East Africa

White House pauses immigrant visas for dozens of countries as it revives “public charge” scrutiny WASHINGTON — The White House on Wednesday ordered an immediate pause on immigrant visas for nationals of dozens of countries, including Somalia and Haiti, as the Trump administration moves to tighten long-standing “public charge” rules and restrict permanent entry for applicants deemed likely to rely on government benefits. The suspension targets those seeking to immigrate permanently and does not appear to apply to temporary…

Zanzibar backs cryptocurrency ‘cyber city’ to lure digital nomads under new Digital Free Zone Wednesday January 14, 2026 ZANZIBAR CITY, Tanzania (AX) — Zanzibar has approved plans for a cryptocurrency-focused “cyber city” on its western coast, endorsing a private-sector project that aims to attract digital nomads and pilot blockchain-based administration under special economic rules. The proposed city, slated for a 71-hectare site near the Fumba Peninsula, would blend residential housing with a digital residency program that…

Ethiopian intelligence chief makes unannounced visit to Somalia amid fallout from Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia MOGADISHU, Somalia — Ethiopia’s intelligence chief, Redwan Hussein, paid an unannounced visit to Mogadishu on Tuesday and held closed-door talks with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, underscoring the fragile state of regional diplomacy across the Horn of Africa. Hussein met the Somali leader at Villa Somalia and delivered a message from Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, according to…

Somalia bans UAE military and cargo aircraft from its airspace amid escalating rift MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia has barred military and cargo aircraft owned or leased by the United Arab Emirates from entering its airspace, according to media reports citing Somali security officials, in a sharp escalation that underscores deteriorating ties between Mogadishu and Abu Dhabi. The reported decision, which sources said took effect Jan. 8, follows suspicions that the UAE transported Aidarus al-Zubaidi, head of Yemen’s Southern…

Tanzania's Election Week Violence: A Deep Dive into the Chaos Tanzania’s recent election period has been marred by unprecedented political violence. This article examines the turmoil and its implications, weaving together eyewitness accounts and official responses. Analyzes the context and spread of violence Uncovers witness testimonies and official narratives Explores the broader political implications Shootings Beyond the Protest Zones Tanzania's post-election violence transcended typical protest arenas,…

Israel’s unilateral recognition of North Western State of Somalia as an independent state has jolted the Horn of Africa, triggering swift international pushback and raising fresh concerns about maritime security, legal precedent and regional stability. In Somalia, the move sparked immediate street protests. Abroad, governments across Africa, Europe and the Middle East — joined by the United States — moved quickly to restate Somalia’s territorial integrity. The African Union led with a reaffirmation of Somalia’s unity, a line…

Ethiopian Airlines breaks ground on $12.5 billion Bishoftu International Airport, billed as Africa’s largest by 2030 Ethiopian Airlines has launched construction on a $12.5 billion greenfield hub in Bishoftu, a town about 45 kilometers (28 miles) southeast of Addis Ababa, in a project officials say will become Africa’s biggest airport when completed in 2030. The state-owned carrier has been awarded the contract to design a four-runway complex at the site, where earthworks have begun. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, announcing…

China backs Somalia’s territorial integrity, denounces North Western State of Somalia–Taiwan ties as Wang Yi postpones Mogadishu stop BEIJING (AX) — China’s foreign minister said Sunday that Beijing supports Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, according to a statement from China’s Foreign Ministry, underscoring a position that has anchored China’s engagement in the Horn of Africa. Foreign Minister Wang Yi conveyed the message in a phone call with his Somali counterpart while traveling on his annual New Year tour…

OIC states condemn Israeli official’s visit to North Western State of Somalia as violation of Somalia’s sovereignty Foreign ministers from more than 20 member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation condemned an Israeli official’s Jan. 6 visit to North Western State of Somalia, calling it an illegal act that violates the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia. In a joint statement issued Thursday, the ministers said the visit “breaches international law and the U.N. Charter”…

NAIROBI — Thirty-one years ago this week, a Nigerian diplomat walked into a modest office at Wilson Airport and asked two Kenyan pilots to do something almost no one could know about. The mission: fly the body of Somalia’s ousted ruler, Mohamed Siad Barre, from Lagos to his hometown of Garbaharey for a swift Islamic burial — quietly, safely and without alerting authorities across half a continent. For the first time, one of those pilots, Hussein Mohamed Anshuur — a former Kenya Air Force captain and co-founder of Bluebird…