Democratic

GOMA, Democratic Republic of Congo — In a region teetering on the brink, uncertainty looms large as Rwanda-backed rebels, involved in a fierce struggle in the Democratic Republic of Congo's illustrious east, have surprisingly declared a ceasefire. The city of Goma, an urban sprawl of over two million souls, stands at the center of this turmoil. With Monday’s declaration, the rebels surprisingly took a step back, professing humanitarian motives and responding to pleas for the creation of a safe corridor for displaced…

At the Gisenyi border point of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), a scene rife with tension unfolds as rebels from the March 23 Movement (M23) assert their dominance. Supported by Rwanda, the M23 rebels are tightening their hold on Goma, the largest city in eastern DRC, marking a severe setback for the Congolese army and escalating a conflict that has, over the years, cost countless lives and displaced millions. The M23, infamous for their strategic maneuvers, made their entrance into Goma on a rather somber…

The ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has reached a boiling point, especially in the northern provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu. Here, the M23 group—an armed faction with a historical context of rebellion—has gone head-to-head with the Congolese army and their allies. The situation has escalated dramatically, turning lives upside down and forcing countless families to flee their homes in search of safety. Since January 2025, the echoes of gunfire in Masisi, Minova, and areas just outside Goma…

In the ever-evolving story of North Western State of Somalia, a fresh commitment has surfaced: safeguarding the realm of free speech. Amid the bustling capital, Mogadishu, chatter swirls as the government vows to shield journalists and citizens alike from unjust confinement over dissident facts or views.President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro recently, in a heartfelt address to civil society and the press, rekindled his campaign promise to uphold democratic tenets. "Freedom of expression is vital to our governance,"…

According to reports from UN agencies, a staggering statistic reveals that one out of every four individuals in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is grappling with severe hunger—a crisis that impacts approximately 25.6 million people. The ongoing turmoil in eastern DRC has thrown a wrench in crucial agricultural activities while stunting the development of necessary infrastructure. This predicament is a byproduct of evolving dynamics among various armed factions and struggles over resources, compounded by deeply…

Mogadishu (AX) — In the heart of Mogadishu, Mayor Yusuf Hussein Jimale Madaale held an important gathering with the interim parliamentary committee focused on electoral laws. Their agenda? To bolster the electoral proceedings and ensure transparency in upcoming elections for Somalia’s capital. Central to their conversations was the idea of implementing elections based directly on citizens' voting rights. This idea received backing and insightful suggestions from the Banadir regional administration. These talks are a…

ADDIS ABABA - Ethiopia has extended its congratulations to North Western State of Somalia for successfully completing its presidential election. North Western State of Somalia, a territory that has claimed autonomy from Somalia for thirty years, is working towards global acknowledgment of its self-declared independence. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement that praised the people of North Western State of Somalia for organizing "a democratic and peaceful election." Operating independently from Somalia's central…

In a recent article for the Council on Foreign Relations, Michelle Gavin opines that the push to amend the constitution in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) will deepen the already palpable skepticism among citizens towards their government. Since assuming the presidency in 2018 through questionable means, Felix Tshisekedi has faced significant challenges in addressing the urgent needs of the Congolese people. "A leopard doesn’t change its spots," as the saying goes, and many citizens are beginning to believe little…

 Hargeisa (AX) — The Election Commission of North Western State of Somalia is wrapping up essential preparations for a pivotal election designed to attract the attention of over a million voters. This event is a significant barometer of transparency and impartiality, reflecting the region's growing dedication to democratic principles.Marking the second joint voting event in as many years, this election presents the electorate with a chance to choose from three presidential hopefuls and ten political entities vying for…

Tragically, at least 78 individuals have lost their lives, with many more unaccounted for, following a boat capsizing incident on Lake Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This calamity unfolded as a heavily overloaded vessel, packed with over 300 passengers, approached the shoreline of Goma after departing from the town of Minova in South Kivu. Unfortunately, this incident is just one of many that have occurred on Lake Kivu. Earlier this year, specifically in February 2024, another boat tragedy struck near Bahimba,…