East Africa

Tensions Flare Between Belgium and Rwanda Over Diplomats Amidst an intricate web of diplomacy and history, Belgium and Rwanda are currently embroiled in a tit-for-tat expulsion of each other's diplomats. This clash, reminiscent of Cold War-era tussles, stems from deep-seated accusations about each nation's role in the turbulent conflict ravaging the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). What prompts two sovereign nations to take such drastic measures in today's interconnected world? A Move Rooted in…

Tensions have markedly increased as Belgium and Rwanda exchange diplomatic expulsions amid accusations revolving around their roles in the conflict unfolding in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This escalation reflects a deeper and more complex narrative, woven through years of historical tensions and regional conflict. Rwanda's Department of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation articulated their stance with striking clarity in a statement posted on X, where they explained,…

Mogadishu (AX) — In an unexpected turn of events, more than 100 individuals, suspected to be al-Shabab militants, momentarily descended upon a remote Kenyan village in Lamu County. They did not launch an assault or display overt aggression. Instead, they gathered the community, delivered religious sermons, and distributed foodstuffs before melting away into the dense cloak of the Boni Forest, leaving residents and security agencies in both confusion and concern. This strange sequence of events unfolded Saturday evening…

Education serves as a cornerstone of national development, influencing diverse aspects such as economic growth, social mobility, and even technological advancement. We often find ourselves pondering an age-old question: How does education mold the future of a nation? It's an inquiry not just of policy and numbers but one that touches the very essence of societal progress. As philosopher and educator John Dewey famously said, "Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself." Across the vast and…

Edited By Ali MusaAxadle Times International–Monitoring NAIROBI, Kenya (AX) — It has been over four grueling years, but the agony of uncertainty persists for the family of 21-year-old Shaffi Noor. His sudden disappearance just after being acquitted of terror-related allegations outside a Garissa courtroom on December 29, 2021, remains a haunting memory. Eyewitnesses recall the ominous presence of masked officers, presumably from Kenya’s Anti-Terror Police Unit (ATPU), who took Noor, leaving no trace behind. His case is not…

A revealing study published in The Lancet has illuminated a staggering surge in type 2 diabetes rates across sub-Saharan Africa, far beyond what was earlier anticipated. This research is not merely a collection of statistics; it highlights a troubling trend that poses significant health risks for millions. What drives this epidemic? The answer lies in a confluence of poor dietary choices, inadequate access to health care, rising obesity rates, and increasingly sedentary lifestyles. Tracking over 10,000 participants from…

Preserving Heritage Through A Culinary Odyssey Toronto, Canada (AX) — Exploring the savory landscapes of Somali cuisine, Ifrah F. Ahmed stands as a remarkable beacon of cultural preservation and innovation, all while artfully bridging continents and traditions. A Journey Across Kitchens Born in Somalia and now traveling between New York and Seattle, Ahmed is on a mission to elevate Somali cuisine through culinary pop-ups and…

Understanding the Ripple Effect of Rising Fuel Prices in Africa Let's take a moment to talk about something that affects all of us in more ways than we often realize—fuel prices. Recent shifts in the global oil market, along with various factors such as currency depreciation and reduced subsidies, have led to an unwelcome surge in fuel costs across many African countries. It's quite astonishing, isn't it, how a single market shift can create a domino effect felt across an entire continent? One might wonder,…

The Decline of Car Theft in Kenya: A Closer Look Car theft in Kenya remains a concern. However, recent statistics suggest an unexpected twist in the narrative—namely, a decline. Is this trend here to stay, or is it merely a fleeting respite? According to the latest report by the Association of Kenyan Insurers (AKI), a total of 327 motor vehicles were stolen in 2024. Although an uncomfortable reality, this figure marks a substantial 28% decrease from the previous year’s 419 reported…

November 24, 2024. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights In a noteworthy move, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Kenya are gearing up to discuss a fresh lending initiative that could be pivotal for the East African nation, especially after both parties decided to forego the anticipated ninth review of the existing $3.6 billion agreement. But why is this dialogue significant, and what does it spell for Kenya's financial future? Let's delve into these pressing questions. For Kenya, sustaining…