East Africa

The memories of historical tensions from my elementary and secondary school days bring Djibouti, the Somali Coast, to mind. Recently, I came across several articles on social media that discussed how people were busy with fleeting pursuits, like finding signals in Djibouti, rather than focusing on significant historical narratives. Such commentary often lacks the decorum and depth reminiscent of Djibouti’s historical role in Somali politics and nation-building, supported immensely by President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh’s political…

Meetings of international significance often carry an air of gravitas, yet they are underlined by the profoundly human quest to build bridges. On a Thursday afternoon in Paris, an intriguing convergence of perspectives unfolded as President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria sat down with Massad Boulos, the Senior Advisor for Africa to then U.S. President Donald Trump. Their conversation, intricately woven with aspirations of fortifying economic and security alliances, marked a pivotal moment in Nigeria's engagement with the United…

Understanding Somalia's Predicament and Potential In the heart of the Horn of Africa lies Somalia, a land teetering on the precipice of potential and peril. Today, this nation is primarily embroiled in a clash between its government and the notorious militant faction, al-Shabaab. Notably, other parties like Hizbul Islam—a former Islamic group historically opposing al-Shabaab—and the Dhulbahante clan are also pivotal in this turbulent landscape. The complexities of this conflict are compounded by the nuanced involvement…

In the restless heart of eastern Congo, a powerful storm brews. Last week, a majority of Goma, the bustling nucleus of the region, came under the control of rebels believed to be backed by neighboring Rwanda. The U.N. reports that even the city’s pivotal airport is now in rebel hands. Uncertainty hangs heavy as Rwanda's President, Paul Kagame, joins the choir of international voices demanding a halt to hostilities. Yet, amidst the chaos, what truly drives this conflict that seems to defy resolution? Not since the 2012…

Regional Leaders Convene for Critical Dialogue In what promises to be a pivotal meeting, the presidents of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, Félix Tshisekedi and Paul Kagame, respectively, are set to meet in Dar es Salaam. This extraordinary summit, heralded by Kenyan President William Ruto, aims to dissect the escalating hostilities in eastern Congo. President Ruto's announcement on Monday marked a significant diplomatic endeavor as tensions simmer between the two nations. Why is this summit happening now?…

Miraa Farmers and Fair Pricing: A Call for Economic Justice In the vibrant and bustling landscapes of Nairobi, Kenya, a pressing issue has gripped the agricultural community, sparking intense discussions and a firm stance from key stakeholders. The spotlight, as it turns out, is on the intricacies of the miraa trade—a sector where a simple leaf has woven itself deeply into the economic fabric of the nation. Speaking recently in Meru County, a region known for its lush,…

Somalia's Political Road to Unity: A Journey Through Conflict and Cooperation The current political climate in Somalia paints a tapestry that is both intricate and challenging, embodying the delicate balance between regional autonomy and federal unity. With President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud at the helm, efforts are underway to address the nation's political discord while confronting persistent threats from militant factions such as Al-Shabaab. Yet, as the president seeks to bring Somalia's federal member states…

A Moment of Silence in the Skies As human beings, we carry stories, journeys, dreams, and hopes. Sometimes, these tales meet an unforeseen turn. Such was the case on a recent Kenya Airways flight, which began with anticipation and ended in sorrow. Last Friday morning, as the vast blue horizon stretched out beneath the wings of the Kenya Airways flight from New York to Nairobi, an unexpected incident somberly unfolded. An elderly passenger, amidst the familiar drone of engines and chattering passengers, encountered a…

Ethiopia's Decision: Strategic Move or a Recipe for Discord? By Ali Musa, Axadle Times International – Monitoring Amid the intricate labyrinth of political maneuvers, Ethiopia has embarked on a significant and somewhat controversial step. On a recent Friday, the government appointed Getachew Reda—former rebel and erstwhile leader of the Tigray region—as a ministerial advisor. This move arrives with its set of complexities, leaving analysts pondering over the potential consequences for the already volatile…

Mogadishu (AX) — In the vibrant setting of Turkey's Antalya Diplomatic Forum, a significant milestone was achieved on a sunny Friday afternoon. Ukraine and Somalia, nations separated by continents yet united in aspiration, formally embarked on a new diplomatic journey. This moment echoed Kyiv's proactive strategy to forge robust alliances across Africa's diverse landscape. The agreement, inked with a flourish, was the result of diligent effort by Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and Somalia’s State Minister…