EAST AFRICA

Malaria Resurgence: Unpacking the Challenges and Future Directions in Africa For nearly a decade, the specter of malaria retreated across several African nations, offering a glimmer of hope that perhaps, just perhaps, we could outsmart this age-old adversary. Between 2016 and 2023, infections plummeted from nearly five million cases to a striking 430,000 in 2023—a remarkable 90% reduction in malaria burden. This moment can be likened to the proverb, “Until the lion learns to write, every story will glorify the hunter.”…

Rwanda's Bold Migrant Resettlement Agreement with the U.S.: A New Chapter in Humanitarianism? In a world where migration often inspires fear and division, Rwanda is making headlines with a bold and unexpected agreement with the United States. This partnership allows Kigali to accept up to 250 migrants who have faced deportation from the U.S. While at first glance, this might appear to be just another footnote in the ever-complex narrative of global migration, it resonates deeply within the context of Rwanda’s own…

A New Chapter for Zimbabwe: The Ban on Second-Hand Clothing and Street Vending Zimbabwe, a land rich in culture and resilience, is once again at the crossroads of tradition and modernity. Recently, the government announced a contentious ban on the importation and sale of second-hand clothing alongside street and nighttime vending. Amid the bustling city of Harare, these decisions, steeped in layers of economic and social implications, are igniting passionate debates among citizens. The Heart of Harare's Markets Picture…

The Looming Threat of Cholera in West and Central Africa: A Call to Action As the rainy season descends upon West and Central Africa, a troubling shadow looms over the region. Recent estimates from the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) indicate that over 80,000 children are at high risk of cholera, an alarming statistic that highlights the precarious balance between nature and human vulnerability. With heavy rains and resultant flooding sweeping through countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and…

Recently, the visit of former South African President Jacob Zuma to Rabat ignited renewed debate over the fraught issue of Western Sahara. Zuma's endorsement of Morocco's claim to this territory as an autonomous region has certainly raised eyebrows and rekindled discussions about the complexities woven into the region’s history. This shift in Zuma’s perspective marks a significant departure from his earlier stance as president, when he fervently supported the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination. Peter Fabricius, a…

The recent announcement from the United Nations peacekeeping mission marks a significant development in the quest for stability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This past Saturday, the Congolese government and the M23 rebel group officially signed the Qatar peace agreement, a move that many view as a beacon of hope in a landscape marred by conflict. This agreement, ingeniously titled the Declaration of Principles, symbolizes a shared commitment to fostering peace, particularly through the establishment of a…

In the verdant landscapes of Rwanda's southern province, the air hums with the excitement of newfound possibilities. Recent discoveries of lithium deposits have ignited the hopes of mining companies, elevating the nation into the spotlight of global mining ventures. After months of meticulous drilling, the preliminary results unveiled what experts refer to as a "high-grade lithium" presence, creating buzz not only among investors but also within various industries. Aterian Plc, one of the key players in this exploration…

Burundi has proudly joined the ranks of the few nations that have successfully eradicated trachoma, a debilitating tropical affliction. This disease, which spreads through personal contact, contaminated surfaces, and the involvement of flies, has long plagued vulnerable communities. Now, Burundi stands as the eighth country in the region to declare victory over trachoma, marking a significant milestone in public health. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organization, acknowledged this…

Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar recently articulated a growing tension between Nigeria and the United States regarding the repatriation of Venezuelan migrants. He emphasized that the Nigerian government is feeling substantial pressure from Washington to accept these deportees. “Our refusal to comply might very well have influenced the U.S. decision to impose a 10% tariff on our exports,” Tuggar remarked, alluding to an intricate geopolitical dance that impacts both nations. In an era where international…

In a significant turn of events, Uganda has officially reopened its border points with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), specifically at Bunagana and Mupaka. This development comes after a troubling four-year hiatus imposed by geopolitical tensions. The closing of these vital passageways in late January followed the M23 rebel group’s takeover of Goma, the heart of North Kivu Province. Such a disruption cast a long shadow over the region. Bunagana stands at the frontline of economic interaction, resting cheek-by-jowl…