East Africa

Growing Concerns Over Boniface Mwangi's Disappearance On Wednesday, an air of anxiety swept through Kenya as news broke regarding the puzzling disappearance of activist Boniface Mwangi. Reports indicate that this formidable advocate for social justice has been held by Tanzanian authorities earlier this week—a situation that has triggered alarm not only within Kenya but across the region. The Foreign Ministry of Kenya released a statement, underscoring the stark reality of Mwangi's situation. For several days now,…

Exploring the Unjust Reality of Visa Rejections for African Applicants In 2024, African applicants found themselves at the unfortunate crossroads of costly visa applications and repeated rejections, losing nearly €60 million (approximately $67.5 million) in non-refundable Schengen visa fees. This staggering figure comes from the LAGO Collective, a London-based research organization dedicated to understanding global mobility trends. It’s a harsh reality when we think about the dreams and aspirations that often lie behind…

In a significant development that underscores the ongoing challenges of security in the region, two Kenyan men were found guilty on Thursday for their involvement in the tragic 2019 attack on a luxury hotel complex in Nairobi. This harrowing event claimed the lives of 21 individuals, including foreign nationals, stirring a nation and highlighting the pervasive threat of terrorism. The verdict was delivered by Judge Diana Kavedza in a Nairobi court, who articulated the gravity of the situation with a palpable sense of…

In an exciting collaboration, the South African tourism company Tourvest has partnered with LTR, aiming to tap into the burgeoning airport travel market across Africa. With a solid foundation already established in West and East Africa, this partnership signals a promising new chapter in the region's travel retail landscape. Currently, LTR's operations span six African nations: Benin, Gambia, Gabon, Mauritania, Senegal, and Tanzania. This diverse geographical footprint illustrates the company’s commitment to…

The Senate of the Democratic Republic of Congo recently made headlines, casting a decisive vote that stripped former President Joseph Kabila of his honorific immunity. This significant move comes amidst serious accusations linking him to the M23 rebel group, which, backed by Rwanda, has been implicated in territorial conflicts in the country’s mineral-rich eastern regions. In an outcome reflecting a clear majority, 88 senators supported the motion, while a mere five stood in opposition and three abstained. This overwhelming…

The Journey of Zak Calisto: From Entrepreneur to Billionaire Zak Calisto, the visionary founder and CEO of Karooooo Ltd., has recently secured his place among Africa’s elite dollar billionaires. As the mastermind behind a pioneering vehicle tracking and fleet management services firm, Calisto’s journey embodies the transformative power of innovation and tenacity. Originally launched as Cartrack, Karooooo Ltd. has undergone a spectacular evolution, driven by the integration of cutting-edge AI technologies in driver…

In an incident that caught the attention of media outlets and sparked significant debate, U.S. President Donald Trump recently featured a screenshot during a meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. His display was supposedly meant to support his claim of mass killings targeting white South Africans. “These are all white farmers that are being buried,” Trump asserted, presenting a printout of an article alongside an accompanying image. This meeting transpired in the Oval Office, a setting where pivotal…

In 2024, applicants from numerous African countries encountered daunting challenges in their pursuit of Schengen visas. startlingly, many nations on the continent faced rejection rates that ranked among the highest in the world. It's a difficult situation that raises eyebrows and prompts important questions about fairness and accessibility in the visa process. These rejection rates aren’t merely statistics; they have tangible consequences. They limit not only the travel aspirations of individuals but also stifle vital…

North Western State of Somalia's Diplomatic Engagement in Djibouti Djibouti (AX) – In a significant diplomatic endeavor, North Western State of Somalia President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro convened a high-level meeting on Thursday with ambassadors from France, Ethiopia, and the United Kingdom. This meeting is part of a strategic three-day visit aimed at fortifying diplomatic ties and addressing pressing regional issues. The gathering wasn’t merely a routine diplomatic exercise; it was a platform for…

Understanding the Economic Impact of Aliko Dangote's Contributions Aliko Dangote, the wealthiest individual in Africa, recently made headlines for revealing a striking statistic: the Federal Government of Nigeria earns a substantial 52 kobo from every N1 generated by his cement enterprise. This revelation, delivered during the Taraba International Investment Summit 2025 held in Jalingo, sheds light on the financial dynamics between private industry and government. Speaking at this investment forum, Dangote…