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There's a vivid reminder of the fragility of peace in Somalia. On March 18, a bomb blast narrowly missed President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's convoy, underscoring the ever-present danger posed by Al-Shabaab within Mogadishu itself. This incident serves as a wake-up call, illustrating the volatile nature of a conflict that many believed was nearing resolution. Just days earlier, Somali security forces, perched on their open trucks, stood sentinel by the Syl Hotel. This location has become a grim testament to the ongoing…

Clash of Narratives: Burundi and Rwanda in Diplomatic Crosshairs In recent developments, Burundi's President, Évariste Ndayishimiye, stirred diplomatic waters when he candidly revealed to the press his possession of "credible intelligence." This intelligence allegedly points to an impending attack by Rwanda on Burundi. Such claims are not made lightly. Given the tense history of this region, these words have gravity, not just as a political maneuver but also as a harbinger of possible conflict. To many, this…

In the northeastern region of Kenya, within the expansive boundary of Wajir County, there emerges a silent health crisis that now cries out for attention. Kidney failure, a condition feared by many, seems to be taking an alarming hold, particularly within the ethnic Somali community. The medical team at Wajir General Hospital is observing a sharp rise in cases, thrusting numerous individuals onto the demanding path of dialysis. For some, the grim road might lead to the necessity of kidney transplants due to late-stage…

1. The Rise of the Islamic State Before we delved into the narratives surrounding the establishment of the Islamic State in Somalia in 2015, a key player on this turbulent stage was the Somali jihadist group al-Shabaab. Imagine a landscape where al-Shabaab—deeply rooted in the northern territories—was not only a formidable entity by itself but also intricately tied to expansive smuggling networks. At a certain point, however, a chasm began to open within their ranks, leading to a fateful division. From this split emerged…

A tragic fire engulfed a crowded nightclub in the North Macedonian town of Kocani early this morning, resulting in the loss of 59 lives and injuring over 150 others. The blaze erupted as sparks from pyrotechnic devices ignited the roof during a live band performance. In response to this catastrophe, authorities have detained approximately 20 individuals linked to the incident, including government officials and the manager of the Pulse nightclub, which was operating without a valid license, as confirmed by Interior Minister…

As dawn breaks across the Horn of Africa, a region steeped in both history and conflict, Ethiopia and Eritrea—nations once unified under a shared banner—now seem to stand on the precipice of renewed strife. A casual observer might gaze upon a map, tracing the contours of these lands, asking: "Are we destined to repeat the past, or can wisdom steer us clear of calamity?" In the bustling heart of Mogadishu, a sense of unease lingers in the air, one that's palpable among both local…

Understanding Nigeria's Crude Oil Dilemma It seems Nigeria may soon witness another increase in petrol prices, and the reason might surprise you. Recently, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has reportedly halted a significant arrangement: the naira-for-crude deal with local refineries. It's a complex issue that might ripple through various sectors of everyday life. Inside sources suggest that NNPC has ceased this crucial deal, which now forces local refineries,…

In the heart of London, a pivotal defence summit commenced, marking what British Prime Minister Keir Starmer describes as a "once in a generation moment" for the security landscape of Europe. As leaders from various nations gathered at Lancaster House, the atmosphere was charged with urgency and determination. Mr. Starmer implored his fellow leaders to “step up,” emphasizing that achieving a favorable outcome for Ukraine is not just essential for that nation, but for the security of every country in attendance. It’s a…

Africa, a continent often painted with broad strokes of opportunity and challenge, is crafting a narrative of rapid economic ascendancy. Recent projections from the African Development Bank (AfDB) suggest that by 2025, several African nations will be climbing the ranks of global economic performance. This development promises to reshape not only the face of Africa but potentially shift some global economic dynamics as well. The momentum stems from targeted policies…

FILE - A man works on a computer, cyber codes cascading over him, in this imaginative illustration dated May 13, 2017. Today, a startling report reveals a troubling spike in the online sexual exploitation and abuse of children in Kenya. Consider young Winnie Muyam. Digital platforms were once her gateway to a vibrant social life and a universe of entertainment. Last year, everything changed for the 17-year-old. She started receiving messages from strangers, at first innocuous, then alarmingly intrusive. "They began by…