East Africa

In Beledweyne, the ceremony to swear in Ugas Yusuf Ugaas Hassan Ugaas Khalif, leader of the Hawadle elders, is set for May 13, 2024. The event will draw a large crowd, with attendees such as federal lawmakers, NISA director Abdullahi Mohamed Ali Sanbaloshe, and clan elders descending on the town for the festive occasion. To ensure safety during the event, armed forces maintain a strong presence in Beledweyne's streets due to past attacks by al-Shabab. Situated approximately 300 kilometers north of Mogadishu, Beledweyne has…

President Biden has directed a thorough inquiry into Israel's use of American weaponry and compliance with humanitarian law. According to the State Department, the Biden administration believes that Israel may have breached international norms by failing to safeguard civilians in Gaza. However, they have not found concrete evidence to justify withholding military assistance. In a detailed evaluation of Israel's actions in Gaza, the State Department reported that Israel possesses the necessary knowledge, experience, and…

In Mogadishu, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has accused Ethiopia of coveting parts of Somalia's sea, cautioning them to respect a recent MoU with Somaliland's leader. President Mohamud, addressing issues at a mosque in Mogadishu, criticized Ethiopia for trying to exploit Somalia's recovery and historical interest in the Somali Sea. "The Ethiopian Prime Minister and his government are taking advantage of Somalia's vulnerability. Ethiopia has a long history of trying to gain access to our sea," Mohamud stated. He…

Doctors at public hospitals in Kenya inked a pact with the government to end a strike launched in March. The agreement addresses salary arrears, hiring of trainee doctors, and insurance concerns. Television footage captured the handshake between union and government officials following the agreement. Health Minister Susan Nakhumicha confirmed the strike's end, citing the signed return-to-work formula. Arrears stemmed from a 2017 collective bargaining agreement, with doctors pressing for better medical insurance. KMPDU's…

In Nairobi, Kenya, the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE) 2024 commenced, showcasing the deepening trade and investment ties between the two regions. The event drew a prestigious delegation from Hunan Province in central China, emphasizing the strong partnership between China and Africa. Rebecca Miano, the cabinet secretary for the Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry, highlighted the expo's mission to unlock Africa's untapped potential by fostering connections with China's business community. Eric…

A vibrant battle for the DFL endorsement played out in south Minneapolis for an open state House seat, with Anquam Mahamoud securing the party's backing.This opportunity arose when DFL Representative Hodan Hassan opted not to run again after three terms.Anquam, 35, serves as the chief operating officer of Twin Cities Health Services, a facility that offers substance abuse treatment and mental health care in Minneapolis. While she is relatively new to the political arena, Anquam has gathered a substantial number of…

Minneapolis is preparing to reveal "Common Currents," a fresh public art piece that pays tribute to the legacy of the late Hussein Samatar, well-known for uniting cultures in the city's lively community. Scheduled for May 28, "Samatar Crossing" will pay homage to the initial Somali-American to hold public office in Minneapolis. The art display will honor the diverse paths of the local populace. The installation consists of two sculptures on opposite ends of the bridge, showcasing vibrant steel panels adorned with poetry from…

South Sudan's leader, Salva Kiir, is optimistic about the outcome of the peace talks taking place in Nairobi. The negotiations involve the government and rebel factions not included in the 2018 peace agreement that ended a devastating civil war. Key provisions from the previous agreement, such as the establishment of a unified security force, remain unfulfilled. To ensure fair elections, the opposition party has pushed for renewed discussions before the upcoming polls. Several African heads of state at the meeting have…

In a recent address to the Somali community in Kenya, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre of Somalia highlighted the current Federal Parliament's crucial role in achieving significant national milestones, contrasting it sharply with its predecessor. Barre emphasized that without the current Somali Parliament, the government would not have been able to secure relief from the arms embargo, achieve debt forgiveness, or join the East African Community, accomplishments that were unattainable under the previous administration.…

Deserted vans in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.Photographer: AP Photo Nairobi (AX) - UNICEF has reported that almost one million people in Eastern Africa are suffering from floods and landslides caused by heavy rains, stressing the urgent need for humanitarian aid. The latest report on East Africa flood situation from UNICEF states that a large number of individuals have been displaced in Burundi, Kenya, Somalia, and Tanzania. Extensive damage has been recorded, including impacts on homes, schools, infrastructure, as well as the…