insecurity

In recent years, the relationship between former colonial powers and their erstwhile territories has taken on a complicated hue—particularly in the Sahel region of Africa. Once perceived as essential allies in the fight against terrorism, countries like Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso are now navigating an era of increasing skepticism towards French influence, seeking to redefine their political landscapes and security partnerships. This shift signifies a challenge to decades of French military and political hegemony in the…

Understanding the Complex Crises of Famine and Conflict The intricate relationship between armed conflict and food shortages poses a pressing challenge to global stability. The most recent report from the United Nations, labeled as the Hunger Hotspots for June to October 2025, shines a light on this grim situation. It raises flags and draws our attention to the escalating threats faced by millions. As the ancients wisely observed, "Peace is not merely the absence of war, but the presence of justice." It begs the…

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) convened a high-level expert stakeholder meeting in Nairobi to validate the End-Term Review Report of its Regional Agricultural Investment Plan (RAIP) 2016–2020. This event marks a pivotal moment in IGAD's commitment to combatting food insecurity, particularly in the Horn of Africa, and sets the stage for a new strategic approach towards regional agri-food systems investment. This validation is more than a procedural step; it is the foundation for the forthcoming…

In a matter of weeks, the north-central Nigerian states of Plateau and Benue have witnessed a chilling spike in violence, with at least 144 lives lost at the hands of herdsmen. The toll, as catastrophic as it is, reveals a deeper malaise—an ongoing conflict that has not only injured scores but also left over 50 homes in ruins. What drives such brutality, and how much longer can communities endure this torment? The violence reached new levels of horror recently in Benue, prompting Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State to…

The humanitarian landscape in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is increasingly bleak as M23 rebel forces extend their reach across the eastern provinces. Goma, the capital of North Kivu, has been particularly hard-hit. Reports of criminal activities have skyrocketed, painting a harrowing picture for residents and aid workers alike. Home invasions, kidnappings, and vehicle thefts targeting humanitarian staff pose a dire challenge amid an already fragile situation. Consider for a moment the plight of a humanitarian…

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…

A youngster is spotted in Kidemu, Kilifi County, Kenya, on March 23, 2022. (Photo by Xinhua/Dong Jianghui) As of Monday, the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) in Kenya reported that over a million citizens are facing severe food shortages and desperately need aid. The report released in Nairobi explained that 23 of Kenya's 47 regions, particularly the ones identified as arid and semi-arid, have been hit hardest. A significant decrease in children, aged six months to five years, receiving treatment for severe…

NAIROBI, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- Over one million folks in Kenya are grappling with food woes, desperately needing aid, as revealed by the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) this past Monday. According to NDMA’s latest insights shared from Nairobi, the predicament stretches across 23 out of the 47 counties, earmarked as either parched or partly parched lands. The body highlighted a silver lining: kiddos aged six to 59 months facing severe hunger dipped to 760,488 by August, a decline from February's staggering…

MANDERA, Kenya (AX) — Prominent elders from Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia are making an earnest appeal for unity among Northern Kenya's communities, in the wake of deadly upheavals in Banessa. Authorities caution that the infiltration of illegal arms from neighboring territories exacerbates the region's turmoil. During the assembly, leaders called on Northern Kenya inhabitants to collaborate with law enforcement agencies to tackle the smuggling of small arms — a significant contributor to the area’s escalating insecurity.…

In Ndjamena, a lead-up atmosphere reigned on Wednesday, April 21, the day after the announcement of Idriss Deby Itno, the president since 1990. The city is deserted and residents are torn between grief and anxiety. With our correspondents in Ndjamena, Aurélie Bazzara and Madjiasra NakoThe capital woke up on Wednesday at the dawn…