EAST AFRICA

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam: Navigating Tensions on the Nile In the heart of East Africa, a monumental project is reshaping the region’s energy landscape and stirring a pot of geopolitical tensions. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD)—the largest hydroelectric power project on the continent—stands as both a beacon of potential progress for Ethiopia and a point of contention for its neighbors, particularly Egypt and Sudan. Recently, Asheber Balcha, the CEO of Ethiopia Electric Power, characterized Egypt's…

A Glimpse into the Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan: Stories of Resilience Amidst Despair In the heart of Sudan, where the once-vibrant tapestry of culture now seems frayed, the reality for many families is harrowing. As the war rages on, civilians in El Fasher face stark choices. Reports indicate that some are resorting to eating animal feed to stave off hunger—a profound indicator of the desperation permeating their lives. How did it come to this, and what does it mean for the future of Sudan and its people? The Struggles…

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…