East Africa

Refugees heading to the CBCA Mugunga Church, which sits within the expansive Mugunga IDP camp in Goma, offer a snapshot of resilience amidst adversity. (Photo Credit: Michel Lunanga/AFP) Mary Ashuza, burdened by the enormity of circumstances beyond her control, walked westwards from Goma. In a scene far too common in the war-ravaged landscapes of the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), she and her children clutched onto the remnants of their lives packed into bundles they could carry. From the farmsteads of…

GOMA, Democratic Republic of Congo — In a region teetering on the brink, uncertainty looms large as Rwanda-backed rebels, involved in a fierce struggle in the Democratic Republic of Congo's illustrious east, have surprisingly declared a ceasefire. The city of Goma, an urban sprawl of over two million souls, stands at the center of this turmoil. With Monday’s declaration, the rebels surprisingly took a step back, professing humanitarian motives and responding to pleas for the creation of a safe corridor for displaced…

Kismayo (AX) – On a warm Monday in Dolow, the sweet aroma of brewing tea filled the air as Jubbaland's First Vice President, Mahmoud Sayid Adan, convened with a delegation from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). This meeting, nestled in the scenic Gedo region, was not merely about pleasantries; pressing matters laid on the table, crying out for nuanced discussion. Among the lively delegates were members of the Jubbaland cabinet, along with Gedo…

In Mayotte—an archipelago encumbered by its dreams yet stung by reality—a haunting scenario unfolds for hundreds of Somali migrants who embarked on what seemed like a journey to a European El Dorado. Coaxing promises from shifty smugglers turned to ash as these voyagers landed not in prosperity but in destitution, with shadows of deportation threats looming ominously. Is hope that elusive mirage they dare chase across harsh terrains and unforgiving seas? Our tale begins with human traffickers weaving dreams in the minds of…

The intricacies of maritime operations in the Red Sea are taking a pivotal turn, reframing international collaborations like never before. Picture a vast ocean where towering commercial vessels navigate their journeys, shielded under the vigilant watch of an elite operation. Enter the scene: Operation Aspides, a guardian of these mighty ships, quietly ensuring safe passage through one of the world’s most strategic waterways. The Maritime Security Centre Horn of Africa, a linchpin in these naval undertakings, stands on the…

The recent political turbulence in Mozambique signals a profound crisis, shaking the very foundations of the nation's governance. Following the October 2024 elections, opposition parties raised alarm bells, asserting widespread electoral fraud. The fervor surrounding these allegations has created a volatile environment, where trust in democratic processes is fragile. Amidst this backdrop, the country's electoral authority declared victory for Frelimo, naming Daniel Chapo as the newly elected president. But what does this…

A lab technician carefully cradles a cluster of indigenous seeds at the Genetic Resources Research Institute seed bank in Kiambu, Kenya, Nov. 14, 2024. KIKUYU, Kenya — Nestled amidst the verdant landscapes of Kikuyu town, the National Seed Bank stands as an unsung hero in the quest to preserve Kenya's agricultural heritage and future. But why is this unassuming institution so critical? Behind the walls of this governmental edifice lie two chilled chambers that house over 50,000 varieties of seeds—a veritable treasure trove…

Nairobi (AX) – In the heart of Mandera County, a shadowy cloud of fear descended as alleged Al-Shabaab insurgents spirited away five local chiefs on Monday. Their journey toward Elwak was abruptly interrupted, sparking concern throughout the region. North Eastern Regional Commissioner, John Otieno, relayed the troubling news, painting a stark picture of areas like Bamba Owla and Ires Suki, known for their vulnerability to militant operations. One might wonder, what drives these menacing forces to such acts of aggression? The…

In a striking move, U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning regarding aid to South Africa, asserting that he might halt all assistance due to concerns over the nation’s land expropriation policies. He characterized these measures as “unfair,” claiming they enable the government to seize land indiscriminately while treating certain individuals and communities “very badly.” This bold declaration follows a significant political shift in South Africa, where President Cyril Ramaphosa recently advanced the…

Ebola Vaccine Arrival Spurs Immediate Action in Kampala Do you remember the last time an epidemic shook the very core of public health? This familiar unease crept back into Uganda as the first 2,160 doses of the Ebola vaccine arrived in Kampala—a determined effort against a formidable adversary. The cargo, teeming with both hope and urgency, marks a critical step towards preparing for what may unfold. Just yesterday, Uganda’s Health Ministry solemnly announced an outbreak. The trigger? A 32-year-old male nurse, who had…