East Africa

East Africa

Details: East Africa; 12 June 2025; 291

At least 83,000 people in South Sudan are on the brink of starvation, while 7.7 million — half the population — will face acute food shortages this year, according to a joint report released Thursday by the government and U.N. agencies.

Three United Nations agencies warned of looming famine in parts of South Sudan torn by conflict. People in 11 of 13 counties in Upper Nile state now face emergency hunger levels, the World Food Program, UNICEF and the Food and Agriculture Organization said.

Upper Nile has seen escalating fighting in recent months between government troops and armed militias opposed to President Salva Kiir’s administration. The clashes have “destroyed homes, disrupted livelihoods and impeded the delivery of humanitarian aid,” the statement said.

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), the leading global measure for hunger crises, declares famine when: 20% of households face extreme food shortages; at least 30% of children suffer acute malnutrition; and two adults or four children per 10,000 people die daily from hunger-related causes.

The latest IPC report, released in Juba today, estimates that 2.4 million people will face emergency food shortages and 5.2 million will be in crisis between April and July 2025. Conflict, low agricultural production, economic instability and climate shocks are key drivers of food insecurity.

During the report’s launch Thursday, FAO South Sudan representative Meshak Malo said 12,000 people in Nasir, 15,000 in Malakal and 10,000 in Ulang will experience acute hunger.

“The population of 83,000 was not there last year but has emerged due to conflict, particularly in Upper Nile and Pibor,” Malo said. He urged collaboration with the government to reduce food insecurity.

Mary-Ellen McGroarty, WFP’s South Sudan director, said 200,000 young children in four Upper Nile counties are at high risk of malnutrition. However, she noted some improvement in areas where stability allowed farming and market recovery.

Anita Kiki Gbeho, the U.N. humanitarian coordinator for South Sudan, called for urgent intervention. “We must act now,” she said, stressing the need for peace to ensure aid effectiveness.

Hussein Abdelbagi Akol, South Sudan’s agriculture minister, pledged government support for farmers to boost production. “We must stabilize our economy to protect citizens from suffering,” he said.

Edmund Yakani, a civil society activist, urged better security and investment in agriculture using non-oil revenue. “Military confrontation only worsens food insecurity,” he said.

Last year’s IPC report projected 7.7 million South Sudanese would face severe hunger between April and July 2024. Radio Tamazuj

Details: East Africa; 12 June 2025; 303

Activist Boniface Mwangi being arrested by police on October 19, 2017 - Photo Boniface Mwangi

Activist and photojournalist Boniface Mwangi risks arrest after failing to appear in court to answer charges of assaulting police officers.

According to the charge sheet, Mwangi is accused of assaulting two officers on separate occasions while they were discharging their official duties.

In the first count, he allegedly assaulted Sergeant Osman Omar on April 20 at the Metropolitan Court in the Kilimani area, Dagoretti Sub-County, Nairobi, causing actual bodily harm while the officer was on duty.

In a second count, Mwangi is accused of wilfully assaulting Police Constable Robert Oyola at the same location on April 2, also causing actual bodily harm.

Further, the activist faces an additional charge of using abusive language against Sergeant Omar on April 2 at the Metropolitan Court along Airwing Kodhek Road, Kilimani, with the intent to provoke a breach of peace.

Initially, in his official X account on Monday, April 21, Boni, as he is popularly known, claimed that the incident, which involved three officers from the Kilimani Police Station, happened on the night of Wednesday, April 2, where he claimed to have been assaulted.

According to Mwangi, the three officers approached him in his office, saying they were responding to an alleged noise complaint. One of the officers, who Mwangi claims was drunk and was chewing miraa, started roughing him up and, at some point, even attempted to shoot him with his firearm.

"I tried to ask the senior officer at the scene why the officer was working and carrying a firearm while intoxicated and chewing miraa. That’s when all hell broke loose, and a scuffle ensued," he narrated.

The court has directed that the matter be mentioned on July 14, adding to the latest challenges facing the activist.

On May 22, Mwangi had to be airlifted to Nairobi for treatment after he could not walk properly after being tortured by Tanzanian Intelligence officers, following his trip to the East African nation.

This was after he was found abandoned in Ukunda, Kwale County, which is approximately 92 kilometres north of the Tanzanian border at Lunga Lunga. The activist was deported by road from Dar es Salaam.

Speaking during a press briefing on Monday, June 2, Mwangi recalled being stripped naked, flogged, and even sodomised using objects during his time in captivity in Tanzania.

"They tied me upside down, and then they started beating my feet. I was screaming so hard, but no tears were coming out because of how painful it was. One of them suggested that they put underwear in my mouth, so they did. To drown my screams, they were playing gospel music," he narrated following the ordeal.

He was among the activists who travelled to Tanzania on May 19 to show solidarity with Tanzania's opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who is facing treason charges for calling for electoral reform. By Frankline Oduor, Kenyans.co.ke

Details: East Africa; 11 June 2025; 365

The ceremony will signify the commencement of the WTA’s Grand Tour 2025, which encompasses regional events in Cancun (Mexico), Saint Lucia, Hong Kong, Sardinia (Italy), Dubai (UAE), and culminates with the Grand Final in Bahrain.

The World Travel Awards (WTA) is set to hold its Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2025 in the captivating country of Tanzania, where travel industry leaders from the region will gather for a VIP reception at Johari Rotana Dar es Salaam on 28 June 2025.

World Travel Awards

World Travel Awards is the travel industry’s most prestigious awards programme, rewarding leaders in the tourism, airline, hotel and hospitality sectors around the world.

