Central

Nairobi, a city humming with vitality and ambition, hosts the epicenter of Kenya's financial world—the Central Bank of Kenya. On a seemingly ordinary Tuesday, the bank's walls echoed an extraordinary announcement: the central bank decided, unexpectedly, to cut its policy rate for the fifth consecutive meeting. The decision rippled through the streets of the city, signaling a stimulus aimed squarely at revitalizing private sector lending. In an era where economic forecasts often found themselves shifting with the…

In today's ever-evolving landscape of financial technology, it's easy to get swept up in the whirlwind of innovation. However, behind the scenes, regulators are working diligently to ensure that these technological advancements do not outpace the safety nets put in place to protect consumers and maintain market integrity. A recent development in this field involves MobileMoney Limited, the company that operates MTN MoMo. The central bank released a statement, noting, "MobileMoney Limited has not been authorised to carry out…

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Al-Shabaab, the relentless insurgent group tied to Al-Qaeda and notorious for its long-standing threat in East Africa, has faced substantial setbacks in central Somalia. State media have been buzzing with reports of these recent developments. This comes at a pivotal moment as President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud makes his inspiring visit to the troops stationed on the frontlines of this embattled nation.Visitors to the town of Adan Yabaal in central Somalia might have been surprised to find the country's…

Somali Army's Strategic Advances Against Al-Shabaab MOGADISHU, Somalia - In recent months, there's been a palpable shift in Somalia's ongoing campaign against the notorious militant group, Al-Shabaab. The Somali National Army (SNA), in collaboration with local forces, has been at the heart of it all, engaging in daring operations across the central and southern regions of the country. But why now? What’s driving this momentum toward stability?…

A tragic series of tornadoes and severe storms swept through the central United States, resulting in the loss of at least 33 lives and leaving many others injured, as reported by local officials. Stirring images from news outlets depict roofs torn from homes and large vehicles overturned, as meteorologists advised that more tornadoes are anticipated this weekend. In a devastating incident in Kansas, eight individuals lost their lives in a crash involving more than 50 vehicles, attributed to dangerously low visibility…

Somali Army's Triumph: A Step Forward in Combating Al-Shabaab MOGADISHU, Somalia - Witnessing the tenacity and resilience of the Somali National Army (SNA) often leaves one pondering the quiet fortitude that fuels their mission. Just recently, another chapter unfolded in this ongoing battle, a story of tactical achievement beating strongly within the heart of Somalia's daunting landscape. According to military officials, a decisive strike was carried out against the notorious Al-Shabaab fighters, resulting in the…

Al-Shabaab Launches Deadly Attack on Hotel in Central Somalia BELEDWEYNE, Somalia – On an otherwise ordinary Sunday, the town of Beledweyne was abruptly thrown into chaos. Al-Shabaab militants launched a heavy assault on the Qaahira Hotel in the Howlwadaag neighborhood, shattering any semblance of routine with their violent intrusion. The attack started with thunderous explosions at the hotel’s entrance, a chilling harbinger of the violence to follow. Within moments,…

A recent UN report has shed light on the alarming situation faced by Muslim communities and Sudanese refugees in the Southeast Central African Republic (CAR). Commissioned by the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) in conjunction with the UN peacekeeping mission, MINUSCA, this comprehensive inquiry has surfaced harrowing evidence of egregious human rights violations committed by various armed groups. The findings paint a grim picture: summary executions, acts of sexual violence, instances of torture, and treatment that can only…

In a world that's often as unpredictable as a winding road through hilly terrain, Ghana finds itself at a critical juncture. The nation's central bank has taken a bold step by pausing its innovative but tumultuous program of using gold to purchase oil. This decision arrives amidst expectations that the cedi, Ghana's steadfast currency, will find its footing after a stormy year. Anecdote: I remember sitting at a small café in Accra, drinking a freshly brewed cup, when I overheard a conversation about…

“As long as this system remains unchanged, our expectations from the federal government remain nonexistent. We do not recognize it as a true national administration serving Somalia's collective interests,” Madobe emphatically declared. Intriguingly, he likened it to "an enterprise operating in Mogadishu." His words were neither mere rhetoric nor isolated discontent; they reverberated the escalating discord between Somalia’s regional states and the central government. Consider Jubaland—a region…