East Africa

British Soldier Accused of Rape: Ongoing Investigations in Kenya A troubling incident has emerged from Kenya, where a British soldier is facing serious allegations of rape after an incident near a controversial army camp. As investigations progress, the soldier has been repatriated to the UK, stirring up numerous discussions on military conduct and accountability. This alleged crime occurred last month in proximity to the British Army Training Unit Kenya (Batuk), which is situated about 200 kilometers, or 125 miles,…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a significant diplomatic engagement, Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdisalan Abdi Ali Dhaay, recently met with Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia W. Mudavadi. This meeting took place on the sidelines of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Ministers’ Summit, a platform that not only showcases the importance of Africa on the global stage but also serves as a catalyst for meaningful dialogue between…

Understanding the High Cost of Living in Africa: A Crucial Economic Challenge In recent years, the issue of rising living costs has emerged as a formidable challenge faced by many African nations. Though global inflation and shifts in the market play their part, it's important to understand that factors such as poor economic management, currency devaluation, the elimination of subsidies, and an excessive dependence on imports have significantly worsened the situation. As we explore this critical topic, we…

Kismayo (AX) — In a significant step towards regional stability, Mahmoud Sayid Aden, the First Vice President of Somalia’s Jubbaland State, convened with the Governor of Mandera County in Kenya on Monday. The primary objective of their meeting was to address pressing issues concerning cross-border security and the movement of people along their shared frontier. The leaders engaged in a constructive dialogue focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation, particularly in light of the increasing challenges posed by the al-Shabab…

Unlocking Potential: Zambia's Electric Vehicle Initiative Zambia is embarking on an ambitious journey to engage with automakers, specifically aiming to attract electric vehicle (EV) component manufacturers. The idea is simple yet profound: establish production plants near the country’s rich copper mining sites. Why is this important? Copper is a critical raw material integral to electric vehicle engines, and Zambia, as Africa’s second-largest copper producer, is positioning itself as a vital player in the EV supply chain.…

The Future of the African Union Mission in Somalia: A Balance of Responsibility In an era where the intricate dynamics of international relations intertwine with pressing security challenges, the future of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) hangs delicately in the balance. As President William Ruto convened with Chief of Defence Forces General Charles Kahariri and General Michael Langley, the commander of the U.S. Africa Command, the topic of funding took center stage. On June 2, 2025, during the Africa Chiefs…

In a chilling report released on Tuesday, Human Rights Watch alleges that at least 21 civilians met a grim fate at the hands of the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels in Goma, eastern Congo, over a two-day span in February. Does this mark yet another sinister chapter in the region's protracted conflict? The bloodshed unfolded on February 22 and 23, casting a shadow over the neighborhood near Katindo military camp. Witnesses describe a harrowing scene: seven people, including a woman, executed with shots to the head. Such brutality…

Rwanda has made the unexpected decision to exit the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), raising eyebrows as it accuses the bloc of partiality toward the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). What led to this dramatic departure? At the core lies a simmering conflict in eastern DRC, characterized by Rwanda's allegations of bias. The catalyst for this significant move was the recent decision by ECCAS leaders to extend Equatorial Guinea's tenure as president of the bloc for another year. In doing so, they…

Ambassadorial Ties and the Unpaid Ground Rent Dilemma in Nigeria In recent months, the issue of unpaid ground rent by foreign embassies in Nigeria has captured the attention of the public and government alike. A report from The PUNCH indicated that diplomatic missions in Nigeria have collectively amassed over ₦3.6 million in unpaid ground rent since 2014, which raises questions about accountability and diplomatic responsibility. This situation, which constitutes a concerning breach of land lease agreements with the Federal…

The Horn of Africa: Balancing Between Breakdown and Opportunity The recent testimonies before the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations by Joshua Meservey of the Hudson Institute and Michelle Gavin of the Council on Foreign Relations have illuminated a pressing dilemma for Washington: the Horn of Africa stands on a knife's edge, caught between potential collapse and newfound opportunities. While both testimonies suggest a pivot away from the pursuit of a unified Somalia, advocating instead for partnerships with…