EAST AFRICA

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has announced a significant change in its operations. As the year draws to a close, the organization will shutter its offices in Angola due to financial constraints. These decisions stem from a troubling decline in donations and funding, reflecting a broader global trend that is impacting humanitarian efforts worldwide. Emmanuelle Mitte, the UNHCR representative in Angola, articulated the challenges facing the organization. She emphasized that the closures,…

As ECOWAS approaches its golden anniversary, a pressing question looms large: Do the people of West Africa still believe in an organization that was once the bedrock of regional identity and cooperation? In an era where diplomatic ties are being tested, the emergence of the Alliance of Sahel States—comprised of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso—stands out. This coalition, dominated by military regimes, poses not merely a provocative challenge but a seismic shift in the regional landscape. Sahel researcher Komlan Avoulete,…

Agathe Habyarimana, now an 82-year-old widow, was once at the heart of a tumultuous chapter in Rwandan history as the spouse of former President Juvénal Habyarimana. Recently, she evaded judicial proceedings in France when investigating magistrates concluded there was not enough evidence to implicate her in the harrowing events of the 1994 genocide. After her husband’s assassination ignited a cataclysm of violence, Habyarimana fled Rwanda, receiving assistance from French authorities. This period, marked by chaos and loss,…

After months of stalemate and escalating humanitarian crises, a glimmer of hope emerges in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Yet, our optimism must be tempered by the lessons of the past. How many times have we seen initiatives crumble, leaving communities in despair? As Paul-Simon Handy, East Africa Regional Director for the Institute of Security Studies, astutely observes, faltering African interventions have inadvertently paved the way for global actors to step into a role of greater influence. It was under the…

Rwanda finds itself at the beginning of negotiations with the Trump administration regarding the acceptance of migrants deported from the United States. This revelation comes from the country's Foreign Affairs Minister, Olivier Nduhungirehe, whose words carry a weight of diplomacy. In the backdrop of these discussions, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio articulated a rather stark view, declaring that Washington is "actively searching" for nations prepared to welcome "some of the most despicable human beings."…

In a groundbreaking move, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) has entered into a three-year partnership with Atlético de Madrid, establishing Visit Rwanda as the club's official sponsor until June 2028. This collaboration not only signifies a strategic alliance but also reflects Rwanda's vision as a prominent player on the global stage. Starting next season, the Visit Rwanda brand will prominently feature on Atlético’s training kits, match jerseys, and across the Metropolitano Stadium. Additionally, the branding will…

In a poignant gesture that acknowledges a challenging past, French President Emmanuel Macron recently articulated his intent to seek “forgiveness” for France’s colonial domination over Madagascar. This statement comes as part of a broader commitment to revisit the historical narrative, beginning with the return of cultural artifacts looted during the colonial era. Madagascar, with its rich tapestry of history and heritage, endured French colonial rule from 1896 until it regained full sovereignty in 1960. This period marked…

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebels, known for their ties to Rwanda, have declared a ceasefire in the eastern regions of the country. This agreement will remain in effect until peace negotiations, facilitated by Qatar, are brought to a close. It’s a significant development in the ongoing conflict that has claimed an estimated 7,000 lives since M23 escalated its military campaign in January. In a joint statement, representatives from both factions characterized their recent discussions as "frank and…

The Trump administration is resolutely committed to employing every available diplomatic and economic measure to foster peace in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This assertion came from Senior Africa Advisor Massad Boulos during a recent online briefing. It followed his tour of four significant nations in the region, a journey that reflects the U.S.'s increasing engagement with Africa amidst multifaceted challenges. During these discussions, Boulos engaged with regional leaders to address the pressing issue…

Ritual killings remain a distressing and recurring tragedy across various regions of Africa. In particular, children fall prey to these heinous acts, vulnerable and defenseless against those who exploit their innocence. Emmanuel Sarpong Owusu, a researcher and lecturer at Aberystwyth University, sheds light on this grim phenomenon by asserting that the unfortunate belief in the potency of children’s body parts fuels these crimes. In his 2022 study, Owusu unearthed startling statistics: over fifty percent of ritual murder…