East Africa

How often does a handshake capture the world's attention? When Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed met eye-to-eye, during the 38th African Union Summit in bustling Addis Ababa, their handshake was much more than a diplomatic formality. It was laden with the weighty hopes of peace and collaborative future—a substantial step forward since the historical signing of the Ankara Declaration. But let's not put the cart before the horse: what led to this compelling moment and what does it…

In a scene reminiscent of a movie, an intense raid in Lafo-Gari, Lower Juba, culminated in the arrest of a man known to many as Moalim Mohamed. Advancing quietly yet decisively, the Jubbaland security forces succeeded where others had failed. Capturing the deputy judge of an Al-Shabaab-controlled court, the operation marked a resounding victory for the beleaguered region. Alongside Mohamed's capture, the forces reported the deaths of four Al-Shabaab operatives during the operation. Kismayo (AX) — It was a day of…

The grand boulevards of Addis Ababa are once again alive with a sense of purpose as African leaders begin their descent into Ethiopia's bustling capital. Their reason for gathering? The prestigious 38th African Union summit, an event poised to serve as a critical juncture for the continent's myriad challenges. Set for February 15 and 16, this summit promises to be more than just a meeting of minds; it's a beacon of potential solutions and collaborative spirit. One of the summit's focal points is the escalating conflict in…

Addis Ababa (AX) – Unfurling under the expansive African sky, the bustling city of Addis Ababa welcomed Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud this past Friday afternoon. His arrival marked a significant engagement in the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) Summit, poised to commence on Saturday. What do African leaders yearn for in these annual gatherings? Perhaps it is the hope of sowing seeds for a more harmonious continent. As President Mohamud's plane touched…

Somalia, a nation defined by resilience and transformation, has successfully navigated through the complexities of three distinct republics. Have you ever wondered how a country so profoundly shaped by history finds its footing amid winds of change? The current federal system, birthed from the Djibouti settlement in 2000, stands as a testament to Somalia’s enduring spirit. It is crafted upon the pillars of a parliamentary model, democratic processes, clan power-sharing, and regional autonomy. Yet, the political landscape in…

In a heart-wrenching turn of events, the government has officially categorized the recent tragic collision on the Masvingo-Beitbridge highway as a national disaster. This devastating incident, which has left a profound mark on the community, resulted in the loss of 24 lives. The accident unfolded near the Lutumba tollgate, a junction typically bustling with activity. In a catastrophic moment, a bus operated by Urban Connect, en route to Beitbridge, collided with a truck laden with magnesium headed for Chirundu. The…

Mogadishu (AX) — In the latest Corruption Perceptions Index published by Transparency International, Somalia finds itself entrenched in a deeply troubling narrative: near the very bottom of the world’s ranks in 2024. This index, which scrutinizes 180 nations for perceived public sector corruption, paints Somalia in stark tones—positioning it at 179th with a dismal score of 9 out of 100, following a concerning decline of two points since the previous year. Such rankings have almost become an unfortunate…

In a candid discussion on February 10, 2025, Owino's words laid bare an unsettling truth: the vetting procedure imposed on Somalis had inadvertently fostered corruption. "We just created an opportunity for people to eat," he remarked, encapsulating the sentiment that this process was more a bureaucratic charade than a necessity. Isn't it ironic how measures intended to strengthen can instead unravel at the seams? Kenya's existing ID registration process, according to Owino, is robust enough, encompassing thorough…

NAIROBI, Kenya (AX) — In a move aimed at breathing new life into Mogadishu's arterial roads, Somalia has inked contracts with four top-tier construction firms. These agreements, part of an ambitious infrastructural facelift, underscore a pivotal step in the nation's quest for economic vitality and development. The bustling Banadir Regional Administration headquarters hosted the signing ceremony on Tuesday. It was here that the intricacies of the Nagaad Project were brought into the limelight, courtesy of the Ministry of…

Mogadishu (AX) — Like characters in the dynamic theater of geopolitics, nations vie for influence on the African stage, painting the canvas of history with choices and alliances. Recently, Ethiopia emerged as a pivotal protagonist by securing a seat on the African Union's Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) for a three-year tenure. But how did this happen? And what significance does this hold for the continent? Ethiopia's triumph at the 46th Executive Council meeting, held under the imposing shadows of Addis Ababa's…