East Africa

FILE - Aslam Longton (bottom right) and Jamil Longton (bottom left) are seen at the Kenya National Human Rights Commission in Nairobi, Feb. 2, 2025. (Credit: Kenya National Human Rights Commission) The specter of forced disappearances looms ominously over Kenya, a nation that has recently been rocked by political unrest and social discord. Since the summer of 2024, when sweeping protests engulfed the country, a staggering 82 instances of alleged abductions have been documented by the Kenyan National Human Rights Commission.…

Tragedy Strikes in Orebro: Unanswered Questions and Immigrant Concerns Stockholm (AFP) - When tragedy strikes without a clear motive, the air is thick with uncertainty and unspoken fears. The mass shooting at Campus Risbergska in Orebro is Sweden's deadliest to date, leaving a community—and a nation—grappling with questions that may remain unanswered. Is it possible to explain the unexplainable? The haunting reality is that most of the victims came from foreign backgrounds, stirring ongoing debates and…

Amidst a seemingly endless undercurrent of geopolitical tension, a group of Somali special forces captains stood stoically against the backdrop of 2022. They were part of a specialized commando unit, their faces stern as they engaged with their U.S. Army trainers. The photograph, captured by Luis Tato for The Washington Post, is a vivid reminder of the complex tapestry of military alliances woven across Africa and the Middle East. In Nairobi, recent developments have thrown a wrench into these delicate dynamics. An…

In the heart of Addis Ababa, the bustling capital of Ethiopia, the African Union convened its annual summit. This gathering, straddled between the echoes of prior conflicts and the anticipations of future peace, witnessed a pivotal leadership transition. Among the dappled sunlight that filtered through the grand assembly hall, an air of quiet anticipation settled in—a new chief was to be chosen for the African Union Commission, a role vital for steering the organization through its intricate daily operations. The merits of…

On an ordinary Saturday, right amidst the 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly of the Heads of State and Government, an unassuming revolutionary shift occurred. Selma Haddadi was appointed as the next deputy chairperson of the AU Commission—an appointment that resonates across the continent like an unexpected melody echoing through familiar chords, signaling a fresh symphony for Africa. Hailing from Algeria, Haddadi holds the esteemed position of ambassador to Ethiopia. Her election marks the beginning…

Mogadishu (AX) – It's a sunny Saturday, and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has a reason to beam with pride. This afternoon, he extended his heartfelt congratulations to Djibouti's Foreign Minister, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, who recently achieved the notable milestone of being elected as the Chairperson of the African Union Commission. An occasion worth celebrating, no doubt. Imagine, for a moment, the intricate dance of diplomacy that played out at the bustling AU summit in Addis Ababa. Underneath the grandeur of the…

The anticipation surrounding the African Union Commission (AUC) elections is palpable, with Kenya throwing its weight behind Raila Odinga for the esteemed Chairmanship. Why does this matter so much? For those acquainted with Kenyan politics, Mr. Odinga’s bid embodies hope and a vision for a more integrated and prosperous Africa. Over recent months, Mr. Odinga has embarked on a diplomatic odyssey. In what resembles a chess game of alliances, he has engaged with over 40 African Heads of State, each conversation a move on a…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a pivotal election steeped in African political dynamics, Djibouti's Foreign Minister, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, emerged victorious as the newly appointed chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC). His triumph came after he secured 33 decisive votes in a fiercely competitive election on Saturday in the bustling heart of Addis Ababa. The contest was no simple affair. Youssouf faced formidable opponents in Kenya's Raila Odinga and Madagascar's Richard Randiamandrato. The climactic announcement came…

Trapped, exploited, and finally freed—these are the stories of over 260 individuals believed to have been ensnared into working within the bowels of online scam centers. They are now on their way home, set to be repatriated after being rescued from Myanmar in a coordinated effort led by Thailand's army, as announced on Thursday. Who would've imagined Southeast Asian countries like Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos would become epicenters for such insidious activities? These nations, sharing borders with Thailand, have become…

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…