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U.S. Funding Cuts Impact Somalia's Malnutrition Crisis Response

U.S. Funding Cuts Impact Somalia's Malnutrition Crisis Response

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) reports a significant drop in funding for tackling malnutrition in Somalia, with U.S. support falling from $70 million last year to zero this year. This reduction comes amid a surge in child malnutrition cases, with one in four children in displacement camps severely malnourished. The funding cuts have left aid agencies struggling to meet rising needs, exacerbated by failed rainy seasons and ongoing conflict. MSF has admitted 22,000 nutrition cases this year, an 80% increase from last year, but faces challenges in scaling up interventions due to reduced donor interest. The crisis is compounded by a lack of food and water, leading to repeated hospital admissions for malnourished children.

Thousands flee yearslong drought in Somalia as hunger deepens and aid shrinks

Thousands flee yearslong drought in Somalia as hunger deepens and aid shrinks

One Somali family's long trek to escape drought conditions is an example of a deepening humanitarian emergency in Somalia, where years of drought, conflict and economic pressures are pushing more families from rural communities into displacement camps as hunger rises and humanitarian funding shrinks

Uganda and Tanzania Sign Agreement to Develop Tanga as Regional Energy Hub

Uganda and Tanzania Sign Agreement to Develop Tanga as Regional Energy Hub

Uganda and Tanzania have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to transform Tanzania's Port of Tanga into a major regional energy hub. This agreement, witnessed by Presidents Yoweri Museveni and Samia Suluhu Hassan, aims to attract over $20 billion in investments, including the development of an oil refinery. The initiative builds on the nearly completed $5 billion East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project, which links Uganda's oilfields to Tanzania's Indian Ocean coast. The proposed Tanga refinery is expected to process crude from both regional and international markets, complementing Uganda's planned Hoima refinery. The project is part of a broader strategy to enhance regional energy security and industrialization.

Uganda and Tanzania Endorse Joint Oil Refinery Project in Tanga

Uganda and Tanzania Endorse Joint Oil Refinery Project in Tanga

Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni and Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan have endorsed a proposal to construct an oil refinery in Tanga, Tanzania. This initiative aims to transform East Africa into an integrated energy hub by combining oil refining, storage, and transportation services. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed on August 6, 2026, involving the Uganda National Oil Company, the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation, and Vitol Bahrain Exempt Company. The project is expected to attract over $20 billion in investment, leveraging the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), which is nearing completion. The pipeline will transport approximately 230,000 barrels of crude oil per day from Uganda to Tanga.

Locarno Open Doors Program Announces 2026 Award Winners

Locarno Open Doors Program Announces 2026 Award Winners

The Locarno Film Festival's Open Doors program has announced its 2026 award winners, focusing on filmmakers from Africa. The program, which supports artistic expression in regions at risk, awarded several grants to projects from Uganda, Somalia, Ghana, and other African countries. The awards include financial support and opportunities for international collaboration and distribution. The winning projects explore diverse themes, from community conflicts to personal journeys, highlighting the rich storytelling potential of African filmmakers. The program aims to foster talent development and cultural exchange.

Locarno Pro Open Doors 2026: Celebrating Emerging Filmmakers

Locarno Pro Open Doors 2026: Celebrating Emerging Filmmakers

The Locarno Film Festival has announced the winners of its Locarno Pro and Open Doors initiatives, which support emerging filmmakers from Africa and other regions. The Open Doors main prize was shared by projects from Uganda, Somalia, and Ghana, highlighting diverse storytelling and cultural perspectives. Additional awards were given to projects from Mozambique, Tanzania, and Nigeria, among others. These initiatives provide mentorship, networking opportunities, and financial support to filmmakers, fostering creativity and innovation in the global film industry.

Ugandan statesman is in the race to become the next secretary-general of the United Nations

Ugandan statesman is in the race to become the next secretary-general of the United Nations

A Ugandan statesman is in the race to become the next secretary-general of the United Nations, the latest entrant in a contest that includes six others who want to succeed Antonio Guterres at the end of this year

Navy Chief Krishna Swaminathan Visits Mauritius to Strengthen Maritime Ties

Navy Chief Krishna Swaminathan Visits Mauritius to Strengthen Maritime Ties

Indian Navy Chief Admiral Krishna Swaminathan is on a four-day official visit to Mauritius from August 10 to 13, 2026, aimed at strengthening bilateral maritime cooperation and defense ties. Discussions will focus on maritime security, capacity building, defense cooperation, and military collaboration between India and Mauritius. The visit underscores the close and enduring maritime partnership between the two countries, which includes regular engagements through training exchanges, operational interactions, and joint surveillance activities.

Locarno Open Doors Program Announces 2026 Award Winners

Locarno Open Doors Program Announces 2026 Award Winners

Locarno Open Doors Program Announces 2026 Award Winners

U.S. Officials Reaffirm Security Partnership with Ghana During High-Level Visit

U.S. Officials Reaffirm Security Partnership with Ghana During High-Level Visit

Assistant Secretary of War Daniel Zimmerman and AFRICOM Deputy Commander Lieutenant General John Brennan visited Ghana from August 6-8 to strengthen the U.S.-Ghana security partnership. The visit included discussions with senior Ghanaian officials on enhancing domestic, maritime, border, and regional security capabilities. This visit follows the participation of the U.S. delegation in the Joint Angolan-American Defense Cooperation Committee in Angola. The U.S. Embassy in Ghana highlighted ongoing security cooperation, including joint training exercises and educational exchanges, as part of efforts to bolster Ghana's security infrastructure.

U.S., Australia, and India Face Challenges in Indian Ocean Military Cooperation

U.S., Australia, and India Face Challenges in Indian Ocean Military Cooperation

The United States, Australia, and India have been working to enhance military cooperation in the Indian Ocean through various bilateral defense agreements such as the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement and the Military Logistics Support Agreement. Despite these agreements, effective military cooperation remains challenging due to institutional frictions and untested communication arrangements. A recent matrix game involving former military officials highlighted issues such as insufficiently delegated authorities and the lack of routine operational interaction, particularly with non-allied India. The game underscored the need for stronger enabling foundations for military cooperation, including delegated authorities, crisis communications, and routine operational interaction.

Chad to Eliminate Visa Requirements for African Nationals by 2027

Chad to Eliminate Visa Requirements for African Nationals by 2027

Chad has announced a significant policy change to eliminate entry visa requirements for all African nationals starting January 1, 2027. This move positions Chad as the eighth African nation to adopt a blanket visa-free policy for citizens of the continent, joining countries like Rwanda and Kenya. President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno stated that the policy aims to facilitate seamless movement of people and goods across Africa, enhancing Chad's role in the continent's open-border initiatives. The decision is expected to boost tourism, family visits, and business travel, aligning with the African Union's Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) objectives.