East Africa

A noteworthy meeting recently unfolded in the bustling city of Luanda. It was an encounter that could potentially reshape the future of a troubled region. DRC President Felix Tshisekedi engaged in dialogue with Angolan President Joao Lourenco—an interaction worthy of the spotlight. Following these discussions, Angola courageously pledged to mediate between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebels. A bold move indeed. What's next, you ask? A direct negotiation has been…

A Siege Broken: A Story of Courage and Resilience in Beledweyne In the early hours of a seemingly ordinary Tuesday morning, Hotel Cairo in Beledweyne became the scene of a dramatic 15-hour siege. The tranquility of the morning was shattered by a thunderous car bomb explosion, announced by the notorious Al-Shabaab militants. A total of seven unfortunate souls, comprising traditional elders, military officers, and civilian bystanders, were swept away in this storm of brutality. Those who survived sustained injuries—wounds…

There's a significant buzz in the world of global trade, and it seems to have taken root in the fertile grounds of Africa. Not long ago, experts projected a notable surge in Russian agricultural exports to the continent, with an estimation surpassing $7 billion by 2024. If you think that sounds impressive, the anticipated growth, a jump of 19% from 2023, reveals not only the ambitious spirit of Russian trade but also the burgeoning partnership between these distant lands. When it comes to the…

Kenya and South Africa: Pioneers in Cashless Economy Transition In a world embracing digital convenience, Kenya and South Africa are staking their claim as leaders in transitioning towards cashless economies. This shift is bolstered by the widespread adoption of digital payment systems, mobile money, and contactless transactions. But what does this really mean for these nations, and could it signal the beginning of a worldwide trend? The global march towards a future where cash is a rare…

Somalian Struggles Against Terrorism: A Chronicle of Hope and Resilience Alasow remarked on the grueling night's operations as government soldiers, supported by African Union forces, heroically navigated through a tense and dangerous situation. They worked tirelessly to rescue individuals trapped within the confines of a besieged hotel, including elders, military personnel, and innocent civilians. With a mixture of pride and sorrow, he disclosed, “During the 18-hour siege, our courageous soldiers eliminated two…

It is often said, "Youth is wasted on the young," but is that truly the case when it comes to wealth acquisition on the African continent? Paradoxically, despite Africa's vibrant young population, the upper echelons of wealth often belong to individuals well into their later years. Indeed, among Africa's billionaires, only a single individual falls below the age of 50. This discrepancy raises intriguing questions about the paths to wealth for the younger demographic in Africa. Perhaps the challenge lies in traditional…

Financial Independence in Africa: The Unique Journey of Three Nations Edited By Ali Musa Axadle Times International – Monitoring In a world where financial entanglements are often seen as inevitable, three African nations — Botswana, Libya, and Eritrea — have charted a distinct and arguably enviable path. According to data primarily sourced from the IMF's Financial Data and the ONE Campaign, these countries have never succumbed to…

Imagine holding a position that carries the weight of an entire continent’s hopes and dreams. Patrice Motsepe, Africa’s first black billionaire, shoulders exactly that responsibility. On a pivotal Wednesday in Cairo, he found himself re-elected unopposed as the president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). It’s an indication of trust, perhaps even admiration, that speaks volumes: What drives such a man to continue this arduous journey? Motsepe’s leadership story with CAF began in 2021. It was under the…

Protecting Trade from Regional Conflicts In today's world, large-scale wars reminiscent of the 20th century are relics of the past. However, the persistence of regional conflicts poses its own brand of challenges. As one navigates through these murky waters, it is crucial to ask: are we truly prepared for the complexities these smaller-scale skirmishes unveil? Conflicts in vital corridors of global commerce, especially near bustling shipping lanes, spell huge disruptions. These aren't just…

Inside Somalia's Strategic Security Operations: A Blend of Cooperation and Challenge Edited By Ali MusaAxadle Times International–Monitoring Mogadishu (AX) — The landscape of security operations in Somalia is as dynamic and complex as the country itself. At its center is Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, Somalia’s Minister of Defense, orchestrating a ballet of international coordination and domestic fortitude. Recently, he shed light on an aspect of this intricate dance: the…