East Africa

The 2025 Global Terrorism Index report, released by the Institute for Economics & Peace, paints a sobering picture of the Sahel region as it seemingly becomes the new heart of global terrorism. As someone who’s been following global security dynamics for a while, I can't help but wonder how this transformation could happen so swiftly from the Middle East to sub-Saharan Africa. Why here? Why now? Africa’s unsettling position on the terrorism index is not without reason. It’s a familiar narrative,…

The situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has deteriorated into chaos as conflicts flare between the Congolese army and the Rwandan-supported M23 rebels. This escalation has forced nearly 80,000 individuals to flee to neighboring countries, a grim statistic reported by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). What's more, in just a fortnight at the end of February, over 800 cases of rape were documented by humanitarian organizations, underscoring a horrifying trend of violence against civilians. These acts of…

Upon his return to the White House, President Donald Trump has made it abundantly clear what his administration aims to tackle: the sprawling issue of federal waste. It’s a topic that’s been at the heart of many political debates, and one that begs the question: how do we ensure taxpayer money is used judiciously? The President, with his characteristic resolve, has embarked on what he describes as a crusade against wasteful spending. The administration took a notable step forward by…

Sanctions have a way of sending ripples through international relations, don't they? Recently, Rwanda has found itself in the crosshairs of such diplomatic measures. Let's dive into the intricate dance of geopolitics that has captivated observers far and wide. The Canadian government, embodying a sense of righteous indignation, announced its decision to halt the export of controlled goods and technology to Rwanda, a move that includes pulling back from government-to-government agreements and stalling business engagements.…

A Somali official has been accused of smuggling multiple women into Ireland, raising concerns about the growing sophistication of international traffickers A Somali diplomat has been charged with smuggling women into Ireland, raising concerns about the growing sophistication of international smuggling networks. The official, who was based in Saudi Arabia, is accused of smuggling multiple women into the state between September and November before he was arrested. His detention at Dublin airport last November after…

Ethio-Kenya Business Conference: A New Horizon for Collaboration Imagine a partnership that unlocks the potential of an entire continent. Ethiopia, standing as a strategic entry point into the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), emerges as a natural gateway for Kenya, facilitating access to the expanse of North Africa. This notion was passionately articulated today by Tobias Alando, the CEO of the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), at the Ethio-Kenya Business Conference convened in Addis Ababa. In a…

Aid Reevaluation: Germany's Decisive Step on Rwanda It can be a daunting task when a nation grapples with the complexities of international aid amidst conflict. Who could have thought that Germany, a key player in global development, would find itself reassessing its relationship with Rwanda, a country in the heart of Africa? On a Tuesday that promised to deliver headlines around the world, an announcement was made by the German development ministry. They’ve taken a bold step—suspending…

Ethiopia and Djibouti, two vibrant countries in the heart of East Africa, have once again pledged to bolster their trade and economic ties. But what does this mean for the region, and how does it affect the everyday lives of their citizens? These are the questions that lie at the heart of a recent meeting between Ethiopian Ambassador to Djibouti, Berhanu Tsegaye, and Djibouti’s Minister of Budget, Isman Ibrahim Robleh. The discussions between the ambassador and the minister were characterized…

Ethiopia: A Beacon of Renewable Energy in Africa Ethiopia stands at the forefront of Africa's transition into renewable energy. What's truly remarkable is its reliance on eco-friendly energy sources, predominantly hydroelectric power. Have you ever paused to consider how a nation achieves such an environmental feat? This was effectively highlighted by Fitsum Assefa Adela. She articulated that Ethiopia harnesses almost 100% of its electricity from renewable sources through a distinct…

ONLF and the Ethiopian Government: A Strained Peace Mogadishu (AX) — In the intricate tapestry of Ethiopian politics, the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) finds itself at a pivotal juncture. With a history steeped in struggle and hope, the movement is now grappling with discord within its ranks, driven by accusations of the Ethiopian government failing to honor the 2018 Asmara Peace Agreement. Abdirahman Mahdi, a prominent voice heading a faction within ONLF, has declared an end to cooperative efforts with the…