East Africa

In a recent address, President Filipe Nyusi, who is nearing the end of his current term, urged for a constructive dialogue aimed at resolving the unrest that has swept through the nation over the past few weeks. These protests erupted following the October 9 elections, during which Daniel Chapo, the candidate for the ruling Frelimo party, was announced as the victor. Nyusi expressed his concerns, noting that the ongoing violence is detrimental to Mozambique's economy, stating that it “restricts business operations and port…

The situation in Somalia is evolving rapidly, particularly with ISIS's burgeoning influence, notably in the Northeastern State region. It seems newly arrived foreign militants have significantly amplified the group's capabilities. A recent report vividly underscores these developments, attributing the expansion primarily to foreign operatives, which has bolstered ISIS's position amidst the ongoing tussle with their fierce adversary, al-Qaeda-associated al-Shabab. A key observation from intelligence hidden within the…

Archbishop Thabo Makgoba, the Anglican Primate of Southern Africa, has issued a cautionary note suggesting that we may see an uptick in reports of misconduct involving church officials, especially following the resignation of Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby. Welby's departure came on the heels of an investigation that unveiled his failure to report allegations of abuse perpetrated by John Smyth—a barrister, educator, and director of Christian camps—during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Smyth was a prominent figure…

The landscape of childhood is undergoing profound transformations, with UNICEF's latest flagship report, ‘The State of the World’s Children 2024: The Future of Childhood in a Changing World,’ shedding light on these crucial shifts just in time for World Children’s Day. This insightful report delves into the repercussions of three impending global trends that are redefining the lives of young people worldwide. It highlights alarming statistics, revealing that children now face a staggering eightfold increase in exposure to…

Jubaland's Political Dilemmas: Independent Elections and the Pushback from Mogadishu Kismayo (AX)— Thursday was a pivotal day for Jubaland's parliament as it undertook the task of electing its new leaders, including a parliamentary speaker and two deputy speakers. This process involves candidates detailing their visions, followed by a vote, and concluding with swearing in the new victors. These elections are a significant milestone leading up to the presidential election scheduled for November 25, marking a meticulous…

Hargeisa (AX) — In a momentous election hailed for its openness, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro emerged victorious to take up the mantle as North Western State of Somalia’s president, winning a landslide 64% of the vote. As Irro steps up to the plate, he inherits a politically tense landscape marked by fraught relations with Somalia and scrutiny surrounding a debatable pact with Ethiopia for access to the coastline. Leader of the opposition, the Waddani Party, Irro ousted the incumbent president, Muse Bihi Abdi, who…

Chapter One: Setting the Scene In federations, deciding the power equilibrium between national and regional entities is crucial. Federalism’s very essence is harmonizing centralized power with regional autonomy, knitting a nation together while catering to local needs. Somalia’s 2012 Provisional Constitution left major power-sharing questions open. Check Article 50: power is doled out to the level of government where it'll do the most good, aiming for fair resource chops and responsibilities between Somalia’s Federal…

In a sweeping victory for the Waddani party, opposition leader Cirro emerged triumphant, clinching a resounding 64% of the vote, leaving Bihi at 35%, as confirmed by Musa Hassan, the head honcho of the North Western State of Somalia Electoral Commission. During a televised speech on Tuesday, Cirro remarked, "This election isn't about win or lose for the contenders. It's an election of solidarity and camaraderie, moving the North Western State of Somalia nation forward." Nested at the strategic crossroads of the Indian…

In a compelling address at State House, Nairobi, President William Ruto reassured Kenyans about the Kenyan government's collective vision for driving the nation forward. Donning an air of unwavering confidence, he emphasized, "We are here to prove the skeptics wrong. Kenya will not falter; it will thrive. The adversaries doubting our potential will find defeat in our triumph." His words echo a promise and a firm commitment to navigate the country toward prosperity, as he spoke under the luminescent glow of the State House…

The wife of a prominent opposition leader claims he was whisked away in Nairobi, now languishing in a jail cell in Kampala, and she's pleading for his swift release. Renowned Ugandan political agitator, Kizza Besigye, made an appearance at the Makindye General Court Martial in Kampala on a date that will likely stick in minds: November 20, 2024 , amidst assertions of his abduction from neighboring Kenya. Besigye, age 68 and once a practicing doctor, is a formidable critic of President Yoweri Museveni. He was brought to…