East Africa

Over 155 individuals have perished in Tanzania due to heavy rains caused by El Nino, leading to devastating floods and landslides, stated Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa on Thursday.

A recent report from the Kenyan Red Cross stated that 38 people died due to severe flooding. Approximately 30,000 individuals were forced to evacuate as a result. These extreme weather conditions were caused by El Niño, a climatic phenomenon originating from the Pacific Ocean occurring every six or seven years. The floods primarily impacted eastern Kenya, including the capital city of Nairobi.

In central Somalia, the Somali National Army (SNA) successfully eradicated more than 30 Al-Shabaab militants. The operation marked a significant blow to the terrorist group, as the Somali government intensifies efforts to eliminate their presence in the region. Over the past year and a half, concerted efforts have been made to combat Al-Shabaab in central and southern Somalia. The collaboration between Somali forces, the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), and the US Africa Command has been crucial in…

The global demand for cashew nuts is rapidly increasing. Cashews are consumed worldwide as snacks, dairy alternatives, and ingredients in cooking. Kenya is making efforts to revive the cashew nut industry in the Kilifi coastal region, once a major producer. However, some women in certain factories are exposed to hazardous working conditions. Olivia Bizot, our correspondent, has more details on the situation.

TPLF Denies Rumors of Joining Prosperity Party in Ethiopia In a statement, TPLF refuted claims of merging with the ruling party, Prosperity Party, amidst ongoing talks aimed at enhancing stability and security. Despite recent discussions between the two parties, TPLF emphasized their differences in ideologies and goals, asserting that reports of a potential merger are false. The dialogue between TPLF and Prosperity Party has focused on building upon existing peace agreements rather than merging into a single entity. The…

North Western of Somalia opts for direct assistance from donors, circumventing Somalia's involvement in the process. This strategic shift aims to secure funding directly, in contrast to the traditional approach of centralized distribution within the country. For years, Somalia has been treated as a united republic with multiple states, while North Western of Somalia advocates for recognition as an independent entity. Despite facing challenges on the global stage, the region operates autonomously with its own governance…

In Kenya, unlawful killings and forced disappearances by the police have slightly decreased, but the numbers are still alarming, as per the annual report released Wednesday by Missing Voices, a coalition of human rights organizations. In 2023, incidents of police brutality have dropped by approximately 15%.

In this episode, Eye on Africa explores the Hope Hostel in Kigali, where Rwanda is accommodating migrants deported from Britain. The first batch may arrive in a few months under a contentious policy. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe cracks down on black market money traders to stabilize the recently introduced Zig currency. Plus, we delve into the increasing presence of women in the Egyptian rap scene.

The global hunger crisis is worsening, as shown in the latest FAO report released on Wednesday, April 24. Last year, over 280 million people faced severe malnutrition, an increase of 24 million compared to 2022. Africa is particularly affected by conflicts, climate change, and economic shocks, which are exacerbating factors contributing to the deteriorating situation. The continent continues to suffer from serious conflicts that fuel major food insecurity.

In a startling disclosure, a complex corruption network involving Somali, Kenyan, and Indian nationals has been uncovered within the Indian Embassy in Kenya. These groups are accused of exploiting vulnerable Somali patients seeking medical treatment in India by significantly inflating the cost of medical visas. Instead of the standard $92, these visas are being unlawfully sold for $1500, taking advantage of families in desperate need of urgent medical care. This scandal is orchestrated through criminal groups operating in…