East Africa

At the solemn gathering in Bartabwa, Baringo North Constituency, President William Ruto took a moment to reflect during the funeral of Baringo Senator William Cheptumo. The atmosphere was heavy with loss, yet there was an undercurrent of resolve as President Ruto spoke candidly about a vision for a more equitable Kenya. The President has repeatedly emphasized the importance of distributing development equitably across the entire nation. In his speech last Saturday, he underscored a sentiment that has been echoing…

Analyzing the CPI: A Journey through Clothing and Footwear Costs Have you ever wondered how the cost of the clothes you wear is determined? Every stitch, button, and thread of our outfits is intertwined with the financial fabric known as the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Historically, CPI has been composed of several components, with housing, clothes, and food leading the charge. Think about it—while food undeniably sits at the throne of essentials, for many, clothes follow right at its heels. And isn't it…

Understanding the Role of Customs Duties in Africa For some countries heavily reliant on international trade, the levying of tariffs on imported goods comprises more than 40% of total tax revenue. This fact alone underscores just how integral these duties are to the infrastructure of governmental funding across various nations. Consider the island nation of São Tomé and Príncipe, where customs duties remarkably constitute 100% of the country’s tax revenue. What does this tell us about their economic structure or their…

Engagement in geopolitics often unveils stories of spirited debates and shared visions, particularly when discussing strategically vital regions. A recent encounter at the crossroads of diplomacy highlights this truth. Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty, representing Egypt, alongside Eritrea's President Isaias Afwerki, has vocally reiterated their steadfast opposition to the participation of non-littoral nations in the governance and security affairs of the Red Sea. Their joint dismissal of external involvement…

On the vast African continent, the spotlight often shifts between different global players vying for influence. China, long regarded as a formidable competitor, is frequently mentioned when discussing the power dynamics in Africa. But can it actually surpass the United States as the leading provider of aid to Africa? The answer is a bit more complex, woven through economic, political, and strategic layers. China's financial footprint in Africa has grown substantially in recent years. With massive…

When we look into the intricate web of rental trends worldwide, certain dominant factors come into play. Economic conditions, housing affordability, government policies, and, indeed, cultural preferences each hold sway over how rental markets evolve. Pause and reflect—is it merely a roof over one's head, or a quest for freedom that fuels this global inclination towards renting? Top 10 Countries with Remarkable Rental Populations in 2024 According to Eurostat,…

Port of Berbera: Forging New Paths in Ethiopia-Somalia Relations Image: Port of Berbera in North Western State of Somalia’s breakaway region It is often said that political progress requires diplomacy as much as it needs determination. Demonstrating this complex dynamic, Ethiopia and Somalia have taken significant strides toward cooperation, breathing new life into regional stability narratives. The two countries have resolved to end their disputes surrounding North Western State…

In a world interconnected by complex socio-economic forces, the closure of the UN's Southern African bureau stands as a significant decision that reverberates across continents. As we delve into this development, one cannot help but ponder the ramifications on both global and local scales. Positioned amidst an evolving diplomatic climate, the relationship between South Africa and the United States finds itself under scrutiny. At this pivotal moment, the closure of the bureau, largely funded by U.S. contributions,…

ENDF's Generous Contribution: Not Just Supplies, But Hope In an inspiring act of solidarity and humanity, members of the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF), serving under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), made a remarkable gesture last Friday. They donated essential medical supplies to the Bay Regional Hospital, a crucial healthcare facility located in South West State, Somalia. Beyond Borders: A Collaborative Effort The consignment, comprising antibiotics,…

A Reflective Dive into the Weaponization of Drugs The narrative of nations leveraging narcotics to suppress or dominate adversaries is as heart-wrenching as it is complex. Historically, numerous countries have turned to alcohol and other drugs not just to weaken societies but to wield them as tools of war, control, and destabilization. "All warfare is based on deception," said Sun Tzu, and using drugs as a weapon is perhaps one of the most insidious deceptions of them all. Reflecting on the 19th century, the…