East Africa

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s political leadership is split between the federal government in Mogadishu and a set of federal member states that run their own regional administrations under the country’s federal system. The internationally recognized federal leadership is headed by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre. Somalia also faces a long-running territorial and political dispute with Somaliland, a region in the north that declared independence in 1991 and operates separate…

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s planned 2026 national elections have become the focus of a widening political dispute after parliament approved constitutional changes that leaders and opponents say would reshape how the country chooses its leaders and when the next vote is held. On March 5, 2026, Somalia’s parliament voted to amend the constitution and extend the terms of lawmakers and the president to five years from four, according to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and the parliamentary speaker in statements reported by…

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s efforts to hold more direct elections, after decades of indirect, clan-based voting, matter beyond its borders because they are closely tied to the country’s fight against the al-Shabab insurgency, the security of busy shipping routes off the Horn of Africa and the stability of an aid-dependent state where international partners are trying to shift responsibility for security to Somali institutions. Somalia has long selected many officials through clan-based negotiations and indirect…

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia is preparing for a planned shift to direct national elections in 2026, a major change in a country that has relied for decades on an indirect, clan-based system in which selected delegates choose members of parliament, who then elect the president. Somali authorities say the goal is a “one person, one vote” process, but opposition figures have questioned whether the transition is being handled by consensus and warn of renewed political crisis. The push toward universal suffrage has unfolded…

The Conversation Africa reached out to five academic experts from Nigeria, South Africa, Senegal, Kenya, and Ethiopia to explore the pressing issue: Is the recent surge in oil prices negatively impacting your nation's economy? Across the board, their responses echoed a shared sentiment...

At least 132 people have died and dozens more were injured as heavy rains continue to batter large parts of Zimbabwe, the Department of Civil Protection said in its latest report.

Rwanda’s teenage pregnancy rate rose to 8% in 2025 from 5% in 2020, according to the Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey, prompting warnings from health authorities about school dropouts, maternal health risks and reduced economic prospects for girls. Health authorities in Rwanda warned that the rising rate of teenage pregnancy is contributing to students leaving school, increased maternal health risks and limited economic opportunities for young women. The Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey reported that prevalence…

The Zimbabwe Peace Project reported more than 100 human rights violations affecting 3,205 people across Zimbabwe in February 2026. In its latest report, the watchdog said the cases spanned severe abuses — including torture, assault, enforced disappearances and abductions — as well as infringements on civil and political rights. The group said members of the ruling Zanu PF party were responsible for 35.46% of incidents, largely through political intimidation, coercion and interference with fundamental freedoms. It added that…

Zimbabwe civic group urges international bodies to block bid to extend presidency and Parliament terms The Defend the Constitution Platform called on international organisations to stop proposed constitutional changes that would extend the tenure of Zimbabwe’s presidency and Parliament, citing reports of intimidation and violence around the debate. The Defend the Constitution Platform has urged international organisations to block planned amendments to Zimbabwe’s constitution that would lengthen the terms of the presidency…

Monday March 16, 2026 ARUSHA, Tanzania — Nine Somali representatives were sworn in Monday to the East African Community Legislative Assembly (EALA), marking Somalia’s first formal participation in the regional parliament since joining the East African Community in 2023. The ceremony at EALA headquarters in Arusha followed the resolution of legal challenges that had temporarily delayed Somalia’s entry into the assembly. The East African Court of Justice cleared the way for the lawmakers to take their seats, ending months of…