns about the escalating conflict in the region—concerns expressed by none other than America's chief diplomat late on Monday. The Fano, a militia group part of the Amhara ethnic group, which holds the title of Ethiopia's second-largest ethnicity, is a curious player in this drama. Around April 2023, driven by the government's attempt to disarm regional forces, the Fano picked up their arms, embracing a role…

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has celebrated a significant breakthrough in public health, marking its successful introduction of malaria vaccination into its nationwide immunization framework. As reported by the World Health Organization (WHO), the DRC now stands as the 15th country in Africa to roll out malaria vaccines. Prior to this, 14 other nations—namely Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Niger, Malawi, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, and South…

Sheik Mohammed Mekin Haji The situation in Ethiopia under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's leadership seems to be spiraling into chaos. Recent incidents in Ethiopia's Oromia region have painted a grim picture. Sheik Mohammed Mekin Haji, an Imam from a mosque in North Shoa's Dera District, has been tragically killed. He was abducted by a militant group along with 12 others from the mosque in Adea Melkie Kebele, within the Dera district. The hostages were reportedly close associates of the Imam. Opposition group, Enat Party,…

Dr. Yvan Butera, the State Minister for Health in Rwanda, has issued a warning regarding the ongoing battle against the Marburg virus. While he noted some encouraging signs in the country's efforts to contain the outbreak, he emphasized that the crisis "is far from over." Yet, there’s a glimmer of optimism as Dr. Butera remarked, "we are making progress." In another concerning development, the Africa Centers for Disease Control (Africa CDC) reported that the mpox outbreak—another pressing health threat in the region—is still…

 - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Roberto Natali, the Italian Ambassador to Kenya, graced a solemn event dedicated to the memory of fallen countrymen at the Italian shrine in Nyeri. This poignant ceremony saw the presence of Nyeri County Governor Mutahi Kahiga, along with a sizable gathering of compatriots, members of Comites, and representatives from Italian missionary groups active in the region. The event also featured Carabinieri clad in historic uniforms, in alignment with National Unity and Armed Forces Day. From 1941 to…