East Africa

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…

Certainly, let's delve into the intricate tapestry of this issue with a more nuanced, professional tone. --- As the sun rose over the verdant landscape of central Kenya, painting ethereal hues on the horizon, thoughts weighed heavily on the mind of Jackson Karuiru. A man seasoned by the struggles of agriculture, Karuiru, the chairman of the Kenyan Khat Farmers Association, finds himself at the crossroads between tradition and the unforgiving march of modern economics. “How can we carry on under these circumstances,” he…

In the bustling corridors of Garissa, a heated debate unfolds—one that delves deep into the heart of identity and equality in Kenya. The contentious issue? The abolishment of the Identity Card vetting process in the northeastern region. A group of Garissa Members of County Assembly (MCAs) have found themselves in the eye of the storm, staunchly defending the president's recent proclamation. Is it time for a shift in how we perceive citizenship and security? Just last week, President William Ruto, during his tour of the…

The once impenetrable bastion of Dinsor, situated in Somalia's southwestern region and close to the frontier with Kenya and Ethiopia, crumbled under the combined efforts of African Union troops. Just days prior, they had seized Bardhere, another strategic location. These captures are significant as both towns represented the remaining strongholds of the Al-Shabaab insurgents. While these victories have offered a flicker of hope, a more complex issue looms over the horizon. U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman,…

Bosaso (AX) — Imagine the bleak horizon, a barren canvas where ambition and despair mingle. In such a landscape, one might think that dreams could flourish or wither silently, but not so in Northeastern State. Here, intelligence reports expose a story of exploitation, where ISIS employs a pernicious strategy to bolster its presence. It targets the vulnerable, preying upon those seeking hope across treacherous paths. What compels these militants to trap foreign migrants in their web of deceit and coercion? A senior…