Graham Cooke, Founder, World Travel Awards, says: “I am honored that Tanzania is the Official Host Destination of our Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2025. The decision reflects why Tanzania is one of Africa’s fastest-growing tourist nations and continues to set records for economic contribution and visitor spend. I look forward to welcoming travel industry leaders from across Africa and the Indian Ocean to experience its many charms and incredible adventures.”

The Gala Ceremony promises to be the region’s premier travel event of the year. The Official Host Venue, Johari Rotana Dar es Salaam, enjoys a prime location in the Central Business District, overlooking the Indian Ocean. Part of the landmark MNF Square development, the five-star hotel is close to the port, financial district, beaches and other key attractions in Tanzania’s vibrant capital.

Ephraim Mafuru, Director General, Tanzania Tourist Board, says: “We are delighted and proud to host the WTA Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2025 here in Tanzania on 28 June. This is a unique opportunity to showcase our country’s breath-taking landscapes, vibrant cultures and world-class hospitality to key figures in the travel and tourism sector. Tanzania is more than a destination – it is an experience that leaves a lasting impression, and we look forward to sharing this with the world.” By Harry Johnson, e-TurboNews

Written by Harry Johnson

Details: East Africa; 11 June 2025; 256

Source: Shutterstock

UK forwarder association BIFA is teaming up with the Ethiopian Freight Forwarders and Shipping Agents Association (EFFSAA) to enhance Ethiopia’s forwarding sector.

The two recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that outlines a strategic partnership between the associations.

Areas of collaboration include the development of EFFSAA’s institutional capacity and value as a trade association; providing advisory support on technical and commercial matters for both the public and private sector; implementation of specialised training programmes for EFFSAA members; as well as facilitating the exchange of resources and knowledge between the two associations and their members.

”Recently, senior representatives from BIFA visited Ethiopia to meet with key public and private stakeholders,” BIFA said.

“Their visit culminated in an official signing ceremony attended by high-level government officials, development partners, and industry stakeholders, who underscored the critical role this partnership will play in addressing Ethiopia’s logistics challenges and aligning the sector with global best practices.”

Ethiopia is a fast-expanding market but faces ongoing logistics infrastructure challenges as well as recruitment and technology adoption issues.

Dawit Woubishet, EFFSAA’s president said: “EFFSAA’s mission is to build a globally competitive logistics sector that supports Ethiopia’s economic growth by improving workforce skills, encouraging innovation, and creating international linkages.

“The agreement will help Ethiopia’s logistics sector gain valuable experience from a well-established and well-respected trade association, which also has a leading role within the global body for freight forwarding associations, FIATA.”

Steve Parker, BIFA director general, said: “I am pleased that recognition of BIFA’s expertise in numerous areas has led to this MoU, which will see both parties working together on the transformation that is taking place in the Ethiopian logistics sector.

“The agreement will help and benefit Ethiopians in the sector, and hopefully lead to some new lines of business for members of both trade associations.” By Damien Brett, AirCargo News

Details: East Africa; 11 June 2025; 337

Photo President Wiliam Ruto's Chief Economic Advisor David Ndii

President William Ruto’s economic advisor, David Ndii, has defended the latest revelations that Kenya has spent Ksh1.5 trillion on fuel imports from three Gulf countries through the Government-to-Government (G-to-G) fuel deal over the past 18 months.

The G-to-G deal, initially designed to ease forex pressure and stabilise fuel imports, has now cost the country Ksh1.5 trillion. The staggering amount elicited a heated debate among Kenyans, prompting Ndii to respond and defend it.

Critiques argue that the deal is proving to benefit the Gulf oil firms more than Kenyan consumers, with fuel prices remaining high despite promises of relief.

According to Ndii, the amount spent so far tallies with what Kenya consumes monthly in petroleum products, showing that the amount earned by the three Gulf companies coincides with the country's consumption, making the total expenditure unsurprising.

President William Ruto (centre), Former DP Rigathi Gachagua (second from left) and economic advisor David Ndii (left) engage in discussions during a retreat in Naivasha on February 21, 2024.

''Three Gulf oil firms sold Kenya Ksh1.5 trillion. This clickbait simply tells you that we consume Ksh800 billion worth of petroleum products a month,'' Ndii said.

The Ruto advisor was responding to the concerns on the amount that has been used so far and why the deal had been extended for a further two years until 2028 despite the cost it has on Kenya's economy.

Upon calculating Kenyans.co.ke found that Ksh1.5 trillion divided by 18 months results in Ksh83.3 billion per month. While it is still unclear whether Ndii's calculations were erroneous, his statement was still aimed at defending the G-to-G deal.

The G-to-G Kenya fuel deal was meant to reduce the dollar demand by allowing Kenya to import fuel on a credit basis rather than purchasing it on the open market.

According to the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, the three Gulf Oil Companies, which are Saudi Aramco, National Oil Co and Abu Dhabi National Oil Co, will continue to supply gasoline, diesel, kerosene and jet fuel under a 180-day credit plan until early 2028.

The extension marks a change of heart for Kenya, which had in November told the International Monetary Fund that it would exit from the deal following concern over inconsistencies and contradictions of fuel volumes, forex market distortions, and economic risks.

This followed a warning from the IMF, which had pointed out that Kenya might be forced to compensate the Gulf firms for failing to agree to meet the agreed fuel import volumes.

The Ministry defended the extension, arguing that the deal has helped to stabilise the shilling and reduce the fuel prices from Ksh217 to the current Ksh174.63, Ksh164.86, and Ksh148.99 for super petrol, diesel, and kerosene, respectively.

While the government argues that the extension will maintain economic stability, critics argue that it could worsen the country's debt burden and limit future fuel import flexibility. by Christine Opanda, Kenyans.co.ke