raises

Football and Fear: The Double-Edged Sword of Kenyan Passion Every time the Harambee Stars take to the pitch, one can feel a deep wave of nostalgia wash over the stadium. The soaring chants, the rhythmic beats of drums, and the vibrant colors of jerseys speak volumes of what football means to the Kenyan heart. On Sunday, August 11, 2025, as the national team clashed with Morocco at the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani, this love for the game was palpable. Yet, an equally strong undercurrent of concern marred the…

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…

Navigating the Digital Wild West: Cryptocurrency and Crime in West Africa Have you ever felt that thrilling tug of a digital revolution? That rush of the unknown, where fortunes can be made or lost at the speed of light? In West Africa, this exhilarating world of cryptocurrency has become a double-edged sword, where the promise of financial freedom is often overshadowed by the specter of fraud and deception. As the region embraces this undeniable shift towards decentralized finance, it finds itself grappling with alarming…

Somalia's Veil of Secrecy: A Tragedy in Mogadishu In the heart of bustling Mogadishu, a shadow has been cast over Somalia’s national security. A young, ambitious officer from the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), Abukar Muhiyaadin Ahmed, met a tragic end. This unforeseen calamity has left the nation in contemplation, stirring deep undercurrents within the security apparatus. The Enigma of Abukar’s Fate Abukar was found lifeless in the Siigaale neighborhood. The lingering echo of gunfire told a tale of…

Rising Concerns Over Arms Proliferation in Somalia On July 19, Raas Asayr regional prosecutor Abdirahman Mahamud Ali took a bold step by issuing a directive for a full criminal investigation under Article 24 of Somalia’s Criminal Procedure Code. This comprehensive inquiry mandates the police to not only trace the entry of a particular cargo but also to scrutinize how the weapons were handled and to identify those who might be implicated. This letter, a critical piece of communication, was also sent to the Northeastern…

CDC Issues Health Alert on Mpox Outbreak The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) advisory due to an alarming outbreak of mpox in Central Africa, especially in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This advisory serves as a significant reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by infectious diseases—ones that can cross borders in ways we never quite anticipate. Since the beginning of 2024, a handful of travel-related mpox cases have appeared in the United…

Seeds & Pennies: Transforming Finance with Community at Its Core In an exciting development, Seeds & Pennies has successfully capped a funding round with a remarkable influx of $425,000 (N680 million). This achievement is not just a number; it symbolizes a vibrant wave of investor confidence in their innovative, field-driven lending model. Over the past quarter alone, this dynamic lender has reported an impressive $625,000 (N1 billion) in collections while disbursing $500,000 (N800 million) in new loans. These…

Kenya has responded decisively to U.S. concerns regarding its burgeoning relationship with China, proudly reaffirming its commitment to a longstanding partnership with the United States while pursuing a foreign policy that emphasizes mutual benefit and sovereignty. The Kenyan government seeks a balance between respecting traditional alliances and expanding its connections across the globe. In a detailed communication to the U.S. Senate, Nairobi articulated its intention to diversify international relationships…

In a significant development, Togo's President, Faure Gnassingbé, has been appointed to the newly created post of President of the Council of Ministers. This pivotal role, which notably comes with no defined term limits, has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, labeling the appointment a "constitutional coup." Many question whether this move might enable Gnassingbé to maintain his grip on power indefinitely. The responsibilities of the President of the Council of Ministers are substantial. According to…

Somalia's Ongoing Battle Against Terrorism The shadow of terrorism looms large over Somalia and the broader Horn of Africa. It’s a stark reminder that even in the face of progress, we must remain vigilant. “The threat of terrorism remains real and immediate in Somalia and across the Horn of Africa. We risk losing the hard-earned gains we fought so hard to achieve,” warns Oboth, encapsulating the anxiety that many share. But what exactly does this mean for the everyday lives of ordinary Somalis? This question is not just…